Electronic equipment and aerosol generating apparatus

Abstract

An electronic device comprising a simple display unit that performs simple display and a control unit that performs control such that display by the simple display unit is performed when a cover is not attached, wherein when a cover is attached, the control unit determines, in accordance with the cover type, whether or not display is to be performed by the simple display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an aerosol generating device in which a notification unit outputs, for example, light and / or sound according to an error signal when the notification unit receives an error signal generated by a control unit based on data in response to a malfunction occurring in a power supply unit. And it is described that the notification unit may be a light emitting device such as an LED, for example. Patent Document 2 discloses an aerosol generating device in which a control unit generates an error signal based on the content and cause of an abnormal state and causes a notification unit to make a notification according to the error signal. And it is described that the notification unit is, for example, a light emitting diode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For an electronic device having a simple display unit that performs simple display, a cover may be attached for its protection or the like. In that case, depending on the type of the cover, there may be a case where it is not necessary to perform display by the simple display unit. If display is performed by the simple display unit even in such a case, power will be wasted.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce power waste caused by performing display by a simple display unit regardless of the type of the cover when the cover is attached.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To this end, the present disclosure provides an electronic device comprising a simplified display unit for simple display and a control unit that controls the simplified display unit to display when a cover is not attached, wherein the control unit determines whether or not to display when a cover is attached, according to the type of cover. The cover type may include a first cover having a detailed display section for detailed display and a second cover without a detailed display section, and the control unit may control the system so that it does not display information using the simplified display section when the first cover is attached, and displays information using the simplified display section when the second cover is attached. In that case, the first cover may be a cover that hides the simple display area when attached, or it may be a cover that does not hide the simple display area when attached. In that case, the control unit may be configured to disable the display unit when the first cover is attached. In that case, the first cover may include a third cover that, when attached, hides the simplified display unit, and a fourth cover that, when attached, does not hide the simplified display unit. The control unit may control the system so that it does not display information when the third cover is attached, and does display information when the fourth cover is attached. In that case, the control unit may also be configured to make the simplified display unit unusable when the third cover is attached.

[0007] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source by power supply from a power source, a simple display unit that provides simple display, and a control unit that controls the simple display unit to provide display when a cover is not attached, wherein the control unit determines whether or not to provide display by the simple display unit depending on the type of cover when a cover is attached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, when a cover is attached, it is possible to reduce wasted power by displaying information using a simple display unit regardless of the type of cover. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A] This is an overall perspective view of the aerosol generating apparatus in this embodiment, taken from diagonally above. [Figure 1B] This is an overall perspective view of the aerosol generating apparatus in this embodiment, taken from a diagonally downward angle. [Figure 2A] This is an overall perspective view from diagonally above of another example of the aerosol generating apparatus in this embodiment. [Figure 2B] This is an overall perspective view from a diagonal downward angle of another example of the aerosol generating apparatus in this embodiment. [Figure 3A] This is an external view of the inner surface of the front cover of the aerosol generator in this embodiment. [Figure 3B] This is an external view of the outer surface of the main housing of the aerosol generating device in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device in this embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example of the display on an aerosol generator when the front cover is not installed. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a display on an aerosol generator when a front cover without a liquid crystal display is attached. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of the display on an aerosol generator when a front cover is installed that obscures the LEDs. [Figure 8] This figure shows a first example of the display of an aerosol generator when a front cover is installed that does not obscure the LEDs. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a second example of the display on an aerosol generator when a front cover is installed that does not obscure the LEDs. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the control unit of the aerosol generation device in the present embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the control unit of the aerosol generation device in the present embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] [Example of the External Configuration of the Aerosol Generation Device] FIGS. 1A and 1B are overall perspective views of the aerosol generation device 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 1A shows an overall perspective view from obliquely above, and FIG. 1B shows an overall perspective view from obliquely below. As shown in the drawing, the aerosol generation device 1 includes a front cover 10, a main body housing 20 that is detachable from the front cover 10, and a shutter 50. The front cover 10 and the main body housing 20 are composed of separate members. The front cover 10 includes a display window 60 and a display device 70 on its surface. Note that the front cover 10 may be configured with different patterns, colors, and different materials, etc., for each type of front cover. The user may appropriately select a front cover of a type that suits their preference. The main body housing 20 houses the main body 30 of the aerosol generation device 1. The main body housing 20 also includes an external connection terminal 80 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C connector.

[0012] By attaching the front cover 10 to the main body housing 20, the outermost housing 40 of the aerosol generating device 1 is configured. By attaching a front cover 10 with a design that suits the user's preference, the fashionability of the aerosol generating device 1 can be improved. In addition, since the aerosol generating device 1 includes the front cover 10, it can buffer the heat released to the outside even when the main body 30 generates heat. That is, the front cover 10 functions to insulate the heat generated from the heating part of the main body 30. Furthermore, the front cover 10 is formed such that its surface is substantially a curved surface. When attached to the main body housing 20, the front cover 10 defines an internal space together with the surface of the main body housing 20.

[0013] The housing 40 should be sized to fit in the user's hand. The user holds the aerosol generating device 1 with one hand while touching the surface of the front cover 10 with a fingertip. Also, when the user presses the surface of the front cover 10 with a fingertip, the front cover 10 is deformed so as to form a recess toward the main body housing 20. As a result of such deformation of the front cover 10, the protrusion provided on the front cover 10 contacts the operation button provided on the surface of the main body housing 20, thereby pressing down the operation button. That is, the portion pressed by the fingertip on the surface of the front cover 10 forms the button area 15.

[0014] In addition, in order for the user to deform the front cover 10, for example, it is necessary to simultaneously press the button area 15 using a plurality of fingers. For example, it requires a greater pressing force compared to when a user presses a single button provided to protrude from the surface of the housing with a single finger. That is, the aerosol generating device 1 in the present embodiment is advantageous in that it can prevent unintended misoperations by the user, including accidentally pressing the operation button in a bag. Also, since a child's pressing force, which is not appropriate for a user of the aerosol generating device 1, cannot easily press the button area 15 of the front cover 10, it is also advantageous in terms of preventing mischief (child resistance).

[0015] The main housing 20 has an opening into which a stick-shaped substrate is inserted, but Figures 1A and 1B show the shutter 50 closing the opening. The shutter 50 has a sliding mechanism and is movable along the surface of the outer shell between a first position that closes the opening and a second position that opens the opening. The opening and closing of the opening can be detected by providing a sensor (not shown) near the first position and / or the second position. For example, a magnet is placed on the shutter 50, and the opening and closing of the opening is detected by a magnetic sensor.

[0016] The opening is opened when the user places their finger on the shutter 50 and slides it along the side. As a result of the opening being opened, the user can insert a stick-shaped substrate. After inserting the stick-shaped substrate, the user can turn on the power to the aerosol generator 1 by pressing the surface of the front cover 10 with their finger and pressing the operation button.

[0017] The display window 60 is made of a transparent material and, as will be described later, allows light from one or more LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) located inside the main body 30 to pass through. The display device 70 is positioned so as not to overlap with the display window 60, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The display device 70 displays status information of the main unit 30 in characters or images. The display device 70 may be an opaque display or a transparent display.

[0018] Figures 2A and 2B are overall perspective views of another example of the aerosol generator 1 in this embodiment. Figure 2A shows an overall perspective view from diagonally above, and Figure 2B shows an overall perspective view from diagonally below. In Figures 1A and 1B, the display device 70 was positioned on the front cover 10 so as not to overlap with the display window 60, but in Figures 2A and 2B, the display device 70 is positioned on the front cover 10 so as to overlap with the display window 60. Here, the display device 70 is an opaque display. In this case, even if light from the LED passes through the display window 60, the user cannot see the light, so the display window 60 does not need to be provided. On the other hand, if the display device 70 is a transparent display, the user can see the light from the LED that has passed through the display window 60, so the display window 60 may be provided.

[0019] [Examples of the external configuration of the front cover and main housing] Figures 3A and 3B are external views of the front cover 10 and main housing 20 of the aerosol generator 1. Figure 3A shows an external view of the inner surface of the front cover 10, and Figure 3B shows an external view of the outer surface of the main housing 20. When the front cover 10 is attached to the main housing 20, the inner surface of the front cover 10 and the outer surface of the main housing 20 face each other.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3A, magnets 11, 12, 13, and 14 are arranged along the longitudinal direction on the inner surface of the front cover 10. When the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, magnets 11 and 14 are attracted to the main body housing 20 by their magnetic force (magnetic attraction). This holds the front cover 10 in place on the main body housing 20. The 12 presses the operation button 22 provided on the surface of the main body housing 20. Magnet 13 is configured as a magnetic field application part for the sensor part of the main body 30. In other words, the magnetic field applied from magnet 13 is detected by the magnetic sensor 23 of the main body housing 20, thereby allowing the front cover 10 to be detected.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3B, the outer surface of the main housing 20 has a magnet 21, a through hole 25, an operation button 22, and a magnet 24 arranged along the longitudinal direction from the shutter 50 side. On the inner surface of the main housing 20 (more precisely, on the substrate at approximately zero distance from the inner surface), a magnetic sensor 23 is positioned along the longitudinal direction between the operation button 22 and the magnet 24. The magnets 21, operation button 22, magnetic sensor 23, and magnet 24 of the main housing 20 correspond to the magnets 11, protrusion 12, magnet 13, and magnet 14 of the front cover 10, respectively. In other words, when the front cover 10 is attached to the main housing 20, the magnets 21, operation button 22, magnetic sensor 23, and magnet 24 are aligned with and face the magnets 11, protrusion 12, magnet 13, and magnet 14, respectively.

[0022] The magnets 21 and 24 of the main housing 20 are attracted to the magnets 11 and 14 of the front cover 10 by their magnetic force (magnetic attraction). In other words, the magnets 11 and 21 and the magnets 14 and 24 attract each other, holding the front cover 10 in place so that it can be attached to the main housing 20. It is preferable that the magnets 11 and 14 of the front cover 10, and the magnets 21 and 24 of the main housing 20, are made of permanent magnets.

[0023] The operation button 22 is located on the surface to which the front cover 10 is attached. In other words, when the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the operation button 22 is covered by the front cover 10 and pressed down by the projection 12 on the front cover 10. This allows, for example, switching the power of the aerosol generator 1 on and off.

[0024] The magnetic sensor 23 detects the magnetic force based on the magnetic field applied from the magnet 13 on the front cover 10. For example, the magnetic sensor 23 may be a Hall sensor made using a Hall element. This allows for the detection of the front cover 10 being attached to the main housing 20.

[0025] The magnetic sensor 23 of the main housing 20 is positioned to face the magnet 13 of the front cover 10 via the inner surface of the main housing 20 when the front cover 10 is attached to the main housing 20. In other words, when the front cover 10 is attached to the main housing 20, the distance between the magnetic sensor 23 of the main housing 20 and the magnet 13 of the front cover 10 is minimized.

[0026] Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 23 of the main housing 20 is configured not to detect the magnetic fields generated by the two magnets 21 and 24 of the main housing 20. Specifically, it is preferable to position the magnetic sensor 23 on the inner surface of the main housing 20 at a distance from the two magnets 21 and 24 on the outer surface of the main housing 20. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of the magnetic fields from these two magnets 21 and 24 on the magnetic sensor 23 to almost zero.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferable to configure the magnetic sensor 23 and the magnet 24 (or magnet 21) in the main housing 20 to be separated in such a way that the distance between them is greater than the distance between the magnet 13 and the magnetic sensor 23 when the front cover 10 is attached to the main housing 20. This allows the magnetic sensor 23 to appropriately consider only the magnetic field applied by the magnet 13, without having to consider the influence of the magnetic field of the magnet 24, when detecting the attachment of the front cover 10 to the main housing 20.

[0028] The through-hole 25 is an opening aligned with one or more LEDs located inside the main body 30, allowing light from the LEDs to pass through to the display window 60 of the front cover 10. This allows the user to see the light from the outer surface of the front cover 10.

[0029] [Example of internal configuration of an aerosol generator] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1. In the aerosol generator 1, a stick-type substrate 90 having a flavor-generating substrate such as a filling material containing an aerosol source, which is an inhalation component source, and a flavor source is inserted. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, but may also be a solid. The inserted stick-type substrate 90 is heated from its outer circumference to generate an aerosol containing flavor.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the front cover 10 includes a notification unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a communication unit 103.

[0031] The notification unit 101 notifies the user of information. In this embodiment, the notification unit 101 is a display device 70 such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, but it may also be a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, etc. The notification unit 101 may notify information by a different notification means than the notification unit 303 of the main unit 30, as long as it notifies information in more detail than the notification unit 303 of the main unit 30. For example, if the notification unit 303 of the main unit 30 is an LED, the notification unit 101 may notify information in more detail than the LED by using a number of vibration patterns. The notification unit 101 is an example of a detailed display unit that displays information in detail.

[0032] The storage unit 102 stores information about the front cover 10. The information about the front cover 10 includes information indicating whether the front cover 10 has a display device 70. If the front cover 10 has a display device 70, the information about the front cover 10 includes information indicating the location on the front cover 10 where the display device 70 is installed, and information indicating whether the display device 70 is a transparent display or an opaque display. The storage unit 102 is implemented by the storage function of an NFC tag when the communication unit 103 adopts NFC (Near Field Communication) as the short-range wireless communication standard. An NFC tag is a tag that includes an antenna for communication using NFC and an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip that performs processing for communication using NFC. Alternatively, the storage unit 102 may be implemented by ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0033] The communication unit 103 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any short-range wireless communication standard. Examples of such short-range wireless communication standards include NFC and Bluetooth®. When NFC is adopted as the short-range wireless communication standard, the communication unit 103 is implemented by the communication function of an NFC tag. Alternatively, the communication unit 103 may perform communication by means of, for example, mechanical contact of electrodes, mechanical contact using spring-loaded electrode pins (pogo pins), or coupling of a connector.

[0034] Furthermore, the main unit 30 includes a control unit 300, a power supply unit 301, a sensor unit 302, a notification unit 303, a storage unit 304, a communication unit 305, a holding unit 310, a heating unit 311, and a heat insulation unit 312.

[0035] The control unit 300 functions as both an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, controlling the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1 according to various programs. The control unit 300 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.

[0036] The power supply unit 301 stores power. Based on the control of the control unit 300, the power supply unit 301 supplies power to each component of the aerosol generator 1. The power supply unit 301 may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0037] The sensor unit 302 acquires various information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, the sensor unit 302 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with inhalation by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 302 is composed of an input device such as a button or switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0038] Furthermore, the sensor unit 302 detects the attachment of the front cover 10 to the main housing 20. For example, the sensor unit 302 is composed of a magnetic sensor 23. The sensor unit 302 then detects that the front cover 10, which is equipped with a magnetic field application unit (for example, a magnet and / or magnetic material) that applies a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor 23, is in the vicinity of the sensor unit 302.

[0039] The notification unit 303 notifies the user of information. In this embodiment, the notification unit 303 is a display unit consisting of a light-emitting element such as an LED, but it may also be a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, etc. The notification unit 303 may notify information by a different notification means than the notification unit 101 of the front cover 10, as long as it notifies information more simply than the notification unit 101 of the front cover 10. For example, if the notification unit 101 of the front cover 10 is a liquid crystal display, the notification unit 303 may notify information more simply than the liquid crystal display by using a small number of vibration patterns. The notification unit 303 is an example of a simple display unit that provides simple information.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, the LED notifies the user of the operation information of the aerosol generator 1 through a predetermined light emission pattern. Specifically, the LED emits light to inform the user of the status of whether the aerosol generator 1 is powered on, the progress of preheating, the suction status (remaining time for suction, etc.), and the current operating mode of the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., suction mode and / or communication mode, etc.).

[0041] The memory unit 304 stores various information necessary for the operation of the aerosol generator 1. The memory unit 304 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium, such as flash memory. In addition to computer executable instructions for operating the aerosol generator 1, the memory unit 304 also stores programs such as firmware.

[0042] The communication unit 305 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. For wireless communication, examples of such communication standards include Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth®. For wired communication, a data communication cable is connected via the external connection terminal 80. This allows for the input and output of data related to the operation of the aerosol generator 1 to and from external devices.

[0043] Furthermore, the communication unit 305 may activate its communication function when the aperture 314 of the shutter 50 is opened and start communication with an external terminal using Bluetooth® or the like. Alternatively, it may terminate communication with the external terminal when the aperture 314 of the shutter 50 is closed. The Bluetooth® connection between the communication unit 305 and the external terminal should preferably be a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) connection.

[0044] Furthermore, the communication unit 305 is a communication interface capable of communicating with the front cover 10 in accordance with any short-range wireless communication standard. Examples of such short-range wireless communication standards include NFC and Bluetooth®. Alternatively, the communication unit 305 may communicate by means of, for example, mechanical contact of electrodes, mechanical contact using spring-loaded electrode pins (pogo pins), or coupling of a connector.

[0045] The holding portion 310 has an internal space 313 and holds the stick-type substrate 90 while accommodating a portion of the stick-type substrate 90 in the internal space 313. The holding portion 310 has an opening 314 that communicates the internal space 313 with the outside and holds the stick-type substrate 90 inserted into the internal space 313 from the opening 314. For example, the holding portion 310 is a cylindrical body with the opening 314 and bottom portion 315 as its bottom surface, defining a columnar internal space 313. In this specification, the direction in which the stick-type substrate 90 is inserted into the internal space 313 is defined as the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0046] The holding portion 310 has a pressing portion and a non-pressing portion (neither of which are shown) along the longitudinal direction on the inner wall of the internal space 313. When the internal space 313 receives the stick-shaped substrate 90, the pressing portion presses the stick-shaped substrate 90 in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to it. The stick-shaped substrate 90 is then pressed and deformed by the pressing portion and held by the holding portion 310. As a result, the stick-shaped substrate 90 is heated from the outside by the heating portion 311 while being pressed.

[0047] On the other hand, a gap (not shown) is formed between the non-pressing portion and the stick-shaped base material 90. As a result, the opening 314 and the bottom portion 315 are connected through this gap.

[0048] The holding portion 310 also has the function of defining the airflow path for the air supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 90. The air inlet 316, which is the air entrance to this flow path, is an opening 314. More precisely, the air inlet 316 is the air gap between the non-pressing portion and the stick-shaped substrate 90. Air flowing in from the air inlet 316 when the user sucks on it is transported through the stick-shaped substrate 90 along the dotted arrow to the air outlet 317, which is the air exit from the flow path.

[0049] The stick-type substrate 90 includes a base portion 91 and a mouthpiece portion 92. The base portion 91 includes an aerosol source. When the stick-type substrate 90 is held in the holding portion 310, at least a part of the base portion 91 is housed in the internal space 313, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 92 protrudes from the opening 314. When the user puts the mouthpiece portion 92 protruding from the opening 314 in their mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 313 from the air inlet hole 316, and along the dotted arrow, is transported to the air outlet hole 317 of the mouthpiece portion 92 via the bottom portion 315, and reaches the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from the base portion 91. The stick-type substrate 90 is an example of a substrate that includes an aerosol source.

[0050] The heating unit 311 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, thereby atomizing the aerosol source. The heating unit 311 is configured in a film-like form and is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the holding unit 310. When the heating unit 311 generates heat, the base material portion 91 of the stick-type base material 90 is heated from the outer circumference, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 311 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 301. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 302 detects that the user has started suctioning, that a predetermined user input operation has been received, and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power may be stopped when the sensor unit 302 detects that the user has finished suctioning, that a predetermined user input operation has been received, and / or that predetermined information has been input. The heating unit 311 is an example of a heating unit that heats the base material by power supply from a power source.

[0051] The heat insulating section 312 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 311 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 312 is made of a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.

[0052] The above describes an example configuration of the aerosol generator 1. Of course, the configuration of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to the above, and can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0053] As an example, the heating section 311 may be configured in a blade shape and positioned to protrude from the bottom 315 of the holding section 310 into the internal space 313. In this case, the blade-shaped heating section 311 is inserted into the base material portion 91 of the stick-shaped base material 90 and heats the base material portion 91 of the stick-shaped base material 90 from the inside. As another example, the heating section 311 may be positioned to cover the bottom 315 of the holding section 310. Furthermore, the heating section 311 may be configured as a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating section that covers the outer circumference of the holding section 310, a blade-shaped second heating section, and a third heating section that covers the bottom 315 of the holding section 310.

[0054] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 311. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0055] [Overview of Display Control for Aerosol Generators] In the aerosol generating apparatus 1 described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 300 performs the following first to third display controls. In the following explanation, a liquid crystal display will be used as an example for the notification unit 101 of the front cover 10, and an LED will be used as an example for the notification unit 303 of the main unit 30.

[0056] As a first display control, the control unit 300 performs a display control that includes displaying an LED when the front cover 10 is not installed, and determining whether or not to display an LED when the front cover 10 is installed, according to the type of front cover 10.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 300 performs a second display control when there are two types of front covers 10: a first front cover with a liquid crystal display and a second front cover without a liquid crystal display. Specifically, as the second display control, the control unit 300 performs a display control in which it does not display with LEDs when the first front cover is installed, and displays with LEDs when the second front cover is installed.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 300 performs a third display control when there is a third front cover that hides the LEDs when attached as the first front cover, and a fourth front cover that does not hide the LEDs when attached. Specifically, the aerosol generator 1 performs a third display control in which it does not display with LEDs when the third front cover is attached, and displays with LEDs when the fourth front cover is attached.

[0059] [Specific examples of labeling for aerosol generators] First, we will explain an example of the display of the aerosol generator 1 when the front cover 10 is not installed in the first display control. Figure 5 shows an example of the display of the aerosol generator 1 in this case. Similar to Figure 3B, Figure 5 shows an external view of the outer surface of the main body housing 20. The outer surface of the main body housing 20 is provided with through holes 25. The through holes 25 allow light from LEDs placed inside the main body 30 to pass through. The aerosol generator 1 displays information using LEDs, as shown by the dot hatching inside the through holes 25 in the figure. Displaying information using LEDs includes keeping the LEDs in a state where they can be displayed if there is no information to be displayed at that time, and will display information when information to be displayed becomes available. For example, the aerosol generator 1 keeps the LED switch on when the front cover 10 is not attached.

[0060] Next, we will describe an example of the display of the aerosol generator 1 when a front cover 10 without a liquid crystal display is attached, in the second display control. Figure 6 shows an example of the display of the aerosol generator 1 in this case. Similar to Figure 1A, Figure 6 shows an overall perspective view of the aerosol generator 1 from diagonally above. A display window 60 is provided on the outer surface of the front cover 10. The display window 60 allows light from an LED located inside the main body 30 to pass through. The aerosol generator 1 displays information using LEDs, as shown by the dot hatching inside the display window 60 in the figure. Displaying information using LEDs includes keeping the LEDs in a state where they can be displayed if there is no information to be displayed at that time, and will display information when information to be displayed becomes available. For example, even when the front cover 10 without a liquid crystal display is attached to the aerosol generator 1, the LED switch remains on.

[0061] Next, we will describe an example of the display of the aerosol generator 1 when the front cover 10, which obscures the LEDs when attached, is installed, in the third display control. Figure 7 shows an example of the display of the aerosol generator 1 in this case. Like Figure 1A, Figure 7 shows an overall perspective view of the aerosol generator 1 from diagonally above. A display device 70 is provided on the outer surface of the front cover 10 in a position that overlaps with the display window 60. The display device 70 is an opaque liquid crystal display. In other words, the display device 70 hides the display window 60 and also hides the through hole 25. The aerosol generator 1 displays information using the liquid crystal display, as indicated by the diagonal hatching inside the display device 70 in the figure. On the other hand, since the through hole 25 is hidden and the light from the LED cannot be seen from the outside, the aerosol generator 1 does not display anything using the LED. Not displaying anything using the LED includes making the LED unable to display anything if there is no information to display at that time, so that even if information to display is generated, the LED will not display anything. For example, when the front cover 10, which hides the LED when attached, is attached to the aerosol generator 1, the LED switch is turned off.

[0062] In this example, the display device 70 is positioned to overlap the display window 60 of the front cover 10, thereby concealing the LEDs. However, this is not the only way to achieve this. The LEDs can be concealed by not providing the display window 60 on the front cover 10, even without the display window 60.

[0063] Next, we will describe an example of the display of the aerosol generator 1 when the front cover 10, which does not obscure the LEDs when attached, is installed, in the third display control. Figure 8 shows a first display example of the aerosol generator 1 in this case. Like Figure 1A, Figure 8 shows an overall perspective view of the aerosol generator 1 from diagonally above. A display window 60 is provided on the outer surface of the front cover 10, and a display device 70 is provided in a position that does not overlap the display window 60. The display window 60 allows light from LEDs placed inside the main body 30 to pass through, and the display device 70 is an opaque liquid crystal display. The aerosol generator 1 displays information using the liquid crystal display, as shown by the diagonal hatching inside the display device 70 in the figure. The aerosol generator 1 also displays information using LEDs, as shown by the dot hatching inside the display window 60 in the figure. Displaying information using LEDs here includes keeping the LEDs in a state where they can be displayed if there is no information to display at that time, and will display information when information to be displayed becomes available. For example, the aerosol generator 1 keeps the LED switch on even when the front cover 10, which does not hide the LEDs when attached, is installed.

[0064] Furthermore, a second example of display can be considered as a variation of this first example. Figure 9 shows a second display example of the aerosol generator 1. Similar to Figure 8, the aerosol generator 1 displays information using a liquid crystal display, as indicated by the diagonal hatching within the display device 70 in the figure. On the other hand, although it is a different display control from the third display control, the aerosol generator 1 does not display information using LEDs, as indicated by the absence of dot hatching within the display window 60 in the figure. Not displaying information using LEDs here includes making the LEDs unusable so that if there is no information to display at that time, the LEDs will not display information even if information to be displayed becomes available. For example, the aerosol generator 1 switches off the LEDs when the front cover 10, which does not obscure the LEDs when attached, is installed.

[0065] In this example, the display device 70 is positioned so as not to overlap with the display window 60 of the front cover 10, thereby preventing the front cover 10 from obscuring the LEDs. However, this is not the only option. Even if the display device 70 is positioned so as to overlap with the display window 60 of the front cover 10, the front cover 10 may still not obscure the LEDs by making the display device 70 a transparent display.

[0066] [Details of the operation of the aerosol generator] In this embodiment, two examples of operation of the control unit 300 of the aerosol generating device 1 are possible: a first example of operation and a second example of operation. The first example of operation is an example of operation in which the display shown in Figure 8 is performed when the front cover 10, which does not obscure the LEDs when installed, is attached. In other words, the first example of operation is an example of operation in which all of the first, second, and third display controls are performed. The second example of operation is an example of operation in which the display shown in Figure 9 is performed when a front cover 10 that does not obscure the LEDs is installed. This second example of operation can be understood as an example of operation in which the LEDs are not displayed regardless of whether the liquid crystal display obscures the LEDs when a front cover 10 with a liquid crystal display is installed. In other words, the second example of operation is an example of operation in which the first and second display controls are performed, but the third display control is not performed.

[0067] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of operation of the control unit 300 of the aerosol generating device 1 in this embodiment.

[0068] As shown in the diagram, first, the control unit 300 determines whether the front cover 10 is attached (step 351). For example, the control unit 300 determines whether the front cover 10 is attached based on whether the magnetic sensor 23 detects the magnetic force from the magnet 13 of the front cover 10. If it is determined that the front cover 10 is not attached, the control unit 300 controls the LED to display (step 354). For example, the control unit 300 turns on the LED switch so that the LED can be displayed.

[0069] If the control unit 300 determines in step 351 that the front cover 10 has been installed, it determines whether the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display (step 352). For example, the control unit 300 receives information indicating whether the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display, which is stored in the storage unit 102 of the front cover 10, from the communication unit 103 of the front cover 10 via the communication unit 305. Based on this received information, the control unit 300 determines whether the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display. If it determines that the front cover 10 does not have a liquid crystal display, the control unit 300 controls the LED to display (step 354). For example, the control unit 300 turns on the LED switch so that LED display is possible.

[0070] If the control unit 300 determines in step 352 that the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display, it determines whether the liquid crystal display obscures the LEDs (step 353). For example, the control unit 300 receives information indicating the position of the liquid crystal display and information indicating whether the liquid crystal display is transparent or opaque, stored in the storage unit 102 of the front cover 10, from the communication unit 103 of the front cover 10 via the communication unit 305. Based on this received information, the control unit 300 determines whether the liquid crystal display obscures the LEDs. If it determines that the liquid crystal display does not obscure the LEDs, the control unit 300 controls the system to display the LEDs (step 354). For example, the control unit 300 turns on the LED switch so that the LEDs can be displayed.

[0071] If the control unit 300 determines in step 353 that the liquid crystal display is obscuring the LEDs, it controls the display so that the LEDs are not shown (step 355). For example, the control unit 300 turns off the LED switch so that it is impossible to display anything using the LEDs. At that time, the control unit 300 controls the display so that the liquid crystal display is shown.

[0072] In this example, the control unit 300 controlled the LED to display when it determined in step 353 that the liquid crystal display would not obscure the LED, but this is not limited to this. Even if it is determined in step 353 that the liquid crystal display would not obscure the LED, if it is determined that the front cover 10 would obscure the LED for reasons such as the absence of a display window 60, the control unit 300 may control the LED not to display.

[0073] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of operation of the control unit 300 of the aerosol generator 1 in this embodiment. The flowchart in Figure 11 is the same as the flowchart in Figure 10, but with step 353 removed. However, steps 351, 352, 354, and 355 in Figure 10 are represented as steps 371, 372, 373, and 374 in Figure 11, respectively.

[0074] First, the content of the determination process in step 371 and the processing corresponding to the result are the same as the content of the determination process in step 351 and the processing corresponding to the result in Figure 10. The content of the determination process in step 372 is the same as the content of the determination process in step 352 in Figure 10. If step 372 determines that the front cover 10 does not have a liquid crystal display, the control unit 300 controls the LED to display (step 373). For example, the control unit 300 turns on the LED switch so that the LED display can be made available. If the control unit 300 determines in step 372 that the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display, it controls the LEDs so that they do not display (step 374). For example, the control unit 300 turns off the LED switch so that it is impossible to display anything using the LEDs. At that time, the control unit 300 controls the liquid crystal display to display.

[0075] [Differentiation] The above description concerns the application of this embodiment to heated tobacco products, but it is not limited to this. This embodiment can be applied to various aerosol generating devices for inhaling aerosols, such as e-cigarettes and nebulizers. Furthermore, the inhaled components produced may include not only aerosols but also invisible gases such as vapor. Moreover, this embodiment may be applied to general electronic devices other than aerosol generating devices.

[0076] [Effects of this embodiment] In the aerosol generator 1 of this embodiment, if the front cover 10 is not installed, an LED indicator is used. If the front cover 10 is installed, the presence or absence of an LED indicator is determined according to the type of front cover 10. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the wasted power caused by displaying an LED indicator regardless of the type of front cover 10 when the front cover 10 is installed.

[0077] [summary] This disclosure includes the following components: (1) An electronic device comprising a simple display unit that provides a simple display, and a control unit that controls the simple display unit to provide a display when a cover is not attached, wherein the control unit determines whether or not to provide a display from the simple display unit depending on the type of cover when a cover is attached. (2) The electronic device according to (1), wherein the type of cover includes a first cover having a detailed display section for detailed display and a second cover not having a detailed display section, and the control unit controls the device so that it does not display by the simplified display section when the first cover is attached, and displays by the simplified display section when the second cover is attached. (3) The first cover is a cover that, when attached, conceals the simple display section, as described in (2). (4) The first cover is an electronic device as described in (2), which does not obscure the simple display unit when attached. (5) The control unit is an electronic device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the simple display unit is rendered unusable when the first cover is attached. (6) The electronic device according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the first cover includes a third cover that, when attached, hides the simple display unit, and a fourth cover that, when attached, does not hide the simple display unit, and the control unit controls the device so that it does not display anything when the third cover is attached, and does display anything when the fourth cover is attached. (7) The control unit is the electronic device described in (6) which disables the display unit when the third cover is attached. (8) An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source by power supply from a power source; a simple display unit that provides simple display; and a control unit that controls the simple display unit to provide display when a cover is not attached, wherein the control unit determines whether or not to provide display by the simple display unit depending on the type of cover when a cover is attached. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1...Aerosol generator, 10...Front cover, 20...Main housing, 30...Main unit, 40...Housing, 50...Shutter, 60...Display window, 70...Display device, 80...External connection terminal, 101...Notification unit, 102...Storage unit, 103...Communication unit, 300...Control unit, 301...Power supply unit, 302...Sensor unit, 303...Notification unit, 304...Storage unit, 305...Communication unit, 310...Holding unit, 311...Heating unit, 312...Insulation unit

Claims

1. A simplified display unit for simple display, A control unit that controls the system to display information using the simplified display unit when the cover is not attached, Equipped with, The control unit, when the cover is attached, determines whether or not to display a message on the simplified display unit, depending on the type of cover. electronic equipment.

2. The types of covers include a first cover having a detailed display section for detailed display and a second cover not having the detailed display section. The control unit controls the system so that it does not display anything on the simplified display unit when the first cover is attached, and does display anything on the simplified display unit when the second cover is attached. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. The first cover is a cover that, when attached, hides the simple display section. The electronic device according to claim 2.

4. The first cover is a cover that does not obscure the simple display section when attached. The electronic device according to claim 2.

5. The control unit makes the simplified display unit unusable when the first cover is attached. The electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The type of cover includes a third cover that, when attached, conceals the simple display section, and a fourth cover that, when attached, does not conceal the simple display section. The control unit controls the system so that it does not display anything on the simplified display unit when the third cover is attached, and does display anything on the simplified display unit when the fourth cover is attached. The electronic device according to claim 1.

7. The control unit makes the simplified display unit unusable when the third cover is attached. The electronic device according to claim 6.

8. A heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source by power supply from a power source, A simplified display unit for simple display, A control unit that controls the system to display information using the simplified display unit when the cover is not attached, Equipped with, The control unit, when the cover is attached, determines whether or not to display a message on the simplified display unit, depending on the type of cover. Aerosol generator.

Images