Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generation device comprising: a heating unit that heats a base material including an aerosol source, in accordance with a control sequence, via power supply from a power source; a detection unit that detects movement of the comprising device; and a control unit that performs control so as to switch one currently selected control sequence to another control sequence when a specific movement is detected by the detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an aerosol delivery device that includes a motion sensor configured to detect a defined motion of the aerosol delivery device that occurs by user interaction with a housing within the housing, the motion sensor being configured to convert the defined motion into an electrical signal, and a microprocessor or motion sensor being configured to receive the electrical signal and, based on the electrical signal, recognize a gesture and an operation associated with the gesture and control at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device to perform the operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a configuration where the currently selected control sequence is not switched to another control sequence when the movement of the device itself is detected, the control sequence cannot be easily switched.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable easy switching of the control sequence.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present disclosure teeth,The present invention provides an aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source according to a control sequence using power supplied from a power source; a detection unit that detects the movement of the apparatus itself; and a control unit that controls the apparatus to switch from one selected control sequence to another when a specific movement is detected by the detection unit. The control unit may control the system to select other control sequences from a plurality of control sequences. In this case, the control unit may control the system to select other control sequences according to a predetermined order of a plurality of control sequences. Alternatively, the control unit may control the system to select other control sequences according to a specific type of movement detected by the detection unit. The aerosol generating device may further include a notification unit that notifies information identifying other control sequences. In this case, the notification unit may notify information identifying other control sequences by vibrating a number of times corresponding to the other control sequences. Alternatively, the notification unit may notify information identifying other control sequences by emitting a number of light-emitting elements corresponding to the other control sequences. The control unit may be configured to prevent switching the control sequence even when a specific movement is detected by the detection unit, provided that predetermined conditions are met. In this case, the aerosol generating device further comprises an opening / closing unit that opens or closes an opening into which a substrate is inserted, and the predetermined conditions may be that the opening / closing unit is open. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may further comprise an opening / closing unit that opens or closes an opening into which a substrate is inserted, and the predetermined conditions may be that the opening / closing unit is open and the specific movement detected by the detection unit is a predefined movement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the control sequence can be easily switched. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generator, viewed from an oblique angle above. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the top surface of an aerosol generator viewed from above. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the internal configuration of the main unit. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates how the sensor unit detects double-tap operations. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates how the sensor unit detects shaking motion. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the first method for switching the heating profile. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates a second method for switching the heating profile. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows a first example of the operation when an aerosol generator switches heating profiles. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows a second example of the operation when an aerosol generator switches heating profiles. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The aerosol generation device of the embodiment is a form of an electronic cigarette. The substance generated by the aerosol generation device is an aerosol. An aerosol is a mixture of minute liquid or solid particles floating in a gas and air or other gases. In the embodiment, an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol without combustion will be described. Further, in the embodiment, an aerosol generation device capable of attaching a solid aerosol source will be described.

[0010] ≪Embodiment 1≫ <Appearance example> First, an appearance example of the aerosol generation device used in Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a view of observing the front side of the aerosol generation device 1 obliquely from above. FIG. 2 is a view of observing the upper surface of the aerosol generation device 1 from above. The aerosol generation device 1 is composed of a main body device 10 and a slide cover 20 that can be slid along the upper surface of the main body device 10. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the state where the slide cover 20 is removed from the upper surface of the main body device 10 is shown.

[0011] In the present embodiment, the surface on which the power button 11 is provided is referred to as the "front". [[ID= XIX]] Further, the surface on which the insertion port (hereinafter referred to as the "insertion port for the stick-shaped substrate") 13 into which the stick-shaped substrate is inserted is provided is referred to as the "upper surface". Note that the surface opposite to the upper surface is referred to as the "bottom surface", and the other three surfaces are referred to as the "side surfaces". On the front of the main body device 10, in addition to the power button 11, an LED lamp 12 is provided. [[ID=二十六]] On the upper surface of the main body device 10, in addition to the insertion port 13 for the stick-shaped substrate, an insertion port 14 for a USB (= Universal Serial Bus) cable is provided.

[0012] The power button 11 is used, for example, to give an instruction to start heating the stick-shaped base material, for resetting, and for giving a Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing instruction. When the power button 11 is long-pressed (for example, pressed for 5 seconds or more), a reset is executed. In the present embodiment, BLE (= Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth. The LED lamp 12 is used, for example, to notify the operating state of the main body device 10 and the remaining amount of the secondary battery. In the case of the present embodiment, the surface of the LED lamp 12 is covered with a material that transmits light, and it is possible for the user to observe the lighting state of the LED lamp 12. The operating state includes, for example, the progress of the heating cycle, the progress of charging, and errors.

[0013] In the case of notifying the progress of the heating cycle, the length of the lit portion of the LED lamp 12 indicates the remaining available time. When the remaining time decreases, the LED lamp 12 blinks slowly. In the case of notifying the progress of charging, during charging, the LED lamp 12 blinks, and the length of the blinking portion extends as the electricity accumulated by charging increases. When charging is completed, the LED lamp 12 turns off or becomes lit.

[0014] In the case of displaying the remaining amount of the secondary battery, for example, when the slide cover 20 is opened or closed, the remaining amount of the battery is displayed by the length of the lit portion of the LED lamp 12. When the remaining amount of the secondary battery is low, the LED lamp 12 blinks. Also, when the remaining amount of the secondary battery is in a state where it cannot absorb even one unused stick-shaped base material, the LED lamp 12 blinks quickly.

[0015] The slide cover 20 has dimensions that cover approximately half of the top surface. When the slide cover 20 is operated to the open position, it completely hides the USB cable port 14, and when the slide cover 20 is operated to the closed position, it completely hides the stick-type substrate port 13. In other words, the slide cover 20 alternately hides either the stick-type substrate port 13 or the USB cable port 14. Figure 2 shows the slide cover 20 in the open position. The stick-type substrate port 13 is an example of an opening into which the substrate is inserted, and the slide cover 20 is an example of an opening / closing mechanism that opens or closes the opening.

[0016] In this embodiment, the stick-type substrate contains a solid aerosol source housed in a paper tube molded into a roughly cylindrical shape. Therefore, in both Figure 1 and Figure 2, the shape of the insertion opening 13 of the stick-type substrate is represented as a circular shape that is approximately the same as the shape of the stick-type substrate. The diameter of the opening of the insertion opening 13 of the stick-type substrate is the size that allows the stick-type substrate to be inserted. In other words, the diameter of the stick-type substrate is the size that allows it to be inserted into the insertion opening 13 of the stick-type substrate. In this embodiment, the USB cable port 14 is compatible with Type-C. However, this does not mean that the shape of the terminal used for charging the secondary battery is limited to Type-C or USB. The terminal of the power cable used for charging the secondary battery may be of other types.

[0017] A magnet, for example, is attached to the back of the slide cover 20. Meanwhile, a Hall IC is mounted on the main unit 10 within the movable range of the slide cover 20. A Hall IC is a magnetic sensor composed of a Hall element and an operational amplifier, and it outputs a voltage corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field passing through the Hall element. In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the slide cover 20 is detected by the change in voltage output from the Hall IC as the slide cover 20 slides. In other words, it is detected whether the slide cover 20 is in the open position or the closed position.

[0018] The aerosol generating device 1 in this embodiment is sized to be held in one hand by the user. The main unit 10 incorporates various electronic components necessary for aerosol generation. In this sense, the main unit 10 is an example of electronic equipment specifically designed for aerosol generation. More precisely, the main unit 10 is referred to as an aerosol generator.

[0019] <Internal structure> Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the main unit 10. Figure 3 shows the main unit 10 with the stick-type base material 30 attached. The internal configuration shown in Figure 3 is intended to explain the components installed in the main unit 10 and their positional relationships. Therefore, the appearance of the components shown in Figure 3 does not necessarily match the external view described above.

[0020] The main unit 10 consists of a power supply unit 101, a sensor unit 102, a notification unit 103, a storage unit 104, a communication unit 105, a control unit 106, a heating unit 107, a heat insulation unit 108, and a holding unit 109. As mentioned above, Figure 3 shows the stick-shaped substrate 30 being held by the holding part 109. In this state, the user can inhale the aerosol.

[0021] The power supply unit 101 is a unit that supplies power to each part. The power supply unit 101 stores power in, for example, a secondary battery. In this embodiment, a lithium-ion secondary battery is used. The rechargeable battery can be charged from an external power source. In this embodiment, the external power source is assumed to be, for example, a commercial power supply or a mobile battery.

[0022] The sensor unit 102 is an electronic component that detects various types of information related to the main unit 10. The sensor unit 102 includes, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser and a flow sensor. The sensor unit 102 outputs the detected information to the control unit 106. For example, if it detects a change in air pressure or airflow associated with suction, the sensor unit 102 outputs a numerical value to the control unit 106 indicating that the user is suctioning an aerosol.

[0023] The sensor unit 102 is provided in conjunction with, for example, a button or switch used to receive operations from the user. The button here is the power button 11 (see Figure 1) mentioned above. The switch is the slide cover 20 (see Figure 2) mentioned above. When the sensor unit 102 detects a user operation, it outputs the operation detection to the control unit 106. In addition, the sensor unit 102 contains a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 107. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 107 based, for example, on the electrical resistance value of the conductive track of the heating unit 107. The detected electrical resistance value is output from the sensor unit 102 to the control unit 106. The control unit 106 then calculates the temperature of the heating unit 107 based on the electrical resistance value. In other words, the control unit 106 calculates the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 30 held in the holding unit 109.

[0024] Furthermore, the sensor unit 102 includes a motion sensor that detects user movements by detecting the movement of the main unit 10. The motion sensor may include an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the main unit 10. An example of an acceleration sensor is a capacitive type acceleration sensor having a sensor element composed of a fixed electrode and a movable electrode made of silicon, and a spring or the like. In addition, the acceleration sensor may be a piezoresistive type or a thermal detection type acceleration sensor. Alternatively, the motion sensor may include a gyro sensor that detects the angular velocity of the main unit 10. In this case, the sensor unit 102 is an example of a detection unit that detects the movement of the device itself. The timing for turning on the motion sensor can be the same as the timing for turning on the control unit 106. Specifically, since the control unit 106 is powered on when the user deactivates the shipment mode of the aerosol generator 1 and starts using it, it is best to set the motion sensor to be powered on at the same time. Also, since the control unit 106 is powered on even in sleep mode, the motion sensor can sense even in sleep mode.

[0025] The notification unit 103 is an electronic component that notifies the user of various information regarding the main unit 10. The notification unit 103 includes, for example, an LED lamp 12 (see Figure 1). The LED lamp 12 lights up in different patterns when the power supply unit 101 needs charging, when the power supply unit 101 is charging, or when an abnormality occurs in the main unit 10. The patterns here include differences in color, differences in the timing of turning on / off, etc. Also, the LED lamp 12 contains multiple LEDs. Note that the LED lamp 12 is an example of a light-emitting device, and an LED is an example of a light-emitting element.

[0026] The notification unit 103 may include other devices used in conjunction with or in place of the light-emitting device. These types of devices include display devices that display characters, images, or other information, sound output devices that output sound, and vibration devices that vibrate the main unit 10. Light-emitting devices, display devices, sound output devices, vibration devices, etc., are examples of notification units that notify information. In addition, the notification unit 103 may notify the user when it becomes possible to inhale the aerosol. This notification indicates that the temperature of the stick-type substrate 30 heated by the heating unit 107 has reached a predetermined temperature.

[0027] The memory unit 104 stores various information related to the operation of the main unit 10. The memory unit 104 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium, such as flash memory. The information stored in the memory unit 104 includes, for example, the OS (Operating System), FW (Firmware), and other programs. Furthermore, the information stored in the memory unit 104 includes, for example, information related to the control of electronic components. This control information includes information related to user-induced suction, such as the remaining charge of the secondary battery, SOH (=State of Health), number of suctions, suction time, and cumulative suction time.

[0028] The communication unit 105 is a communication interface for enabling communication between the main unit 10 and other devices. The communication unit 105 communicates with other devices using a method compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include wireless LAN (=Local Area Network), serial signal lines, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the communication unit 105 transmits information about the user's inhalation to the smartphone. The communication unit 105 also downloads update programs and heating profiles that define the temperature changes of the heating unit 107 in heating mode from the server.

[0029] The control unit 106 functions as a processing unit and control unit, and controls the operation of the main unit 10 according to various programs. The transmission of control signals is performed through signal lines separate from the power lines. For example, serial communication methods such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) are used for communication within the main unit 10.

[0030] The control unit 106 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (=Central Processing Unit), MCU (=Micro Controller Unit), MPU (=Micro Processing Unit), GPU (=Graphical Processing Unit), ASIC (=application specific integrated circuit), FPGA (=Field Programmable Gate Array), and DSP (=Digital Signal Processor). The control unit 106 may include a ROM (=Read Only Memory) for storing programs and calculation parameters, and a RAM (=Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as needed.

[0031] The control unit 106 performs various processes and controls through the execution of a program. The processing and control here include, for example, power supply by the power supply unit 101, charging of the power supply unit 101, detection of information by the sensor unit 102, notification of information using the notification unit 103, writing of information to or reading of information from the storage unit 104, and sending and receiving of information using the communication unit 105. In addition, the control unit 106 also controls the input of information to electronic components and the processing based on the information output from the electronic components.

[0032] The holding portion 109 is a generally cylindrical container. In this embodiment, the space inside the holding portion 109, defined by the inner wall and the bottom surface, is called the internal space 109A. The internal space 109A is generally columnar. The holding portion 109 is provided with an opening 109B that connects the internal space 109A to the outside. The stick-shaped base material 30 is inserted into the internal space 109A through this opening 109B. The opening 109B here corresponds to the insertion opening 13 of the stick-shaped base material in Figure 1. The stick-shaped base material 30 is inserted until its tip touches the bottom portion 109C. Only a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 30 is housed in the internal space 109A. The state in which the stick-shaped substrate 30 is housed in the internal space 109A is referred to as the stick-shaped substrate 30 being held in the internal space 109A.

[0033] The holding portion 109 is formed such that its inner diameter in at least a portion of its axial direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped base material 30. Therefore, the outer surface of the stick-shaped base material 30 inserted into the internal space 109A is subjected to pressure from the inner wall of the holding portion 109. This pressure holds the stick-shaped base material 30 in the internal space 109A. The holding portion 109 also has the function of defining the airflow path through the stick-shaped substrate 30. The air inlet, which is the air entrance to the flow path, is located, for example, at the bottom portion 109C. The opening 109B is the air outlet, which is the air exit.

[0034] In this embodiment, only a portion of the stick-shaped base material 30 is held by the holding portion 109, while the rest protrudes outward from the housing. Hereinafter, the portion held by the holding portion 109 will be referred to as the base material portion 30A, and the portion protruding from the housing will be referred to as the suction nozzle portion 30B. At least the base material 30A houses an aerosol source. The aerosol source is a substance that is atomized when heated, generating an aerosol. Aerosol sources include not only shredded tobacco, but also processed products made by molding tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powders, and other tobacco-derived substances.

[0035] Furthermore, the aerosol source may also contain non-tobacco-derived substances made from plants other than tobacco, such as mint or herbs. For example, the aerosol source may contain flavoring components such as menthol. If the main unit 10 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain medication for the patient to inhale. The aerosol source is not limited to a solid; for example, it may be a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water.

[0036] At least a portion of the suction port 30B is held in the user's mouth during suction. When a user places the mouthpiece 30B in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 109A through the air inlet. The incoming air passes through the internal space 109A and the base material 30A and reaches the user's mouth. The air that reaches the user's mouth contains aerosols generated in the base material 30A.

[0037] The heating section 107 is composed of a heater or other heat-generating element. The heating section 107 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide. The heating section 107 is, for example, made in the form of a film and attached to the outer circumferential surface of the holding section 109. The heat generated by the heating unit 107 heats and atomizes the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 30. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air or the like to generate an aerosol. In the case of Figure 3, the outer periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 30 is heated first, and the heated area gradually moves towards the center.

[0038] Therefore, atomization of the aerosol source begins near the outer edge of the stick-shaped substrate 30 and gradually moves towards the center. The heating unit 107 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 101. For example, when a predetermined operation by the user is detected by the sensor unit 102, power supply to the heating unit 107 is permitted. Predetermined user operations include operations on the slide cover 20 (see Figure 2) or the power button 11 (see Figure 1).

[0039] The heating unit 107 heats the stick-shaped substrate 30, which is an aerosol source, according to the heating profile stored in the storage unit 104. The heating profile is a data file that defines the time change of the target temperature after heating has started. The heating profile is an example of a control sequence that defines heating. Therefore, the heating unit 107 is an example of a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source according to a control sequence by supplying power from a power source. In addition, multiple heating profiles may be stored in the storage unit 104. Therefore, the heating unit 107 is an example of a heating unit that heats a substrate according to any of multiple control sequences.

[0040] When the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 30, heated by the heating unit 107, reaches a predetermined temperature, the user can begin suctioning. The user's suction of the aerosol is detected by the flow sensor of the sensor unit 102 and stored in the storage unit 104. Subsequently, when a predetermined user operation is detected, power supply to the heating unit 107 is stopped. A predetermined user operation is closing the slide cover 20. Furthermore, even if no user operation is detected, power supply to the heating unit 107 is stopped when the heating time specified in the heating profile is completed. Alternatively, a method may be adopted in which power is supplied to the heating unit 107 while user suction is detected, and power is stopped when user suction is no longer detected.

[0041] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 3, the heating element 107 is located on the outer circumference of the stick-shaped substrate 30. However, the heating element 107 may be a blade-shaped metal piece inserted into the stick-shaped substrate 30, or a metal piece built into the stick-shaped substrate 30. If the metal piece acting as the heating element 107 is built into the stick-shaped substrate 30, then an induction heating coil should be arranged around the holding element 109.

[0042] The heat insulating portion 108 is a component that reduces the propagation of heat generated in the heating portion 107 to the surroundings. For this reason, the heat insulating portion 108 is arranged to cover at least the outer surface of the heating portion 107. The insulation section 108 is composed of, for example, vacuum insulation material, aerogel insulation material, etc. Vacuum insulation material is an insulation material in which heat conduction by gas is brought as close to zero as possible by wrapping, for example, glass wool and silica (silicon powder) in a resin film and creating a high vacuum state.

[0043] <Detecting user actions> Here, we will explain how the sensor unit 102 detects user actions. In this embodiment, we will explain using the double-tap operation of the aerosol generator 1 and the shake operation of the aerosol generator 1 as examples of user actions.

[0044] Figure 4 shows the method for detecting double-tap operation by the sensor unit 102. The sensor unit 102 detects the acceleration of the aerosol generator 1 and detects double-tap operation by performing the following processing based on this acceleration. (1) If the acceleration exceeds the upper threshold Th1 or falls below the lower threshold (-Th1), period T11 is started. (2) If the acceleration exceeds the upper threshold Th1 in (1), the first tap is detected when the acceleration falls below the upper threshold Th1 within period T11. If the acceleration falls below the lower threshold (-Th1) in (1), the first tap is detected when the acceleration exceeds the lower threshold (-Th1) within period T11. In the figure, the first tap is detected at point P11. (3) After the first tap is detected, period T12 is started. In other words, during the period when no tap is detected, processing similar to debouncing is performed. (4) Period T13 begins the moment period T12 ends. (5) If tap detections (1) and (2) occur again within period T13, the second tap is detected. In the diagram, the second tap is detected at point P12. This detects a double tap operation.

[0045] Figure 5 shows the method for detecting the shaking motion by the sensor unit 102. The sensor unit 102 detects the acceleration of the aerosol generator 1 and detects the shaking motion by performing the following processing based on this acceleration. (1) When the acceleration exceeds the threshold Th2, the force is launched for a period T2. (2) If the acceleration falls below the threshold Th2 within period T2, the power cycle for period T2 is restarted. (3) If the acceleration exceeds the threshold Th2 within period T2, a shaking motion is detected.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 106 only needs to send acceleration threshold information and detection period information to the sensor unit 102, and the process of detecting user movements shown in Figures 4 and 5 is completed within the sensor unit 102.

[0047] Furthermore, if the sensor unit 102 falsely detects user actions, the heating profile may be switched at a time unintended by the user, so a mechanism to prevent false detection is necessary. One possible mechanism to prevent such false detections is to collect threshold data for actions such as double-tapping and shaking from a certain number of users, and then use this data in the sensor unit 102 of all aerosol generators 1 of a specific model. This threshold data may not be adjusted for each user if the aerosol generator 1 is of the same model, or it may be adjusted for each user even if the aerosol generator 1 is of the same model.

[0048] <Outline of operation> The following describes how to switch the heating profile used for heating in the aerosol generator 1.

[0049] Figure 6 shows a first method for switching heating profiles. In this first switching method, when the user performs a predetermined action, the aerosol generator 1 switches the heating profiles stored in the memory unit 104 according to a predetermined order. Here, the predetermined action is explained using a double-tap operation of the aerosol generator 1 as an example, but it is not limited to this. The predetermined action may also be a shaking operation of the aerosol generator 1, etc.

[0050] In the diagram, it is assumed that in the initial state, heating profile No. 1 is selected as the heating profile used for heating. In this state, when the user performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 106 switches the heating profile used for heating to heating profile No. 2. Subsequently, when the user performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 106 switches the heating profile used for heating to heating profile No. 3. Subsequently, when the user performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 106 switches the heating profile used for heating to heating profile No. 4. Note that when the user performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 106 returns the heating profile used for heating to heating profile No. 1. In this case, the movement of the aerosol generator 1 due to a predetermined action by the user is an example of a specific movement. Furthermore, the control unit 106 is an example of a control unit that controls the system to switch one selected control sequence to another control sequence when a specific movement is detected by the detection unit. Moreover, the control unit 106 is an example of a control unit that controls the system to select another control sequence from a plurality of control sequences. Furthermore, the control unit 106 is an example of a control unit that controls the system to select another control sequence according to the predetermined order of a plurality of control sequences.

[0051] Here, the order of the heating profiles may be changed by connecting the aerosol generator 1 to a smartphone and using a smartphone app. However, even if the order of the heating profiles can be changed in this way, it is possible that the number of double-tap operations required to switch to the desired heating profile will increase. For example, in Figure 6, if heating profile No. 1 is set and you want to switch to heating profile No. 4, if neither heating profiles No. 2 nor No. 3 are saved, you only need to double-tap the aerosol generator 1 once. However, if both heating profiles No. 2 and No. 3 are saved, you need to double-tap the aerosol generator 1 three times. Therefore, a second method of switching heating profiles can be considered that does not increase the number of predetermined operations required to switch to the desired heating profile.

[0052] Figure 7 shows a second method for switching heating profiles. In this second switching method, when a user performs an action, the aerosol generator 1 switches the heating profile stored in the memory unit 104 according to the type of action. Here, the action described is an example of a combination of a double-tap action and a shake action of the aerosol generator 1, but it is not limited to this. The action may be a single action of the double-tap action, shake action, or other actions of the aerosol generator 1, or a combination of two or more of these actions.

[0053] In the diagram, it is assumed that in the initial state, heating profile No. 1 is selected as the heating profile used for heating. In this state, if the user performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generator 1 followed by a shake operation, the control unit 106 switches the heating profile used for heating to heating profile No. 2. Furthermore, if the user performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generator 1 after shaking it, the control unit 106 switches the heating profile used for heating to heating profile No. 3. Moreover, if the user performs a double-tap operation on the aerosol generator 1 twice in a row, the control unit 106 switches the heating profile used for heating to heating profile No. 4. To switch back to heating profile No. 1 from the switched heating profile, for example, the user can repeat the operation that was performed when switching to the switched heating profile. In this case, the movement of the aerosol generator 1 due to the user's actions is an example of a specific movement. Furthermore, the control unit 106 is an example of a control unit that controls the system to switch one selected control sequence to another control sequence when a specific movement is detected by the detection unit. Moreover, the control unit 106 is an example of a control unit that controls the system to select another control sequence from a plurality of control sequences. Furthermore, the control unit 106 is an example of a control unit that controls the system to select another control sequence according to the type of specific movement detected by the detection unit.

[0054] Furthermore, when a heating profile is switched, the notification unit 103 may be configured to notify information that identifies the destination heating profile. In this case, the notification unit 103 is an example of a notification unit that notifies information that identifies other control sequences. For example, if the notification unit 103 is a vibration device, it may notify the user of information that identifies the target heating profile by vibrating the main unit 10 a number of times corresponding to the target heating profile No. In this case, the notification unit 103 is an example of a notification unit that notifies the user of information that identifies other control sequences by vibrating a number of times corresponding to other control sequences. Alternatively, if the notification unit 103 is an LED lamp 12, it may notify the user of information identifying the target heating profile by lighting up the number of LEDs corresponding to the target heating profile No. In this case, the notification unit 103 is an example of a notification unit that notifies the user of information identifying other control sequences by illuminating a number of light-emitting elements corresponding to other control sequences.

[0055] Furthermore, in the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 106 may be configured not to switch the heating profile when predetermined conditions are met. In this case, the control unit 106 is an example of a control unit that controls the system not to switch the control sequence even when a specific movement is detected by the detection unit, as long as predetermined conditions are met. For example, the predetermined condition may be that the slide cover 20 is open. This is because if the slide cover 20 is open, it is assumed that heating is in progress according to the heating profile. In this case, the condition that the slide cover 20 is open is an example of a condition that the opening / closing part is open. Alternatively, the predetermined conditions may be that the slide cover 20 is open and the user has performed a predefined action. In this case, the predefined action is, for example, a double-tap action. For example, a double-tap action when the slide cover 20 is open and smoking is taking place is likely to be a malfunction. In this case, the condition that the slide cover 20 is open and the user has performed a predefined action is an example of a condition where the opening / closing part has opened its opening and the specific movement detected by the detection unit is a predefined movement. Alternatively, the predetermined operation may be performed under the condition that the aerosol generator 1 is in BLE communication mode. This is because, when the aerosol generator 1 is in BLE communication mode, it is assumed that it is sending and receiving heating profiles.

[0056] <Operation details> Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of operation when the aerosol generator 1 switches heating profiles. Here, we will explain using the example of switching heating profiles as shown in Figure 6.

[0057] As shown in the figure, in the aerosol generator 1, first the control unit 106 determines whether or not an interrupt notification has been received (step 301). If step 301 determines that there was no interrupt notification, the control unit 106 repeats step 301. On the other hand, if step 301 determines that there was an interrupt notification, the control unit 106 reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 102 and determines whether the user performed a double-tap operation on the aerosol generator 1 based on that value (step 302).

[0058] If step 302 determines that the user did not perform a double-tap operation on the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 301. On the other hand, if step 302 determines that the user did perform a double-tap operation on the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 106 determines whether the slide cover 20 is closed or not (step 303). If step 303 determines that the slide cover 20 is not closed, the control unit 106 returns to step 301. On the other hand, if step 303 determines that the slide cover 20 is closed, the control unit 106 determines whether or not BLE communication is in progress (step 304).

[0059] If step 304 determines that BLE communication is in progress, the control unit 106 returns to step 301. On the other hand, if step 304 determines that BLE communication is not in progress, the control unit 106 identifies the target heating profile (step 305). For example, if the control unit 106 has a stored heating profile that is the next in line after the currently selected heating profile, it can identify the next heating profile as the target heating profile. Alternatively, if the control unit 106 does not have a stored heating profile that is later in line than the currently selected heating profile, it can identify the currently selected heating profile as the target heating profile.

[0060] Subsequently, the control unit 106 switches the currently selected heating profile to the heating profile identified in step 305 (step 306). At this time, the notification unit 103 may vibrate the main unit 10 the number of times corresponding to the target heating profile No., or light up the LEDs the number of times corresponding to the target heating profile No.

[0061] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of operation when the aerosol generator 1 switches heating profiles. Here, we will explain using the example of switching heating profiles as shown in Figure 7.

[0062] As shown in the figure, in the aerosol generator 1, first the control unit 106 determines whether or not an interrupt notification has been received (step 321). If step 321 determines that there was no interrupt notification, the control unit 106 repeats step 321. On the other hand, if step 321 determines that there was an interrupt notification, the control unit 106 reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 102 and determines, based on that value, whether the user performed a double-tap or shake operation on the aerosol generator 1 (step 322).

[0063] If step 322 determines that the user did not perform a double-tap or shake operation on the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 321. On the other hand, if step 322 determines that the user did perform a double-tap or shake operation on the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 106 determines whether the slide cover 20 is closed or not (step 323). If step 323 determines that the slide cover 20 is not closed, the control unit 106 returns to step 321. On the other hand, if step 323 determines that the slide cover 20 is closed, the control unit 106 determines whether or not BLE communication is in progress (step 324).

[0064] If step 324 determines that BLE communication is in progress, the control unit 106 returns to step 321. On the other hand, if step 324 determines that BLE communication is not in progress, the control unit 106 determines whether there was another interrupt notification within the period T31 after determining in step 321 that an interrupt notification had been received (step 325). If step 325 determines that no interrupt notification was received during period T31, the control unit 106 returns to step 321. On the other hand, if step 325 determines that an interrupt notification was received during period T31, the control unit 106 reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 102 and determines, based on that value, whether the user performed a double-tap or shake operation on the aerosol generator 1 (step 326).

[0065] If the control unit 106 determines in step 326 that the user did not perform a double-tap or shake operation on the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 106 returns the process to step 325. On the other hand, if the control unit 106 determines in step 326 that the user did perform a double-tap or shake operation on the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 106 determines whether the slide cover 20 is closed or not (step 327). If step 327 determines that the slide cover 20 is not closed, the control unit 106 returns to step 321. On the other hand, if step 327 determines that the slide cover 20 is closed, the control unit 106 determines whether or not BLE communication is in progress (step 328).

[0066] If step 328 determines that BLE communication is in progress, the control unit 106 returns to step 321. On the other hand, if step 328 determines that BLE communication is not in progress, the control unit 106 identifies the target heating profile (step 329). For example, the control unit 106 can identify the target heating profile according to the combination of the operation determined in step 322 and the operation determined in step 326. Also, in the example in Figure 7, if there is no target heating profile corresponding to the combination of operations, such as when both the operation determined in step 322 and the operation determined in step 326 are shaking operations, the control unit 106 may return to step 325.

[0067] Subsequently, the control unit 106 switches the currently selected heating profile to the target heating profile identified in step 329 (step 330). At this time, the notification unit 103 may vibrate the main unit 10 the number of times corresponding to the target heating profile number, or light up the number of LEDs corresponding to the number of target heating profile numbers.

[0068] <Effects> The aerosol generator 1 according to this embodiment is configured to switch the control sequence that defines heating based on user actions. This makes it possible to easily switch the control sequence in this embodiment.

[0069] <Other Embodiments> (1) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is clear from the claims that embodiments with various modifications or improvements made to those described above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. (2) In the embodiments described above, the case in which the aerosol source is solid was explained, but the aerosol source may also be liquid. When the aerosol source is liquid, a method is employed in which the aerosol source is guided into a thin tube called a wick using capillary action, and the aerosol source is evaporated by heating the coil wrapped around the wick. (3) In the embodiments described above, an aerosol generating apparatus was described in which a solid aerosol source is heated to generate an aerosol. However, an aerosol generating apparatus may also be described in which a solid aerosol source and a liquid aerosol source are heated separately to generate an aerosol. This type of aerosol generating apparatus is also called a hybrid aerosol generating apparatus.

[0070] In addition This disclosure includes the following components: (1) An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source according to a control sequence by being powered from a power source; a detection unit that detects the movement of the device itself; and a control unit that controls the device to switch one selected control sequence to another control sequence when a specific movement is detected by the detection unit. (2) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (1), wherein the control unit controls the selection of other control sequences from a plurality of control sequences. (3) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (2), wherein the control unit controls the selection of other control sequences according to the order of a predetermined number of control sequences. (4) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (2), wherein the control unit controls the selection of other control sequences according to the type of specific movement detected by the detection unit. (5) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (1), further comprising a notification unit for notifying information that identifies other control sequences. (6) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (5), wherein the notification unit notifies information that identifies other control sequences by vibrating a number of times corresponding to other control sequences. (7) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (5), wherein the notification unit notifies information that identifies other control sequences by emitting a number of light-emitting elements corresponding to other control sequences. (8) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (1), wherein the control unit controls the control sequence so as not to switch even when a specific movement is detected by the detection unit, provided that predetermined conditions are met. (9) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (8), further comprising an opening / closing part for opening or closing an opening into which a substrate is inserted, wherein the predetermined condition is that the opening / closing part is open. (10) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (8), further comprising an opening / closing section for opening or closing an opening into which a substrate is inserted, wherein the predetermined condition is that the opening / closing section is open and the specific movement detected by the detection section is a predetermined movement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1...Aerosol generator, 10...Main unit, 11...Power button, 12...LED lamp, 13...Insertion port for stick-type substrate, 14...USB cable port, 20...Slide cover, 101...Power supply unit, 102...Sensor unit, 103...Notification unit, 104...Storage unit, 105...Communication unit, 106...Control unit, 107...Heating unit, 108...Insulation unit, 109...Holding unit, 30...Stick-type substrate

Claims

1. A heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source according to a control sequence using power supplied from a power source, A detection unit that detects the movement of the device, A control unit that controls the system to switch one selected control sequence to another control sequence when a specific movement is detected by the detection unit, Equipped with, The control unit controls the selection of other control sequences from a plurality of control sequences according to a predetermined order of those plurality of control sequences, in an aerosol generating apparatus.

2. A heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source according to a control sequence using power supplied from a power source, A detection unit that detects the movement of the device, A control unit that controls the system to switch one selected control sequence to another control sequence when a specific movement is detected by the detection unit, Equipped with, The control unit controls the selection of other control sequences from a plurality of control sequences according to the type of specific movement detected by the detection unit, in an aerosol generating apparatus.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a notification unit for notifying information that identifies the other control sequence.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notification unit notifies information that identifies the other control sequence by vibrating a number of times corresponding to the other control sequence.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notification unit notifies information identifying the other control sequence by emitting a number of light-emitting elements corresponding to the other control sequence.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the control sequence not to switch even when the detection unit detects the specific movement, provided that predetermined conditions are met.

7. The system further includes an opening / closing mechanism for opening or closing the opening into which the substrate is inserted. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined condition is that the opening / closing part is in the state of opening the opening.

8. The system further includes an opening / closing mechanism for opening or closing the opening into which the substrate is inserted. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined conditions are that the opening / closing unit has opened the opening, and the specific movement detected by the detection unit is a predetermined movement.

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