Suction device, control method, and program

Abstract

A control unit (116B) for an inhalation device (100B) acquires elevation information indicating the height at which the inhalation device (100B) is positioned, determines whether or not the height at which the inhalation device (100B) is positioned is less than a threshold value on the basis of the acquired elevation information, and restricts a prescribed operation in the inhalation device (100B) when it is determined that the height at which the inhalation device (100B) is positioned is less than the threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an inhaler that generates an aerosol to which a flavor component is added and allows a user to inhale the generated aerosol is known. Such an inhaler typically delivers an aerosol generated by heating a base material including an aerosol source with a heating unit (also referred to as a "heating element") that is an electric resistance type or induction heating type heater to the user. In addition, some such inhalers have a so-called "child resistance function" to prevent inconveniences caused by misuse by children (e.g., infants and young children).

[0003] [[ID={15]] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses that, as a child resistance function, a combination of two or more different actions such as pressing while rotating a cap is required to restrict access to the contents of a container.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 below discloses that a mouthpiece that relatively moves with respect to a main body portion between a first position and a second position is biased to the first position by a spring or the like so as to switch a device between a stopped state and an operating state, and the device is maintained in the stopped state against a predetermined biasing force. And it is disclosed that the predetermined biasing force can be selected to exceed the normal force (expected hand force) of an infant in order to make the switching of the device to the operating state child-resistant.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] However, the history of suction device technology development is still relatively short. Therefore, there was room for improvement in the child-resistant function of suction devices from the perspective of performance enhancement.

[0007] The present invention provides a suction device, control method, and program that can better suppress the occurrence of problems due to misuse by children. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first invention is, A suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, The suction device includes a control unit that controls the operation of the suction device, The control unit, The altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located is acquired. Based on the aforementioned altitude information, it is determined whether the height is less than a threshold. If it is determined that the height is less than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is restricted. death, If it is determined that the height is equal to or greater than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is not restricted. The threshold is a height that a child, who is the target of the restriction of the predetermined action, cannot reach, and is lower than the average height of an adult user. ru, It is a suction device.

[0009] The second invention is, A computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates aerosols from a substrate containing an aerosol source, The altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located is acquired. Based on the aforementioned altitude information, it is determined whether the height is less than a threshold. If it is determined that the height is less than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is restricted. death, If it is determined that the height is equal to or greater than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is not restricted. , Execute processing death, The threshold is a height that a child, who is the target of the restriction of the predetermined action, cannot reach, and is lower than the average height of an adult user. to 、 This is a control method.

[0010] The third invention is a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, acquires altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located, determines whether or not the height is less than a threshold value based on the altitude information, and restricts a predetermined operation in the suction device when it is determined that the height is less than the threshold value death, If it is determined that the height is equal to or greater than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is not restricted. , causes processing to be executed 、 The threshold is a height that a child, who is the target of the restriction of the predetermined action, cannot reach, and is lower than the average height of an adult user. to 、 This is a program.

Advantages 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 more effectively suppress inconveniences caused by children's misuse.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of the suction device. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram schematically 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 view showing the suction device 100B with the panel 10 removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a threshold value that is a condition for restricting the operation of the suction device 100. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the relationship between the height at which the suction device 100 is located and the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting device 23a. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the light-emitting device 23a. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the relationship between the height at which the suction device 100 is located and the number of light-emitting elements that are to be emitted. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the display device 23b. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of the relationship between the height at which the suction device 100 is located and the display mode of the indicator I on the display device 23b. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an example of a process executed by the control unit 116. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an example of the processing performed by the control unit 116. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, a suction device, control method, and program according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, identical or similar elements will be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0014] <<1. Example of Suction Device Configuration>> The suction device of this embodiment is a device that generates a substance to be aspirated by the user. In the following description, the substance generated by the suction device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device may be a gas.

[0015] (1) First example configuration Figure 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a suction device. As shown in Figure 1A, the suction device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a storage unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid induction unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 123. The flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. Air passages 180 are formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.

[0016] The power supply unit 111A stores power. Then, based on the control by the control unit 116A, the power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of the suction device 100A. The power supply unit 111A may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0017] The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the suction device 100A. For example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of an input device that accepts information input from the user, such as an operation button or switch.

[0018] For example, the sensor unit 112A includes a pressure sensor (also called a "puff sensor") that detects changes in pressure (i.e., internal pressure) inside the suction device 100A caused by the user's suction. The sensor unit 112A may also include a flow sensor that detects the flow rate caused by the user's suction, and a temperature sensor (also called a "puff thermistor") that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121A or the area around the heating unit 121A.

[0019] Furthermore, the sensor unit 112A may include an altitude sensor for detecting the height at which the suction device 100A is located. As an example, the altitude sensor is composed of a pressure sensor (i.e., a barometric pressure sensor) for detecting the atmospheric pressure applied to the suction device 100A. As another example, the altitude sensor may be composed of a distance measuring sensor for detecting the distance between the suction device 100A and a target. The distance measuring sensor can be, for example, a radar sensor that detects the distance to a target by irradiating the target with a predetermined radar wave. In that case, the radar wave may be a laser, microwave, millimeter wave, or ultrasound, etc.

[0020] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A is composed of, for example, a light-emitting device (e.g., the light-emitting device 23a described later), a display device that displays an image (e.g., the display device 23b described later), a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0021] The memory unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100A. The memory unit 114A is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

[0022] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include those using Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy®), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0023] The control unit 116A functions as both an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, controlling the overall operation of the suction device 100A according to various programs. The control unit 116A is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0024] The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. That is, a cartridge 120 having a liquid storage unit 123 for storing an aerosol source is an example of a substrate having an aerosol source. An aerosol is generated when the aerosol source is atomized. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may contain flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. If the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0025] The liquid guide unit 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 123, from the liquid storage unit 123. The liquid guide unit 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0026] The heating unit 121A generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, thereby atomizing it. In the example shown in Figure 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 an 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 suctioning and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power may then be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has finished suctioning and / or that predetermined information has been input. The user's suctioning operation with respect to the suction device 100A can be detected, for example, based on the pressure (internal pressure) inside the suction device 100A detected by the puff sensor exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0027] Flavoring source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. Flavoring source 131 may contain flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco.

[0028] The air passage 180 is a passage for air drawn in by the user. The air passage 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is the entrance for air into the air passage 180, and an air outlet 182, which is the exit for air from the air passage 180, at both ends. In the middle of the air passage 180, a liquid guide unit 122 is located on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) and a flavor source 131 is located on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air drawn in from the air inlet 181 by the user is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A and transported to the air outlet 182 through the flavor source 131, as shown by arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0029] The mouthpiece 124 is a component that the user holds in their mouth during suction. The mouthpiece 124 has an air outlet 182. By holding the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth and suctioning, the user can take in a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into their oral cavity.

[0030] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0031] For example, the inhalation device 100A does not necessarily have to include a flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, a mouthpiece 124 is provided on the cartridge 120.

[0032] As another example, the suction device 100A may further include a second heating unit for heating the flavor source 131. In this case, the second heating unit is, for example, configured in the form of a film and arranged to cover the outer circumference of the flavoring cartridge 130. The second heating unit generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A, heating the flavoring cartridge 130 from the outside. 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, making it possible to increase the amount of flavor components imparted to the aerosol. When such a second heating unit is provided, the power supplied to the second heating unit can be controlled so that the temperature of the second heating unit reaches a predetermined target temperature.

[0033] As another example, the suction device 100A may contain multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air channel 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate even more types of aerosols.

[0034] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0035] (2) Second example configuration Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in Figure 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 storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a housing unit 140, and a heat insulation unit 144.

[0036] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, storage 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.

[0037] The housing section 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-type substrate 150 while housing a portion of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The housing section 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside and accommodates the stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the housing section 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and bottom 143 as its base, defining a columnar internal space 141. An air passage is connected to the housing section 140 to supply air to the internal space 141. An air inlet, which is the air entrance to the air passage, is located, for example, on the side of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is the air exit from the air passage to the internal space 141, is located, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0038] The stick-type base material 150 includes a base material portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The base material portion 151 includes an aerosol source. That is, the stick-type base material 150 is another example of a base material that includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. If the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug. The aerosol source may be a liquid such as glycerin and polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, and water, which include flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco, or it may be a solid which includes flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. When the stick-type base material 150 is held in the housing portion 140, at least a part of the base material portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when the user puts the suction nozzle 152 protruding from the opening 142 into their mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air channel (not shown) and reaches the user's oral cavity along with the aerosol generated from the base material 151.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 1B, the heating element 121B is configured as a film and is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the housing 140. When the heating element 121B generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the stick-type base material 150 is heated from the outer circumference, and an aerosol is generated.

[0040] 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 insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.

[0041] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0042] As an example, the heating element 121B may be configured in a blade shape and positioned to protrude from the bottom 143 of the housing 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating element 121B is inserted into the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 and heats the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating element 121B may be positioned to cover the bottom 143 of the housing 140. Furthermore, the heating element 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating element covering the outer circumference of the housing 140, a blade-shaped second heating element, and a third heating element covering the bottom 143 of the housing 140.

[0043] As another example, the housing section 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism, such as a hinge, that opens and closes a part of the outer shell forming the internal space 141. The housing section 140 may then house the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heating section 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the housing section 140 and may heat the stick-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

[0044] 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. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B or may be included in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0045] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include a heating unit 121A, a liquid induction unit 122, a liquid storage unit 123, and an air passage 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air passage 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A and air flows into the internal space 141, is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the user's oral cavity.

[0046] <<2. Example of the external configuration of a suction device>> Next, an example of the external configuration of the suction device 100 (100A, 100B) of this embodiment will be described. Here, the suction device 100 will be described as the suction device 100B shown in Figure 1B, but it is not limited to this, and the same can be applied when the suction device 100A shown in Figure 1A is used.

[0047] (1) An example of a suction device with a panel attached. Figure 2 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100B. Figure 3 is a top view of the suction device 100B. Specifically, Figure 3(a) shows the suction device 100B with the opening 142 closed by the shutter 50 (described later), and Figure 3(b) shows the suction device 100B with the opening 142 open.

[0048] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the suction device 100B comprises a panel 10, a main body housing 20 to which the panel 10 can be attached and detached, and a shutter 50 that is slidable relative to the main body housing 20. The panel 10 and the main body housing 20 are made of separate components.

[0049] Panel 10 is mainly composed of a cover that forms at least a part of the outermost housing 40 (described later) of the suction device 100B. As shown in Figure 2, panel 10 is equipped with 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, which is an example of a notification unit 113B, is provided inside the suction device 100B (inside the main body 30 described later). The user can see the light from this light-emitting device 23a through the display unit 18 from the outer surface of panel 10.

[0050] The operating section 19 is configured, for example, to form a recess toward the main body housing 20. This allows the user to be guided to the location of the operating section 19. Alternatively, the location of the operating section 19 may be guided to the user by printing a predetermined mark (marker) on the surface of the panel 10.

[0051] The main housing 20 houses the main body 30 of the suction device 100B. The main body 30 houses, for example, the various components of the suction device 100B shown in Figure 1B.

[0052] The panel 10, when attached to the main body housing 20, constitutes the outermost housing 40 of the suction device 100B. For example, a user can customize the appearance of the suction device 100B to their liking by attaching a panel 10 with a design that suits their preferences. Furthermore, by having the panel 10, the suction device 100B can buffer the heat released to the outside even if the main body 30 generates heat. That is, the panel 10 can function, for example, to insulate the heat generated from the heating unit 121B.

[0053] The housing 40 should be sized to fit in the user's hand. For example, the user holds the suction device 100B with one hand, with their fingertips in contact with the surface of the panel 10. When the user presses the control section 19 with their fingertips, the panel 10 deforms so that the control section 19 is further recessed towards the main housing 20. As a result of this deformation of the panel 10, the bottom of the control section 19 comes into contact with the operation button 22 (described later) provided on the surface of the main housing 20, and the operation button 22 is pressed. As an example, the user can turn on the power to the suction device 100B by pressing the control section 19 with their finger and pressing the operation button 22.

[0054] Figures 2 and 3(a) show the suction device 100B with the opening 142 closed by the shutter 50. When the suction device 100B is in the state shown in Figure 3(a), the user slides the shutter 50 with their finger, causing the shutter 50 to move from above the opening 142, as shown in Figure 3(b), and the opening 142 is opened. In this way, the user can insert the stick-type substrate 150 into the opening 142 by operating the shutter 50 to open the opening 142.

[0055] (2) An example of a suction device with the panel removed. Figure 4 shows the suction device 100B with the panel 10 removed, specifically the outer surface of the main housing 20 that is exposed when the panel 10 is removed from the main housing 20. That is, the outer surface of the main housing 20 shown in Figure 4 is covered by the panel 10 when the panel 10 is attached to the main housing 20.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the outer surface of the main housing 20 is provided with, for example, magnets 21a and 21b, an operation button 22, and a display window 23. In addition to these, the outer surface of the main housing 20 may also be provided with, for example, a sensor for detecting the attachment of the panel 10 to the main housing 20.

[0057] Magnets 21a and 21b attract the panel 10 to the main housing 20 by magnetic force (magnetic attraction). This holds the panel 10 in place on the main housing 20. More specifically, when the panel 10 is attached to the main housing 20, the inner surface of the panel 10 that faces the outer surface of the main housing 20 is provided with magnets (not shown) corresponding to magnets 21a and 21b, respectively. The magnets on the panel 10 attract magnets 21a and 21b, thereby holding the panel 10 in place on the main housing 20. Magnets 21a, 21b, and the magnets on the panel 10 are preferably made of permanent magnets, for example.

[0058] The operation button 22 is positioned to correspond to the operation section 19 of the panel 10 when the panel 10 is attached to the main housing 20. As described above, this allows the user to operate the operation button 22 via the operation section 19 of the panel 10.

[0059] The display window 23 is an opening aligned with the light-emitting device 23a located inside the main body 30, allowing light from the light-emitting device 23a to pass through to the display section 18 of the panel 10. As a result, as described above, the user can see the light from the light-emitting device 23a from the outer surface of the panel 10.

[0060] The light-emitting device 23a is an example of a light-emitting unit, and is composed of, for example, one or more light-emitting elements. As the light-emitting elements of the light-emitting device 23a, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) may be used. As an example, in this embodiment, the light-emitting device 23a has a plurality of LEDs with different emission colors and is configured to emit light in a plurality of emission colors including blue, yellow, and red.

[0061] 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 can be, for example, a color of light, but is not limited to this, and may also be, for example, the intensity of the illumination (in other words, brightness), or an illumination pattern (for example, flashing at predetermined time intervals).

[0062] Examples of notifications made by the light-emitting device 23a include notifications of operational information of the suction device 100B, such as whether or not the power to the suction device 100B is on (i.e., powered on). In this embodiment, the light-emitting device 23a can also notify the user of information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 of this embodiment, including the suction device 100B, is located (described later).

[0063] <<3. Example of suction device operation>> Next, an example of the operation of the suction device 100 of this embodiment will be described. The control unit 116 (116A, 116B) can operate the suction device 100 based on input from the user. As an example, the control unit 116 causes the suction device 100 to generate an aerosol in response to a request from the user for aerosol generation.

[0064] A request for aerosol generation can be, for example, an operation to instruct the start of heating (hereinafter also referred to as the "heating start operation"). As an example, the heating start operation can be the pressing of the operation button 22. As another example, the heating start operation may be a suction operation on the suction device 100. Furthermore, a request for aerosol generation is not limited to direct operation on the suction device 100, but may also be the reception of predetermined information from another device capable of communicating with the suction device 100, such as a smartphone. The control unit 116 can detect a request for aerosol generation based on information acquired, for example, by the sensor unit 112 or the communication unit 115.

[0065] For example, if the inhalation device 100 is the inhalation device 100A shown in Figure 1A, the control unit 116A, upon detecting an inhalation operation on the inhalation device 100A based on the detection result of the puff sensor, supplies a predetermined power to the heating unit 121A to generate an aerosol. At this time, the power supplied to the heating unit 121A is predetermined by the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100A so as to generate an appropriate amount of aerosol containing an appropriate amount of flavor components. This provides the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0066] Furthermore, if the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in Figure 1B, the control unit 116B, upon detecting a heating start operation (for example, pressing the operation button 22), controls the temperature of the heating unit 121B based on a pre-prepared heating profile to generate 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 heating unit 121B, and is pre-stored in the storage unit 114B, for example.

[0067] To elaborate on the temperature control of the heating unit 121B based on the heating profile (hereinafter also referred to as "heating control based on the heating profile"), the control unit 116B controls the temperature of the heating unit 121B based on the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of the heating control based on the heating profile and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121B (hereinafter also referred to as "actual temperature"). More specifically, at this time, the control unit 116B controls the temperature of the heating unit 121B so that the time series change of the actual temperature of the heating unit 121B is the same as the time series change of the target temperature defined in the heating profile.

[0068] The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor the user experiences when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121B based on the heating profile, the flavor the user experiences can be optimized, providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0069] Incidentally, in suction devices such as suction device 100, which generate substances to be aspirated by the user, a so-called "child resistance function" (hereinafter also referred to as "CR function") may be implemented to prevent problems arising from misuse by children (e.g., infants and toddlers). As an example of a CR function in such a suction device, it is conceivable that a specific operation on the suction device (for example, a so-called "long press" or multiple presses of the operation button on the suction device) is required when generating the substance to be aspirated or when turning on the power of the suction device. Here, making the specific operation complex can deter misuse by children, but it would also be troublesome for adults who are the legitimate users of the suction device.

[0070] The desired CR (Critical Risk) function in such suction devices is one that can suppress problems caused by misuse by children without significantly compromising convenience for adults, who are the legitimate users of the suction device. However, the history of suction device technology development is still relatively short, and there is room for improvement in the CR function of suction devices.

[0071] Therefore, in this embodiment, we focused on the fact that the height of children who are likely to tamper with the suction device 100 (for example, infants and toddlers under 3 years old; hereinafter simply referred to as "children") is lower than the height of adults who could be legitimate users of the suction device 100, and configured the suction device 100 to restrict predetermined operations depending on the height at which it is located. This prevents the suction device 100 from performing predetermined operations at low positions where children are presumably tampering with it, while allowing the suction device 100 to perform predetermined operations at high positions where adults are presumably using it. Thus, it is possible to suppress inconveniences caused by misuse by children while preventing a decrease in convenience for adults who are legitimate users of the suction device 100. Consequently, the performance of the CR function in the suction device 100 can be improved, thereby enhancing the marketability of the suction device 100. The following describes examples of the operation of the suction device 100 in more detail.

[0072] The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 acquires "altitude information," which is information indicating the height at which the suction device 100 is located, at a predetermined timing. Here, the height at which the suction device 100 is located is the vertical distance from a predetermined base point to the suction device 100. For example, if the suction device 100 is outdoors, the base point (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "base point") that serves as the reference for the height at which the suction device 100 is located can be the ground (i.e., the ground surface) of the location where the user possessing the suction device 100 is. Also, if the suction device 100 is indoors (including inside a car or other vehicle), the base point can be the floor surface of the location where the user possessing the suction device 100 is located.

[0073] Furthermore, the base point is not limited to the ground or floor; for example, it may be set by the user. This allows the user to set an appropriate location as the base point, taking into account their own location, etc. As an example, the base point may be set by the user performing a predetermined operation on the suction device 100, or on another device that can communicate with the suction device 100.

[0074] The control unit 116 acquires altitude information, for example, based on the detection results of the altitude sensors included in the sensor unit 112 (112A, 112B).

[0075] For example, if a barometric pressure sensor is used as the altitude sensor, the control unit 116 acquires altitude information based on the detection result (i.e., barometric pressure) of the barometric pressure sensor. More specifically, in this case, the suction device 100 has the user set an arbitrary vertical position near the floor (or ground) where the user is located as the base point. The suction device 100 then has the user measure the barometric pressure at the base point and the barometric pressure at a position raised somewhat upward from the base point (for example, the position in which an adult would normally use the suction device 100) using the barometric pressure sensor.

[0076] The control unit 116 then derives the elevation (i.e., the height from mean sea level) at the base point and the lifted position from the atmospheric pressure at each of the base point and the lifted position detected by the above measurement, and obtains altitude information where the difference between these elevations is the height at which the suction device 100 is located. This ensures that even when altitude information is obtained based on the detection results of the atmospheric pressure sensor, altitude information that shows an appropriate value for the height at which the suction device 100 is located can be obtained.

[0077] Furthermore, if the altitude sensor is capable of detecting altitude (and can output information indicating altitude as a detection result), the control unit 116 may derive the difference in altitude from the altitudes of the base point and the lifted position detected by the altitude sensor, and obtain altitude information where the height of the suction device 100 is located is the difference in altitude.

[0078] Furthermore, if a distance measuring sensor is used as the altitude sensor, the control unit 116 acquires altitude information based on the detection result of the distance measuring sensor. More specifically, in this case, the suction device 100 has the user measure the distance from the floor (or ground, i.e., the base point) where the user is located to the suction device 100 using the distance measuring sensor. The control unit 116 then acquires altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device 100 is located based on the distance detected by this measurement. This ensures that even when altitude information is acquired based on the detection result of the distance measuring sensor, altitude information indicating an appropriate value for the height at which the suction device 100 is located can be obtained.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may acquire altitude information based on information received via the communication unit 115 (115A, 115B) from another device capable of communicating with the suction device 100 (i.e., outside the suction device 100). As an example, the control unit 116 may acquire altitude information based on information received from a wearable device equipped with an altitude sensor (e.g., a barometric pressure sensor) (e.g., a smartwatch worn by the user).

[0080] The control unit 116 acquires altitude information, for example, when a predetermined operation is performed on the suction device 100. This reduces the number of times altitude information is acquired compared to when it is acquired periodically (for example, every minute) regardless of user operation, and suppresses the increase in power consumption of the suction device 100 associated with acquiring altitude information.

[0081] An operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information could be, for example, sliding the shutter 50 to open the opening 142. Also, if the suction device 100 is the suction device 100A shown in Figure 1A, the operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information could be attaching the flavoring cartridge 130 to the suction device 100A. As another example, if the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in Figure 1B, the operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information could be inserting the stick-type base material 150 into the opening 142.

[0082] In this embodiment, the operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information is the operation of sliding the shutter 50 to open the opening 142, and when this operation is detected, the control unit 116 starts acquiring altitude information. While the opening 142 is open, the control unit 116 acquires altitude information at a predetermined interval (for example, every 0.1 seconds). As a result, while the opening 142 is open, the control unit 116 can acquire altitude information that shows the height at which the suction device 100 is located in real time.

[0083] Incidentally, it is conceivable that tampering with the suction device 100 could cause the operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information to be repeated multiple times in a short period of time. In such a case, if advanced information is acquired each time the operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information is performed, the number of times advanced information is acquired will increase, and the power consumption of the suction device 100 associated with acquiring advanced information may increase.

[0084] Therefore, the control unit 116 may start acquiring advanced information after a predetermined period (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed since an operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information was performed. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the number of times advanced information is acquired, even if the operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information is repeated multiple times in a short period of time. Thus, it is possible to suppress the increase in power consumption of the suction device 100 associated with the acquisition of advanced information. The predetermined period can be appropriately determined by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, for example.

[0085] For example, suppose the operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information is the operation of sliding the shutter 50 to open the opening 142. In that case, when the operation of sliding the shutter 50 to open the opening 142 is performed and the state in which the opening 142 is open is maintained for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 116 may start acquiring altitude information.

[0086] As another example, suppose the operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information is the operation of attaching the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, when the operation of attaching the flavoring cartridge 130 is performed and the state of having the flavoring cartridge 130 attached is maintained for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 116 may start acquiring advanced information.

[0087] Furthermore, as another example, suppose the operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information is the operation of inserting the stick-type substrate 150 into the opening 142. In that case, when the operation of inserting the stick-type substrate 150 into the opening 142 is performed and the state in which the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted is maintained for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 116 may start acquiring advanced information.

[0088] When the control unit 116 acquires altitude information, it determines, based on the acquired altitude information, whether the height at which the suction device 100 is located is below a threshold. For example, each time altitude information is acquired, the control unit 116 determines whether the height indicated by the acquired altitude information is below a threshold. Here, the threshold is determined by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, for example, by taking into account the typical height of a child of an age that might tamper with the suction device 100.

[0089] Figure 5 shows an example of a threshold value that limits the operation of the suction device 100. In this embodiment, the CR function (i.e., operation limiting) of the suction device 100 is applied to infants and toddlers aged 3 years or younger. The average height of a 3-year-old child (i.e., a child with the highest average height among the children targeted by the CR function of the suction device 100) is approximately 100 cm.

[0090] Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the threshold that limits the operation of the suction device 100 is set to 130 cm. This allows the threshold to be set at a height that even infants, or toddlers around 100 cm tall, cannot reach even if they stretch their arms upwards as far as they can. On the other hand, a threshold of 130 cm is lower than the average height of an adult (for example, the average height of an adult woman). This avoids the threshold that limits the operation of the suction device 100 becoming a height that is difficult for adults to reach. This threshold may also be set by the user. In this way, the user can set a desired threshold considering their own height or the height of their child.

[0091] The control unit 116 determines whether the height at which the suction device 100 is located is below a threshold, and based on that determination, restricts a predetermined operation of the suction device 100. More specifically, if the control unit 116 determines that the height at which the suction device 100 is located is above the threshold, it does not restrict the predetermined operation of the suction device 100. In other words, in this case, the control unit 116 can cause the suction device 100 to perform a predetermined operation in response to input from the user. As a result, an adult who is able to raise the suction device 100 to a height above the threshold can release the restriction on the predetermined operation by performing a simple operation such as lifting the suction device 100 to a height above the threshold, and allow the suction device 100 to perform the predetermined operation as appropriate. Thus, a predetermined operation can be restricted while suppressing a decrease in convenience for adult users.

[0092] On the other hand, the control unit 116 restricts a predetermined operation of the suction device 100 if it determines that the height at which the suction device 100 is located is below a threshold. In other words, in this case, even if there is input from the user, the control unit 116 will not allow the suction device 100 to perform the predetermined operation. This prevents the predetermined operation from being performed on children who have difficulty raising the suction device 100 to a height above the threshold. Thus, it is possible to prevent problems arising from misuse by children.

[0093] Furthermore, predetermined operations that are limited according to the height at which the suction device 100 is located include, for example, the generation of aerosols in response to a user's request for aerosol generation. This makes it possible to prevent aerosol generation from occurring for children for whom it is difficult to raise the suction device 100 above a threshold height.

[0094] More specifically, for example, if the suction device 100 is the suction device 100A shown in Figure 1A, the predetermined operation may be the supply of power to the heating unit 121A in accordance with the suction operation of the suction device 100A. Alternatively, for example, if the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in Figure 1B, the predetermined operation may be heating control based on a heating profile corresponding to the heating start operation.

[0095] As another example, the predetermined operation may be an operation to turn on the power of the suction device 100 in response to a power-on operation by the user (for example, pressing the operation button 22) (i.e., an operation to start the suction device 100). In addition to these, any operation other than the operation related to the release of the operation restriction (i.e., the CR function) in the suction device 100 may be designated as the predetermined operation.

[0096] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may, upon determining that the height at which the suction device 100 is located is above a threshold, and after a predetermined operation has been performed, initiate the generation of an aerosol in accordance with that aerosol generation request. In this way, since multiple processes are required before aerosol generation occurs, the risk of accidentally generating an aerosol for a child can be further reduced.

[0097] For example, the control unit 116 may determine that the height at which the suction device 100 is located is above a threshold, and that the operation button 22 is pressed and held or pressed multiple times, in which case it may turn on the power to the suction device 100. Then, while the power to the suction device 100 is on, if the operation button 22 is pressed and held or pressed multiple times again, the control unit 116 may cause aerosol generation to occur.

[0098] More specifically, for example, if the suction device 100 is the suction device 100A shown in Figure 1A, the control unit 116A may turn on the power to the suction device 100A if it determines that the height at which the suction device 100 is located is greater than or equal to a threshold, and the operation button 22 is pressed for a long time or pressed multiple times. Then, while the power to the suction device 100A is on, if the operation button 22 is pressed for a long time or pressed multiple times again, the control unit 116 may supply power to the heating unit 121A in accordance with the suction operation on the suction device 100A.

[0099] Furthermore, if the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in Figure 1B, the control unit 116B may turn on the power to the suction device 100B if it determines that the height at which the suction device 100 is located is greater than or equal to a threshold, and the operation button 22 is pressed for a long time or pressed multiple times. Then, if the operation button 22 is pressed for a long time or pressed multiple times again while the power to the suction device 100B is on, the control unit 116 may start heating control based on the heating profile.

[0100] As another example, if the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in Figure 1B, the control unit 116B may turn on the power to the suction device 100B when it determines that the height at which the suction device 100 is located is greater than or equal to a threshold, and the operation button 22 is pressed and held or pressed multiple times. Then, with the power to the suction device 100B turned on, if the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the opening 142, the control unit 116 may start heating control based on the heating profile.

[0101] Furthermore, even if the user is an adult, there may be situations where it is difficult to raise the suction device 100 to a height above a threshold (e.g., 130 cm), such as when the user is inside a car. In such cases, if the user is an adult but cannot use the suction device 100, the convenience of the suction device 100 will decrease, potentially reducing its marketability.

[0102] Therefore, when the control unit 116 receives input of predetermined release information, it may disable the restriction on a predetermined operation of the suction device 100 for a certain period of time from the time it receives the input of said release information. In other words, when the control unit 116 receives input of release information, it may allow the suction device 100 to perform a predetermined operation for a certain period of time thereafter, regardless of the height at which the suction device 100 is located. This makes it possible to use the suction device 100 by inputting release information even when it is difficult for the user to raise the suction device 100 to a height above a threshold, thereby preventing a decrease in the convenience of the suction device 100.

[0103] For example, the release information may be input to the control unit 116 when the user performs a predetermined operation on the suction device 100 or another device capable of communicating with the suction device 100. In other words, the control unit 116 may acquire the release information via the sensor unit 112 or the communication unit 115.

[0104] Furthermore, if the operation that triggers the input of the release information is a direct operation on the suction device 100, it is desirable that this operation be somewhat complex, such as pressing and holding the operation button 22 or pressing it multiple times. This prevents the release information from being unintentionally input due to tampering with the suction device 100.

[0105] Furthermore, the unlock information may be entered only when the user's biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint authentication) is performed by the suction device 100 or another device capable of communicating with the suction device 100. This would more strongly prevent the unlock information from being entered unintentionally. Of course, other forms of user authentication such as gesture authentication, PIN (Personal Identification Number) authentication, password authentication, or voice authentication may be used instead of biometric authentication.

[0106] Furthermore, some users engage in so-called "chain smoking," which involves using two or more stick-type substrates 150 in succession. For such users, if they are required to perform an operation to release the operational restriction (i.e., the CR function) in the suction device 100 each time they use a new stick-type substrate 150, the effort required of the user when chain smoking will increase, potentially reducing the convenience of the suction device 100.

[0107] Therefore, the control unit 116 may, when a predetermined operation is performed in the suction device 100, disable the restriction on the predetermined operation of the suction device 100 for a certain period of time from the time the predetermined operation is completed. That is, when a predetermined operation is performed in the suction device 100, the control unit 116 may allow the suction device 100 to perform the predetermined operation for a certain period of time thereafter, regardless of the height at which the suction device 100 is located. In this case, the certain period from the time the predetermined operation of the suction device 100 is completed (i.e., the period during which the restriction on the predetermined operation is disabled) will hereafter be referred to as the "disablement period". The length of the disabled period is predetermined by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0108] For example, the control unit 116 may, within a certain period after the completion of heating control based on the heating profile (i.e., within the deactivation period), restart heating control based on the heating profile if a user requests aerosol generation, without requiring any operation to release the operational restrictions on the suction device 100. This can reduce the increased effort required from the user when chain smoking and improve the convenience of the suction device 100.

[0109] Here, let X[s] (e.g., 300[s]) be the period from when heating control based on the heating profile is started until it is completed. Users who perform chain smoking typically restart heating control based on the heating profile before 2×X[s] have elapsed after the initial heating control is completed. In other words, if heating control based on the heating profile is not restarted before 2×X[s] have elapsed after the initial heating control is completed, it is highly likely that the user does not intend to perform chain smoking.

[0110] Therefore, the deactivation period may be set to a period twice the length of time from when the heating control based on the heating profile is started until the heating control is completed, i.e., a period of 2 × X [s]. This allows for setting an appropriate length of deactivation period while suppressing the increase in user effort when chain smoking.

[0111] Furthermore, it is conceivable that it may be difficult for the user to determine how high to lift the suction device 100 in order to release the operational restrictions on the suction device 100.

[0112] Therefore, the control unit 116 may, based on the acquired altitude information, notify the user of the height at which the suction device 100 is located via the notification unit 113 (113A, 113B). This allows the user to understand the height at which the suction device 100 is located and to estimate how high the suction device 100 should be raised.

[0113] Information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located can, for example, be information indicating the height at which the suction device 100 is located. In this case, the information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located is not limited to explicitly stating the height at which the suction device 100 is located, such as "○○ [cm]", but may also be, for example, information that suggests the height at which the suction device 100 is located to the extent that the user can roughly grasp it. Furthermore, the information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located may also be, for example, information indicating whether or not there are operational restrictions depending on the current height at which the suction device 100 is located.

[0114] As an example, in this embodiment, as described above, the notification unit 113 includes a light-emitting device 23a configured to emit light in multiple colors, including blue, yellow, and red. The control unit 116 notifies the user of the height at which the suction device 100 is located by changing the light-emitting color of the light-emitting device 23a according to the height at which the suction device 100 is located. This makes it possible to intuitively and easily notify the user of the height at which the suction device 100 is located.

[0115] Figure 6 shows an example of the relationship between the height at which the suction device 100 is located and the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting device 23a. As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 116, for example, causes the light-emitting device 23a to emit red light when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 0 [cm] or more and less than 100 [cm].

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit 116 will, for example, cause the light-emitting device 23a to emit yellow light if the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 100 cm or more and less than 130 cm.

[0117] Then, the control unit 116 will, for example, cause the light-emitting device 23a to emit blue light if the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 130 cm or more.

[0118] In this way, by making the light-emitting color of the light-emitting device 23a different according to the height at which the suction device 100 is located, the user can roughly grasp the height at which the suction device 100 is located by the light-emitting color of the light-emitting device 23a.

[0119] More specifically, as shown by the white arrow α in Figure 6, for example, the suction device 100 is raised from a height of less than 100 cm, where smoking with the suction device 100 is not permitted, to a height of 130 cm or more, where smoking with the suction device 100 is permitted. At this time, the light emitted by the light-emitting device 23a changes from red to yellow, and then from yellow to blue. Therefore, by checking the light emitted by the light-emitting device 23a while raising the suction device 100, the user can efficiently raise the suction device 100 to a height where the operational restrictions of the suction device 100 are lifted.

[0120] In the example described above, the user is notified of the height at which the suction device 100 is located by changing the color of the light-emitting device 23a depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located. However, this is not the only way. Below, we will describe examples of how the user is notified of the height at which the suction device 100 is located by methods other than the color of the light-emitting device 23a.

[0121] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the light-emitting device 23a. As shown in Figure 7, in this example, the light-emitting device 23a comprises a first light-emitting element 23a_1, a second light-emitting element 23a_2, and a third light-emitting element 23a_3. For example, LEDs can 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.

[0122] In this example, for instance, the control unit 116 notifies the user of the height at which the suction device 100 is located by varying the number of light-emitting elements of the light-emitting device 23a that are to be emitted according to the height at which the suction device 100 is located. This makes it possible to inform the user of the height at which the suction device 100 is located in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0123] Figure 8 shows an example of the relationship between the height at which the suction device 100 is located and the number of light-emitting elements to be emitted. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 116, for example, emits light from one of the light-emitting elements (for example, the first light-emitting element 23a_1) of the light-emitting elements provided by the light-emitting device 23a when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 0 [cm] or more and less than 100 [cm].

[0124] Furthermore, the control unit 116 will, for example, if the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 100 cm or more and less than 130 cm, cause two of the light-emitting elements (for example, the first light-emitting element 23a_1 and the second light-emitting element 23a_2) of the light-emitting element provided by the light-emitting device 23a to emit light.

[0125] Then, the control unit 116, for example, if the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 130 [cm] or more, causes three of the light-emitting elements of the light-emitting device 23a (i.e., the first light-emitting element 23a_1, the second light-emitting element 23a_2, and the third light-emitting element 23a_3) to emit light.

[0126] In this way, by varying the number of light-emitting elements of the light-emitting device 23a that are made to emit light according to the height at which the suction device 100 is located, the user can roughly determine the height at which the suction device 100 is located based on the number of light-emitting elements that are emitted.

[0127] More specifically, as shown by the white arrow β in Figure 8, for example, the suction device 100 is raised from a height of less than 100 cm, where smoking with the suction device 100 is not permitted, to a height of 130 cm or more, where smoking with the suction device 100 is permitted. At this time, the number of light-emitting elements in the light-emitting device 23a that are emitted changes from one to two, and then from two to three. Therefore, by raising the suction device 100 while checking the number of light-emitting elements that are emitting, the user can efficiently raise the suction device 100 to a height where the operational restrictions of the suction device 100 are lifted.

[0128] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may also notify the user of the height at which the suction device 100 is located by making the light-emitting element of the light-emitting device 23a that is illuminated different depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located. In this case as well, the height at which the suction device 100 is located can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0129] More specifically, for example, the control unit 116 causes the first light-emitting element 23a_1 to emit light when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 0 [cm] or more and less than 100 [cm].

[0130] Furthermore, the control unit 116 causes the second light-emitting element 23a_2 to light up if the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 100 [cm] or more and less than 130 [cm].

[0131] Then, the control unit 116 causes the third light-emitting element 23a_3 to light up if the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 130 [cm] or more.

[0132] In this way, by making the light-emitting elements of the light-emitting device 23a that are illuminated vary according to the height at which the suction device 100 is located, the user can roughly grasp the height at which the suction device 100 is located by observing the illuminated light-emitting elements. Therefore, by lifting the suction device 100 while confirming the illuminated light-emitting elements, the user can efficiently lift the suction device 100 to a height at which the operational restrictions of the suction device 100 are released.

[0133] Furthermore, if the notification unit 113 includes a display unit for displaying images, the control unit 116 may notify the user of the height at which the suction device 100 is located by changing the display mode of the display unit according to the height at which the suction device 100 is located. In this case as well, the user can be notified of the height at which the suction device 100 is located in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner. Below, an example will be described in which the user is notified of the height at which the suction device 100 is located via a display device 23b, which is an example of a display unit included in the notification unit 113.

[0134] Figure 9 shows an example of a display device 23b. The display device 23b is installed in a position visible to the user in the suction device 100. For example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display may be used as the display device 23b.

[0135] In this example, the display device 23b displays, for example, an indicator I as an image to notify the user of information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located. Indicator I shows the height at which the suction device 100 is located in three stages.

[0136] Figure 10 shows an example of the relationship between the height at which the suction device 100 is located and the display mode of the indicator I on the display device 23b. As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 116, for example, sets the indicator I on the display device 23b to one level when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 0 [cm] or more and less than 100 [cm].

[0137] Furthermore, the control unit 116, for example, if the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 100 cm or more and less than 130 cm, will set the indicator I of the display device 23b to a two-stage display.

[0138] Furthermore, the control unit 116, for example, if the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 130 cm or more, sets the indicator I of the display device 23b to a three-stage display.

[0139] In this way, by changing the display mode of the display device 23b (the display mode of indicator I in the example described here) according to the height at which the suction device 100 is located, the user can understand the height at which the suction device 100 is located based on the display mode of the display device 23b.

[0140] More specifically, as shown by the white arrow γ in Figure 10, for example, the suction device 100 is raised from a height of less than 100 cm, where smoking with the suction device 100 is not permitted, to a height of 130 cm or more, where smoking with the suction device 100 is permitted. At this time, the indicator I on the display device 23b changes from a 1-stage display to a 2-stage display, and then from a 2-stage display to a 3-stage display. Therefore, by raising the suction device 100 while checking the indicator I on the display device 23b, the user can efficiently raise the suction device 100 to a height where the operational restrictions on the suction device 100 are lifted.

[0141] In the examples described above, the user is notified of the height at which the suction device 100 is located in three stages, but this is not limited to this. For example, the user may be notified in two stages: whether the height at which the suction device 100 is located is below the threshold of 130 cm, or 130 cm or more. Alternatively, the user may be notified of the height at which the suction device 100 is located in four or more stages.

[0142] Furthermore, if the notification unit 113 includes a vibrating device (a so-called vibrator), the control unit 116 may notify the user of information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located, depending on the vibration pattern of the vibrating device. In that case, the number of vibrations of the vibrating device or the vibration pattern may be changed according to the height at which the suction device 100 is located.

[0143] Furthermore, if the notification unit 113 includes a sound output device (e.g., a speaker) that outputs sound, the control unit 116 may notify the user of information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located by using the sound output device.

[0144] <<4. An example of processing executed by the control unit>> Next, an example of the processing performed by the control unit 116 will be described. Here, as an example, the processing performed by the control unit 116 will be described assuming that the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in Figure 1B.

[0145] Figure 11 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an example of processing performed by the control unit 116. Figure 12 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an example of processing performed by the control unit 116.

[0146] As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 116 first determines whether or not it is within the deactivation period (step S1). If it is determined that it is within the deactivation period (step S1: Yes), the control unit 116 proceeds to the process in step S7.

[0147] If it is determined that the invalidation period has not yet begun (Step S1: No), the control unit 116 determines whether or not it has received the input of the deactivation information (Step S2). If it is determined that it has received the input of the deactivation information (Step S2: Yes), the control unit 116 proceeds to the process in Step S7.

[0148] If it is determined that no deactivation information has been received (Step S2: No), the control unit 116 determines whether or not there was an operation that triggered the acquisition of advanced information (Step S3). If it is determined that there was no operation that triggered the acquisition of advanced information (Step S3: No), the control unit 116 returns to the process of Step S1.

[0149] If the control unit 116 determines that an operation has occurred that triggers the acquisition of altitude information (Step S3: Yes), it starts acquiring altitude information and, based on the acquired altitude information, notifies the user via the notification unit 113 of the height at which the suction device 100 is located (Step S4).

[0150] More specifically, in this embodiment, as described above, when the shutter 50 is slid as an operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information, the control unit 116 starts acquiring altitude information. Then, while the opening 142 is open, the control unit 116 acquires altitude information at a predetermined interval (i.e., in real time). Furthermore, each time altitude information is acquired, the control unit 116 notifies the user of the height indicated by the acquired altitude information (i.e., the height at which the suction device 100 is currently located) using the light-emitting device 23a or the like.

[0151] Furthermore, each time altitude information is acquired, the control unit 116 determines whether the height indicated by the acquired altitude information is below a threshold (step S5). If it is determined that the height indicated by the acquired altitude information is below a threshold (step S5: Yes), the control unit 116 continues to acquire altitude information at predetermined intervals and notify information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located, and performs the process of step S5 each time altitude information is acquired, until a timeout occurs (step S6: No). Also, if a timeout occurs (step S6: Yes), the control unit 116 terminates the series of processes shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0152] In step S6, the control unit 116 may determine a timeout based on the condition that a predetermined period (e.g., 180 seconds) has elapsed since the operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information occurred.

[0153] Furthermore, if the acquired altitude information determines that the height is above a threshold (Step S5: No), the control unit 116 determines whether or not a power-on operation has been performed (Step S7). If it determines that no power-on operation has been performed (Step S7: No), the control unit 116 repeats the process in Step S7 until a timeout occurs (Step S8: No). Also, if a timeout occurs (Step S8: Yes), the control unit 116 terminates the series of processes shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0154] In step S8, the control unit 116 may, similar to step S6, determine that a timeout has occurred, for example, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since an operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information occurred.

[0155] If it is determined that a power-on operation has occurred (Step S7: Yes), the control unit 116 turns on the power to the suction device 100 (Step S9). Then, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a heating start operation has occurred (Step S10). If it is determined that no heating start operation has occurred (Step S10: No), the control unit 116 repeats the process in Step S10 until a timeout occurs (Step S11: No). Also, if a timeout occurs (Step S11: Yes), the control unit 116 terminates the series of processes shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0156] In step S11, the control unit 116 may, similar to steps S6 and S8, determine a timeout based on, for example, whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the operation that triggered the acquisition of advanced information occurred.

[0157] If it is determined that a heating start operation has occurred (Step S10: Yes), the control unit 116 starts heating control based on the heating profile, as shown in Figure 12 (Step S12). The control unit 116 then waits for the heating control to be completed (Step S13: No), and once the heating control is completed (Step S13: Yes), it sets a certain period after the completion of heating control as an invalidation period (Step S14), and terminates the series of processes shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0158] As explained above, the suction device 100 restricts predetermined operations (e.g., aerosol generation) in the suction device 100 according to the height at which the suction device 100 is located. This prevents the suction device 100 from performing predetermined operations at low positions where children are expected to be tampering with it, while allowing the suction device 100 to perform predetermined operations (i.e., normal use of the suction device 100) at high positions where legitimate adult users are expected to be using it. Therefore, it is possible to suppress inconveniences caused by misuse by children while preventing a decrease in convenience for legitimate adult users of the suction device 100. In other words, the suction device 100 can provide users with appropriate CR functions and improve the marketability of the suction device 100.

[0159] The control method for the suction device 100 described in the above-mentioned embodiment can be realized by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer (processor). This program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and executed when read from the storage medium. This program may also be provided in the form of a non-transient storage medium such as flash memory, or it may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes this program may be, for example, one included in the suction device 100 (e.g., the CPU of the suction device 100), but is not limited to this, and may also be one included in another device that can communicate with the suction device 100 (e.g., a smartphone or server device).

[0160] Although 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 these embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these are also understood to naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the embodiments described above may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0161] This specification contains at least the following information. The components and other elements corresponding to those in the embodiments described above are shown in parentheses as examples, but are not limited thereto.

[0162] (1) A suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source (cartridge 120, flavoring cartridge 130, stick-type substrate 150), The suction device is equipped with a control unit (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) that controls the operation of the suction device, The control unit, The altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located is acquired. Based on the aforementioned altitude information, it is determined whether the height is less than a threshold. If it is determined that the height is less than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is restricted. Suction device.

[0163] According to (1), if it is determined that the height at which the suction device is located is below a threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is restricted, thereby preventing the predetermined operation from being performed on children who have difficulty raising the suction device to a height above the threshold. Thus, it is possible to prevent problems arising from misuse by children.

[0164] (2) The suction device described in (1), The suction device further comprises a heating section (heating sections 121, 121B) that heats the substrate to generate the aerosol, The control unit, in response to a user request for aerosol generation, controls the temperature of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines the time-series transition of the target temperature, which is a target value for the heating unit, thereby causing the suction device to generate the aerosol. The predetermined operation includes generating the aerosol in response to the aerosol generation request, Suction device.

[0165] According to (2), since the predetermined operation that is limited according to the height at which the suction device is located includes the generation of aerosols, it is possible to suppress the generation of aerosols for children for whom it is difficult to raise the suction device to a height above the threshold.

[0166] (3) The suction device described in (1), The suction device further comprises a heating unit (heating units 121, 121A) which heats the substrate by supplying power to generate the aerosol, The control unit, in response to a user request for aerosol generation, supplies a predetermined amount of power to the heating unit, thereby causing the suction device to generate the aerosol. The predetermined operation includes generating the aerosol in response to the aerosol generation request, Suction device.

[0167] According to (3), since the predetermined operation that is limited according to the height at which the suction device is located includes the generation of aerosols, it is possible to suppress the generation of aerosols for children for whom it is difficult to raise the suction device to a height above the threshold.

[0168] (4) A suction device as described in (2) or (3), The control unit determines that the height is equal to or greater than the threshold, and if a request for aerosol generation is made after a predetermined operation has been performed, it causes the aerosol to be generated in accordance with the aerosol generation request. Suction device.

[0169] According to (4), since multiple processes are required before aerosols are generated, it is possible to further suppress the generation of aerosols in children.

[0170] (5) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (4), The suction device further includes a notification unit (notification units 113, 113A, 113B) capable of notifying the user of predetermined information. The control unit further notifies the user of the height information based on the altitude information via the notification unit. Suction device.

[0171] According to (5), information regarding the height at which the suction device is located can be notified to the user via the notification unit, thus enabling the user to understand the height at which the suction device is located.

[0172] (6) The suction device described in (5), The notification unit includes a light-emitting unit (light-emitting device 23a), The control unit notifies the user of information regarding the height by changing the light emission pattern of the light-emitting unit according to the height. Suction device.

[0173] According to (6), the emission pattern of the light-emitting part is made different depending on the height at which the suction device is located, so that the height at which the suction device is located can be intuitively and clearly communicated to the user.

[0174] (7) The suction device described in (6), The light-emitting unit is configured to emit light in multiple colors, The control unit causes the light-emitting color of the light-emitting section to vary according to the height. Suction device.

[0175] According to (7), the light-emitting part emits different colors depending on the height at which the suction device is located, so that the user can be intuitively and easily notified of the height at which the suction device is located.

[0176] (8) The suction device described in (6), The light-emitting section is composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements (first light-emitting element 23a_1, second light-emitting element 23a_2, third light-emitting element 23a_3), The control unit varies the number of light-emitting elements or the number of light-emitting elements to be made to emit light from among the plurality of light-emitting elements, according to the height. Suction device.

[0177] According to (8), the number of light-emitting elements or the number of light-emitting elements to be emitted from among the multiple light-emitting elements of the light-emitting unit is made to differ according to the height at which the suction device is located, so that the height at which the suction device is located can be intuitively and clearly communicated to the user.

[0178] (9) The suction device described in (5), The notification unit includes a display unit (display device 23b) that displays an image, The control unit notifies the user of information regarding the height by changing the display mode of the display unit according to the height. Suction device.

[0179] According to (9), the display mode of the display unit is changed according to the height at which the suction device is located, so that the height at which the suction device is located can be intuitively and clearly communicated to the user.

[0180] (10) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (9), The control unit acquires the altitude information when an operation that triggers the acquisition of the altitude information occurs. Suction device.

[0181] According to (10), since advanced information is acquired when an operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information occurs, the number of times advanced information is acquired can be reduced compared to when advanced information is acquired periodically regardless of user operation, and the increase in power consumption of the suction device associated with acquiring advanced information can be suppressed.

[0182] (11) The suction device described in (10), The control unit starts acquiring the advanced information when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the operation that triggers the acquisition of the advanced information was performed. Suction device.

[0183] According to (11), since the acquisition of advanced information begins after a predetermined period has elapsed since the operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information was performed, even if the operation that triggers the acquisition of advanced information is repeated multiple times in a short period of time, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of times advanced information is acquired.

[0184] (12) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (11), When the control unit receives input of predetermined release information, it disables the restriction on the predetermined operation for a certain period of time from the time it receives input of said release information. Suction device.

[0185] According to (12), even if it is difficult for the user to raise the suction device to a height above the threshold, the suction device can be used by inputting release information, thereby preventing a decrease in the convenience of the suction device.

[0186] (13) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (12), When the predetermined operation is performed, the control unit disables the restriction on the predetermined operation for a certain period of time from the time the predetermined operation is completed. Suction device.

[0187] According to (13), this method can suppress the increase in user effort compared to a system where an operation to remove the restriction on a given operation is required for each given operation.

[0188] (14) The suction device described in (13), The suction device further comprises a heating unit that heats the substrate to generate the aerosol, The control unit, in response to a user request for aerosol generation, controls the temperature of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines the time-series transition of the target temperature, which is a target value for the heating unit, thereby causing the suction device to generate the aerosol. The predetermined operation includes the generation of the aerosol in response to the aerosol generation request, When the aerosol is generated, the control unit disables the predetermined restriction on operation for a certain period of time from the time the aerosol generation is completed. The aforementioned fixed period is twice the length of the period from when the heating control based on the heating profile is started until the heating control is completed. Suction device.

[0189] According to (14), it is possible to set a period of appropriate length as a time to disable the restrictions on certain operations while suppressing the increased effort required of the user when so-called "chain smoking".

[0190] (15) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (14), The control unit acquires altitude information, which indicates the vertical distance from a predetermined base point to the suction device as the height. The aforementioned base point is user-configurable. Suction device.

[0191] According to (15), it becomes possible to set an appropriate position as the base point.

[0192] (16) A computer (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) controls the operation of a suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates aerosols from a substrate having an aerosol source (cartridge 120, flavoring cartridge 130, stick-type substrate 150), The altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located is acquired. Based on the aforementioned altitude information, it is determined whether the height is less than a threshold. If it is determined that the height is less than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is restricted. A control method for executing a process.

[0193] According to (16), if it is determined that the height at which the suction device is located is below a threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is restricted, thereby preventing the predetermined operation from being performed on children who have difficulty raising the suction device to a height above the threshold. Thus, it is possible to prevent problems arising from misuse by children.

[0194] (17) A computer (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) that controls the operation of a suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates aerosols from a substrate having an aerosol source (cartridge 120, flavoring cartridge 130, stick-type substrate 150), The altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located is acquired. Based on the aforementioned altitude information, it is determined whether the height is less than a threshold. If it is determined that the height is less than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is restricted. A program that executes a process.

[0195] According to (17), if it is determined that the height at which the suction device is located is below a threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is restricted, thereby preventing the predetermined operation from being performed on children who have difficulty raising the suction device to a height above the threshold. Thus, it is possible to prevent problems arising from misuse by children. [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 100, 100A, 100B suction device 113, 113A, 113B Notification section 116, 116A, 116B Control Unit 121, 121A, 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. A suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, The suction device includes a control unit that controls the operation of the suction device, The control unit, The altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located is acquired. Based on the aforementioned altitude information, it is determined whether the height is less than a threshold. If it is determined that the height is less than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is restricted. If it is determined that the height is equal to or greater than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is not restricted. The threshold is a height that a child, who is the target of the restriction of the predetermined action, cannot reach, and is lower than the average height of an adult user. Suction device.

2. A suction device according to claim 1, The suction device further comprises a heating unit that heats the substrate to generate the aerosol, The control unit, in response to a user request for aerosol generation, controls the temperature of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines the time-series transition of the target temperature, which is a target value for the heating unit, thereby causing the suction device to generate the aerosol. The predetermined operation includes generating the aerosol in response to the aerosol generation request, Suction device.

3. A suction device according to claim 1, The suction device further comprises a heating unit that generates the aerosol by heating the substrate when power is supplied, The control unit, in response to a user request for aerosol generation, supplies a predetermined amount of power to the heating unit, thereby causing the suction device to generate the aerosol. The predetermined operation includes generating the aerosol in response to the aerosol generation request, Suction device.

4. A suction device according to claim 2, The control unit determines that the height is equal to or greater than the threshold, and if a request for aerosol generation is made after a predetermined operation has been performed, it causes the aerosol to be generated in accordance with the aerosol generation request. Suction device.

5. A suction device according to claim 1, The suction device further comprises a notification unit capable of notifying the user of predetermined information, The control unit further notifies the user of the height information based on the altitude information via the notification unit. Suction device.

6. A suction device according to claim 5, The notification unit includes a light-emitting unit that emits light, The control unit notifies the user of information regarding the height by changing the light emission pattern of the light-emitting unit according to the height. Suction device.

7. A suction device according to claim 6, The light-emitting unit is configured to emit light in multiple colors, The control unit causes the light-emitting color of the light-emitting section to vary according to the height. Suction device.

8. A suction device according to claim 6, The light-emitting section is composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements, The control unit varies the number of light-emitting elements or the number of light-emitting elements to be made to emit light from among the plurality of light-emitting elements, according to the height. Suction device.

9. A suction device according to claim 5, The notification unit includes a display unit that displays an image, The control unit notifies the user of information regarding the height by changing the display mode of the display unit according to the height. Suction device.

10. A suction device according to claim 1, The control unit acquires the altitude information when an operation that triggers the acquisition of the altitude information occurs. Suction device.

11. A suction device according to claim 10, The control unit starts acquiring the advanced information when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the operation that triggers the acquisition of the advanced information was performed. Suction device.

12. A suction device according to claim 1, When the control unit receives input of predetermined release information, it disables the restriction on the predetermined operation for a certain period of time from the time it receives input of said release information. Suction device.

13. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, When the predetermined operation is performed, the control unit disables the restriction on the predetermined operation for a certain period of time from the time the predetermined operation is completed. Suction device.

14. A computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates aerosols from a substrate containing an aerosol source, The altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located is acquired. Based on the aforementioned altitude information, it is determined whether the height is less than a threshold. If it is determined that the height is less than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is restricted. If it is determined that the height is equal to or greater than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is not restricted. Execute the process, The threshold is a height that a child, who is the target of the restriction of the predetermined action, cannot reach, and is lower than the average height of an adult user. Control method.

15. A computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates aerosols from a substrate having an aerosol source, The altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located is acquired. Based on the aforementioned altitude information, it is determined whether the height is less than a threshold. If it is determined that the height is less than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is restricted. If it is determined that the height is equal to or greater than the threshold, the predetermined operation of the suction device is not restricted. Execute the process, The threshold is a height that a child, who is the target of the restriction of the predetermined action, cannot reach, and is lower than the average height of an adult user. program.

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