A suction device configured to perform a heating operation using a heating profile, a method performed by the suction device, and a program for the suction device.

Abstract

Provided is an inhalation device that transmits a heating profile to another inhalation device.　The inhalation device is configured to control a heating operation by using a heating profile, and is further configured to transmit the heating profile to another inhalation device that controls a heating operation by using a heating profile.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to inhalation devices for aerosols, gases, etc. Examples of inhalation devices may include, but are not limited to, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, medical nebulizers, etc. Furthermore, inhalation devices are so-called RRPs (Reduced-Risk Products). [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, technologies for P2P (Peer-to-Peer) communication between e-cigarettes have been developed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2015 / 149339) discloses that one e-cigarette transmits request information to request tobacco tar flavor information, and another e-cigarette that receives the request information generates and sends back response information that conveys the tobacco tar flavor according to the request information.

[0004] However, the e-cigarette described in Patent Document 1 above does not transmit a heating profile for controlling the heating operation to other e-cigarettes.

[0005] Furthermore, according to the technology described in Patent Document 1, tobacco tar flavor information is not transmitted unless the receiving side requests it from the transmitting side. The said document does not disclose the transmission of information initiated (triggered) by the transmitting side. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 149339 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2015 / 149336 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2015 / 149326 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This disclosure is made in light of the foregoing.

[0008] The object of this disclosure is to provide a suction device that transmits a heating profile to another suction device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a suction device configured to control a heating operation using a heating profile, further configured to transmit the heating profile to other suction devices that control a heating operation using a heating profile.

[0010] In one embodiment, the suction device may be further configured to generate the transmitted heating profile based on the heating profile used by the suction device, the characteristics of the heater provided by the suction device, and the characteristics of the heater provided by the other suction device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the suction device may be further configured to receive the characteristics of the heater provided by the other suction device from the other suction device.

[0012] In one embodiment, the suction device may be further configured to store a first heating profile, receive a second heating profile from another suction device, and, when set to use the first heating profile, if set to use the second heating profile received from the other suction device, to revert the setting back to use the first heating profile in response to the completion of use of the second heating profile.

[0013] In one embodiment, the suction device has a storage area for a plurality of heating profiles that can be selected by a user of the suction device, including the first heating profile, and the selected heating profile is set to be used, and can be further configured to store the second heating profile in the area in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied.

[0014] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition may be one or more of the condition that a predetermined action is detected in the suction device and the condition that a predetermined operation is performed in an external device connected to the suction device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the suction device can be further configured to transmit the heating profile used by the suction device to the other suction device and to transmit the characteristics of the heater included in the suction device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the characteristics of the heater may represent the relationship between the temperature of the heater and the resistance value of the heater.

[0017] In one embodiment, the characteristics of the heater include the rate of change of the resistance value per unit temperature of the heater when the heater is near the first temperature, the rate of change of the resistance value per unit temperature of the heater when the heater is near the second temperature, the resistance value of the heater when the heater is at the first temperature, the standard resistance value at room temperature of a heater manufactured on the same line as the heater, and the highest temperature output by one or more temperature sensors close to the heater when the heater is at the first temperature.

[0018] In one embodiment, the heating profile may represent the target temperature or target resistance value of the heater over time.

[0019] In one embodiment, the suction device is further configured to control the heating operation for a certain period by using the heating profile, the certain period is divided into a plurality of periods, and the heating profile used by the suction device can include the target resistance value of the heater included in the suction device for each of the divided periods.

[0020] In one embodiment, the suction device is further configured to heat the heater for a certain period by using the heating profile, the certain period is divided into a plurality of periods, and the heating profile used by the suction device can include the target temperature for each of the divided periods.

[0021] In one embodiment, the suction device can be further configured to perform P2P (Peer to Peer) connection with the other suction device and perform transmission and reception with the other suction device via the P2P connection.

[0022] To solve the above problems, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method executed by a suction device that controls a heating operation using a heating profile, the method including the step of transmitting the heating profile to another suction device that controls the heating operation using the heating profile.

[0023] To solve the above problems, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for a suction device that controls a heating operation using a heating profile, the program causing the suction device to execute the step of transmitting the heating profile to another suction device that controls the heating operation using the heating profile.

[0024] To solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a suction device configured to control a heating operation using a heating profile, further configured to initiate a heating profile transmission process in response to detection of a predetermined action, wherein the heating profile transmission process includes the step of the suction device transmitting a heating profile to another suction device that controls a heating operation using a heating profile.

[0025] In one embodiment, the heating profile transmission process may include the steps of: the suction device transmitting a first signal to the other suction device indicating the start of the heating profile transmission process; the suction device transmitting a second signal to the other suction device requesting the transmission of heater characteristics when it receives an acknowledgment of the first signal from the other suction device; the suction device generating a heating profile when it receives the heater characteristics from the other suction device; and the suction device transmitting the generated heating profile to the other suction device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the suction device may be further configured to transmit an acknowledgment to the other suction device for the first signal received from the other suction device, and to transmit the heater characteristics to the other suction device when it receives the second signal from the other suction device.

[0027] In one embodiment, the suction device may be further configured not to respond to further detection of predetermined actions after responding to detection of a predetermined action until the heating profile transmission process is completed.

[0028] In one embodiment, the suction device may include a sensor for detecting the movement of the suction device, and the sensor may be further configured to detect when the suction device is shaken as a predetermined action.

[0029] In one embodiment, the suction device can be further configured to be connected to the other suction device via a P2P (Peer to Peer) connection and to transmit and receive data with the other suction device via the P2P connection.

[0030] In one embodiment, the suction device may be further configured to determine which of the two suction devices should take priority when it receives the first signal from the other suction device after transmitting the first signal to the other suction device and before receiving the acknowledgment for the first signal, and if it determines that the suction device should take priority, it may not transmit the acknowledgment for the first signal received from the other suction device.

[0031] In one embodiment, when establishing the P2P connection, one of the suction devices and the other suction device may be set as the central and the other as the peripheral, and the suction device may be further configured to determine that it should take priority when the suction device is set as the central.

[0032] To solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method performed by a suction device that controls heating operation using a heating profile, the method comprising the step of initiating a heating profile transmission process in response to the detection of a predetermined action, the heating profile transmission process comprising the step of the suction device transmitting the heating profile to another suction device that controls heating operation using a heating profile.

[0033] To solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program for a suction device that controls heating operation using a heating profile, wherein the program causes the suction device to perform a step of starting a heating profile transmission process in response to detecting a predetermined action, and the heating profile transmission process includes the step of the suction device transmitting the heating profile to another suction device that controls heating operation using a heating profile. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a suction device can be provided that transmits a heating profile to another suction device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1A] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first example configuration of a suction device. [Figure 1B] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 1C] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a third configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 1D] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth configuration example of the suction device. [Figure 2] This is a pseudo-sequence diagram illustrating the flow of an example process for initiating the heating profile transmission process. [Figure 3] This is a pseudo-sequence diagram showing the flow of the example heating profile transmission process. [Figure 4] This is a pseudo-sequence diagram showing the flow of another example heating profile transmission process. [Figure 5] This is a graph plotting the temperature change of an example heater. [Figure 6] This shows an example data structure for a heating profile. [Figure 7] Another example data structure for a heating profile is shown. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the memory configuration of an example heating profile. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] 1. Configuration of the suction device The following describes an example of the configuration of a suction device, which is one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0037] A suction device is a device that generates a substance to be aspirated by the user. In the following description, the substance generated by the suction device is assumed to be an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device may be a gas. The following describes various configurations of the suction device.

[0038] 1-1 Example Configuration The suction device in this example generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source from within the substrate. This example will be described below with reference to Figure 1A.

[0039] 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 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a storage unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, a control unit 116A, a heating unit 121A, and a holding unit 140A. With the stick-shaped substrate 150A held in the holding unit 140A, suction is performed by the user. Each component will be described in order below.

[0040] The power supply unit 111A stores power. The power supply unit 111A then 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. The power supply unit 111A may be charged by connecting to an external power source via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. Alternatively, the power supply unit 111A may be charged wirelessly using power transmission technology while not connected to a power-transmitting device. Furthermore, the power supply unit 111A may be removed from the suction device 100A, or it may be replaced with a new power supply unit 111A.

[0041] The sensor unit 112A detects various information related to the suction device 100A. The sensor unit 112A then outputs the detected information to the control unit 116A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor. When the sensor unit 112A detects a value associated with suction by the user, it outputs information to the control unit 116A indicating that suction has been performed 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 a button or switch. In particular, the sensor unit 112A may include a button that instructs the start / stop of aerosol generation. The sensor unit 112A then outputs the information input by the user to the control unit 116A. As yet another example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121A. Such a temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 121A based, for example, on the electrical resistance value of the conductive track of the heating unit 121A. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be a thermistor that measures the temperature of the heating section 121A. The sensor section 112A may detect the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150A held by the holding section 140A based on the temperature of the heating section 121A. The sensor section 112A may also include a sensor for detecting the movement of the suction device 100A (for example, movement resulting from an action by the user shaking the suction device 100A), i.e., a motion sensor. An example of such a sensor is an acceleration sensor, but it is not limited to this.

[0042] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113A is composed of a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this case, the notification unit 113A emits light in different patterns depending on whether the power supply unit 111A needs charging, whether the power supply unit 111A is charging, or whether an abnormality occurs in the suction device 100A. The light-emitting pattern here is a concept that includes color and the timing of turning on / off. The notification unit 113A may be composed of a display device that displays images (e.g., a display), a sound output device that outputs sound (e.g., a speaker), and a vibration device that vibrates (e.g., a vibration motor), either together with or instead of the light-emitting device. In addition, the notification unit 113A may notify information indicating that the user is ready to suction. Information indicating that the user is ready to suction is notified when the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150A heated by the heating unit 121A reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0043] The storage unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100A. The storage unit 114A is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory. An example of the information stored in the storage unit 114A is information related to the OS (Operating System) of the suction device 100A, such as the control contents of various components by the control unit 116A. Another example of the information stored in the storage unit 114A is information related to suction by the user, such as the number of suctions, suction time, and cumulative suction time. As will be described later, the storage unit 114A can store one or more heating profiles for controlling the heating operation in the suction device 100A. It is preferable that the storage unit 114A is configured to be able to store multiple heating profiles.

[0044] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface for sending and receiving information between the suction device 100A and other devices. The communication unit 115A communicates in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). As an example, the communication unit 115A transmits information about suction performed by the user to a smartphone in order to display the information on the smartphone. As another example, the communication unit 115A receives new OS information from a server in order to update the OS information stored in the storage unit 114A.

[0045] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit, 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) and a microprocessor. In addition, the control unit 116A may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing the programs and calculation parameters used, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as needed. The suction device 100A performs various processes based on the control of the control unit 116A. Examples of processes controlled by the control unit 116A include supplying power from the power supply unit 111A to other components, charging the power supply unit 111A, detecting information by the sensor unit 112A, notifying information by the notification unit 113A, storing and reading information by the storage unit 114A, and transmitting and receiving information by the communication unit 115A. Other processes performed by the suction device 100A, such as inputting information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 116A.

[0046] The holding portion 140A has an internal space 141A and holds the stick-type substrate 150A while accommodating a portion of the stick-type substrate 150A in the internal space 141A. The holding portion 140A has an opening 142A that communicates the internal space 141A with the outside and holds the stick-type substrate 150A inserted into the internal space 141A from the opening 142A. For example, the holding portion 140A is a cylindrical body with the opening 142A and bottom portion 143A as its base, defining a columnar internal space 141A. The holding portion 140A is configured such that, in at least a portion in the height direction of the cylindrical body, its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-type substrate 150A, and can hold the stick-type substrate 150A inserted into the internal space 141A by compressing it from the outer circumference. The holding portion 140A also has the function of defining an airflow path through the stick-type substrate 150A. The air inlet, which is the entry point for air into the flow path, is located, for example, at the bottom 143A. On the other hand, the air outlet, which is the exit point for air from the flow path, is the opening 142A.

[0047] The stick-type base material 150A is a stick-shaped component. The stick-type base material 150A includes a base material portion 151A and a suction port portion 152A.

[0048] The base material 151A contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized by heating, generating an aerosol. The aerosol source may be tobacco-derived, such as processed products made by molding shredded tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. The aerosol source may also contain non-tobacco-derived materials made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). As an example, the aerosol source may contain fragrance components such as menthol. If the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain medication for the patient to inhale. The aerosol source is not limited to solids, but may also be liquids such as glycerin and polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, and water. At least a portion of the base material 151A is housed in the internal space 141A of the holding part 140A when the stick-type base material 150A is held in the holding part 140A.

[0049] The suction nozzle 152A is a component that the user holds in their mouth when suctioning. At least a portion of the suction nozzle 152A protrudes from the opening 142A when the stick-shaped base material 150A is held in the holding part 140A. When the user holds the suction nozzle 152A protruding from the opening 142A in their mouth and suctions, air flows into the inside of the holding part 140A from an air inlet hole (not shown). The incoming air passes through the internal space 141A of the holding part 140A, that is, through the base material 151A, and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base material 151A.

[0050] The heating unit 121A generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, thereby atomizing the aerosol source. The heating unit 121A is made of any material such as metal or polyimide. For example, the heating unit 121A is configured in a blade shape and is positioned to protrude from the bottom 143A of the holding unit 140A into the internal space 141A of the holding unit 140A. Therefore, when the stick-type substrate 150A is inserted into the holding unit 140A, the blade-shaped heating unit 121A is inserted into the inside of the stick-type substrate 150A, piercing the substrate portion 151A of the stick-type substrate 150A. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick-type substrate 150A is heated from the inside of the stick-type substrate 150A and atomized, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated when the sensor unit 112A detects that a predetermined user input has been made. When the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150A heated by the heating unit 121A reaches a predetermined temperature, the user can inhale. Subsequently, power may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that a predetermined user input has been made. As another example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated during the period in which the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has inhaled. Structurally, the heating unit 121A is an electric heater.

[0051] 1-2 Second Configuration Example The suction device in this example generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source from outside the substrate. This example will be explained below with reference to Figure 1B.

[0052] 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 holding unit 140B, and a heat insulating unit 144B. With the stick-shaped substrate 150B held in the holding unit 140B, suction is performed by the user. Each component will be described in order below.

[0053] The power supply unit 111B stores power. The power supply unit 111B then supplies power to each component of the suction device 100B. The power supply unit 111B may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The power supply unit 111B may be charged by connecting to an external power source via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. Alternatively, the power supply unit 111B may be charged wirelessly using power transmission technology while not connected to a power-transmitting device. Furthermore, the power supply unit 111B may be removed from the suction device 100B, or it may be replaced with a new power supply unit 111B.

[0054] The sensor unit 112B detects various information related to the suction device 100B. The sensor unit 112B then outputs the detected information to the control unit 116B. As an example, the sensor unit 112B is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor. When the sensor unit 112B detects a value associated with suction by the user, it outputs information to the control unit 116B indicating that suction has been performed by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112B is composed of an input device that accepts information input from the user, such as a button or switch. In particular, the sensor unit 112B may include a button that instructs the start / stop of aerosol generation. The sensor unit 112B then outputs the information input by the user to the control unit 116B. As yet another example, the sensor unit 112B is composed of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121B. Such a temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 121B based on, for example, the electrical resistance value of the conductive track of the heating unit 121B. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be a thermistor that measures the temperature of the heating unit 121A. The sensor unit 121B may detect the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150B held by the holding unit 140B based on the temperature of the heating unit 121B. The sensor unit 112B may also include a sensor for detecting the movement of the suction device 100B (for example, movement resulting from an action by the user shaking the suction device 100B), i.e., a motion sensor. An example of such a sensor is an acceleration sensor, but it is not limited to this.

[0055] The notification unit 113B notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113B is composed of a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this case, the notification unit 113B emits light in different patterns depending on whether the power supply unit 111B needs charging, the power supply unit 111B is charging, or an abnormality occurs in the suction device 100B. The light-emitting pattern here is a concept that includes color and the timing of turning on / off. The notification unit 113B may be composed of a display device that displays images (e.g., a display), a sound output device that outputs sound (e.g., a speaker), and a vibration device that vibrates (e.g., a vibration motor), together with or instead of the light-emitting device. In addition, the notification unit 113B may notify information indicating that the user is ready to suction. Information indicating that the user is ready to suction is notified when the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150B heated by the heating unit 121B reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0056] The storage unit 114B stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100B. The storage unit 114B is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory. An example of the information stored in the storage unit 114B is information related to the OS (Operating System) of the suction device 100B, such as the control contents of various components by the control unit 116B. Another example of the information stored in the storage unit 114B is information related to suction by the user, such as the number of suctions, suction time, and cumulative suction time. As will be described later, the storage unit 114B can store one or more heating profiles for controlling the heating operation in the suction device B. It is preferable that the storage unit 114B is configured to be able to store multiple heating profiles.

[0057] The communication unit 115B is a communication interface for sending and receiving information between the suction device 100B and other devices. The communication unit 115B communicates in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Bi®, or Bluetooth®. As an example, the communication unit 115B transmits information about the user's suction to a smartphone in order to display the information about the user's suction on the smartphone. As another example, the communication unit 115B receives new OS information from a server in order to update the OS information stored in the storage unit 114B.

[0058] The control unit 116B functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit, controlling the overall operation of the suction device 100B according to various programs. The control unit 116B is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. In addition, the control unit 116B may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing the programs and calculation parameters used, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as needed. The suction device 100B performs various processes based on the control of the control unit 116B. Examples of processes controlled by the control unit 116B include supplying power from the power supply unit 111B to other components, charging the power supply unit 111B, detecting information by the sensor unit 112B, notifying information by the notification unit 113B, storing and reading information by the storage unit 114B, and transmitting and receiving information by the communication unit 115B. Other processes performed by the suction device 100B, such as inputting information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 116B.

[0059] The holding portion 140B has an internal space 141B and holds the stick-type substrate 150B while accommodating a portion of the stick-type substrate 150B in the internal space 141B. The holding portion 140B has an opening 142B that communicates the internal space 141B to the outside and holds the stick-type substrate 150B inserted into the internal space 141B from the opening 142B. For example, the holding portion 140B is a cylindrical body with the opening 142B and bottom portion 143B as its base, defining a columnar internal space 141B. The holding portion 140B is configured such that, in at least a portion in the height direction of the cylindrical body, its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-type substrate 150B, and can hold the stick-type substrate 150B inserted into the internal space 141B by compressing it from the outer circumference. The holding portion 140B also has the function of defining an airflow path through the stick-type substrate 150B. The air inlet, which is the entry point for air into the flow path, is located, for example, at the bottom 143B. On the other hand, the air outlet, which is the exit point for air from the flow path, is the opening 142B.

[0060] The stick-type base material 150B is a stick-shaped component. The stick-type base material 150B includes a base material portion 151B and a suction port portion 152B.

[0061] The base material 151B contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized by heating, generating an aerosol. The aerosol source may be tobacco-derived, such as processed products made by molding shredded tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powders. The aerosol source may also contain non-tobacco-derived materials made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). As an example, the aerosol source may contain fragrance components such as menthol. If the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain medication for the patient to inhale. The aerosol source is not limited to solids, but may also be liquids such as glycerin and polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, and water. At least a portion of the base material 151B is housed in the internal space 141B of the holding part 140B when the stick-type base material 150B is held in the holding part 140B.

[0062] The suction nozzle 152B is a component that the user holds in their mouth when suctioning. At least a portion of the suction nozzle 152B protrudes from the opening 142B when the stick-shaped base material 150B is held in the holding part 140B. When the user holds the suction nozzle 152B protruding from the opening 142B in their mouth and suctions, air flows into the inside of the holding part 140B from an air inlet hole (not shown). The incoming air passes through the internal space 141B of the holding part 140B, that is, through the base material 151B, and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base material 151B.

[0063] The heating unit 121B generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing it. The heating unit 121B is made of any material such as metal or polyimide. For example, the heating unit 121B is made in the form of a film and is arranged to cover the outer circumference of the holding unit 140B. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150B is heated from the outer circumference of the stick-shaped substrate 150B and atomized, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121B generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111B. For example, power may be supplied when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 112B. When the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150B heated by the heating unit 121B reaches a predetermined temperature, the user can inhale. After that, power may be stopped when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 112B. As another example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated during the period when the sensor unit 112B detects that the user has inhaled. The heating element 121B is structurally an electric heater.

[0064] The heat insulating section 144B prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components of the suction device 100B. The heat insulating section 144B is positioned to cover at least the outer periphery of the heating section 121B. For example, the heat insulating section 144B is made of vacuum insulating material and aerogel insulating material. Vacuum insulating material is an insulating material in which heat conduction by gas is reduced to almost zero by wrapping glass wool and silica (silicon powder) etc. in a resin film and creating a high vacuum.

[0065] 1-3 Third Configuration Example The suction device according to this example generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source from both inside and outside the substrate. This example will be described below with reference to Figure 1C.

[0066] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram illustrating a third configuration example of the suction device. As shown in Figure 1C, the suction device 100C according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111C, a sensor unit 112C, a notification unit 113C, a storage unit 114C, a communication unit 115C, a control unit 116C, a heating unit 121C-1, a heating unit 121C-2, a holding unit 140C, and a heat insulating unit 144C. With the stick-shaped substrate 150C held in the holding unit 140C, suction is performed by the user. Each component will be described in order below.

[0067] The power supply unit 111C stores power. The power supply unit 111C then supplies power to each component of the suction device 100C. The power supply unit 111C may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The power supply unit 111C may be charged by connecting to an external power source via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. Alternatively, the power supply unit 111C may be charged wirelessly using power transmission technology while not connected to a power-transmitting device. Furthermore, the power supply unit 111C may be removed from the suction device 100C, or it may be replaced with a new power supply unit 111C.

[0068] The sensor unit 112C detects various information related to the suction device 100C. The sensor unit 112C then outputs the detected information to the control unit 116C. As an example, the sensor unit 112C is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor. When the sensor unit 112C detects a value associated with suction by the user, it outputs information to the control unit 116C indicating that suction has been performed by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112C is composed of an input device that accepts information input from the user, such as a button or switch. In particular, the sensor unit 112C may include a button that instructs the start / stop of aerosol generation. The sensor unit 112C then outputs the information input by the user to the control unit 116C. As yet another example, the sensor unit 112C is composed of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of heating unit 121C-1 and heating unit 121C-2, respectively. Such a temperature sensor detects the temperature of heating section 121C-1 and heating section 121C-2 based on the electrical resistance values ​​of the conductive tracks of each heating section 121C-1 and heating section 121C-2. Alternatively, such a temperature sensor may be a thermistor that measures the temperature of heating section 121A. Sensor section 121C may detect the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150C held by the holding section 140C based on the temperatures of heating section 121C-1 and heating section 121C-2. Sensor section 112C may also include a sensor for detecting the movement of the suction device 100C (for example, movement resulting from an action by the user shaking the suction device 100C), i.e., a motion sensor. An example of such a sensor is, but is not limited to, an acceleration sensor.

[0069] The notification unit 113C notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113C is composed of a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this case, the notification unit 113C emits light in different patterns depending on whether the power supply unit 111C needs charging, the power supply unit 111C is charging, or an abnormality occurs in the suction device 100C. The light-emitting pattern here is a concept that includes color and the timing of turning on / off. The notification unit 113C may be composed of a display device that displays images (e.g., a display), a sound output device that outputs sound (e.g., a speaker), and a vibration device that vibrates (e.g., a vibration motor), together with or instead of the light-emitting device. In addition, the notification unit 113C may notify information indicating that the user is ready to suction. Information indicating that the user is ready to suction is notified when the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150C heated by the heating units 121C-1 and 121C-2 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0070] The storage unit 114C stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100C. The storage unit 114C is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory. An example of the information stored in the storage unit 114C is information related to the OS (Operating System) of the suction device 100C, such as the control contents of various components by the control unit 116C. Another example of the information stored in the storage unit 114C is information related to suction by the user, such as the number of suctions, suction time, and cumulative suction time. As will be described later, the storage unit 114C can store one or more heating profiles for controlling the heating operation in the suction device 100. It is preferable that the storage unit 114C is configured to be able to store multiple heating profiles.

[0071] The communication unit 115C is a communication interface for sending and receiving information between the suction device 100C and other devices. The communication unit 115C communicates in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). As an example, the communication unit 115C transmits information about suction performed by the user to a smartphone in order to display the information on the smartphone. As another example, the communication unit 115C receives new OS information from a server in order to update the OS information stored in the storage unit 114C.

[0072] The control unit 116C functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit, controlling the overall operation of the suction device 100C according to various programs. The control unit 116C is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. In addition, the control unit 116C may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing the programs and calculation parameters used, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as needed. The suction device 100C performs various processes based on the control of the control unit 116C. Examples of processes controlled by the control unit 116C include supplying power from the power supply unit 111C to other components, charging the power supply unit 111C, detecting information by the sensor unit 112C, notifying information by the notification unit 113C, storing and reading information by the storage unit 114C, and transmitting and receiving information by the communication unit 115C. Other processes performed by the suction device 100C, such as inputting information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 116C.

[0073] The holding portion 140C has an internal space 141C and holds the stick-type substrate 150C while accommodating a portion of it in the internal space 141C. The holding portion 140C has an opening 142C that communicates the internal space 141C to the outside and holds the stick-type substrate 150C inserted into the internal space 141C from the opening 142C. For example, the holding portion 140C is a cylindrical body with the opening 142C and bottom portion 143C as its base, defining a columnar internal space 141C. The holding portion 140C is configured such that, in at least a portion in the height direction of the cylindrical body, its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-type substrate 150C, and it can hold the stick-type substrate 150C inserted into the internal space 141C by compressing it from the outer circumference. The holding portion 140C also has the function of defining an airflow path through the stick-type substrate 150C. The air inlet, which is the entry point for air into the flow path, is located, for example, at the bottom 143C. On the other hand, the air outlet, which is the exit point for air from the flow path, is the opening 142C.

[0074] The stick-type base material 150C is a stick-shaped component. The stick-type base material 150C includes a base material portion 151C and a suction port portion 152C.

[0075] The base material 151C contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized by heating, generating an aerosol. The aerosol source may be tobacco-derived, such as processed products made by molding shredded tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. The aerosol source may also contain non-tobacco-derived materials made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). As an example, the aerosol source may contain fragrance components such as menthol. If the inhalation device 100C is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain medication for the patient to inhale. The aerosol source is not limited to solids, but may also be liquids such as glycerin and polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, and water. At least a portion of the base material 151C is housed in the internal space 141C of the holding part 140C when the stick-type base material 150C is held in the holding part 140C.

[0076] The suction nozzle 152C is a component that the user holds in their mouth when suctioning. At least a portion of the suction nozzle 152C protrudes from the opening 142C when the stick-shaped base material 150C is held in the holding part 140C. When the user holds the suction nozzle 152C protruding from the opening 142C in their mouth and suctions, air flows into the inside of the holding part 140C from an air inlet hole (not shown). The incoming air passes through the internal space 141C of the holding part 140C, that is, through the base material 151C, and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base material 151C.

[0077] Heating units 121C-1 and 121C-2 generate aerosols by heating the aerosol source, thereby atomizing the aerosol source. Heating units 121C-1 and 121C-2 are made of any material such as metal or polyimide.

[0078] The heating element 121C-1 is configured in a blade shape and is positioned to protrude from the bottom 143C of the holding element 140C into the internal space 141C of the holding element 140C. Therefore, when the stick-shaped substrate 150C is inserted into the holding element 140C, the blade-shaped heating element 121C-1 is inserted into the inside of the stick-shaped substrate 150C, piercing the substrate portion 151C of the stick-shaped substrate 150C. When the heating element 121C-1 generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150C is heated from the inside of the stick-shaped substrate 150C and atomized, generating an aerosol.

[0079] The heating section 121C-2 is configured in a film-like form and is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the holding section 140C-2. When the heating section 121C-2 generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150C is heated from the outer circumference of the stick-shaped substrate 150C and atomized, generating an aerosol.

[0080] Typically, the temperature of the heating section 121C-2 is controlled to be lower than the temperature of the heating section 121C-1. This is because the heat emitted from the heating section 121C-2 is more easily transferred to the other components of the suction device 100C compared to the heat emitted from the heating section 121C-1.

[0081] Heating units 121C-1 and 121C-2 generate heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111C. For example, power may be supplied when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 112C. When the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150C heated by heating units 121C-1 and 121C-2 reaches a predetermined temperature, the user can inhale. After that, power may be stopped when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 112C. As another example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated during the period when the sensor unit 112C detects that the user has inhaled. Structurally, heating units 121C-1 and 121C-2 are electric heaters.

[0082] The heat insulating section 144C prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121C-2 to other components of the suction device 100C. The heat insulating section 144C is positioned to cover at least the outer periphery of the heating section 121C-2. For example, the heat insulating section 144C is made of vacuum insulating material and aerogel insulating material. Vacuum insulating material is an insulating material in which heat conduction of gas is reduced to almost zero by wrapping glass wool and silica (silicon powder) in a resin film and creating a high vacuum.

[0083] Although Figure 1C shows an example where the heating element 121C-2 is positioned on the outer circumference of the holding element 140C, this configuration example is not limited to this example. For example, the heating element 121C-2 may be positioned to cover the bottom 143C of the holding element 140C.

[0084] 1-4 Fourth Configuration Example The suction device in this example is an externally mounted suction device that generates aerosols by induction heating. This example will be described below with reference to Figure 1D.

[0085] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device. As shown in Figure 1D, the suction device 100D according to this example configuration includes a power supply unit 111D, a sensor unit 112D, a notification unit 113D, a storage unit 114D, a communication unit 115D, a control unit 116D, a susceptor 161D, an electromagnetic induction source 162D, and a holding unit 140D. With the stick-shaped substrate 150D held in the holding unit 140D, suction is performed by the user. Each component will be described in order below.

[0086] The power supply unit 111D stores power. The power supply unit 111D then supplies power to each component of the suction device 100D. The power supply unit 111D may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The power supply unit 111D may be charged by connecting to an external power source via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. Alternatively, the power supply unit 111D may be charged wirelessly using power transmission technology while not connected to a power-transmitting device. Furthermore, the power supply unit 111D may be removed from the suction device 100D, or it may be replaced with a new power supply unit 111D.

[0087] The sensor unit 112D detects various information related to the suction device 100D. The sensor unit 112D then outputs the detected information to the control unit 116D. As an example, the sensor unit 112D is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor. When the sensor unit 112D detects a value associated with suction by the user, it outputs information to the control unit 116D indicating that suction has been performed by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112D is composed of an input device that accepts information input from the user, such as a button or switch. In particular, the sensor unit 112D may include a button that instructs the start / stop of aerosol generation. The sensor unit 112D then outputs the information input by the user to the control unit 116D. As yet another example, the sensor unit 112D is composed of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the susceptor 161D. Such a temperature sensor detects the temperature of the susceptor 161D based on, for example, the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source 162D. Alternatively, such a temperature sensor may be a thermistor that measures the temperature of the susceptor 161D. The sensor unit 121D may detect the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150D held by the holding unit 140D based on the temperature of the susceptor 161D. The sensor unit 112D may also include a sensor for detecting the movement of the suction device 100D (for example, movement resulting from an action by the user shaking the suction device 100D), i.e., a motion sensor. An example of such a sensor is an acceleration sensor, but it is not limited to this.

[0088] The notification unit 113D notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113D is composed of a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this case, the notification unit 113D emits light in different patterns depending on whether the power supply unit 111D needs charging, whether the power supply unit 111D is charging, or whether an abnormality occurs in the suction device 100D. The light-emitting pattern here is a concept that includes color and the timing of turning on / off. The notification unit 113D may be composed of a display device that displays images (e.g., a display), a sound output device that outputs sound (e.g., a speaker), and a vibration device that vibrates (e.g., a vibration motor), together with or instead of the light-emitting device. In addition, the notification unit 113D may notify information indicating that the user is ready to suction. Information indicating that the user is ready to suction is notified when the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150D, which is heated by electromagnetic induction, reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0089] The storage unit 114D stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100D. The storage unit 114D is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory. An example of the information stored in the storage unit 114D is information related to the OS (Operating System) of the suction device 100D, such as the control contents of various components by the control unit 116D. Another example of the information stored in the storage unit 114D is information related to suction by the user, such as the number of suctions, suction time, and cumulative suction time. As will be described later, the storage unit 114D can store one or more heating profiles for controlling the heating operation in the suction device 100D. It is preferable that the storage unit 114D is configured to be able to store multiple heating profiles.

[0090] The communication unit 115D is a communication interface for sending and receiving information between the suction device 100D and other devices. The communication unit 115D communicates in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). As an example, the communication unit 115D transmits information about suction performed by the user to a smartphone in order to display the information on the smartphone. As another example, the communication unit 115D receives new OS information from a server in order to update the OS information stored in the storage unit 114D.

[0091] The control unit 116D functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit, controlling the overall operation of the suction device 100D according to various programs. The control unit 116D is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. In addition, the control unit 116D may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing the programs and calculation parameters used, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as needed. The suction device 100D performs various processes based on the control of the control unit 116D. Examples of processes controlled by the control unit 116D include supplying power from the power supply unit 111D to other components, charging the power supply unit 111D, detecting information by the sensor unit 112D, notifying information by the notification unit 113D, storing and reading information by the storage unit 114D, and transmitting and receiving information by the communication unit 115D. Other processes performed by the suction device 100D, such as inputting information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 116D.

[0092] The holding portion 140D has an internal space 141D and holds the stick-type substrate 150D while accommodating a portion of the stick-type substrate 150D in the internal space 141D. The holding portion 140D has an opening 142D that communicates the internal space 141D with the outside and holds the stick-type substrate 150D inserted into the internal space 141D from the opening 142D. For example, the holding portion 140D is a cylindrical body with the opening 142D and bottom 143D as its base, defining a columnar internal space 141D. The holding portion 140D is configured such that, in at least a portion in the height direction of the cylindrical body, its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-type substrate 150D, and can hold the stick-type substrate 150D inserted into the internal space 141D by compressing it from the outer circumference. The holding portion 140D also has the function of defining an airflow path through the stick-type substrate 150D. The air inlet, which is the entry point for air into the flow path, is located, for example, at the bottom 143D. On the other hand, the air outlet, which is the exit point for air from the flow path, is the opening 142D.

[0093] The stick-type base material 150D is a stick-shaped component. The stick-type base material 150D includes a base material portion 151D and a suction port portion 152D.

[0094] The base material 151D contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized by heating, generating an aerosol. The aerosol source may be tobacco-derived, such as processed products made by molding shredded tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. The aerosol source may also contain non-tobacco-derived materials made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). As an example, the aerosol source may contain fragrance components such as menthol. If the inhalation device 100D is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain medication for the patient to inhale. The aerosol source is not limited to solids, but may also be liquids such as glycerin and polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, and water. At least a portion of the base material 151D is housed in the internal space 141D of the holding part 140D when the stick-type base material 150D is held in the holding part 140D.

[0095] The suction nozzle 152D is a component that the user holds in their mouth when suctioning. At least a portion of the suction nozzle 152D protrudes from the opening 142D when the stick-shaped base material 150D is held by the holding part 140D. When the user holds the suction nozzle 152D protruding from the opening 142D in their mouth and suctions, air flows into the inside of the holding part 140D from an air inlet hole (not shown). The incoming air passes through the internal space 141D of the holding part 140D, that is, through the base material 151D, and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base material 151D.

[0096] Furthermore, the stick-type substrate 150D includes a susceptor 161D. The susceptor 161D generates heat by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor 161D is made of a conductive material such as metal. For example, the susceptor 161D is a metal piece. The susceptor 161D is placed in close proximity to the aerosol source. In the example shown in Figure 1D, the susceptor 161D is included in the substrate portion 151D of the stick-type substrate 150D.

[0097] The electromagnetic induction source 162D generates heat in the susceptor 161D through electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source 162D is, for example, made of a coiled wire and is arranged to wrap around the outer circumference of the holding part 140D. When alternating current is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162D from the power supply unit 111D, it generates a magnetic field. The electromagnetic induction source 162D is positioned so that the internal space 141D of the holding part 140D is superimposed on the generated magnetic field. Therefore, when a magnetic field is generated while the stick-type substrate 150D is held in the holding part 140D, eddy currents are generated in the susceptor 161D, and Joule heat is generated. This Joule heat then heats and atomizes the aerosol source contained in the stick-type substrate 150D, generating an aerosol. As an example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 112D. When the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150D, which has been inductively heated by the susceptor 161D and the electromagnetic induction source 162D, reaches a predetermined temperature, the user can perform suction. Subsequently, when the sensor unit 112D detects that a predetermined user input has been made, the power supply may be stopped. As another example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated during the period in which the sensor unit 112D detects that the user has performed suction. Structurally, the electromagnetic induction source 162D is an induction heating type heater.

[0098] In Figure 1D, an example is shown in which the susceptor 161D is included in the base material portion 151D of the stick-type base material 150D, but this example configuration is not limited to this example. For example, the holding portion 140D may perform the function of the susceptor 161D. In this case, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction source 162D generates eddy currents in the holding portion 140D, which in turn generates Joule heat. This Joule heat then heats and atomizes the aerosol source contained in the stick-type base material 150D, generating an aerosol.

[0099] 1-5 Further Configuration Examples In the configuration example described above, the substrate containing the aerosol source was in stick form. However, the shape of the substrate is not limited to this.

[0100] Furthermore, in the configuration example described above, the aerosol source was contained in a solid substrate. However, this disclosure does not intend to exclude suction devices that use liquid as an aerosol source.

[0101] Furthermore, the heating method for the heating section of the suction device may be any heating method that can heat the substrate, such as microwave heating.

[0102] 2. Processes performed by the suction device A suction device 100A, etc. (hereinafter referred to without distinction as "suction device 100") according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to control the heating operation using a heating profile.

[0103] Hereinafter, an example of processing that can be executed by a suction device 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure, and more specifically, by the control unit 116A, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "control unit 116") of the suction device 100, will be described. Note that the example processing described below may be executed by a program on the suction device 100. Furthermore, the program can be stored in the storage unit 114A, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "storage unit 114") of the suction device 100.

[0104] As mentioned above, the heating sections 121A to 121C and the electromagnetic induction source 162D are structured to perform heating, so hereafter they will be referred to simply as "heater" without distinction. However, if the heater is the electromagnetic induction source 162D, the electrical resistance value of the heater (including the target resistance value) is the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source 162D, while the heater temperature (including the target temperature) may be the temperature of the susceptor 161D that the electromagnetic induction source 162D induces heating. Also, hereafter "electrical resistance value" will be referred to simply as "resistance value".

[0105] 2-1 Example process for initiating the heating profile transmission process Figure 2 is a pseudo-sequence diagram showing the flow of an example process 200 for initiating the heating profile transmission process. In this pseudo-sequence diagram, the example operation flow of two suction devices 100 (hereinafter referred to as "suction device A" and "suction device B") is shown, including the interaction with the users of these suction devices (hereinafter referred to as "user A" and "user B"). Note that in the following explanation, suction device A and user A are interchangeable with suction device B and user B.

[0106] The timing of the start of the example process 200 (more specifically, step 210 described later) is arbitrary. For example, the example process 200 may, but is not limited to, being started in response to at least one of suction device A and suction device B detecting any predetermined action.

[0107] Paragraph 210 shows the step of establishing a connection between suction device A and suction device B. Hereafter, transmission and reception between suction device A and suction device B will be performed via the established connection. This connection may be, but is not limited to, a P2P connection compliant with known Bluetooth technology. In the case of a P2P connection compliant with known Bluetooth technology, when the connection is established, one of suction device A and suction device B will be set as the central (master) and the other as the peripheral (slave).

[0108] Therefore, according to the example process 200, the suction device (suction device A) can be configured to connect to another suction device (suction device B) via a P2P connection and to transmit and receive data with the other suction device via the P2P connection.

[0109] Reference numeral 215 indicates the step in which suction device A and suction device B each start a timer to disconnect the established connection due to a timeout.

[0110] 220 indicates a processing block that occurs when the heating profile transmission process is initiated.

[0111] Paragraph 222 shows a step in which user A performs an arbitrary first predetermined action, and suction device A detects that action. An example of the first predetermined action is, but is not limited to, user A shaking suction device A. The action of the user shaking suction device A can be detected by a motion sensor that can be included in the sensor unit 112 of suction device A.

[0112] In other words, the suction device (suction device A) includes a sensor (motion sensor) for detecting the movement of the suction device, and can be further configured to use the sensor to detect when the suction device is shaken as a predetermined action (first predetermined action).

[0113] Reference numeral 230 indicates a step in which suction device A starts the heating profile transmission process in response to detecting a first predetermined action. The heating profile transmission process will be described later, but the heating profile transmission process may include a step in which suction device A transmits a heating profile to suction device B.

[0114] Accordingly, according to the exemplary process 200, a suction device (suction device A) configured to control a heating operation using a heating profile can be further configured to transmit the heating profile to another suction device (suction device B) that controls a heating operation using a heating profile.

[0115] With this configuration, a heating profile can be transmitted from suction device A to suction device B, thereby allowing suction device A to communicate the details of the heating operation control to suction device B.

[0116] Furthermore, as mentioned above, since suction device A and suction device B are interchangeable, this configuration allows suction device A and suction device B to transmit heating profiles to each other.

[0117] Furthermore, according to the example process 200, a suction device (suction device A) configured to control heating operation using a heating profile may be further configured to initiate a heating profile transmission process in response to the detection of a predetermined action (first predetermined action), and the heating profile transmission process may include the step of the suction device transmitting the heating profile to another suction device (suction device B) that controls heating operation using the heating profile.

[0118] With this configuration, the suction device A can transmit a heating profile.

[0119] Furthermore, the heating profile transmission process may include a step in which suction device A receives a heating profile transmitted from suction device B, instead of a step in which suction device A transmits a heating profile to suction device B. Based on the above, by starting the heating profile transmission process in response to a predetermined action, it is possible to determine which of the connected suction devices, A or B, will transmit the heating profile. This is particularly useful when a connection is established between suction device A and suction device B without distinction between the transmitting and receiving sides.

[0120] Furthermore, once a response has been received to the detection of the first predetermined action, it is preferable that no further response be given even if the predetermined action is detected again until the heating profile transmission process is completed. This is to prevent the heating profile transmission process from being started multiple times unintentionally. Note that the completion of the heating profile transmission process may include the normal completion of the heating profile transmission process as described later, the termination of the heating profile transmission process due to interaction with the user, and the termination of the heating profile transmission process due to a timeout.

[0121] In other words, the suction device (suction device A) can be configured not to respond to the detection of any further predetermined actions after it has responded to the detection of a predetermined action (first predetermined action) until the heating profile transmission process is completed.

[0122] 240 indicates a processing block for when the start of the heating profile transmission process is canceled due to user interaction.

[0123] Reference numeral 242 indicates a step in which user A performs an arbitrary second predetermined action, and suction device A detects that action.

[0124] Reference numeral 244 indicates the step in which suction device A, in response to detection of a second predetermined action, transmits a signal to suction device B requesting the disconnection of the established connection (hereinafter referred to as the "connection disconnection signal"), and suction device B receives the said signal.

[0125] Section 246 indicates a step in which suction devices A and B perform a process to disconnect the established connection (hereinafter referred to as the "connection disconnection process"). Step 246 may include sending and receiving one or more signals necessary to disconnect the established connection between suction device A and suction device B.

[0126] Section 248 indicates a step in which, in response to the completion of disconnecting the established connection, suction device A displays an optional UI (User Interface) for user A, and suction device B displays an optional UI for user B, on the notification unit 113A, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "notification unit 113" without distinction). The UI displayed may be the same or different for suction device A and suction device B.

[0127] Furthermore, the start of the heating profile transmission process may be canceled by user B performing a second predetermined action. In this case, it will be understood that in processing block 240, a step will be performed in which suction device A and user A are exchanged with suction device B and user B.

[0128] 250 indicates a processing block where the start of the heating profile transmission process is aborted due to a timeout.

[0129] Section 252 shows the step in which suction devices A and B determine, based on the timer started in step 215, that the connection established due to a timeout should be disconnected.

[0130] Step 254 indicates a step in which suction device A, in response to determining that the connection established due to a timeout should be disconnected, sends a connection disconnection signal to suction device B, and suction device B receives the signal. Alternatively, step 254 may also be a step in which suction device B, in response to determining that the connection established due to a timeout should be disconnected, sends a connection disconnection signal to suction device A, and suction device A receives the signal.

[0131] Steps 256 and 258 represent steps similar to steps 246 and 248, respectively.

[0132] 2-2 Example Heating Profile Transmission Process

[0133] Figure 3 is a pseudo-sequence diagram showing the flow of an exemplary heating profile transmission process 300. The exemplary heating profile transmission process 300 includes the step of suction device A transmitting a heating profile to suction device B.

[0134] Section 302 indicates a step in which suction device A transmits a first signal to suction device B indicating the start of the heating profile transmission process, and suction device B receives the signal. The first signal may include a signal notifying the transmission of a heating profile. When suction device A transmits a signal notifying the transmission of a heating profile, it performs the heating profile transmission process as a suction device that transmits a heating profile. When suction device B receives a first signal from suction device A notifying the transmission of a heating profile, it performs the heating profile reception process as a suction device that receives a heating profile.

[0135] Reference numeral 304 indicates the step in which suction device B transmits an acknowledgment to suction device A for the first signal received from suction device A, and suction device A receives the acknowledgment.

[0136] As mentioned above, suction device A and user A are interchangeable with suction device B and user B. Therefore, it is possible that suction device B transmits the first signal almost simultaneously with suction device A transmitting the first signal. In such cases, it is preferable to determine which of suction device A or suction device B should take priority in order to prevent unintended situations, such as both suction device A and suction device B becoming the senders of the heating profile.

[0137] In other words, after suction device (suction device A) transmits a first signal to another suction device (suction device B), and before receiving an acknowledgment for the first signal, if it receives a first signal from the other suction device, it can be further configured to determine which suction device should take priority, and if it determines that the suction device should take priority, it can be configured not to transmit an acknowledgment for the first signal received from the other suction device.

[0138] The method for determining which of suction device A or suction device B should take priority is arbitrary. For example, if a P2P connection compliant with the known Bluetooth technology described above is established between suction device A and suction device B, the decision can be made by determining whether suction device A is set as the central (master) (and suction device B is the peripheral (slave)).

[0139] In other words, when establishing a P2P connection, one of the suction devices (suction device A) and the other suction device (suction device B) is set as the central (master) and the other as the peripheral (slave), and the suction devices can be further configured to determine that the suction device should take priority when the suction device is set as the central (master).

[0140] Furthermore, if suction device A receives the first signal from suction device B after transmitting the first signal to suction device B, but before receiving an acknowledgment for the first signal, it may perform any error handling to prevent unintended situations.

[0141] 306 indicates a step in which suction device A, in response to receiving an acknowledgment for a first signal transmitted on behalf of user A, and suction device B, in response to transmitting the acknowledgment on behalf of user B, each displays an optional UI on the notification unit 113 indicating that the heating profile transmission process is starting. The UI displayed may be the same or different for suction device A and suction device B.

[0142] 308 shows the step in which suction device A and suction device B each start a timer to terminate the heating profile transmission process due to a timeout.

[0143] 310 indicates a processing block that occurs when the heating profile transmission process completes successfully.

[0144] Step 312 indicates a step in which suction device A sends a second signal to suction device B requesting the transmission of heater characteristics, and suction device B receives the signal. Note that step 312 is performed when suction device A receives an acknowledgment in step 304.

[0145] Step 314 indicates a step in which, when suction device B receives a second signal from suction device A, it transmits the heater characteristics to suction device A, and suction device A receives the said heater characteristics. The heater characteristics transmitted in step 314 are those of the heater provided by suction device B.

[0146] Reference numeral 316 indicates a step in which suction device A generates a heating profile when suction device A receives heater characteristics from suction device B. More specifically, suction device A can generate a heating profile based on the heating profile used by suction device A, the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device A, and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device B. The heating profile used by suction device A and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device A may be pre-stored in the storage unit 114 of suction device A. The characteristics of the heater provided by suction device B can be received from suction device B in step 314.

[0147] Steps 312 to 316 assume that the heating profile includes the target resistance value, as will be explained later. Steps 312 to 316 may be unnecessary, for example, if the heating profile includes the target temperature, as will be explained later.

[0148] In other words, if the heating profile used by suction devices A and B includes the target temperature, the heating profile simply needs to be transmitted from suction device A to suction device B.

[0149] Furthermore, while the heating profile used by suction device A includes a target temperature, the heating profile used by suction device B may include a target resistance value. In this case, the heating profile used by suction device B can be generated based on the heating profile used by suction device A and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device B. In this case, the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device B may be the "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value (correspondence table)" that suction device B has prepared in advance. Specifically, the target resistance value of suction device B can be calculated from the target temperature included in the heating profile used by suction device A and the "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value" that suction device B has prepared in advance.

[0150] In this case, as a response to the second signal, suction device A may receive the correspondence from suction device B. Suction device A can generate a heating profile to be used by suction device B based on the heating profile used by suction device A and the correspondence received from suction device B. Alternatively, suction device A may transmit only its own heating profile to suction device B. In this case, suction device B may generate a heating profile to be used by suction device B based on the heating profile received from suction device A and a pre-established "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value".

[0151] Furthermore, while the heating profiles used by suction devices A and B include a target resistance value, the transmitted heating profile may include a target temperature. In this case, the transmitted heating profile can be generated based on the heating profile used by suction device A and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device A, and the heating profile used by suction device B can be generated based on the transmitted heating profile and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device B. In this case, the heater characteristics may be the "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value (correspondence table)" that suction devices A and B have in place beforehand. Specifically, suction device A can calculate the target temperature of the transmitted heating profile from the target resistance value included in the heating profile used by suction device A and the "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value" that suction device A has in place beforehand, and suction device B can calculate its target resistance value from the target temperature included in the transmitted heating profile and the "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value" that suction device B has in place beforehand.

[0152] Section 318 shows a step in which suction device A transmits a heating profile to suction device B, and suction device B receives the heating profile. The transmitted heating profile is the one generated in step 316. However, if step 316 is not included as described above, the transmitted heating profile may be a copy of the one used by suction device A.

[0153] Accordingly, the exemplary heating profile transmission process 300 may include the steps of: a suction device (suction device A) transmitting a first signal to another suction device (suction device B) indicating the start of the heating profile transmission process; a suction device transmitting a second signal to the other suction device requesting the transmission of heater characteristics when it receives an acknowledgment from the other suction device for the first signal; a suction device generating a heating profile when it receives the heater characteristics from the other suction device; and a suction device transmitting the generated heating profile to the other suction device.

[0154] Furthermore, as described above, since suction device A and suction device B are interchangeable, according to the example heating profile transmission process 300, suction device (suction device A) can be further configured to transmit an acknowledgment to the other suction device (suction device B) for a first signal from the other suction device, and to transmit the heater characteristics to the other suction device when it receives a second signal from the other suction device.

[0155] Furthermore, according to the example heating profile transmission process 300, the suction device (suction device A) can be further configured to generate a transmission heating profile based on the heating profile used by the suction device, the characteristics of the heater provided by the suction device, and the characteristics of the heater provided by the other suction device (suction device B).

[0156] Furthermore, according to the example heating profile transmission process 300, the suction device (suction device A) can be further configured to receive the characteristics of the heater provided by another suction device (suction device B).

[0157] With this configuration, User B (User A) can experience the suction of User A (User B) following the heating operation using the heating profile.

[0158] In the example heating profile transmission process 300, the heating profile is generated on the side of suction device A, but the heating profile may also be generated on the side of suction device B. That is, the example heating profile transmission process 300 can be modified to include, instead of steps 312 to 318, the steps of suction device A transmitting the heating profile used by suction device A to suction device B, and transmitting the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device A, and suction device B receiving the heating profile and heater characteristics, and suction device B generating the heating profile.

[0159] Therefore, as described above, since suction device A and suction device B are interchangeable, according to the modified exemplary heating profile transmission process 300, suction device (suction device A) can be configured to transmit the heating profile used by the suction device and the characteristics of the heater provided by the suction device to the other suction device (suction device B).

[0160] Hereinafter in this section, the heating profile generated in the exemplary heating profile transmission process 300 (step 316) or a modified exemplary heating profile transmission process 300 will be referred to as the "generated heating profile".

[0161] Paragraph 320 shows the step in which suction device A sends a signal to suction device B requesting that the generated heating profile be set to be used (hereinafter referred to as the "setting signal"), and suction device B receives the said signal.

[0162] 322 indicates a step in which the suction device B stores the generated heating profile in a predetermined area, for example, area 850 in Figure 8, which will be described later, and 324 indicates a step in which the suction device B is configured to use the generated heating profile. As a result, the generated heating profile will be used in the next heating operation in the suction device B.

[0163] In the example heating profile transmission process 300, steps 322 and 324 are performed when the suction device B receives a setting signal. However, steps 322 and 324 may also be performed in response to the generation of a heating profile becoming available in the suction device B without any setting signal being transmitted or received (including receiving the generation of a heating profile from the suction device A when the heating profile is generated on the suction device A side, and the suction device B generating the heating profile when the heating profile is generated on the suction device B side).

[0164] 326 indicates a step in which suction device B sends a signal to suction device A indicating that the setup is complete (hereinafter referred to as the "setup completion signal") in response to the setting of the generated heating profile to be used, and suction device A receives the said signal.

[0165] Reference numeral 328 denotes the step in which suction device B transmits a signal indicating completion (hereinafter referred to as the "reception completion signal") to suction device A when it has completed a series of processes related to receiving a heating profile (including receiving, storing, and setting the heating profile), and suction device A receives the signal.

[0166] Step 330 indicates that suction device A transmits a disconnection signal to suction device B in response to receiving a reception completion signal, and suction device B receives the signal. Alternatively, step 330 may be a step in which suction device B transmits a disconnection signal to suction device A in response to transmitting a reception completion signal, and suction device A receives the signal.

[0167] Steps 332 and 334 represent steps similar to steps 246 and 248 in Figure 2, respectively.

[0168] 340 indicates a processing block for when the heating profile transmission process is aborted due to a timeout on the transmitting side of the heating profile.

[0169] Section 342 indicates a step in which the suction device A determines, based on the timer started in step 308, that it should stop the heating profile transmission process due to a timeout.

[0170] Reference numeral 344 indicates the step in which suction device A determines that it should stop the heating profile transmission process due to a timeout, sends a connection disconnection signal to suction device B, and suction device B receives the signal.

[0171] Steps 346 and 348 represent steps similar to steps 246 and 248 in Figure 2, respectively.

[0172] 350 indicates a processing block for when the heating profile transmission process is aborted due to a timeout on the receiving end of the heating profile.

[0173] Section 352 indicates a step in which the suction device B determines, based on the timer started in step 308, that it should stop the heating profile transmission process due to a timeout.

[0174] 354 indicates the step in which suction device B sends a disconnection signal to suction device A in response to determining that it should stop the heating profile transmission process due to a timeout, and suction device A receives the signal.

[0175] Steps 356 and 358 represent steps similar to steps 246 and 248 in Figure 2, respectively.

[0176] 2-3 Another Example: Heating Profile Transmission Process Figure 4 is a pseudo-sequence diagram showing the flow of another exemplary heating profile transmission process 400. Another exemplary heating profile transmission process 400 includes the step of suction device A receiving a heating profile transmitted from suction device B.

[0177] In addition, in another example heating profile transmission process 400, the same reference numerals are assigned to steps that are the same as in the example heating profile transmission process 300. However, the first signal may include a signal that notifies the reception of the heating profile. When suction device A transmits a signal that notifies the reception of the heating profile, it performs the heating profile reception process as a suction device that receives the heating profile. When suction device B receives the first signal from suction device A that notifies the reception of the heating profile, it performs the heating profile transmission process as a suction device that transmits the heating profile. The differences from the example heating profile transmission process 300 will be explained below.

[0178] 410 indicates a processing block that occurs when the heating profile transmission process completes successfully.

[0179] Step 412 indicates that suction device B sends a second signal to suction device A requesting the transmission of heater characteristics, and suction device A receives the signal. Note that step 412 is performed if suction device B sends an acknowledgment in step 304.

[0180] Step 414 indicates a step in which, when suction device A receives a second signal from suction device B, it transmits the heater characteristics to suction device B, and suction device B receives the said heater characteristics. The heater characteristics transmitted in step 414 are those of the heater provided by suction device A.

[0181] Section 416 shows a step in which suction device B generates a heating profile when it receives heater characteristics from suction device A. More specifically, suction device B can generate a heating profile based on the heating profile used by suction device B, the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device B, and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device A. The heating profile used by suction device B and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device B may be pre-stored in the storage unit 114 of suction device B. The characteristics of the heater provided by suction device A can be received from suction device A in step 414.

[0182] Steps 412 to 416 assume that the heating profile includes the target resistance value, as will be explained later. Steps 412 to 416 may be unnecessary, for example, if the heating profile includes the target temperature, as will be explained later.

[0183] In other words, if the heating profiles used by suction devices A and B include the target temperature, then the heating profile only needs to be transmitted from suction device B to suction device A.

[0184] Furthermore, while the heating profile used by suction device B includes a target temperature, the heating profile used by suction device A may include a target resistance value. In this case, the heating profile used by suction device A can be generated based on the heating profile used by suction device B and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device A. In this case, the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device A may be the "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value" that suction device A has in place beforehand. Specifically, the target resistance value of suction device A can be calculated from the target temperature included in the heating profile used by suction device B and the "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value" that suction device A has in place beforehand.

[0185] In this case, as a response to the second signal, suction device B may receive the correspondence from suction device A. Suction device B can generate a heating profile to be used by suction device A based on the heating profile used by suction device B and the correspondence received from suction device A. Alternatively, suction device B may transmit only its own heating profile to suction device A. In this case, suction device A may generate a heating profile to be used by suction device A based on the heating profile received from suction device B and a pre-established "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value".

[0186] Furthermore, while the heating profiles used by suction devices A and B include a target resistance value, the transmitted heating profile may include a target temperature. In this case, the transmitted heating profile can be generated based on the heating profile used by suction device B and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device B, and the heating profile used by suction device A can be generated based on the transmitted heating profile and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device A. In this case, the heater characteristics may be the "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value (correspondence table)" that suction devices A and B have in place beforehand. Specifically, suction device B can calculate the target temperature of the transmitted heating profile from the target resistance value included in the heating profile used by suction device B and the "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value" that suction device B has in place beforehand, and suction device A can calculate its target resistance value from the target temperature included in the transmitted heating profile and the "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value" that suction device A has in place beforehand.

[0187] Section 418 indicates a step in which suction device B transmits a heating profile to suction device A, and suction device A receives the heating profile. The transmitted heating profile is the one generated in step 416. However, if step 416 is not included as described above, the transmitted heating profile may be a copy of the one used by suction device B.

[0188] In addition, in another example of the heating profile transmission process 400, the generation of the heating profile is performed on the suction device B side, but the generation of the heating profile may also be performed on the suction device A side. That is, the other example of the heating profile transmission process 400 can be modified to include, instead of steps 412 to 418, the steps of: suction device B transmitting the heating profile used by suction device B to suction device A, and transmitting the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device B, and suction device A receiving the heating profile and heater characteristics; and suction device A generating the heating profile.

[0189] Hereinafter in this section, a heating profile generated in another exemplary heating profile transmission process 400 (step 416) or a modified version of another exemplary heating profile transmission process 400 will be referred to as the "generated heating profile".

[0190] Reference numeral 420 denotes the step in which suction device B transmits a setting signal to suction device A, and suction device A receives the signal.

[0191] 422 shows the step in which the suction device A stores the generated heating profile in a predetermined area, for example, area 850 in Figure 8, and 424 shows the step in which the suction device A sets up so that the generated heating profile can be used.

[0192] In addition, in another example heating profile transmission process 400, steps 422 and 424 are performed when the suction device A receives a setting signal, but they may also be performed in response to the generation heating profile becoming available in the suction device A without the setting signal being transmitted or received.

[0193] 426 indicates a step in which suction device A sends a setup complete signal to suction device B in response to being set up to use the generated heating profile, and suction device B receives the signal.

[0194] Reference numeral 428 indicates the step in which suction device A transmits a reception completion signal to suction device B when it has completed a series of processes related to receiving the heating profile (including receiving, storing, and setting the heating profile), and suction device B receives the signal.

[0195] Step 430 indicates that suction device B transmits a disconnection signal to suction device A in response to receiving a reception completion signal, and suction device A receives the signal. Alternatively, step 430 may be a step in which suction device A transmits a disconnection signal to suction device B in response to transmitting a reception completion signal, and suction device B receives the signal.

[0196] 3. Heating Profile 3-1 Definition of Heating Profile Suction devices A and B control their heating operation using a heating profile. The heating operation is the operation of changing the temperature of the heaters provided by suction devices A and B, respectively. Therefore, the heating profile may represent the target temperature of the heater over time. Alternatively, if the resistance value of the heater changes according to the heater temperature, the heating profile may represent the target resistance value of the heater over time.

[0197] In other words, the heating profile can represent the target temperature or target resistance value of the heater over time.

[0198] Please note that the heating operation includes reducing the heater's temperature by not supplying power to it in order to reach the target temperature.

[0199] Figure 5 is a graph 500 plotting an example of the temperature change 510 of a heater in suction device A, obtained as a result of controlling the heating operation using a certain heating profile. The horizontal axis of graph 500 is time, and the vertical axis is the heater temperature. From graph 500, it can be seen that suction device A is configured to control the heating operation for a period of 520 by using the heating profile. Note that this example of temperature change 510 has been simplified for illustrative purposes.

[0200] The heating operation control period 520 can be divided into multiple periods. For example, in graph 500, the heating operation control period 520 is divided into 10 periods (STEP0 to STEP9), but the number of divisions of period 520 is not limited to this. A target temperature or target resistance value can be set for each divided period to represent the target temperature or target resistance value of the heater over time.

[0201] That is, the suction device (suction device A) is further configured to control heating operation for a certain period of time by using a heating profile, and the period is divided into multiple periods, and the heating profile used by the suction device may include a target resistance value for the heater provided by the suction device for each divided period.

[0202] The relationship between heater temperature and resistance may differ for each individual heater. Therefore, when suction device A controls the heating operation, it may derive the resistance value at which the heater in suction device A reaches the target temperature, i.e., the target resistance value, from the target temperature. In this case, the suction device records the correspondence between the target temperature and the target resistance value of its own device required to achieve that target temperature. The target resistance value of its own device is a resistance value calculated taking into account the characteristics of its own heater, and is the resistance value required to achieve the target temperature. The suction device can determine the target resistance value, taking into account the characteristics of its own heater, using the target temperature and this correspondence.

[0203] That is, the suction device (suction device A) is further configured to control the heating operation for a certain period of time by using a heating profile, and the period is divided into multiple periods, and the heating profile may include a target temperature for each divided period.

[0204] Each divided period may, but is not limited to, be defined by its length. That is, a divided period may end when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the period. Alternatively, a period may end when the heater temperature reaches the target temperature for that period. For example, in the period of step 0 in graph 500, the heater temperature reaches the target temperature T A The process ends when the target temperature T is reached, while the period of STEP 1 (Target temperature T) A ) may end when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the period.

[0205] The control unit 126 can measure the heater temperature multiple times and determine that the heater temperature has reached the target temperature if, for a predetermined number of times, the measured temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined percentage less than 1 (for example, 0.98) of the target temperature. Alternatively, the control unit 126 can measure the heater temperature multiple times and determine that the heater temperature has reached the target temperature if, for a predetermined number of times, the measured temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined percentage greater than 1 (for example, 1.02) of the target temperature.

[0206] Information defining each of these divided periods (length of the period and other termination conditions) may be stored in the storage unit 114 in advance, independently of the heating profile, and possibly as part of the program. Alternatively, information defining each of these divided periods may be included in the heating profile. Alternatively, some of the information defining each of these divided periods may be stored in the storage unit 114 in advance, independently of the heating profile, and the remainder may be included in the heating profile.

[0207] Furthermore, in a divided period defined by the length of the period, the heating operation may be controlled so that the heater reaches a target temperature or target resistance value at the end of the period. Whether or not to perform such control in each divided period may be stored in the storage unit 114 in advance, independently of the heating profile, or it may be included in the heating profile.

[0208] Furthermore, the voltage applied to the heater or the power supplied can be changed during each divided period. The voltage applied to the heater or the power supplied during each divided period may be stored in the storage unit 114 independently of the heating profile, or it may be included in the heating profile.

[0209] Please note that the heating profile described above is merely an example, and the information included in the heating profile is not limited to what is described above.

[0210] Figure 6 shows an example data structure 600 for the heating profile.

[0211] Field 610 indicates a field for storing the target resistance value of the heater for each divided period. Field 620 indicates a field for storing the length of each divided period. Field 630 indicates a field for storing any other information about each divided period.

[0212] Field 640 indicates a field for storing the number of periods used in the heating profile. For example, a value of 10 in field 640 indicates that the heating operation period 520 controlled by the heating profile is divided into 10 periods. According to field 640, the number of divisions of period 520 can be variable for each heating profile, while the data structure of the heating profile itself can remain constant. Field 650 indicates a field for storing any other information about the heating profile.

[0213] Figure 7 shows another example data structure 700 for the heating profile. In example data structure 700, fields similar to those in example data structure 600 are denoted by the same symbols.

[0214] 710 indicates a field for storing the target temperature for each divided period.

[0215] Please note that the data structure for the heating profile described above is merely an example, and the fields included in this data structure are not limited to those described above. Furthermore, the heating profile can be represented by any data structure.

[0216] 3-2 Storage methods for heating profiles Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example storage configuration 800 of a heating profile in the storage unit 114. Areas 810 to 850 each indicate a region for storing one heating profile.

[0217] Areas 810 to 840 may be areas for storing heating profiles that can be selected by the user of suction device B. For example, suction device B can be configured to sequentially select heating profiles stored in areas 810 to 840 by detecting a predetermined action (for example, heating profile stored in area 810 → heating profile stored in area 820 → heating profile stored in area 830 → heating profile stored in area 840 → heating profile stored in area 810 →…). Alternatively, suction device B can be configured to select one of the heating profiles stored in areas 810 to 840 based on a predetermined operation performed on an external device connected via the communication unit 115, such as a smartphone. Suction device B can be configured to use the selected heating profile. Note that the number of areas for storing heating profiles that can be selected by the user of suction device B is not limited to 4.

[0218] Area 850 may be an area for storing heating profiles that are not selectable by the user. After a newly acquired heating profile (including heating profiles received from suction device A as described above and heating profiles generated by suction device B; hereinafter referred to as the "new heating profile") becomes available, suction device B may be configured to store the heating profile in area 850 at least temporarily and to set the device to use the new heating profile. Furthermore, suction device B may be configured to revert the setting to use the heating profile that was originally set to be used (one of the heating profiles stored in areas 810 to 840) in response to the completion of use of the new heating profile.

[0219] In other words, as described above, since suction device A and suction device B are interchangeable, suction device (suction device A) can be further configured to store a first heating profile (one of the heating profiles stored in regions 810 to 840), receive a second heating profile (a new heating profile) from the other suction device (suction device B), and when it is set to use the first heating profile, if it is set to use the second heating profile received from the other suction device, it can be further configured to revert the setting back to use the first heating profile in response to the completion of use of the second heating profile.

[0220] With this configuration, user A can quickly and temporarily experience user B's suction experience, which follows a heating operation using a heating profile.

[0221] Note that the completion of using the heating profile may be defined as the end of the period during which the heating operation using that heating profile is controlled (for example, period 520 in Figure 5).

[0222] Furthermore, it is preferable that the generated heating profile can be reused in the suction device B if user B likes it.

[0223] That is, as described above, since suction device A and suction device B are interchangeable, suction device (suction device A) has a region (regions 810 to 840) that stores a plurality of selectable heating profiles, including a first heating profile (one of the heating profiles stored in regions 810 to 840), and the selected heating profile is set to be used, and in response to predetermined conditions being met, a second heating profile (new heating profile) can be further configured to be stored in the region.

[0224] In this case, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions may be arbitrary, but it is preferable that they can be satisfied at the discretion of user B.

[0225] Therefore, as described above, since suction device A and user A are interchangeable with suction device B and user B, the above predetermined conditions may be one or more of the following: the condition that a predetermined action (for example, user A shaking suction device A or pressing a button on suction device A (which may be included in the sensor unit 112)) is detected in the suction device (suction device A), and the condition that a predetermined operation is performed on an external device connected to the suction device (for example, user A's smartphone).

[0226] With this configuration, user A can continuously experience the suction experience of user B, which follows the heating operation using the heating profile.

[0227] Please note that the storage mode of the heating profile in the memory unit 114 described above is merely an example, and the storage mode of the heating profile is not limited to those described above.

[0228] 4. Heater characteristics In this disclosure, heater characteristics refer to information that enables the mutual conversion between heater temperature and heater resistance.

[0229] In other words, the characteristics of a heater may represent the relationship between the heater's temperature and its resistance.

[0230] Although the method of converting the temperature of the heater into the resistance value of the heater is arbitrary, for example, the temperature of the heater can be converted into the resistance value of the heater by the following method.

[0231] First, according to Equation (1), the change rate K T [mΩ / °C] of the resistance value of the heater per unit temperature when the temperature of the heater is near T is derived.

[0232]

Equation

[0233] Here, K T1 is the change rate [mΩ / °C] of the resistance value of the heater per unit temperature when the temperature of the heater is near T1 (for example, 230°C), and K T2 is the change rate [mΩ / °C] of the resistance value of the heater per unit temperature when the temperature of the heater is near T2 (for example, 295°C). Equation (1) derives K T1 and K T2 by interpolation to derive K T .

[0234] Next, according to Equation (2), the resistance value R T [mΩ] of the heater when the temperature of the heater is T is derived.

[0235]

Equation

[0236] Here, R T1 is the resistance value of the heater when the temperature of the heater is T1, R0 is the resistance value of the heater when the temperature of the heater is room temperature, and R refTH1 is the standard resistance value at room temperature for heaters manufactured on the same line as the heater in question. TH1 is the highest temperature output by one or more temperature sensors (thermistors, which may be included in sensor unit 112A, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "sensor unit 112" without distinction)) located near the heater when the heater temperature is T1. Note that "room temperature" may be defined as a predetermined temperature such as 25°C. Furthermore, the "standard resistance value at room temperature" may be the resistance value at room temperature for one predetermined heater manufactured on the same line as the heater in question.

[0237] The method for converting the heater's resistance to its temperature is arbitrary, but for example, by solving equations (1) and (2) in reverse for T, the heater's resistance can be converted to its temperature.

[0238] In other words, the characteristics of a heater are the rate of change (K) of the resistance of the heater per unit temperature when the heater is near a first temperature (T1). T1 ) and the rate of change (K) of the resistance value per unit temperature of the heater when the heater is near the second temperature T2. T2 ) and the resistance value of the heater (R) when the heater is at the first temperature (T1). T1 ) and the standard resistance value (R) of the heater at room temperature, manufactured on the same line as the heater. ref This may include the temperature output by one or more temperature sensors adjacent to the heater when the heater is at a first temperature (T1), and the highest temperature output by one or more temperature sensors adjacent to the heater (TH1).

[0239] As mentioned above, the heater characteristics may also be a correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value (correspondence table). In this case, the heater characteristics may include multiple temperatures and the resistance value corresponding to each of those multiple temperatures.

[0240] 5. Generating a heating profile As described above, the heating profile used by suction device B can be generated based on the heating profile used by suction device A, the characteristics of the heater in suction device A, and the characteristics of the heater in suction device B.

[0241] The above generation may be performed using any method that depends on the information contained in the heating profile and heater characteristics.

[0242] For example, if the heating profile includes the target resistance value of the heater for each divided period in which the heating operation is performed, it can be generated by the following method.

[0243] First, each target resistance value included in the heating profile used by suction device A is converted into a temperature using the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device A.

[0244] Next, each converted temperature is converted into a resistance value using the characteristics of the heater provided in the suction device B.

[0245] Finally, the heating profile used by suction device B is generated by using each of the converted resistance values ​​as the target resistance values ​​included in the heating profile. In the heating profile used by suction device B, information other than the target resistance values ​​may be copied from the heating profile used by suction device A.

[0246] Furthermore, if the heating profile used by suction device A includes a target temperature, while the heating profile used by suction device B includes a target resistance value, as described above, the heating profile used by suction device B can be generated based on the heating profile used by suction device A and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device B. In this case, the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device B may be the "correspondence between target temperature and target resistance value" that suction device B has in place beforehand. In this case, suction device A can receive this correspondence from suction device B and generate the heating profile used by suction device B. Alternatively, suction device A may transmit its own heating profile to suction device B, and suction device B may use this correspondence to generate the heating profile used by suction device B.

[0247] Furthermore, if the heating profiles used by suction devices A and B include a target resistance value, while the transmitted heating profile includes a target temperature, as described above, the transmitted heating profile can be generated based on the heating profile used by suction device A and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device A, and the heating profile used by suction device B can be generated based on the transmitted heating profile and the characteristics of the heater provided by suction device B. In this case, the heater characteristics may be the "correspondence relationship between target temperature and target resistance value (correspondence table)" that suction devices A and B have in place beforehand.

[0248] In the embodiments of this disclosure, when one suction device (e.g., suction device A) receives a reception completion signal from the other suction device (e.g., suction device B), it sends a connection disconnection signal to the other suction device, thereby disconnecting the communication connection between the suction devices (e.g., 330 in Figure 3 and 430 in Figure 4). Alternatively, in the embodiments of this disclosure, when one suction device (e.g., suction device A) receives a reception completion signal from the other suction device (e.g., suction device B), the other suction device (suction device B) may send the heating profile it uses to the first suction device (suction device A). In this case, the first suction device (suction device A) not only sends its own heating profile to the other suction device (suction device B) during a single P2P connection process, but also receives the heating profile it uses from the other suction device (suction device B).

[0249] 6. Conclusion While several examples of embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these are merely illustrative and do not limit the technical scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that modifications, additions, and improvements to the embodiments can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The technical scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the embodiments described above, but should be defined solely by the claims and their equivalents.

[0250] Finally, some of the features of this disclosure are listed below.

[0251] [Feature 1] A suction device configured to control a heating operation using a heating profile, further configured to transmit the heating profile to other suction devices that control a heating operation using a heating profile.

[0252] [Feature 2] The suction device described in Feature 1, The heating profile used by the suction device, The characteristics of the heater provided in the aforementioned suction device, The characteristics of the heater provided by the aforementioned other suction device and Based on this, the heating profile to be transmitted is generated. It is further configured in this way Suction device.

[0253] [Feature 3] The suction device described in Feature 2, The characteristics of the heater provided by the other suction device are received from the other suction device. A suction device further configured as follows.

[0254] [Feature 4] A suction device described in any one of the features 1 to 3, The first heating profile is stored, and the second heating profile is received from another suction device. When the first heating profile is set to be used, and the second heating profile received from the other suction device is set to be used, In response to the completion of use of the second heating profile, the setting is restored to use the first heating profile. A suction device further configured as follows.

[0255] [Feature 5] The suction device described in Feature 4, The suction device has a user-selectable heating profile, which includes a region for storing the multiple heating profiles, including the first heating profile, and the selected heating profile is set to be used. In response to the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, the second heating profile is stored in the region. A suction device further configured as follows.

[0256] [Feature 6] The suction device described in Feature 5, wherein the predetermined conditions are: The condition that a predetermined action is detected in the suction device, The condition that a predetermined operation has been performed on the external device connected to the suction device, A suction device that is one or more of the following.

[0257] [Feature 7] The suction device described in Feature 1, The heating profile used by the suction device is transmitted to the other suction device, and the characteristics of the heater provided by the suction device are also transmitted. A suction device further configured as follows.

[0258] [Feature 8] A suction device according to any one of features 2 to 7, wherein the characteristics of the heater represent the relationship between the temperature of the heater and the resistance value of the heater.

[0259] [Feature 9] The suction device described in Feature 8, wherein the characteristics of the heater are: The rate of change of the resistance value per unit temperature of the heater when the heater is near the first temperature, The rate of change of the resistance value per unit temperature of the heater when the heater is near the second temperature, The resistance value of the heater when the heater is at a first temperature, The standard resistance value at room temperature of the heater manufactured on the same line as the aforementioned heater, The highest of the temperatures output by one or more temperature sensors proximate to the heater when the heater is at the first temperature, and A suction device including the above.

[0260] [Feature 10] A suction device according to any one of Features 1 to 9, where the heating profile represents the target temperature or target resistance value of the heater over time, A suction device.

[0261] [Feature 11] A suction device according to Feature 10, where the suction device is further configured to control the heating operation for a certain period by using the heating profile, the certain period is divided into a plurality of periods, and the heating profile used by the suction device includes the target resistance value of the heater provided in the suction device for each of the divided periods. A suction device.

[0262] [Feature 12] A suction device according to Feature 10, where the suction device is further configured to heat the heater for a certain period by using the heating profile, the certain period is divided into a plurality of periods, and the heating profile used by the suction device includes the target temperature for each of the divided periods. A suction device.

[0263] [Feature 13] A suction device according to any one of Features 1 to 12, which is further configured to perform P2P (Peer to Peer) connection with the other suction device, and perform transmission and reception with the other suction device via the P2P connection. A suction device further configured as above.

[0264] [Feature 14] A method performed by a suction device that controls a heating operation using a heating profile, the method comprising the step of transmitting the heating profile to another suction device that controls a heating operation using a heating profile.

[0265] [Feature 15] A program for a suction device that controls heating operation using a heating profile, the program causing the suction device to perform the step of transmitting the heating profile to another suction device that controls heating operation using a heating profile.

[0266] Furthermore, some of the other features of this disclosure are described below.

[0267] [Feature 1] A suction device configured to control heating operation using a heating profile, In response to detecting a predetermined action, the heating profile transmission process is initiated. The heating profile transmission process is further configured as follows: The suction device transmits the heating profile to another suction device that uses the heating profile to control the heating operation. A suction device, including a suction device.

[0268] [Feature 2] The suction device described in Feature 1, wherein the heating profile transmission process is The suction device transmits a first signal to the other suction device indicating the start of the heating profile transmission process, The suction device, upon receiving an acknowledgment of the first signal from the other suction device, transmits a second signal to the other suction device requesting the transmission of heater characteristics; The suction device, upon receiving heater characteristics from the other suction device, generates a heating profile. The suction device transmits the generated heating profile to the other suction device. A suction device, including a suction device.

[0269] [Feature 3] The suction device according to Feature 2, transmits a confirmation response to the first signal received from the other suction device to the other suction device, and transmits the characteristics of the heater to the other suction device when the second signal is received from the other suction device. The suction device is further configured as such.

[0270] [Feature 4] The suction device according to any one of Features 1 to 3, does not respond to further detection of the predetermined action until the heating profile transmission process ends after responding to the detection of the predetermined action. The suction device is further configured as such.

[0271] [Feature 5] The suction device according to any one of Features 1 to 4, includes a sensor for detecting the movement of the suction device, and uses the sensor to detect that the suction device has been shaken as the predetermined action. The suction device is further configured as such.

[0272] [Feature 6] The suction device according to any one of Features 1 to 5, is connected to the other suction device in a P2P (Peer to Peer) manner, and performs transmission and reception with the other suction device via the P2P connection. The suction device is further configured as such.

[0273] [Feature 7] The suction device according to Feature 6, after transmitting the first signal to the other suction device, determines which of the suction device and the other suction device should have priority when the first signal is received from the other suction device before receiving the confirmation response to the first signal. If it is determined that the aforementioned suction device should be given priority, the acknowledgment response to the first signal received from the other suction device will not be transmitted. A suction device further configured as follows.

[0274] [Feature 8] The suction device described in Feature 7, When establishing the P2P connection, one of the suction devices and the other suction device is set as the central device, and the other as the peripheral device. If the aforementioned suction device is set as the central device, it is determined that the aforementioned suction device should be given priority. A suction device further configured as follows.

[0275] [Feature 9] A method performed by a suction device that controls heating operation using a heating profile, Step 1: In response to detecting a predetermined action, start the heating profile transmission process. The heating profile transmission process includes, The suction device transmits the heating profile to another suction device that uses the heating profile to control the heating operation. Methods that include...

[0276] [Feature 10] A program for a suction device that controls heating operation using a heating profile, Step 1: In response to detecting a predetermined action, start the heating profile transmission process. The suction device is made to perform the above, and the heating profile transmission process is performed as follows: The suction device transmits the heating profile to another suction device that uses the heating profile to control the heating operation. A program that includes this. [Explanation of symbols]

[0277] 121A, 121B, 121C-1, 121C-2...Heating part 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D...Holding part 141A, 141B, 141C, 141D...interior space 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D…Aperture 143A, 143B, 143C, 143D...Bottom 144B, 144C... Insulation section 150A, 150B, 150C, 150D… Stick-type base material 151A, 151B, 151C, 151D...Base material part 152A, 152B, 152C, 152D...Suction part 161D... Susceptor 162D…Electromagnetic induction source 200...Example process for initiating the heating profile transmission process. 220... Processing block when the heating profile transmission process is initiated. 240... Processing block for when the start of the heating profile transmission process is canceled due to user interaction. 250... Processing block for when the start of the heating profile transmission process is canceled due to a timeout. 300...Example Heating Profile Transmission Process 310... Processing block when the heating profile transmission process completes successfully. 340... Processing block for when the heating profile transmission process is aborted due to a timeout on the sending side of the heating profile. 350... Processing block for when the heating profile transmission process is aborted due to a timeout on the receiving end of the heating profile. 400...Another example of heating profile transmission process 410... Processing block when the heating profile transmission process completes successfully. 500... A graph plotting the temperature change of an example heater. 510...Example of heater temperature change 520…Period for controlling heating operation 600...Example data structure for heating profile 630... A field for storing any other information about the divided period. 650… A field for storing any other information about the heating profile. 700...Another example data structure for heating profiles 730... A field for storing any other information about the divided period. 810, 820, 830, 840… Areas for storing user-selectable heating profiles 850... Area for storing heating profiles that cannot be selected by the user.

Claims

1. A suction device configured to control heating operation using a heating profile, The suction device is further configured to transmit the heating profile to other suction devices that control heating operations using the heating profile. The suction device is The first heating profile is stored, and the second heating profile is received from another suction device. When the first heating profile is set to be used, and the second heating profile received from the other suction device is set to be used, In response to the completion of use of the second heating profile, the setting is restored to use the first heating profile. It was further configured in the following way: Suction device.

2. A suction device according to claim 1, The heating profile used by the suction device, The characteristics of the heater provided in the aforementioned suction device, The characteristics of the heater provided by the aforementioned other suction device and Based on this, the heating profile to be transmitted is generated. It is further configured in this way Suction device.

3. A suction device according to claim 2, The characteristics of the heater provided by the other suction device are received from the other suction device. A suction device further configured as follows.

4. A suction device according to claim 1, The suction device has a user-selectable heating profile, which includes a region for storing the multiple heating profiles, including the first heating profile, and the selected heating profile is set to be used. In response to the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, the second heating profile is stored in the region. A suction device further configured as follows.

5. The suction device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined conditions are: The condition that a predetermined action is detected in the suction device, The condition that a predetermined operation has been performed on the external device connected to the suction device and A suction device that is one or more of the following.

6. A suction device according to claim 1, The heating profile used by the suction device is transmitted to the other suction device, and the characteristics of the heater provided by the suction device are also transmitted. A suction device further configured as follows.

7. A suction device configured to control heating operation using a heating profile, The suction device is further configured to transmit the heating profile to other suction devices that control heating operations using the heating profile. The suction device is The heating profile used by the suction device, The characteristics of the heater provided in the aforementioned suction device, The characteristics of the heater provided by the aforementioned other suction device and Based on this, the heating profile to be transmitted is generated. It is further configured in this way, The characteristics of the aforementioned heater are, The rate of change of the resistance value per unit temperature of the heater when the heater is near the first temperature, The rate of change of the resistance value per unit temperature of the heater when the heater is near the second temperature, The resistance value of the heater when the heater is at a first temperature, The standard resistance value at room temperature of the heater manufactured on the same line as the aforementioned heater, When the heater is at a first temperature, the highest of the temperatures output by one or more temperature sensors located near the heater is... including, Suction device.

8. A suction device according to claim 1 or 7, The aforementioned heating profile represents the target temperature or target resistance value of the heater over time. Suction device.

9. A suction device according to claim 8, The suction device is further configured to control the heating operation for a certain period of time by using the heating profile, and the certain period is divided into multiple periods. The heating profile used by the suction device includes, for each divided period, a target resistance value for the heater provided by the suction device. Suction device.

10. A suction device according to claim 8, The suction device is further configured to heat the heater for a certain period of time by using the heating profile, and the certain period is divided into a plurality of periods. The heating profile used by the suction device includes, for each divided period, a target temperature. Suction device.

11. A suction device according to claim 1 or 7, Connect to the aforementioned other suction device via P2P (Peer to Peer), The P2P connection is used to transmit and receive data with the other suction device. A suction device further configured as follows.

12. A method performed by a suction device that controls heating operation using a heating profile, The method includes the step of sending the heating profile to another suction device that uses the heating profile to control the heating operation, The suction device stores a first heating profile, The aforementioned method, The steps include receiving a second heating profile from another suction device, When the setting is configured to use the first heating profile, and the setting is configured to use the second heating profile received from the other suction device, the step of returning the setting to use the first heating profile in response to the completion of use of the second heating profile. This also includes, method.

13. A method performed by a suction device that controls heating operation using a heating profile, The method includes the step of sending the heating profile to another suction device that uses the heating profile to control the heating operation, The aforementioned method, The heating profile used by the suction device, The characteristics of the heater provided in the aforementioned suction device, The characteristics of the heater provided by the aforementioned other suction device and The step of generating the heating profile to be transmitted based on It further includes, The characteristics of the aforementioned heater are, The rate of change of the resistance value per unit temperature of the heater when the heater is near the first temperature, The rate of change of the resistance value per unit temperature of the heater when the heater is near the second temperature, The resistance value of the heater when the heater is at a first temperature, The standard resistance value at room temperature of the heater manufactured on the same line as the aforementioned heater, When the heater is at a first temperature, the highest of the temperatures output by one or more temperature sensors located near the heater is... including, method.

14. A program for a suction device that controls heating operation using a heating profile, The program causes the suction device to perform the step of sending the heating profile to another suction device that uses the heating profile to control the heating operation. The suction device stores a first heating profile, The aforementioned program, The steps include receiving a second heating profile from another suction device, When the setting is configured to use the first heating profile, and the setting is configured to use the second heating profile received from the other suction device, the step of returning the setting to use the first heating profile in response to the completion of use of the second heating profile. The suction device is then made to perform the following: program.

15. A program for a suction device that controls heating operation using a heating profile, The program causes the suction device to perform the step of sending the heating profile to another suction device that uses the heating profile to control the heating operation. The aforementioned program, The heating profile used by the suction device, The characteristics of the heater provided in the aforementioned suction device, The characteristics of the heater provided by the aforementioned other suction device and The step of generating the heating profile to be transmitted based on The suction device is then made to perform the following: The characteristics of the aforementioned heater are, The rate of change of the resistance value per unit temperature of the heater when the heater is near the first temperature, The rate of change of the resistance value per unit temperature of the heater when the heater is near the second temperature, The resistance value of the heater when the heater is at a first temperature, The standard resistance value at room temperature of the heater manufactured on the same line as the aforementioned heater, When the heater is at a first temperature, the highest of the temperatures output by one or more temperature sensors located near the heater is... including, program.

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