Aerosol Generator

Abstract

[Problem] To achieve higher usability in an aerosol generation device using a plurality of flavor sources. [Solution] This aerosol generation device comprises: a plurality of flavor sources including at least one flavor source capable of generating aerosol to be inhaled by a user; a plurality of atomizing units for generating the aerosol to which a flavor is imparted from the plurality of flavor sources; a storage unit for storing constituent proportion information relating to the constituent proportion of the flavor imparted to the aerosol generated; and a control unit for controlling the atomizing units on the basis of the constituent proportion information, wherein when exchange of one flavor source among the plurality of flavor sources is determined, the control unit determines, for another flavor source among the plurality of flavor sources, whether a notification for urging exchange of said another flavor source is to be output on the basis of a consumption amount corresponding to a single instance of inhalation of said another flavor source in inhalation until immediately before the exchange.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes or nebulizers, that generate aerosols for inhalation by users are becoming increasingly popular. Inhalation devices can generate aerosols by heating an aerosol source. This allows users to inhale the aerosols and enjoy the flavors of the aerosols.

[0003] In recent years, inhalation devices that combine multiple flavor sources to generate aerosols with more complex flavors have been studied. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a vapor supply system that generates vapors from two liquid flavor sources and mixes the generated vapors in a predetermined composition ratio to impart desired flavor characteristics to the vapor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-507311 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] On the other hand, in an aerosol generating device that uses multiple flavor sources to impart flavor to the aerosol, frequent replacement of the multiple flavor sources could reduce the usability of the aerosol generating device.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to achieve higher usability in an aerosol generating device that uses multiple flavor sources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising: a plurality of flavor sources including at least one or more flavor sources capable of generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user; a plurality of atomizing units that generate the aerosol flavored from the plurality of flavor sources; a memory unit that stores composition ratio information regarding the composition ratio of the flavors imparted to the generated aerosol; and a control unit that controls the atomizing unit based on the composition ratio information, wherein when it is determined that one of the plurality of flavor sources needs to be replaced, the control unit determines whether to output a notification to another of the plurality of flavor sources prompting the replacement of the other flavor source based on the amount of the other flavor source used in a single inhalation in the inhalation immediately prior to the replacement.

[0008] The control unit may output a notification urging the user to replace the other flavor source if the remaining amount of the other flavor source is less than the number of inhalations when the other flavor source is used alone multiplied by the amount of the other flavor source used in one inhalation up to the time of replacement.

[0009] If the other flavor sources include a flavor source of the same type as the one flavor source for which replacement has been determined, the control unit may cancel the decision to replace the one flavor source or not output a notification prompting the user to replace the one flavor source.

[0010] The control unit may further determine whether to output a notification prompting replacement of the other flavor source when one of the plurality of flavor sources is replaced.

[0011] The plurality of flavor sources may include at least one or more liquid aerosol sources.

[0012] The plurality of flavor sources may further include a solid flavor source.

[0013] The solid flavor source may be an aerosol-generating stick-type substrate.

[0014] When it is determined that the stick-type substrate needs to be replaced, if the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is less than the amount obtained by multiplying the number of times the stick-type substrate has been used by the amount of the liquid aerosol source used in one suction up to the time of the replacement, the control unit may output a notification urging the user to replace the liquid aerosol source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to achieve higher usability in an aerosol generating device that uses multiple flavor sources. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the suction device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of a modified example of the suction device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0018] <1. Configuration of the suction device> First, the configuration of a suction device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a suction device according to this embodiment. In the following description, the substance generated by suction device 100 is described as an aerosol, but the substance generated by suction device 100 may also be a gas.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the inhalation device 100 includes a plurality of flavor sources 130, a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, and a control unit .

[0020] The power supply unit 111 accumulates power and supplies power to the components of the suction device 100 based on control by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The power supply unit 111 may be charged by being connected to an external power source via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like, or may be charged using wireless power transmission technology while not being connected to a power transmitting device. Furthermore, the power supply unit 111 may be provided so as to be removable from the suction device 100, or may be provided so as to be replaceable with a new power supply unit 111.

[0021] The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100 and outputs the acquired information to the control unit 116. As one example, the sensor unit 112 may be configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and may acquire information related to the amount of change associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 may be configured with an input device such as a button or a switch, and may acquire information indicating that input from the user has been received.

[0022] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 may be configured with a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). For example, the notification unit 113 may emit light in a different color or with a different lighting pattern when the power supply unit 111 is in a charging state, when the power supply unit 111 is in a charging state, when it is determined that at least one of the multiple flavor sources 130 needs to be replaced, or when an abnormality occurs in the inhalation device 100. Note that the notification unit 113 may be configured with a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, or the like, in addition to or instead of a light-emitting device. The notification unit 113 may also be configured with a plurality of light-emitting devices (such as LEDs). In such a case, the multiple light-emitting devices constituting the notification unit 113 may be uniquely associated with each of the multiple flavor sources 130. According to this, the inhalation device 100 can notify the user of the flavor source 130 that needs to be replaced, for example, by lighting or blinking the light-emitting device corresponding to the flavor source 130 that needs to be replaced.

[0023] The storage unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 may be configured with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 114 may also be configured to further include a volatile storage medium that temporarily stores commands transmitted to the suction device 100. For example, the storage unit 114 may store information related to the OS (Operating System) of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 may also store information related to suction by the user, such as the number of suctions, the time of suction, or the cumulative suction time.

[0024] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. The communication unit 115 may be a communication interface conforming to a communication standard such as a wireless local area network (LAN), a wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 115 may transmit information related to suction by the user to a smartphone carried by the user, or may receive information related to an update of the OS of the suction device 100 from a server.

[0025] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (central processing unit) or a microprocessor. The control unit 116 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and calculation parameters used by the CPU, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as needed. For example, the control unit 116 may control the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to other components, charging of the power supply unit 111, detection of information by the sensor unit 112, notification of information by the notification unit 113, storage or reading of information by the memory unit 114, and transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 115.

[0026] The multiple flavor sources 130 include at least one or more flavor sources capable of generating aerosol, and are components capable of generating aerosols imparted with multiple flavors. The multiple flavor sources 130 can generate aerosols imparted with desired flavors by controlling the generation ratio of the aerosols or flavors by the control unit 116. Alternatively, the multiple flavor sources 130 can generate aerosols imparted with desired flavors by controlling the mixing ratio of the aerosols or flavors by controlling the flow paths by the control unit 116. The aerosol imparted with the desired flavors can be inhaled by a user of the inhalation device 100, thereby providing the user with a more complex inhalation experience. The multiple flavor sources 130 are each held by a holding unit (not shown) provided in the inhalation device 100. That is, the inhalation device 100 may be provided with multiple holding units (not shown) corresponding to the multiple flavor sources 130.

[0027] For example, the flavor source capable of generating an aerosol may be a liquid reservoir containing a liquid aerosol source, such as a polyhydric alcohol, e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The liquid aerosol source may further include a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, and may further include a medicinal agent if the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler, e.g., a nebulizer.

[0028] The liquid storage unit can generate aerosol by heating the liquid aerosol source with a heating unit (not shown). Specifically, the liquid storage unit can generate aerosol by heating the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit with the heating unit, which generates heat by power supply from the power supply unit 111, thereby atomizing the liquid aerosol source. Note that the means for generating aerosol is not limited to heating the liquid aerosol source with a heating unit. For example, the liquid aerosol source may generate aerosol by atomizing the liquid aerosol source with vibration atomization.

[0029] As another example, the flavor source capable of generating an aerosol may be a solid flavor source. For example, the flavor source capable of generating an aerosol may be a stick-shaped substrate including a solid aerosol source. The stick-shaped substrate includes a substrate portion including the solid aerosol source and a mouthpiece portion. When the stick-shaped substrate is held in the inhalation device 100, the substrate portion is heated by a heating unit (not shown), thereby atomizing the solid aerosol source and generating an aerosol. The generated aerosol is inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece portion.

[0030] For example, the stick-shaped substrate may be heated from the periphery by a heating unit configured in a film shape to cover the periphery of the substrate, thereby atomizing the solid aerosol source contained in the substrate and generating an aerosol. The stick-shaped substrate may also be heated from the inside by a heating unit configured in a blade shape to be inserted into the substrate, thereby atomizing the solid aerosol source contained in the substrate and generating an aerosol. The stick-shaped substrate may also be heated from the bottom by a heating unit arranged to cover the bottom of the substrate, thereby atomizing the solid aerosol source contained in the substrate and generating an aerosol. The heating unit may use either a resistance heating method or an induction heating method. For example, the heating unit may heat the stick-shaped substrate by resistance heating, or may heat a stick-shaped substrate containing a susceptor therein by induction heating.

[0031] Furthermore, the plurality of flavor sources 130 may include a solid flavor source that does not generate an aerosol. Such a flavor source may be, for example, a capsule-type flavor source in which a drug, a flavoring, or a tobacco- or non-tobacco-derived solid material is sealed in a container such as a capsule. For example, the capsule-type flavor source may be a capsule containing a tobacco-derived solid material formed from cut tobacco or tobacco raw material in the form of granules, sheets, or powder, or a non-tobacco-derived solid material made from a plant other than tobacco (e.g., mint or herbs). The capsule-type flavor source can impart a desired flavor to the aerosol generated from a liquid aerosol source by passing the aerosol through the capsule.

[0032] Note that liquid aerosol sources or solid flavor sources that do not generate aerosols do not require preheating, and therefore the heating units that heat these flavor sources 130 can be made smaller. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 may control the generation of aerosols or flavors from the multiple flavor sources 130 by heating each of the multiple flavor sources 130 with a separate heating unit and heating profile. Note that the heating profile is a control sequence used by the control unit 116 to control the heating unit. Specifically, the heating profile is a control sequence that includes control by the control unit 116 to set the temperature of the heating unit to a target temperature. The heating profile may be information that specifies the time series progression of the target temperature of the heating unit.

[0033] On the other hand, solid flavor sources (i.e., stick-shaped substrates) capable of generating aerosols require preheating, and the inhalation device 100 may control the generation of aerosols or flavors from the multiple flavor sources 130 by heating the multiple flavor sources 130 as a whole with a single heating profile.

[0034] The inhalation device 100 can combine flavors or aerosols generated from the above-mentioned multiple flavor sources 130 to generate aerosols with flavors added for one inhalation, thereby allowing the user to inhale aerosols with more complex flavors.

[0035] Examples of combinations of multiple flavor sources 130 used in the inhalation device 100 include a combination of multiple solid flavor sources, a combination of multiple liquid aerosol sources, a combination of at least one solid flavor source and at least one liquid aerosol source, a combination of one capsule-type flavor source and multiple liquid aerosol sources, or a combination of multiple capsule-type flavor sources and at least one liquid aerosol source.

[0036] <2. Technical Features of the Present Invention> Next, the technical features of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0037] In the inhalation device 100 using multiple flavor sources 130, if flavors are produced from the multiple flavor sources 130 in different composition ratios, the consumption rates of the multiple flavor sources 130 will differ from one another. Therefore, the timing at which each of the multiple flavor sources 130 runs out may differ.

[0038] In the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that one of the plurality of flavor sources 130 needs to be replaced, the inhalation device 100 determines whether to output a notification prompting the user to replace another flavor source 130. Specifically, when the flavor sources 130 are used in the same composition ratio before and after the replacement of the flavor source 130 for which replacement has been determined, the inhalation device 100 outputs a notification prompting the user to replace the other flavor source 130 if the unused flavor source 130 cannot be used the number of times that it can be used by itself.

[0039] For example, the inhalation device 100 may determine whether to output a notification prompting the user to replace the other flavor source 130 as follows: First, if the maximum number of times the other flavor source 130 can be used alone is X, and the amount of aerosol source used in one inhalation is Y, then the total volume of aerosol contained in the other flavor source 130 is XY. Next, if the composition ratio of the other flavor source 130 before and after the replacement of the flavor source 130 for which replacement is determined is Z (%), where the total is 100%, then the amount of aerosol source used in one inhalation is YZ. Here, if the remaining amount of the other flavor source 130 is A, and the value obtained by dividing the remaining amount A by the amount of aerosol source used YZ at the composition ratio Z% is smaller than X, the inhalation device 100 may determine to output a notification prompting the user to replace the other flavor source 130.

[0040] That is, when the inhalation device 100 determines that one of the flavor sources 130 needs to be replaced, if the remaining amount of the other flavor source 130 is less than the amount that satisfies a sufficient number of uses (e.g., the maximum number of uses of the other flavor source 130 when it is unused by itself), the inhalation device 100 can output a notification urging the user to replace the other flavor source 130. This is because, if the other flavor source 130 can be used the number of times that it can be used when the flavor source 130 is used 100% by itself from an unused state (the maximum number of uses X in the above determination), the replacement frequency of the flavor source 130 will be at a level that does not impair the user's comfort. Therefore, if the replacement frequency of the flavor source 130 is a replacement frequency that does not impair the user's comfort, the inhalation device 100 may determine whether to output a notification urging the user to replace the other flavor source 130 using a predetermined value that is smaller than the maximum number of uses X in the above determination.

[0041] According to this, after replacing one flavor source 130, the inhalation device 100 can determine the timing for replacing another flavor source 130 after a sufficient number of uses, thereby preventing the need to replace the flavor source 130 from occurring too frequently. Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 can simultaneously output a notification urging the user to replace one flavor source 130 only if the remaining amount of the other flavor source 130 is less than the sufficient number of uses when the replacement of the other flavor source 130 is determined. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can maintain usability for the user's inhalation and output a notification urging the user to replace the flavor source 130 when a certain amount of the flavor source 130 has been consumed.

[0042] In addition, the inhalation device 100 may determine whether to output a notification prompting the replacement of another flavor source 130 not only when it is determined that one flavor source 130 should be replaced, but also when one flavor source 130 has actually been replaced.

[0043] However, if the inhalation device 100 further includes a flavor source 130 of the same type as the one flavor source 130 for which replacement has been determined, the inhalation device 100 may cancel the decision to replace one flavor source 130. In other words, if the multiple flavor sources 130 attached to the inhalation device 100 include multiple flavor sources 130 of the same type, the inhalation device 100 may cancel the decision to replace the used flavor source 130 of the same type until all of the flavor sources 130 of the same type have been used and a decision is made to replace another flavor source 130 of the same type. Note that the inhalation device 100 can achieve a similar effect by making a decision to replace but not outputting a notification of replacement, rather than canceling the decision to replace.

[0044] In such a case, the inhalation device 100 can allow the user to continue inhalation using another flavor source 130 of the same type that has not been determined to be replaced. Therefore, if the replacement does not affect the user's inhalation, the inhalation device 100 can cancel the replacement of the flavor source 130 and reduce the frequency of replacing the flavor source 130, thereby providing the user with a more comfortable inhalation experience.

[0045] <3. Operation of the suction device> Next, the flow of operations of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the suction device 100. Each of the operations of the suction device 100 described below is controlled by the control unit 116.

[0046] 2, first, the inhalation device 100 generates flavor from the plurality of flavor sources 130 based on an instruction from a user (S101). Next, the inhalation device 100 checks whether or not it has been determined that one of the plurality of flavor sources 130 needs to be replaced (S103). For example, the inhalation device 100 may determine that one of the flavor sources 130 needs to be replaced because the flavor source 130 has been used up. If it has not been determined that one of the plurality of flavor sources 130 needs to be replaced (S103 / No), the inhalation device 100 repeats the operation of step S101 and continues generating flavor from the plurality of flavor sources 130.

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined that one of the flavor sources 130 needs to be replaced (S103 / Yes), the inhalation device 100 first notifies the user of the replacement of one flavor source 130 via the notification unit 113 (S105). Next, the inhalation device 100 determines whether the remaining amount of the other flavor source 130 is less than the maximum number of uses of the other flavor source 130 by multiplying the amount of the other flavor source 130 used in the previous inhalation (S107).

[0048] If the remaining amount of the other flavor source 130 is less than the multiplied amount (S107 / Yes), the inhalation device 100 outputs a notification (S109) urging the user to replace the other flavor source 130. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of the other flavor source 130 is equal to or greater than the multiplied amount (S107 / No), the inhalation device 100 does not urge the user to replace the other flavor source 130, but repeats the operation of step S101, and continues to generate flavors from the multiple flavor sources 130. The notifications output in steps S105 and S109 may be output simultaneously.

[0049] According to the above operation, when it is determined that one of the flavor sources 130 needs to be replaced, the inhalation device 100 can output a notification to the user urging them to simultaneously replace the other flavor sources 130 based on the remaining amounts of the other flavor sources 130. Specifically, the inhalation device 100 can urge the user to replace the other flavor sources 130 only when the remaining number of uses of the other flavor sources 130 is less than the maximum number of uses of the unused other flavor sources 130 alone. Thus, the inhalation device 100 can urge the user to replace the flavor sources 130 when a certain amount of the flavor sources 130 has been consumed while maintaining usability for the user's inhalation.

[0050] <4. Modifications> Furthermore, a modified example of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the flow of operation of the modified example of the suction device 100.

[0051] This modified example is a modification in which, in an inhalation device 100 that uses both a liquid aerosol source and a stick-type substrate containing a solid aerosol source, when it is determined that the stick-type substrate needs to be replaced, a determination is made as to whether or not to notify the user of the need to replace the liquid aerosol source.

[0052] Specifically, when it is determined that the stick-type substrate needs to be replaced, if the number of times the liquid aerosol source can be used in the same composition ratio as before and after the replacement of the stick-type substrate for which replacement has been determined is less than the maximum number of times that the unused stick-type substrate can be used, the suction device 100 outputs a notification urging the replacement of the liquid aerosol source.

[0053] This is because, compared with the liquid aerosol source, the maximum number of uses of a stick-type substrate by itself is generally smaller, and therefore the number of uses of an unused stick-type substrate is less than the remaining number of uses of the liquid aerosol source. Therefore, in this modified example, the inhalation device 100 determines whether the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is sufficient by using as a threshold an amount obtained by multiplying the number of uses of the replaced stick-type substrate by the amount of the liquid aerosol source used in the immediately preceding inhalation. In this way, if the liquid aerosol source runs out before the inhalation of the stick-type substrate for which replacement has been determined is finished, the inhalation device 100 can output a notification to the user urging them to also replace the liquid aerosol source.

[0054] The operation of the inhalation device 100 according to this modification is as shown in Fig. 3. First, the inhalation device 100 generates flavor from a plurality of flavor sources 130 based on an instruction from a user (S201). Here, the plurality of flavor sources 130 include a liquid aerosol source and a stick-shaped substrate containing a solid aerosol source.

[0055] Next, the inhalation device 100 checks whether or not it has been determined that a stick-type substrate among the plurality of flavor sources 130 needs to be replaced (S203). For example, the inhalation device 100 may determine that a stick-type substrate needs to be replaced because the stick-type substrate has been consumed according to the heating profile. If it has not been determined that a stick-type substrate needs to be replaced (S203 / No), the inhalation device 100 repeats the operation of step S101 to continue producing flavor from the plurality of flavor sources 130.

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined that the stick-type substrate needs to be replaced (S203 / Yes), the inhalation device 100 first notifies the user of the need to replace the stick-type substrate via the notification unit 113 (S205). Next, the inhalation device 100 determines whether the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is less than the amount obtained by multiplying the number of uses of the stick-type substrate by the amount of the liquid aerosol source used in the immediately preceding inhalation (S207).

[0057] If the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is less than the multiplied amount (S207 / Yes), the inhalation device 100 outputs a notification prompting the user to replace the liquid aerosol source (S209). On the other hand, if the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is equal to or greater than the multiplied amount (S207 / No), the inhalation device 100 repeats the operation of step S201 without prompting the user to replace the liquid aerosol source, and continues to generate flavors from the multiple flavor sources 130. The notifications output in steps S205 and S209 may be output simultaneously. In this modification, the determination to replace the liquid aerosol source may be made when replacing the stick-shaped substrate according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, or may be made when replacing another liquid aerosol source according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2. In either case, when it is determined that the liquid aerosol source needs to be replaced, the inhalation device 100 may output a notification prompting the user to replace the liquid aerosol source.

[0058] According to the above operation, when it is determined that the stick-type substrate needs to be replaced, the inhalation device 100 can output a notification to the user urging them to also replace the liquid aerosol source based on the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source. Specifically, the inhalation device 100 can prompt the user to replace the liquid aerosol source only when the remaining number of uses of the liquid aerosol source is less than the number of uses of the stick-type substrate. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can output a notification to the user urging them to replace the liquid aerosol source only when there is not enough liquid aerosol source remaining until the stick-type substrate is completely consumed. Thus, the inhalation device 100 can improve the usability of inhalation for the user without interfering with the user's inhalation.

[0059] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0060] The processes described herein using flowchart diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown, some process steps may be performed in parallel, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0061] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) a plurality of flavor sources, including at least one flavor source capable of generating an aerosol that is inhaled by a user; a plurality of atomizing units that generate the aerosol flavored from the plurality of flavor sources; a storage unit that stores composition ratio information regarding the composition ratio of the flavor imparted to the generated aerosol; a control unit that controls the atomization unit based on the composition ratio information; Equipped with The control unit of the aerosol generating device determines, when it is determined that one of the multiple flavor sources needs to be replaced, whether to output a notification to prompt the replacement of another of the multiple flavor sources based on the amount of the other flavor source used in one inhalation up to the time of the replacement. (2) The control unit of the aerosol generating device described in (1) outputs a notification urging the user to replace the other flavor source when the remaining amount of the other flavor source is less than the number of inhalations when the other flavor source is used alone multiplied by the amount of the other flavor source used in one inhalation up to the time of replacement. (3) The control unit of the aerosol generating device described in (1) or (2) cancels the decision to replace the one flavor source or does not output a notification prompting the replacement of the one flavor source if the other flavor sources include a flavor source of the same type as the one flavor source for which replacement has been determined. (4) The control unit further determines whether to output a notification prompting the user to replace another flavor source when one of the multiple flavor sources is replaced.The aerosol generating device described in any one of (1) to (3). (5) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the plurality of flavor sources include at least one liquid aerosol source. (6) The aerosol generating device according to (5), wherein the plurality of flavor sources further includes a solid flavor source. (7) The aerosol generating device according to (6) above, wherein the solid flavor source is a stick-shaped substrate capable of generating an aerosol. (8) The aerosol generating device according to (7), wherein when it is determined that the stick-type substrate needs to be replaced, if the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is less than the amount obtained by multiplying the number of times the stick-type substrate has been used by the amount of the liquid aerosol source used in one suction up to the time of the replacement, the control unit outputs a notification urging the user to replace the liquid aerosol source. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 100 Suction device 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 130 Flavor source

Claims

1. a plurality of flavor sources including at least one or more flavor sources capable of generating an aerosol that is inhaled by a user; a plurality of atomizing units that generate the aerosol flavored from the plurality of flavor sources; a storage unit that stores composition ratio information regarding the composition ratio of the flavor imparted to the generated aerosol; a control unit that controls the atomization unit based on the composition ratio information; Equipped with The control unit of the aerosol generating device determines, when it is determined that one of the multiple flavor sources needs to be replaced, whether to output a notification to prompt the replacement of another of the multiple flavor sources based on the amount of the other flavor source used in one inhalation up to the time of the replacement.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs a notification prompting replacement of the other flavor source when the remaining amount of the other flavor source is less than the number of inhalations when the other flavor source is used alone multiplied by the amount of the other flavor source used in one inhalation up to the time of replacement.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control unit cancels the decision to replace the one flavor source or does not output a notification prompting the replacement of the one flavor source when the other flavor sources include a flavor source of the same type as the one flavor source for which replacement has been determined.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further determines whether to output a notification prompting replacement of the other flavor source when one of the plurality of flavor sources is replaced.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of flavor sources includes at least one or more liquid aerosol sources.

6. The aerosol generating device of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of flavor sources further comprises a solid flavor source.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 , wherein the solid flavor source is a stick-shaped substrate capable of generating an aerosol.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein when it is determined that the stick-type substrate needs to be replaced, if the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is less than an amount obtained by multiplying the number of times the stick-type substrate has been used by the amount of the liquid aerosol source used in one suction up to the time of the replacement by the product of the number of times the stick-type substrate has been used.

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