Suction device, control method, and program

Abstract

This inhalation device (100B) comprises a heating unit (121B) for heating a stick-type base material (150) having an aerosol source, and thereby generating an aerosol, and a control unit (116B) for controlling operation of the inhalation device (100B). The control unit (116B) is configured so as to execute an authentication heating control for controlling the temperature of the heating unit (121B) with a target temperature that is lower than the lowest temperature at which an aerosol is generated, and a main heating control for controlling the temperature of the heating unit (121B) with a target temperature that is higher than the lowest temperature at which an aerosol is generated. The authentication heating control is executed when an authentication process pertaining to whether usage of the inhalation device (100B) is possible is being carried out, and when the authentication process is completed the authentication heating control is stopped and the main heating control is executed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, inhalers that generate aerosols containing, for example, flavoring ingredients and allow users to inhale the generated aerosols have been known. Such inhalers typically deliver the generated aerosol to users by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source with a heating section (also referred to as a "heating element") that is an electric resistance or induction heater. Some such inhalers also have a so-called "child resistance function" to prevent inconveniences caused by misuse by children (e.g., infants and young children).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology in which a vaporizer receives information associated with a user of the vaporizer, determines the age of the user based on the received information, and unlocks the vaporizer for activation of the vaporizer's operation based on the user's age meeting a threshold.

[0004] In addition, Patent Document 2 below discloses a technology that limits the use of electronic smoking articles to individuals with specific fingerprints or individuals with a mobile device that has a key to unlock the smoking article, using technologies such as fingerprint authentication and unlocking after an RFID check using a mobile device with an RFID reader installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japan Special Publication No. 2021-508457 [Patent Document 2] Japan Special Publication No. 2018-523982 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the above-described conventional technology has room for improvement in terms of improving the security of the suction device while suppressing a decrease in convenience.

[0007] The present invention provides a suction device, a control method, and a program that can improve the safety and security of the suction device while suppressing a decrease in convenience that comes with the improvement in safety and security. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first invention is 1. A suction device for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, comprising: a heating section that heats the substrate to generate the aerosol; a control unit for controlling the operation of the suction device; Equipped with The control unit a first heating control that controls the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature that is lower than the lowest temperature at which the aerosol is generated; a second heating control for controlling the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature higher than the minimum temperature; The first heating control is executed when an authentication process related to whether or not the suction device can be used is being performed. When the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is terminated and the second heating control is executed. It is a suction device.

[0009] The second invention is: a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that includes a heating unit that heats a substrate having an aerosol source and generates an aerosol by heating the substrate with the heating unit; When an authentication process related to whether the inhalation device can be used is being performed, a first heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature that is lower than the minimum temperature at which the aerosol is generated; When the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is terminated, and a second heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit with a target temperature higher than the minimum temperature. It is a control method for performing processing.

[0010] The third invention is a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that includes a heating unit that heats a substrate having an aerosol source and generates an aerosol by heating the substrate with the heating unit; When an authentication process related to whether the inhalation device can be used is being performed, a first heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature that is lower than the minimum temperature at which the aerosol is generated; When the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is terminated, and a second heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit with a target temperature higher than the minimum temperature. It is a program that performs the processing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a suction device, a control method, and a program that can improve the safety and security of the suction device while suppressing a decrease in convenience that comes with the improvement in safety and security. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100B. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the suction device 100B. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the suction device 100B with the panel 10 removed. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first example of temperature transition of the heating unit 121B under the during-authentication heating control and the main heating control. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121B under the during-authentication heating control and the main heating control. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121B under the during-authentication heating control and the main heating control. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a progress information notification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the light emitting device 23a. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the progress information notification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display device 23b. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a third example of the progress information notification. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by control unit 116B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A suction device, a control method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following, identical or similar elements will be denoted by identical or similar reference numerals, and their description may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0014] <<1. Example of suction device configuration>> The inhalation device of this embodiment 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.

[0015] (1) First configuration example FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in FIG. 1A, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor-imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guide section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavor-imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor-imparting cartridge 130.

[0016] Power supply unit 111A stores electric power. Power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of suction device 100A under the control of control unit 116A. Power supply unit 111A may be configured with, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0017] Sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to suction device 100A. As one example, sensor unit 112A 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, sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device that accepts information input from the user, such as an operation button or a switch.

[0018] For example, sensor unit 112A includes a pressure sensor (also referred to as a "puff sensor") that detects a change in pressure (i.e., internal pressure) inside inhalation device 100A caused by inhalation by the user. Sensor unit 112A may also include a flow rate sensor that detects a flow rate caused by inhalation by the user, a temperature sensor (also referred to as a "puff thermistor") that detects the temperature of heating unit 121A or the vicinity of heating unit 121A, etc.

[0019] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A is configured by, for example, a light emitting device that emits light (for example, a light emitting device 23a described later), a display device that displays an image (for example, a display device 23b described later), a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0020] Storage unit 114A stores various types of information for the operation of suction device 100 A. Storage unit 114A is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0021] The communication unit 115A 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) standards.

[0022] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation within the suction device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor, for example.

[0023] The liquid reservoir 123 stores an aerosol source. That is, the cartridge 120 having the liquid reservoir 123 for storing the aerosol source is an example of a substrate having an aerosol source. The aerosol source is generated by atomizing the aerosol source. The aerosol source is 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 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0024] The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123. The liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0025] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. For example, power may be supplied to the heating unit 121A when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply to the heating unit 121A may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Note that the user's inhalation operation on the inhalation device 100A can be detected, for example, based on the pressure (internal pressure) within the inhalation device 100A detected by a puff sensor exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0026] Flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. Flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0027] The air flow path 180 is a path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is an entrance for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet 182, which is an exit for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path 180, a liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inlet 181) and a flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outlet 182). Air flowing in from the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A and, as shown by arrow 190, passes through the flavor source 131 and is transported to the air outlet 182. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0028] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth by the user when inhaling. Air outlet holes 182 are arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0029] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0030] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0031] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may further include a second heating unit that heats the flavor source 131. In this case, the second heating unit may be, for example, a film-like unit and arranged to cover the outer periphery of the flavor imparting cartridge 130. The second heating unit generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A, thereby heating the outer periphery of the flavor imparting cartridge 130. By providing such a second heating unit, the temperature of the flavor source 131 can be increased compared to when the second heating unit is not provided, thereby increasing the amount of flavor components imparted to the aerosol. When such a second heating unit is provided, the second heating unit is controlled so that its actual temperature becomes a predetermined target temperature, for example, similar to the heating unit 121B described below. Hereinafter, the inhalation device 100A equipped with such a second heating unit will also be referred to as a "hybrid inhalation device 100A."

[0032] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate additional types of aerosols.

[0033] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0034] (2) Second configuration example 1B is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 1B, the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0035] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. That is, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is another example of a substrate including an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100B 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 such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, including a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid including a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is stored in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the suction mouth portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from the base material portion 151.

[0038] 1B, the heating part 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the storage part 140. When the heating part 121B generates heat, the substrate part 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0039] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B 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.

[0040] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0041] As one example, the heating unit 121B 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 121B 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 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B 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.

[0042] 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 121B may be provided at the holding location in the storage unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0043] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0044] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0045] <<2. Example of external configuration of suction device>> Next, an example of the external configuration of the suction device 100 (100A, 100B) of this embodiment will be described. Note that, here, the description will be made assuming that the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in Fig. 1B, but the same applies to the suction device 100A shown in Fig. 1A or the hybrid suction device 100A.

[0046] (1) An example of a suction device with the panel attached Fig. 2 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100B. Fig. 3 is a top view of the suction device 100B. Specifically, Fig. 3(a) shows the suction device 100B in a state where the opening 142 is closed by a shutter 50 (described later), and Fig. 3(b) shows the suction device 100B in a state where the opening 142 is open.

[0047] 2 and 3, the suction device 100B includes a panel 10, a main body housing 20 to which the panel 10 can be detached, and a shutter 50 that is slidable (i.e., movable) relative to the main body housing 20. The panel 10 and the main body housing 20 are formed as separate members.

[0048] The panel 10 is mainly composed of a member that serves as a cover that forms at least a part of a housing 40 (described later) that is the outermost part of the suction device 100B. As shown in FIG. 2, the panel 10 has a display unit 18 and an operation unit 19 on its surface (outer surface). The display unit 18 is made of a transparent material that allows light to pass through. As will be described in detail later, a light-emitting device 23a as an example of a notification unit 113B is provided inside the suction device 100B (inside the main body 30 described later). A user can view light from the light-emitting device 23a from the outer surface of the panel 10 via the display unit 18.

[0049] The operation unit 19 is configured, for example, to form a recess facing the main body housing 20. This makes it possible to guide the user to the position of the operation unit 19. Alternatively, a predetermined mark (indicator) may be printed on the surface of the panel 10 to guide the user to the position of the operation unit 19.

[0050] The main body housing 20 accommodates the main body 30 of the suction device 100B. The main body 30 accommodates, for example, each of the components of the suction device 100B shown in FIG.

[0051] The panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20 to form the outermost housing 40 of the suction device 100B. For example, a user can customize the appearance of the suction device 100B to suit their own preferences by attaching a panel 10 with a design that suits their taste. Furthermore, by including the panel 10, the suction device 100B can buffer heat that is released to the outside even if the main body 30 generates heat. That is, the panel 10 can function to insulate heat generated from the main body 30 (e.g., the heating unit 121B), for example.

[0052] The housing 40 is preferably sized to fit in a user's hand. For example, a user holds the suction device 100B in one hand while touching the surface of the panel 10 with their fingertip. Then, when the user presses the operation unit 19 with their fingertip, the panel 10 is deformed so that the operation unit 19 is further recessed toward the main body housing 20. As a result of this deformation of the panel 10, the bottom of the operation unit 19 comes into contact with an operation button 22 (described below) provided on the surface of the main body housing 20, and the operation button 22 is pressed. As an example, the user can power on the suction device 100B by pressing the operation unit 19 with their finger and pressing the operation button 22.

[0053] 2 and 3(a) show the suction device 100B in a state in which the opening 142 is closed by the shutter 50. When the suction device 100B is in the state shown in FIG. 3(a), the user slides the shutter 50 with their finger, whereby the shutter 50 moves from above the opening 142, as shown in FIG. 3(b), and the opening 142 is opened. In this way, the user can insert the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the opening 142 by operating the shutter 50 to open the opening 142.

[0054] (2) Example of a suction device with the panel removed 4 is a diagram showing the suction device 100B with the panel 10 removed, and specifically shows the outer surface of the main body housing 20 that is exposed when the panel 10 is removed from the main body housing 20. In other words, the outer surface of the main body housing 20 shown in FIG. 4 is covered by the panel 10 when the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20.

[0055] 4, the outer surface of the main body housing 20 is provided with, for example, magnets 21a, 21b, operation buttons 22, and a display window 23. In addition to these, the outer surface of the main body housing 20 may also be provided with, for example, a sensor that detects attachment of the panel 10 to the main body housing 20.

[0056] Magnets 21a and 21b attract panel 10 to main housing 20 by magnetic force (magnetic attraction). This holds panel 10 in place in main housing 20. More specifically, magnets (not shown) corresponding to magnets 21a and 21b are provided on the inner surface of panel 10 that faces the outer surface of main housing 20 when panel 10 is attached to main housing 20. The magnets provided on panel 10 attract magnets 21a and 21b, holding panel 10 in place in main housing 20. Magnets 21a, 21b, and the magnets on panel 10 may be permanent magnets, for example.

[0057] The operation button 22 is provided at a position corresponding to the operation unit 19 of the panel 10 when the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20. This allows the user to operate the operation button 22 via the operation unit 19 of the panel 10, as described above.

[0058] The display window 23 is an opening aligned with the light-emitting device 23a provided in the main body 30, and allows light from the light-emitting device 23a to pass through to the display unit 18 of the panel 10. As a result, as described above, a user can view the light from the light-emitting device 23a from the outer surface of the panel 10.

[0059] The light emitting device 23a is an example of a light emitting unit that emits light, and is configured, for example, by one or more light emitting elements. For example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) can be adopted as the light emitting element of the light emitting device 23a. As an example, in this embodiment, the light emitting device 23a has multiple LEDs that emit light in different colors and is configured to be able to emit light in multiple colors including blue, yellow, and red.

[0060] The light-emitting device 23a notifies the user of predetermined information by emitting light in a predetermined light-emitting manner. Here, the light-emitting manner may be, for example, a light-emitting color, but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a lighting intensity (in other words, brightness), a lighting pattern (for example, blinking at a predetermined time interval), or the like.

[0061] The notification made by the light-emitting device 23a may include, for example, notification of operation information of the suction device 100B indicating whether the power of the suction device 100B is on (i.e., the power is turned on). In the present embodiment, the light-emitting device 23a may also notify the user of information regarding the progress of the authentication process (described later).

[0062] <<3. Example of suction device operation>> Next, an example of the operation of the inhalation device 100 of this embodiment will be described. The control unit 116 (116A, 116B) can operate the inhalation device 100 based on input from a user. As an example, the control unit 116 causes the inhalation device 100 to generate an aerosol in response to a request from the user to generate an aerosol.

[0063] The aerosol generation request can be, for example, an operation to instruct the inhalation device 100 to start heating (hereinafter also referred to as a "heating start operation"). As one example, the heating start operation can be pressing the operation button 22 while the inhalation device 100 is powered on. As another example, the heating start operation can be a suction operation of the inhalation device 100 while the inhalation device 100 is powered on. Furthermore, the aerosol generation request is not limited to a direct operation on the inhalation device 100, but can also be, for example, receipt of predetermined information from another device capable of communicating with the inhalation device 100, such as a smartphone. The control unit 116 can detect the aerosol generation request based on, for example, information acquired by the sensor unit 112 or the communication unit 115.

[0064] For example, if the inhalation device 100 is the inhalation device 100A shown in FIG. 1A, when the control unit 116A detects an inhalation action on the inhalation device 100A based on the detection result of the puff sensor, it supplies a predetermined amount of power to the heating unit 121A to generate aerosol. At this time, the power supplied to the heating unit 121A is predetermined by the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100A so that an appropriate amount of aerosol containing an appropriate amount of flavor component is generated. This allows the user to have a high-quality smoking experience.

[0065] 1B, when control unit 116B detects a heating start operation (e.g., pressing operation button 22), it controls the temperature of heating unit 121B based on a pre-prepared heating profile, thereby generating an aerosol. Here, the heating profile is information that defines the time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of heating unit 121B, and is stored in advance in storage unit 114B, for example.

[0066] To explain in detail the temperature control of heating unit 121B based on the heating profile (hereinafter also referred to as "heating control based on the heating profile"), control unit 116B controls the temperature of heating unit 121B based on the deviation between a target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of heating control based on the heating profile and the actual temperature of heating unit 121B (hereinafter also referred to as "actual temperature"). More specifically, at this time, control unit 116B controls the temperature of heating unit 121B so that the time series transition of the actual temperature of heating unit 121B becomes similar to the time series transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile.

[0067] The temperature control of the heating unit 121B can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. For example, the control unit 116B supplies power from the power supply unit 111B to the heating unit 121B in the form of pulses obtained by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116B can control the temperature of the heating unit 121B by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulses.

[0068] In feedback control, the control unit 116B may control the power supplied to the heating unit 121B, for example, the duty ratio, based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. Alternatively, the control unit 116B may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116B may perform heating by the heating unit 121B until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121B when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121B when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0069] The temperature of the heating unit 121B can be obtained (in other words, quantified) by, for example, measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121B. This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated (i.e., obtained) by, for example, measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured (i.e., obtained) by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. As another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121B may be measured by a temperature sensor (puff thermistor) installed near the heating unit 121B.

[0070] The heating profile (for example, the heating profile for the present heating control described below) is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user experiences when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121B based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user experiences can be optimized, and a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user.

[0071] Inhalers that generate a substance to be inhaled by a user, such as inhalation device 100, may be equipped with a so-called "child resistance function (hereinafter also referred to as "CR function")" to prevent inconveniences caused by misuse by children (e.g., infants and small children). As a CR function for such inhalers, for example, a method of generating aerosol after confirming the authenticity of the user through user authentication such as fingerprint authentication may be considered.

[0072] Typically, it takes a certain amount of time for the heating unit that heats the aerosol source to reach a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol after the heating unit starts to heat up. Furthermore, if the heating unit starts to heat up after the user's authenticity is confirmed, the start of heating the heating unit will be delayed accordingly, further lengthening the time until the aerosol is generated.

[0073] If the time it takes to generate aerosol were to be prolonged, this would lead to a decrease in the convenience of the inhaler, and the marketability of the inhaler would be reduced. From the perspective of the marketability of the inhaler, it is desirable to improve the safety and security of the inhaler by preventing its use by persons other than legitimate users (e.g., children), while minimizing the decrease in convenience that comes with the improvement in safety and security as much as possible.

[0074] Therefore, in this embodiment, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is increased within a range in which aerosol is not generated, from the time when authentication processing related to whether or not the inhalation device 100 can be used (hereinafter also simply referred to as "authentication processing") is being performed. This allows the temperature of the heating unit 121 to be increased in advance during the authentication processing, and therefore the time required to increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 to a temperature at which aerosol is generated after the authentication processing is completed can be shortened. Therefore, even if the authentication processing must be completed to generate aerosol, the time required for aerosol generation can be prevented from becoming longer, and the decrease in convenience caused by this increase in time can be suppressed.

[0075] Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety and security of suction device 100 by preventing aerosols from being generated for persons other than legitimate users, such as children, while also preventing a decrease in convenience that accompanies the improved safety and security, thereby improving the marketability of suction device 100. An example of the operation of suction device 100 of this embodiment will now be described in more detail.

[0076] 1B , the inhalation device 100 of the present embodiment will be described as the inhalation device 100B shown in FIG. 1B , but is not limited thereto. For example, the same applies to a case where the inhalation device 100 is a hybrid inhalation device 100A. In that case, in the following description, "inhalation device 100B" may be read as "hybrid inhalation device 100A," "sensor unit 112B" may be read as "sensor unit 112A," "notification unit 113B" may be read as "notification unit 113A," "storage unit 114B" may be read as "storage unit 114A," "communication unit 115B" may be read as "communication unit 115A," "control unit 116B" may be read as "control unit 116A," and "heating unit 121B" may be read as "second heating unit in the hybrid inhalation device 100A (i.e., a heating unit that heats the flavor-imparting cartridge 130)."

[0077] As described above, control unit 116B of suction device 100B controls the temperature of heating unit 121B so that the actual temperature of heating unit 121B becomes a predetermined target temperature. With regard to the temperature control of heating unit 121B (hereinafter also referred to as "heating control"), control unit 116B is configured to be able to execute heating control during authentication and main heating control.

[0078] Here, the heating control during authentication is heating control that sets a target temperature lower than the lowest temperature at which aerosol is generated (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "lowest temperature"), and is an example of the first heating control of the present invention. The lowest temperature is determined by the material properties of the aerosol source, and in this embodiment, for example, it is set to 230°C.

[0079] By setting the target temperature in the heating control during authentication (hereinafter also referred to as the "target temperature during authentication") to a temperature lower than the minimum temperature, it is possible to prevent aerosols from being generated while the authentication process is being performed (in other words, before the user's legitimacy is confirmed), thereby improving the safety and security of the inhalation device 100.

[0080] Furthermore, by setting the target temperature during authentication to a temperature lower than the minimum temperature, it is possible to prevent the aerosol source of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from being consumed due to the temperature rise of the heating unit 121B when heating control during authentication is executed. This makes it possible to generate an appropriate amount of aerosol after heating control during authentication is executed, thereby providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience. Furthermore, because consumption of the aerosol source when heating control during authentication is executed can be reduced, even if the authentication process fails to confirm the authenticity of the user, it is possible to continue using the stick-shaped substrate 150 that was heated during the authentication process.

[0081] The target temperature during authentication is, for example, a temperature higher than so-called room temperature (for example, 300[K]=27[°C]). In this way, the heating control during authentication can raise the temperature of the heating unit 121B to a temperature higher than room temperature within a range in which aerosols are not generated.

[0082] More specifically, if the minimum temperature is 230°C, the target temperature during authentication can be, for example, 100°C. Furthermore, the target temperature during authentication is not limited to a single temperature, and may be multiple temperatures such as 100°C, 150°C, and 200°C (described later).

[0083] This heating control is a heating control in which a temperature higher than the minimum temperature is set as a target temperature, and is an example of the second heating control of the present invention. The target temperature in this heating control (hereinafter also referred to as the "main heating target temperature") is typically determined so that the flavor that the user tastes when inhaling the generated aerosol is optimal.

[0084] More specifically, if the minimum temperature is 230°C, the target temperature during main heating can be 240°C, 260°C, 300°C, etc. In this embodiment, the target temperature during main heating changes to 300°C, 240°C, 260°C, etc. depending on the time elapsed since the start of main heating control (described later).

[0085] In this way, control unit 116B, which is configured to be able to execute both the authentication heating control and the main heating control, executes the authentication heating control while the authentication process is being performed. Then, when the authentication process is completed, control unit 116B terminates the authentication heating control and executes the main heating control. This makes it possible to heat heating unit 121B to the authentication target temperature during the authentication process, thereby shortening the time required to raise the temperature of heating unit 121B to the temperature at which aerosol is generated by the main heating control executed after the authentication process is completed. Therefore, even if the authentication process must be completed to generate aerosol, the time required for aerosol generation is prevented from becoming longer, thereby preventing a decrease in convenience due to this longer time.

[0086] In this specification and the like, "completion" of authentication processing means, for example, that the authentication processing is terminated when the authenticity of the user is confirmed by the authentication processing. More specifically, for example, the authentication processing may terminate even if the authenticity of the user is not confirmed when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start (a so-called timeout) or when authentication fails a predetermined number of times (for example, three consecutive times). However, such termination of the authentication processing is not referred to as "completion." Hereinafter, termination of the authentication processing without confirming the authenticity of the user is also referred to as "interruption."

[0087] In the authentication process, for example, input of predetermined authentication information (for example, fingerprint information described later) is accepted from the user, and the input authentication information is compared with pre-stored information to confirm the legitimacy of the user. User authentication by the authentication process can be performed using biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication, gesture authentication, PIN (Personal Identification Number) authentication, password authentication, voice authentication, or the like.

[0088] As another example, communication authentication using communication between the suction device 100B and another device, such as a smartphone, that can communicate with the suction device 100B may be employed as user authentication through authentication processing. For example, gesture authentication or password authentication using the other device may be employed as communication authentication. In this case, when the other device confirms the authenticity of the user through gesture authentication or password authentication, the other device transmits information indicating this to the suction device 100B.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the control unit 116B performs authentication processing in response to detecting a heating start operation. More specifically, the control unit 116B performs authentication processing, for example, when detecting pressing of the operation button 22 while the inhalation device 100B is powered on. Note that the operation that triggers the execution of the authentication processing is not limited to pressing of the operation button 22, and may be, for example, an operation of sliding the shutter 50 to open the opening 142, or an operation of inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the opening 142. Furthermore, when the inhalation device 100 is a hybrid inhalation device 100A, the operation that triggers the execution of the authentication processing may be, for example, an operation of attaching the flavoring cartridge 130 to the inhalation device 100A.

[0090] In this embodiment, the sensor unit 112B is configured to include a fingerprint sensor capable of acquiring fingerprint information representing the user's fingerprint, and the control unit 116B performs fingerprint authentication using the fingerprint information acquired by the fingerprint sensor as user authentication through the authentication process. More specifically, when fingerprint information is acquired by the fingerprint sensor during the authentication process, the control unit 116B compares the acquired fingerprint information with matching information pre-stored in the storage unit 114B. Then, if the fingerprint represented by the acquired fingerprint information matches the fingerprint represented by the matching information, the control unit 116B authenticates the user as a legitimate user. On the other hand, if the fingerprint represented by the acquired fingerprint information does not match the fingerprint represented by the matching information, the control unit 116B does not authenticate the user as a legitimate user in this fingerprint authentication and determines the authentication result of this fingerprint authentication to be authentication failure.

[0091] Furthermore, the authentication process may be configured to execute multiple user authentications, and the authentication process may be completed when all of these multiple user authentications are completed. In other words, the authentication process may not be completed unless at least one of the multiple user authentications executed by the authentication process is completed. This improves the safety and security of suction device 100B compared to when the authentication process is completed upon completion of a single user authentication.

[0092] Furthermore, when multiple user authentications are performed by the authentication process, these multiple user authentications may include both closed user authentication within the suction device 100B (user authentication that can be performed independently by the suction device 100B, such as fingerprint authentication) and communication authentication using communication with other devices. In this way, by performing multiple user authentications that combine closed user authentication within the suction device 100B and communication authentication, it is possible to further improve the safety and security of the suction device 100B.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 116B performs the authentication process, but this is not limiting. The authentication process may be performed by another device that can communicate with the suction device 100B, such as a smartphone. In this case, the other device may notify the suction device 100B (e.g., the control unit 116B) when it starts the authentication process, and may also notify the suction device 100B when it completes or interrupts the authentication process. The authentication process may also be performed by the suction device 100B and the other device working together while communicating as appropriate.

[0094] (1) First Example of Temperature Transition of Heating Part 121B Next, a specific example of the temperature transition of heating unit 121B due to heating control during authentication and main heating control will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a first example of the temperature transition of heating unit 121B due to heating control during authentication and main heating control. In Fig. 5, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the temperature [°C] of heating unit 121B. Also, "RT" on the vertical axis of Fig. 5 represents room temperature.

[0095] 5, assume that the user performs a heating start operation (for example, pressing operation button 22) and that control unit 116B detects this heating start operation. In this case, control unit 116B starts authentication processing from time t0 and also starts heating control during authentication with a target temperature of 100°C. As a result, heating unit 121B is heated toward 100°C from time t0, and after reaching 100°C, is controlled to maintain 100°C.

[0096] After that, it is assumed that the authentication process is completed at time t1, in which case control unit 116B ends the heating control during authentication and starts the main heating control at time t1.

[0097] In this embodiment, the target temperature during main heating changes depending on the time elapsed since the start of main heating control. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, when the time elapsed since the start of main heating control is from 0 [s] to Ta [s] (where Ta > 0), the target temperature during main heating is set to 300 [°C]. When the time elapsed since the start of main heating control is from Ta [s] to Tb [s] (where Tb > Ta), the target temperature during main heating is set to 240 [°C]. When the time elapsed since the start of main heating control is from Tb [s] to Tc [s] (where Tc > Tb), the target temperature during main heating is set to 260 [°C].

[0098] Therefore, when this heating control is started at time t1, the temperature of the heating unit 121B is first raised to 300°C, and after reaching 300°C, the temperature is controlled to be maintained at 300°C until time t2, which is the time when Ta seconds have elapsed since time t1.

[0099] At time t2, the temperature of the heating unit 121B is decreased to 240°C, and after reaching 240°C, the temperature is maintained at 240°C until time t3, which is the time when Tb seconds have elapsed since time t1.

[0100] Then, at time t3, the temperature of heating unit 121B is raised again toward 260°C, and after reaching 260°C, it is controlled to maintain 260°C until time t4. Here, time t4 is the time when Tc seconds have elapsed since time t1. Then, at time t4, control unit 116B ends this heating control. After this heating control ends, heating unit 121B naturally dissipates heat, and the temperature of heating unit 121B gradually drops toward room temperature.

[0101] 5, by executing the in-authentication heating control during the authentication process, the control unit 116B can increase the temperature of the heating unit 121B to the in-authentication target temperature of 100°C before starting the main heating control. As a result, after starting the main heating control, it is only necessary to increase the temperature of the heating unit 121B from 100°C to the initial main heating target temperature of 300°C, thereby shortening the time required to reach 300°C compared to increasing the temperature from room temperature to 300°C. Therefore, after completing the authentication process (i.e., after starting the main heating control), it becomes possible to quickly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121B to a temperature at which an aerosol is generated.

[0102] For example, the heating control during authentication is realized by control unit 116B executing heating control based on a heating profile for heating control during authentication that specifies a target temperature during authentication. Furthermore, the main heating control is realized by control unit 116B executing heating control based on a heating profile for main heating control that specifies a target temperature during main heating. As another example, the heating control during authentication and the main heating control may be realized by control unit 116B executing heating control based on a heating profile that specifies a target temperature during authentication and a target temperature during main heating.

[0103] Furthermore, for example, if a predetermined time (e.g., 20 seconds) has elapsed since time t0 without the authenticity of the user being confirmed by the authentication process started at time t0, the control unit 116 may interrupt the authentication process at that time and terminate the heating control during authentication. By terminating the heating control during authentication when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the authentication process in this way, it is possible to prevent the heating control during authentication from continuing for a long period of time, which would increase the power consumption of the suction device 100B. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the stick-shaped substrate 150 due to the heating control during authentication continuing for a long period of time, and it is possible to continue using the stick-shaped substrate 150 that was heated during the current authentication process.

[0104] Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the authentication process, control unit 116B may lower the target temperature during authentication compared to before the predetermined time had elapsed. For example, the target temperature during authentication may be set to 100°C until the predetermined time has elapsed since time t0, and may be set to 70°C after the predetermined time has elapsed since time t0. By lowering the target temperature during authentication when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the authentication process in this manner, the power supplied to heating unit 121B can be reduced compared to when the same target temperature during authentication is maintained even after the predetermined time has elapsed, and an increase in power consumption by suction device 100B can be suppressed.

[0105] Here, an example has been described in which the target temperature during authentication is a single 100°C, and the heating unit 121B is heated to and maintained at 100°C by the heating control during authentication, but this is not limiting. For example, depending on whether the user authentication is performed smoothly, the authentication process may be completed in a short time (e.g., about 5 seconds) or may take a long time (e.g., about 20 seconds to complete). If the target temperature during authentication is a single (i.e., uniform) temperature, if the authentication process is prolonged, the time until aerosol is generated may also be prolonged.

[0106] Therefore, multiple target temperatures during authentication may be set, and the target temperatures during authentication may be set to increase according to the time elapsed since the start of the authentication process. Below, a second example of a configuration in which the target temperature during authentication increases according to the time elapsed since the start of the authentication process will be described.

[0107] (2) Second Example of Temperature Transition of Heating Part 121B 6 is a diagram showing a second example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121B under the heating control during authentication and the main heating control. Here, the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from the explanation of FIG. 5, and the explanation of the parts that are common to the explanation of FIG. 5 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0108] In the example shown in FIG. 6, three target temperatures during authentication are set: 100°C, 150°C, and 200°C. For example, when the time elapsed since the start of heating control during authentication is from 0 seconds to Tx seconds (where Tx>0), the target temperature during authentication is set to 100°C. When the time elapsed since the start of heating control during authentication is from Tx seconds to Ty seconds (where Ty>Tx), the target temperature during authentication is set to 150°C. When the time elapsed since the start of heating control during authentication is Ty seconds or longer, the target temperature during authentication is set to 200°C.

[0109] 6, when the heating control during authentication is started at time t0, the heating unit 121B is first heated to 100°C, and after reaching 100°C, the heating unit 121B is controlled to maintain the temperature at 100°C until time t11, which is the time when Tx seconds have elapsed since time t0.

[0110] At time t11, the heating unit 121B is heated again toward 150°C, and after reaching 150°C, is controlled to maintain 150°C until time t12, which is the time when Ty seconds have elapsed since time t0.

[0111] Then, at time t12, the temperature of the heating unit 121B is raised again toward 200° C., and after reaching 200° C., the temperature is controlled to be maintained at 200° C. until time t1.

[0112] 6, by increasing the target temperature during authentication according to the time elapsed since the start of the authentication process, if the authentication process is prolonged, it is possible to increase the temperature of the heating unit 121B during the authentication process accordingly. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for the main heating control executed after the authentication process is completed to raise the temperature of the heating unit 121B to a temperature at which an aerosol is generated. Therefore, even if the authentication process is prolonged, it is possible to prevent the time required for the aerosol to be generated from becoming longer, and to prevent a decrease in convenience due to this longer time.

[0113] In contrast, for example, suppose the target temperature during authentication is set to a relatively low 100°C, and the heating unit 121B is heated to and maintained at 100°C during the authentication process regardless of the length of the authentication process. In this case, even if the authentication process is prolonged, the heating unit 121B needs to be heated from 100°C to the initial target temperature during main heating, 300°C (i.e., 200°C), upon the start of the main heating control. Therefore, in this case, as the authentication process is prolonged, the time until aerosol is generated may also be prolonged.

[0114] Alternatively, for example, the target temperature during authentication may be set to a relatively high value of 200°C, and heating unit 121B may be heated to and maintained at 200°C during the authentication process regardless of the length of the authentication process. In this case, although the heating control can shorten the time required to heat heating unit 121B to a temperature at which an aerosol is generated, the power supplied to heating unit 121B during the authentication process may increase, which may lead to an increase in power consumption of inhalation device 100B.

[0115] In this regard, as described above, by gradually increasing the target temperature during authentication in accordance with the time elapsed since the start of the authentication process, it is possible to reduce the power supplied to heating unit 121B during the authentication process and suppress an increase in power consumption of suction device 100B, compared to when heating unit 121B is heated to and maintained at a relatively high temperature during the authentication process. Also, by gradually increasing the target temperature during authentication in accordance with the time elapsed since the start of the authentication process, it is possible to suppress deterioration of stick-shaped substrate 150 during the authentication process, compared to when heating unit 121B is heated to and maintained at a relatively high temperature during the authentication process.

[0116] Although the example described here is one in which the target temperature during authentication increases according to the time elapsed since the start of the heating control during authentication, this is not limiting. For example, the target temperature during authentication may be configured to increase according to the progress level of the authentication process. Here, the progress level of the authentication process is an evaluation value that represents the progress status (in other words, the degree of progress) of the authentication process, and in this embodiment, the progress status of the authentication process is expressed as a percentage from 0[%] to 100[%].

[0117] 6 again, an example will be described below in which the target temperature during authentication is configured to increase according to the progress of the authentication process. In this example, the period from time t0 to time t11 shown in FIG. 6 is a period in which the progress of the authentication process is less than 33%. The period from time t11 to time t12 is a period in which the progress of the authentication process is equal to or greater than 33% and less than 66%. The period from time t12 to time t1 is a period in which the progress of the authentication process is equal to or greater than 66%.

[0118] In addition, in this example, the target temperature during authentication is set to 100°C when the progress of the authentication process is between 0% and 33%, 150°C when the progress of the authentication process is between 33% and 66%, and 200°C when the progress of the authentication process is between 66% and 100%.

[0119] In this example, the control unit 116B derives the progress of the authentication process while the authentication process is being performed. The progress of the authentication process can be derived, for example, based on the total amount of data that needs to be processed or communicated to complete the authentication process and the amount of data that has been processed or communicated up to now. As another example, the progress of the authentication process may be derived based on the input (e.g., operation) required to complete the authentication process and the input up to now. Furthermore, if the authentication process is divided into multiple phases in advance, the progress of the authentication process may be derived based on the current number of phases.

[0120] If the calculated progress rate is less than 33[%], the control unit 116B performs heating control during authentication to raise the temperature of the heating unit 121B to 100[°C]. As a result, in this example, the temperature of the heating unit 121B is raised to and maintained at 100[°C] during the period from time t0 to time t11.

[0121] On the other hand, if the derived progress rate is equal to or greater than 33[%] and less than 66[%], the control unit 116B controls the heating unit 121B to reach 150[°C] by performing heating control during authentication. As a result, in this example, the heating unit 121B is heated to and maintained at 150[°C] during the period from time t11 to time t12.

[0122] Furthermore, if the derived progress rate is 66% or more, control unit 116B controls heating unit 121B to reach 200°C by heating control during authentication. As a result, in this example, heating unit 121B is heated to and maintained at 200°C during the period from time t12 to time t1.

[0123] As described above, even if the target temperature during authentication is increased according to the progress of the authentication process, the same effect can be obtained as when the target temperature during authentication is increased according to the elapsed time since the start of heating control during authentication.

[0124] Furthermore, as described above, multiple user authentications may be performed through the authentication process. In this case, the target temperature during authentication may be set higher when at least one user authentication is completed than when none of the multiple user authentications are completed. Below, a third example will be described in which the target temperature during authentication is set higher when at least one user authentication is completed than when none of the multiple user authentications are completed.

[0125] (3) Third Example of Temperature Transition of Heating Part 121B 7 is a diagram showing a third example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121B under the heating control during authentication and the main heating control. Here, the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from the explanation in FIG. 5, and the explanation of the parts that are common to the explanation in FIG. 5 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0126] 7, the authentication process sequentially executes fingerprint authentication (i.e., user authentication closed within suction device 100B) and communication authentication (i.e., user authentication using communication with another device). In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 7, the target temperature during authentication from the start of heating control during authentication to the completion of fingerprint authentication is set to 100[°C], and the target temperature during authentication after the completion of fingerprint authentication is set to 150[°C].

[0127] With this configuration, as shown in Fig. 7, when during-authentication heating control (i.e., fingerprint authentication) starts at time t0, heating unit 121B is first heated to 100°C, and after reaching 100°C, is controlled to maintain 100°C until time t13. Here, time t13 is the time when fingerprint authentication is completed. Then, at time t13, heating unit 121B is heated again to 150°C, and after reaching 150°C, is controlled to maintain 150°C until time t1.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 7, when multiple user authentications are performed in the authentication process, the target temperature during authentication may be configured to be higher when at least one of the multiple user authentications is completed than when none of the user authentications is completed. Even with this configuration, it is possible to increase the target temperature during authentication depending on the progress of the authentication process. Therefore, the same effect as when the target temperature during authentication is increased depending on the progress of the authentication process, etc., as described above, can be obtained.

[0129] (4) Example of notification of information regarding the progress of authentication processing Incidentally, if the user can grasp the progress of the authentication process, the user will be able to estimate how much time is left before he or she can inhale aerosol (i.e., smoke), which is thought to improve the convenience of inhalation device 100B.

[0130] Therefore, control unit 116B may notify the user of information regarding the progress of the authentication process (hereinafter also referred to as "progress information") via notification unit 113B. The progress information may be, for example, information indicating the progress of the authentication process. In this case, the progress information is not limited to information that clearly indicates the progress of the authentication process, such as "XX [%]", but may also indicate the progress of the authentication process to an extent that allows the user to roughly grasp it, for example.

[0131] In this embodiment, progress information is notified to the user by, for example, changing the light emitting color of the light emitting device 23a depending on the progress of the authentication process, thereby making it possible to notify the user of the progress of the authentication process in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0132] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a first example of notification of progress information. Here, the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from the explanation of Fig. 6, and the explanation of the parts that are common to the explanation of Fig. 6 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the period from time t0 to time t11 is a period during which the progress rate of the authentication process is less than 33[%]. Furthermore, the period from time t11 to time t12 is a period during which the progress rate of the authentication process is equal to or greater than 33[%] and less than 66[%]. Furthermore, the period from time t12 to time t1 is a period during which the progress rate of the authentication process is equal to or greater than 66[%].

[0133] 8, when the degree of progress of the authentication process is less than 33%, control unit 116B causes light-emitting device 23a to emit light in red. When the degree of progress of the authentication process is equal to or greater than 33% and less than 66%, control unit 116B causes light-emitting device 23a to emit light in yellow. When the degree of progress of the authentication process is equal to or greater than 66%, control unit 116B causes light-emitting device 23a to emit light in blue.

[0134] In this way, by changing the light emitting color of the light emitting device 23a depending on the progress of the authentication process, the progress of the authentication process can be indicated to the user by the light emitting color of the light emitting device 23a. This allows the user to grasp the progress of the authentication process, thereby improving the convenience of the suction device 100B.

[0135] Here, progress information is notified to the user by changing the light emission color of the light-emitting device 23a depending on the progress of the authentication process, but this is not limited to this. Below, various examples of notifying the user of progress information by methods other than the light emission color of the light-emitting device 23a will be described.

[0136] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the light-emitting device 23a. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the light-emitting device 23a includes a first light-emitting element 23a_1, a second light-emitting element 23a_2, and a third light-emitting element 23a_3. LEDs, for example, may be used as the first light-emitting element 23a_1, the second light-emitting element 23a_2, and the third light-emitting element 23a_3. The light-emitting colors of the first light-emitting element 23a_1, the second light-emitting element 23a_2, and the third light-emitting element 23a_3 may be the same or different.

[0137] 10 is a diagram showing a second example of progress information notification. Here, the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from the explanation in FIG. 8, and the explanation of the parts that are common to the explanation in FIG. 8 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0138] 10, for example, control unit 116B notifies the user of progress information by varying the number of light-emitting elements that light-emitting device 23a causes to emit light depending on the progress of the authentication process. This allows the user to be informed of the progress of the authentication process in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0139] 10, when the degree of progress of the authentication process is less than 33[%], the control unit 116B causes one light-emitting element (e.g., the first light-emitting element 23a_1) of the light-emitting elements included in the light-emitting device 23a to emit light. When the degree of progress of the authentication process is equal to or greater than 33[%] and less than 66[%], the control unit 116B causes two light-emitting elements (e.g., the first light-emitting element 23a_1 and the second light-emitting element 23a_2) of the light-emitting elements included in the light-emitting device 23a to emit light. When the degree of progress of the authentication process is equal to or greater than 66[%], the control unit 116B causes three light-emitting elements (i.e., the first light-emitting element 23a_1, the second light-emitting element 23a_2, and the third light-emitting element 23a_3) of the light-emitting elements included in the light-emitting device 23a to emit light.

[0140] In this way, by varying the number of light-emitting elements to be illuminated among the light-emitting elements included in the light-emitting device 23a according to the progress of the authentication process, the progress of the authentication process can be indicated to the user by the number of illuminated light-emitting elements. This allows the user to grasp the progress of the authentication process, thereby improving the convenience of the suction device 100B.

[0141] Here, the number of light-emitting elements to be turned on among the light-emitting elements included in light-emitting device 23a is varied depending on the progress of the authentication process, but this is not limiting. For example, control unit 116B may notify the user of progress information by varying the light-emitting elements to be turned on among the light-emitting elements included in light-emitting device 23a depending on the progress of the authentication process.

[0142] More specifically, when the degree of progress of the authentication process is less than 33[%], the control unit 116B may, for example, cause the first light-emitting element 23a_1 of the light-emitting elements included in the light-emitting device 23a to emit light. When the degree of progress of the authentication process is equal to or greater than 33[%] and less than 66[%], the control unit 116B may, for example, cause the second light-emitting element 23a_2 of the light-emitting elements included in the light-emitting device 23a to emit light. When the degree of progress of the authentication process is 66[%] or greater, the control unit 116B may, for example, cause the third light-emitting element 23a_3 of the light-emitting elements included in the light-emitting device 23a to emit light.

[0143] In this way, by varying the light-emitting element to be illuminated among the light-emitting elements included in the light-emitting device 23a depending on the progress of the authentication process, the progress of the authentication process can be indicated to the user by the illuminated light-emitting element. This allows the user to grasp the progress of the authentication process, thereby improving the convenience of the suction device 100B.

[0144] Furthermore, if the notification unit 113B includes a display unit that displays an image, the progress information may be notified to the user by changing the display mode of this display unit depending on the progress of the authentication process. In this case, the progress of the authentication process can also be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner. Below, an example will be described in which information regarding the progress of the authentication process is notified to the user via the display device 23b, which is an example of a display unit included in the notification unit 113B.

[0145] 11 is a diagram showing an example of display device 23b. Display device 23b is provided at a position in suction device 100B where it can be viewed by a user. As display device 23b, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display can be adopted.

[0146] In this example, the display device 23b displays, for example, an indicator I as an image for notifying the user of progress information. The indicator I indicates the progress of the authentication process in three stages.

[0147] 12 is a diagram showing a third example of progress information notification. Here, the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from the explanation in FIG. 8, and the explanation of the parts that are common to the explanation in FIG. 8 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0148] 12, when the degree of progress of the authentication process is less than 33[%], the control unit 116B displays the indicator I of the display device 23b in one level. When the degree of progress of the authentication process is equal to or greater than 33[%] and less than 66[%], the control unit 116B displays the indicator I of the display device 23b in two levels. When the degree of progress of the authentication process is equal to or greater than 66[%], the control unit 116B displays the indicator I of the display device 23b in three levels.

[0149] In this way, by changing the display mode of display device 23b (the display mode of indicator I in the example described here) depending on the progress of the authentication process, the progress of the authentication process can be indicated to the user by the display mode of display device 23b. This allows the user to grasp the progress of the authentication process, thereby improving the convenience of suction device 100B.

[0150] In the examples described above, the progress of the authentication process is notified to the user in three stages, but this is not limiting. For example, the progress of the authentication process may be notified to the user in two stages, or in four or more stages.

[0151] Furthermore, if notification unit 113B includes a vibrating device (a so-called vibrator), control unit 116B may notify the user of progress information (i.e., the progress of the authentication process) by the vibration mode of the vibration device. In this case, the number of vibrations or the vibration pattern of the vibration device may be changed according to the progress of the authentication process.

[0152] Furthermore, if notification unit 113B includes a sound output device (e.g., a speaker) that outputs sound, control unit 116B may notify the user of progress information (i.e., the progress of the authentication process) by sound output from the sound output device.

[0153] In addition, in each of the examples described above, the progress information is notified to the user to indicate the progress of the authentication process, but this is not limited to this. For example, instead of such progress information, the user may be notified of information indicating the elapsed time since the start of the authentication process.

[0154] Incidentally, there are also users who engage in so-called "chain smoking," which involves consecutively smoking two or more stick-type substrates 150. For such users, if authentication processing is required each time a new stick-type substrate 150 is used, the user's efforts in chain smoking will increase, and the convenience of the inhalation device 100B may decrease.

[0155] Therefore, when control unit 116B executes the main heating control upon completion of the authentication process, control unit 116B may be configured to execute the main heating control without requiring completion of the authentication process for a certain period of time (hereinafter also referred to as the "invalidation period") after the completion of the main heating control. This prevents an increase in the user's effort when chain smoking and prevents a decrease in the convenience of inhalation device 100B. The length of the invalidation period is determined in advance, for example, by the manufacturer of inhalation device 100.

[0156] Here, the time from when the main heating control is started to when it is completed is assumed to be X [s] (e.g., 300 [s]). A user who engages in chain smoking will typically restart the main heating control before 2×X [s] have elapsed since the main heating control was completed. In other words, if the main heating control is not restarted before 2×X [s] have elapsed since the main heating control was completed, it is highly likely that the user has no intention of chain smoking.

[0157] Therefore, the invalidation period may be set to twice the length of the time from when the heating control is started to when it is completed, i.e., 2×X [s]. This allows the invalidation period to be set to an appropriate length, which prevents an increase in the user's effort when chain smoking and also prevents a decrease in the safety and security of inhalation device 100B.

[0158] <<4. Example of processing executed by the control unit>> Next, an example of the processing executed by control unit 116B will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by control unit 116B. For example, when suction device 100B is powered on, control unit 116B executes the series of processing shown in Fig. 13 at a predetermined cycle.

[0159] 13, control unit 116B determines whether or not a heating start operation has been performed (step S1). If it is determined that a heating start operation has not been performed (step S1: No), control unit 116B repeats the process of step S1 until a heating start operation is performed.

[0160] If it is determined that a heating start operation has been performed (step S1: Yes), control unit 116B determines whether or not the invalidation period has expired (step S2). If it is determined that the invalidation period has expired (step S2: Yes), control unit 116B proceeds to the processing of step S10, which will be described later. If it is determined that the invalidation period has not expired (step S2: No), control unit 116B starts authentication processing (step S3) and starts heating control during authentication (step S4). Then, control unit 116B derives the progress of the authentication processing and notifies the user of the progress information (step S5).

[0161] Next, control unit 116B determines whether the authentication process is completed (step S6). If it is determined that the authentication process is not completed (step S6: No), control unit 116B determines whether a timeout has occurred (step S7). In step S7, control unit 116B determines that the authentication process has timed out, for example, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the authentication process.

[0162] If it is determined that a timeout has not occurred (step S7: No), control unit 116B returns to the process of step S5. If it is determined that a timeout has occurred (step S7: Yes), control unit 116B interrupts the authentication process (step S8), and ends the heating control during authentication (step S9), thereby ending the series of processes shown in Fig. 13. In this case, this heating control is not executed.

[0163] If it is determined that the authentication process is completed (step S6: Yes), control unit 116B ends the heating control during authentication (step S10) and starts the main heating control (step S11).

[0164] Then, control unit 116B determines whether or not the main heating control has been completed (step S12). If it is determined that the main heating control has not been completed (step S12: No), control unit 116B waits for the main heating control to be completed while executing the process of step S12. If it is determined that the main heating control has been completed (step S12: Yes), control unit 116B sets an invalidation period (step S13) and ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 13.

[0165] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is increased within a range in which aerosol is not generated, even when authentication processing related to the usability of the inhalation device 100 is being performed. This allows the temperature of the heating unit 121 to be increased in advance during the authentication processing, thereby shortening the time required to increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 to a temperature at which aerosol is generated after the authentication processing is completed. Therefore, even if the authentication processing must be completed to generate aerosol, the time required for aerosol generation is prevented from becoming longer, thereby preventing a decrease in convenience due to the increase in time. Therefore, the safety and security of the inhalation device 100 can be improved by preventing aerosol from being generated for persons other than legitimate users, such as children, while preventing a decrease in convenience due to the increased safety and security, thereby improving the marketability of the inhalation device 100.

[0166] The control method of the suction device 100 described in the above embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer (processor). The program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The program may be provided in a form stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes the program may be, for example, one included in the suction device 100 (e.g., a CPU possessed by the suction device 100), but is not limited thereto and may also be one included in another device that can communicate with the suction device 100 (e.g., a smartphone or a server device).

[0167] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0168] This specification etc. describes at least the following items. In parentheses, components etc. corresponding to the above-mentioned embodiment are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0169] (1) An inhalation device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source (a flavoring cartridge 130, a stick-shaped substrate 150), a heating unit (heating unit 121B) that heats the substrate to generate the aerosol; A control unit (control units 116, 116A, 116B) that controls the operation of the suction device; Equipped with The control unit a first heating control that controls the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature that is lower than the lowest temperature at which the aerosol is generated; a second heating control for controlling the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature higher than the minimum temperature; The first heating control is executed when an authentication process related to whether or not the suction device can be used is being performed. When the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is terminated and the second heating control is executed. Suction device.

[0170] According to (1), the temperature of the heating unit is increased within a range that does not generate aerosols while an authentication process for determining whether the inhalation device can be used is being performed. This allows the temperature of the heating unit to be increased in advance during the authentication process, thereby shortening the time required to increase the temperature of the heating unit to a temperature at which aerosols are generated after the authentication process is completed. Therefore, even if the execution of the second heating control for generating aerosols requires the completion of the authentication process, the time required for aerosol generation is prevented from increasing, thereby preventing a decrease in convenience due to the increase in time. Therefore, while preventing aerosols from being generated for unauthorized users such as children, the safety and security of the inhalation device are improved, and the decrease in convenience that comes with the improvement in safety and security is also prevented, thereby improving the marketability of the inhalation device.

[0171] (2) The suction device according to (1), The target temperature in the first heating control is higher than room temperature. Suction device.

[0172] According to (2), the first heating control makes it possible to raise the temperature of the heating unit to a temperature higher than room temperature within a range in which aerosols are not generated.

[0173] (3) The suction device according to (1) or (2), The target temperature in the first heating control increases according to the elapsed time since the start of the authentication process. Suction device.

[0174] According to (3), by increasing the target temperature in the first heating control in accordance with the time elapsed since the start of the authentication process, if the authentication process is prolonged, it is possible to increase the temperature of the heating unit during the authentication process accordingly. This reduces the time required for the second heating control executed after the authentication process is completed to raise the temperature of the heating unit to a temperature at which aerosol is generated. Therefore, even if the authentication process is prolonged, the time required for aerosol generation is prevented from becoming longer, and the decrease in convenience caused by this longer time is prevented.

[0175] (4) The suction device according to (1) or (2), The target temperature in the first heating control increases according to the progress of the authentication process. Suction device.

[0176] According to (4), by increasing the target temperature in the first heating control in accordance with the progress of the authentication process, if the authentication process is prolonged, it is possible to increase the temperature of the heating unit during the authentication process. This reduces the time required for the second heating control executed after the authentication process is completed to raise the temperature of the heating unit to a temperature at which aerosol is generated. Therefore, even if the authentication process is prolonged, the time required for aerosol generation is prevented from becoming longer, and the decrease in convenience caused by this longer time is prevented.

[0177] (5) The suction device according to (1) or (2), In the authentication process, a plurality of authentications are performed, and the authentication process is completed when all of the plurality of authentications are completed; The target temperature in the first heating control is higher when at least one of the plurality of authentications is completed than when none of the plurality of authentications is completed. Suction device.

[0178] According to (5), by making the target temperature in the first heating control higher when at least one of the multiple authentications performed by the authentication process is completed than when none of the authentications is completed, it is possible to increase the target temperature in the first heating control according to the progress of the authentication process.

[0179] (6) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (5), The control unit notifies the user of information relating to the progress of the authentication process via a notification unit (notification unit 113, 113A, 113B) capable of notifying predetermined information. Suction device.

[0180] According to (6), the user can grasp the progress of the authentication process, thereby improving the convenience of the suction device.

[0181] (7) The suction device according to (6), The notification unit includes a light-emitting unit (light-emitting device 23a) that emits light, the control unit notifies the user of information regarding the progress level by changing the light emitting state of the light emitting unit according to the progress level. Suction device.

[0182] According to (7), the progress of the authentication process can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0183] (8) The suction device according to (7), the light-emitting unit is configured to be able to emit light in a plurality of colors; The control unit changes the light emission color of the light emitting unit depending on the degree of progress. Suction device.

[0184] According to (8), the progress of the authentication process can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0185] (9) The suction device according to (7), The light-emitting unit is configured by a plurality of light-emitting elements (a first light-emitting element 23a_1, a second light-emitting element 23a_2, and a third light-emitting element 23a_3), The control unit changes the light emitting elements to be caused to emit light or the number of the light emitting elements to be caused to emit light among the plurality of light emitting elements according to the degree of progress. Suction device.

[0186] According to (9), the progress of the authentication process can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0187] (10) The suction device according to (6), The notification unit includes a display unit (display device 23b) that displays an image, the control unit notifies the user of information regarding the progress level by changing the display mode of the display unit depending on the progress level. Suction device.

[0188] According to (10), the progress of the authentication process can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0189] (11) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (10), the control unit is configured to, when executing the second heating control, be able to execute the second heating control for a certain period of time after completion of the second heating control without requiring completion of the authentication process. Suction device.

[0190] According to (11), the user's effort in so-called "chain smoking" is reduced, and the convenience of the inhalation device is improved.

[0191] (12) The suction device according to (11), The certain period is twice as long as the time from when the second heating control is started to when it is completed. Suction device.

[0192] According to (12), the length of the certain period during which the second heating control can be executed without requiring completion of the authentication process can be set to an appropriate length.

[0193] (13) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (12), When the authentication process is interrupted before completion, the control unit ends the first heating control and does not execute the second heating control. Suction device.

[0194] According to (13), the generation of aerosols to persons other than legitimate users, such as children, can be prevented, thereby improving the safety and security of the inhalation device.

[0195] (14) A computer (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) for controlling the operation of an inhalation device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) that includes a heating unit (heating unit 121B) for heating a substrate (flavoring cartridge 130, stick-type substrate 150) having an aerosol source and that generates an aerosol by heating the substrate with the heating unit, When a predetermined authentication process related to whether the inhalation device can be used is being performed, a first heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature that is lower than the minimum temperature at which the aerosol is generated; When the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is terminated, and a second heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit with a target temperature higher than the minimum temperature. A control method for performing processing.

[0196] According to (14), the temperature of the heating unit is increased within a range that does not generate aerosols while an authentication process for determining whether the inhalation device can be used is being performed. This allows the temperature of the heating unit to be increased in advance during the authentication process, thereby shortening the time required to increase the temperature of the heating unit to a temperature at which aerosols are generated after the authentication process is completed. Therefore, even if the execution of the second heating control for generating aerosols requires the completion of the authentication process, the time required for aerosol generation is prevented from increasing, thereby preventing a decrease in convenience due to the increase in time. Therefore, while preventing aerosols from being generated for persons other than legitimate users, such as children, the safety and security of the inhalation device can be improved, and the decrease in convenience that comes with the improvement in safety and security can be prevented, thereby improving the marketability of the inhalation device.

[0197] (15) A computer (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) for controlling the operation of an inhalation device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) that includes a heating unit (heating unit 121B) for heating a substrate (flavoring cartridge 130, stick-type substrate 150) having an aerosol source and generates an aerosol by heating the substrate using the heating unit, When a predetermined authentication process related to whether the inhalation device can be used is being performed, a first heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature that is lower than the minimum temperature at which the aerosol is generated; When the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is terminated, and a second heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit with a target temperature higher than the minimum temperature. The program that performs the processing.

[0198] According to (15), the temperature of the heating unit is increased within a range that does not generate aerosols while an authentication process for determining whether the inhalation device can be used is being performed. This allows the temperature of the heating unit to be increased in advance during the authentication process, thereby shortening the time required to increase the temperature of the heating unit to a temperature at which aerosols are generated after the authentication process is completed. Therefore, even if the execution of the second heating control for generating aerosols requires the completion of the authentication process, the time required for aerosol generation is prevented from increasing, thereby preventing a decrease in convenience due to the increase in time. Therefore, while preventing aerosols from being generated for unauthorized users such as children, the safety and security of the inhalation device are improved, and the decrease in convenience that comes with the improvement in safety and security is also prevented, thereby improving the marketability of the inhalation device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0199] 100, 100A, 100B suction device 113, 113A, 113B Notification section 116, 116A, 116B control section 121B Heating section 23a Light-emitting device (light-emitting part) 23a_1 First light-emitting element (light-emitting element) 23a_2 Second light-emitting element (light-emitting element) 23a_3 Third light-emitting element (light-emitting element) 23b Display device (display section)

Claims

1. 1. A suction device for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, comprising: a heating section that heats the substrate to generate the aerosol; a control unit for controlling the operation of the suction device; Equipped with The control unit a first heating control that controls the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature that is lower than the lowest temperature at which the aerosol is generated; a second heating control for controlling the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature higher than the minimum temperature; The first heating control is executed when an authentication process related to whether or not the suction device can be used is being performed. When the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is terminated and the second heating control is executed. Suction device.

2. 2. The suction device according to claim 1, The target temperature in the first heating control is higher than room temperature. Suction device.

3. 2. The suction device according to claim 1, The target temperature in the first heating control increases according to the elapsed time from the start of the authentication process. Suction device.

4. 2. The suction device according to claim 1, The target temperature in the first heating control increases according to the progress of the authentication process. Suction device.

5. 2. The suction device according to claim 1, In the authentication process, a plurality of authentications are performed, and the authentication process is completed when all of the plurality of authentications are completed; the target temperature in the first heating control is higher when at least one of the plurality of authentications is completed than when none of the plurality of authentications is completed. Suction device.

6. 2. The suction device according to claim 1, the control unit notifies the user of information regarding the progress of the authentication process via a notification unit capable of notifying predetermined information. Suction device.

7. 7. The suction device according to claim 6, the notification unit includes a light emitting unit that emits light, the control unit notifies the user of information regarding the progress level by changing the light emitting state of the light emitting unit according to the progress level. Suction device.

8. 8. The suction device according to claim 7, the light-emitting unit is configured to be able to emit light in a plurality of colors; The control unit changes the light emission color of the light emitting unit depending on the degree of progress. Suction device.

9. 8. The suction device according to claim 7, the light-emitting unit is composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements, The control unit changes the light emitting elements to be caused to emit light or the number of the light emitting elements to be caused to emit light among the plurality of light emitting elements according to the degree of progress. Suction device.

10. 7. The suction device according to claim 6, the notification unit includes a display unit that displays an image; the control unit notifies the user of information regarding the progress level by changing the display mode of the display unit depending on the progress level. Suction device.

11. 2. The suction device according to claim 1, the control unit is configured to, when executing the second heating control, be able to execute the second heating control for a certain period of time after completion of the second heating control without requiring completion of the authentication process. Suction device.

12. 12. The suction device according to claim 11, The certain period is twice as long as the time from when the second heating control is started to when the second heating control is completed. Suction device.

13. 13. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, When the authentication process is interrupted without being completed, the control unit ends the first heating control and does not execute the second heating control. Suction device.

14. a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that includes a heating unit that heats a substrate having an aerosol source and generates an aerosol by heating the substrate with the heating unit; When an authentication process related to whether the inhalation device can be used is being performed, a first heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature that is lower than the minimum temperature at which the aerosol is generated; When the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is terminated, and a second heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit with a target temperature higher than the minimum temperature. A control method for performing processing.

15. a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that includes a heating unit that heats a substrate having an aerosol source and generates an aerosol by heating the substrate with the heating unit; When an authentication process related to whether the inhalation device can be used is being performed, a first heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature that is lower than the minimum temperature at which the aerosol is generated; When the authentication process is completed, the first heating control is terminated, and a second heating control is executed to control the temperature of the heating unit with a target temperature higher than the minimum temperature. The program that performs the processing.

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