Suction device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism capable of reducing volume of communication in a suction device.SOLUTION: A suction device includes: a heating unit that heats a base material and generates an aerosol; a communication unit that receives information indicating a profile stipulating an operation of the heating unit, through a communication link from another suction device or a terminal device; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit in accordance with the information indicating the profile. The information indicating the profile includes information indicating parameters concerning the operation of the heating unit at each of a plurality of time segments constituting the period from a start time point to an end time point of heating at the heating unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Suction devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely spread. For example, a suction device uses a base material including an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol, etc., to generate an aerosol to which a flavor component is imparted. A user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component is imparted, which is generated by the suction device.

[0003] In recent years, it has been considered to equip a suction device with a wireless communication function. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a technique is disclosed in which a suction device operates according to an operation setting received wirelessly from a mobile communication device. [

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, it is hard to say that the technique described in Patent Document 1 above has made sufficient contrivance from the viewpoint of the communication volume of the suction device.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of reducing the communication volume of a suction device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a suction device is provided comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol; a communication unit that receives information indicating a profile defining the operation of the heating unit via a communication link; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit according to the information indicating the profile, wherein the information indicating the profile includes a combination of information indicating time and information indicating parameters relating to the operation of the heating unit during that time.

[0008] The profile is information showing the time-series changes of parameters related to the operation of the heating unit from the start time to the end time, and the information indicating time may be information indicating each of a plurality of time intervals that constitute the period from the start time to the end time.

[0009] The information indicating the time intervals may also be information indicating the order of the time intervals and the length of the time intervals.

[0010] The information indicating the time interval may also be information that indicates the end of the time interval by the elapsed time from the start time.

[0011] The information indicating the time interval may also be information that indicates the start and end times of the time interval by the elapsed time from the start time.

[0012] The information indicating the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit may also be information indicating a target value that the parameters should reach within that time.

[0013] The information representing the profile is information showing the time-series changes of parameters related to the operation of the heating unit from the start time to the end time, and the information representing the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit may be information showing the time-series changes of the parameters over the said time.

[0014] The information showing the time-series change of the parameter may also be information showing a function that approximates the shape of the time-series change of the parameter over the given time.

[0015] The profile is information showing the time-series changes of parameters relating to the operation of the heating unit from a start time to an end time, the time information is information showing each of a plurality of time intervals constituting the period from the start time to the end time, the information showing the parameters relating to the operation of the heating unit is information showing the time-series changes of the parameters in the time interval, and the communication unit may receive information via a communication link that includes a combination of the time interval information and the time-series changes of the parameters in the time interval for each of the plurality of time intervals constituting the period from the start time to the end time.

[0016] The communication unit may transmit information indicating the profile, omitting information indicating target values ​​for parameters relating to the operation of the heating unit during at least a portion of the time.

[0017] If the received information indicating the profile does not include information indicating the target values ​​of the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in the first time period, the control unit may use information indicating the target values ​​of the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in the second time period immediately preceding the first time period as information indicating the target values ​​of the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in the first time period.

[0018] The parameters may also be information detected when the heating unit is operating.

[0019] The parameter may be the temperature of the heating section or the resistance value of the heating section.

[0020] The parameter may be the temperature of the part heated by the heating element.

[0021] The aforementioned parameters may relate to the electricity supplied to the heating unit.

[0022] The parameter may be the amount of the aerosol generated by the heating unit and inhaled by the user.

[0023] The communication link may be wireless.

[0024] The communication unit may transmit information indicating the profile by NFC.

[0025] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, as information indicating a profile defining the operation of a heating unit that heats a base material to generate an aerosol, a combination of information indicating time and information indicating a parameter related to the operation of the heating unit at that time is transmitted via a communication link. An information transmission method is provided.

[0026] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a computer that controls a suction device that controls the operation of a heating unit that heats a base material to generate an aerosol is caused to transmit, via a communication link, as information indicating a profile defining the operation of the heating unit that heats the base material to generate an aerosol, a combination of information indicating time and information indicating a parameter related to the operation of the heating unit at that time. A program for controlling the suction device is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism capable of reducing the communication volume of the suction device is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 3] It is a graph showing an example of a heating profile defining the time-series change of the target temperature according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4]This graph shows an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target resistance value according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This graph shows an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target temperature according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This graph shows an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target resistance value according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This graph shows an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target temperature according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This graph shows an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target resistance value according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by the suction device according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This graph shows an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target temperature for the first modified example. [Figure 11] This graph shows an example of a heating profile that specifies a target resistance value for the first modified example. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a common table that specifies the target temperature for the second modified example. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the correspondence between the common table shown in Figure 12 and the heating profile. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a common table that defines the time-series change of the target resistance value for the second modified example. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of the correspondence between the common table shown in Figure 14 and the heating profile. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0030] <<1. Example of Suction Device Configuration>> A suction device is a device that generates a substance to be aspirated by the user. In the following explanation, 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.

[0031] (1) First example configuration Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a suction device. As shown in Figure 1, the suction device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a storage unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid induction unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 123. The flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. Air passages 180 are formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.

[0032] The power supply unit 111A stores power. Then, based on the control by the control unit 116A, the power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of the suction device 100A. The power supply unit 111A may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0033] The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the suction device 100A. For example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of an input device such as a button or switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0034] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A is composed of, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that emits sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0035] The memory unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100A. The memory unit 114A is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

[0036] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth®.

[0037] The control unit 116A functions as both an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, controlling the overall operation of the suction device 100A according to various programs. The control unit 116A is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.

[0038] The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. Aerosols are generated when the aerosol source is atomized. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may contain flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. If the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0039] The liquid guide unit 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 123, from the liquid storage unit 123. The liquid guide unit 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0040] The heating unit 121A generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, thereby atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in Figure 1, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power may then be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0041] Flavoring source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. Flavoring source 131 may contain flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco.

[0042] The air passage 180 is a passage for air drawn in by the user. The air passage 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is the entrance for air into the air passage 180, and an air outlet 182, which is the exit for air from the air passage 180, at both ends. In the middle of the air passage 180, a liquid guide unit 122 is located on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) and a flavor source 131 is located on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air drawn in from the air inlet 181 by the user is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A and transported to the air outlet 182 through the flavor source 131, as shown by arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0043] The mouthpiece 124 is a component that the user holds in their mouth during suction. The mouthpiece 124 has an air outlet 182. By holding the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth and suctioning, the user can take in a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into their oral cavity.

[0044] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0045] For example, the inhalation device 100A does not necessarily have to include a flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, a mouthpiece 124 is provided on the cartridge 120.

[0046] As another example, the suction device 100A may contain multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air channel 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate even more types of aerosols.

[0047] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0048] (2) Second example configuration Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in Figure 2, 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 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0049] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, storage unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0050] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-type substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside and holds the stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and bottom 143 as its base, defining a columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has the function of defining a flow path for air supplied to the stick-type substrate 150. An air inlet hole, which is the entrance for air to such a flow path, is located, for example, at the bottom 143. On the other hand, the air outlet hole, which is the exit for air from such a flow path, is the opening 142.

[0051] The stick-type base material 150 includes a base material portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The base material portion 151 includes an aerosol source. In this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid but may be a solid. When the stick-type base material 150 is held by the holding portion 140, at least a part of the base material portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user puts the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the base material portion 151.

[0052] The heating unit 121B has the same configuration as the heating unit 121A in the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in Figure 2, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer circumference of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the stick-type base material 150 is heated from the outer circumference, and an aerosol is generated.

[0053] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.

[0054] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0055] As an example, the heating section 121B may be configured in a blade shape and positioned to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding section 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating section 121B is inserted into the base material section 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 and heats the base material section 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating section 121B may be positioned to cover the bottom 143 of the holding section 140. Furthermore, the heating section 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating section that covers the outer circumference of the holding section 140, a blade-shaped second heating section, and a third heating section that covers the bottom 143 of the holding section 140.

[0056] As another example, the holding portion 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell forming the internal space 141. The holding portion 140 may then clamp the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heating portion 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the holding portion 140 and may heat the stick-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

[0057] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0058] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, liquid guide unit 122, liquid storage unit 123, and air passage 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air outlet hole 182 of the air passage 180 may also serve as an air inlet to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141, is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the user's oral cavity.

[0059] -supplement The suction device 100 can take any configuration from the first or second configuration example described above. Hereinafter, the act of a user inhaling the aerosol generated by the suction device 100 will also be referred to simply as "suction" or "puffing".

[0060] The suction device 100 according to this embodiment generates an aerosol that is inhaled by the user using a substrate. The heating unit 121 is an example of a generation unit that generates an aerosol. The cartridge 120 and flavoring cartridge 130 in the first configuration example, and the stick-type substrate 150 in the second configuration example, are examples of substrates in the present invention. The suction device 100 generates an aerosol using a substrate attached to the suction device 100. In the first configuration example, the cartridge 120 and flavoring cartridge 130 connected to the power supply unit 110 are examples of substrates attached to the suction device 100. In the second configuration example, the stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the suction device 100 is an example of a substrate attached to the suction device 100.

[0061] <<2. Technical Features>> (1) Heating profile The suction device 100 according to this embodiment operates according to a heating profile. The heating profile is information that defines the aerosol generation operation performed by the suction device 100 (i.e., the operation in which the heating unit 121 heats the substrate). The control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to operate according to the heating profile. As a result, aerosol is generated.

[0062] The heating profile is information that shows the time-series changes in parameters related to the operation of the heating unit 121 from the start to the end. In particular, the heating profile may be information that shows the time-series changes in target values ​​for the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit 121. In that case, the suction device 100 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit 121 change in accordance with the time-series changes in target values ​​defined in the heating profile.

[0063] An example of a parameter is the temperature of the heating unit 121. The target temperature of the heating unit 121 in the heating profile will also be referred to as the target temperature below. The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that a temperature similar to the target temperature defined in the heating profile is achieved in the heating unit 121. Temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 116 supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses obtained by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty cycle of the power pulses.

[0064] In feedback control, the control unit 116 can control the power supplied to the heating unit 121, such as the duty cycle described above, based on the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heat-generating resistor constituting the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance of the heat-generating resistor changes with temperature. The electrical resistance of the heat-generating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the voltage drop across the heat-generating resistor. The voltage drop across the heat-generating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heat-generating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0065] As described above, if the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121, then the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be said to be synonymous with the resistance of the heating unit 121. Therefore, the target temperature of the heating unit 121 can also be indicated by the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121. In this case, an example of a parameter in the heating profile may be the resistance of the heating unit 121. The target value of the resistance of the heating unit 121 in the heating profile will also be referred to as the target resistance value below. The control unit 116 may control the resistance of the heating unit 121 so that a resistance value similar to the target resistance value defined in the heating profile is realized in the heating unit 121. The resistance value control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 116 supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses obtained by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In that case, the control unit 116 can control the resistance value of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty cycle of the power pulse.

[0066] The temperature of the heating unit 121 corresponds to the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, but the resistance value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 depends on the characteristics of the heating unit 121 and the ambient temperature. Therefore, if the characteristics of the heating unit 121 or the ambient temperature are different, the target resistance value corresponding to that target temperature will be a different value, even if the target temperature is the same.

[0067] In feedback control, the control unit 116 can control the power supplied to the heating unit 121, such as the duty cycle described above, based on the difference between the resistance value of the heating unit 121 and the target resistance value. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the voltage drop across the heating resistor.

[0068] In the first configuration example, heating by the heating unit 121A is performed when a puff is detected. That is, the heating unit 121A heats up each time a puff is detected. After the substrate is attached to the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example, the aerosol source contained in the substrate decreases each time a puff is performed, and eventually becomes depleted. Therefore, typically, the user replaces the substrate when the aerosol source is depleted.

[0069] On the other hand, in the second configuration example, heating by the heating unit 121B begins when it is detected that an operation to instruct the start of heating has been performed. Aerosols are generated from the substrate while heating by the heating unit 121B is in progress. After heating begins, the amount of aerosol source contained in the substrate decreases over time. Heating by the heating unit 121B is stopped when the aerosol source is depleted. Therefore, typically, the user performs puffing while heating by the heating unit 121B is in progress.

[0070] The period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated is also referred to as the puffing period. On the other hand, the period from the start of heating until the start of the puffing period is also referred to as the preheating period. The heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as preheating. The timing of the start and end of the puffing period may be notified to the user. In that case, the user can perform puffing during the puffing period by referring to such notification.

[0071] The start and end points of the heating profile can be varied.

[0072] An example of the start time of the heating profile in the first configuration example is when a new substrate is attached. An example of the end time of the heating profile in the first configuration example is when the attached substrate is removed.

[0073] An example of the start time of the heating profile in the second configuration example is the timing when heating (more precisely, preheating) begins. Similarly, an example of the end time of the heating profile in the second configuration example is the timing when heating by the heating unit 121 ends (more precisely, the timing when the puffing period ends). Note that heating may be temporarily paused between the start and end of heating.

[0074] An example of a heating profile in the second configuration example will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target temperature according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 in this graph shows the time-series change of the target temperature in the heating profile.

[0075] Referring to line 21 in this graph, the system is set to reach a target temperature of 250°C 20 seconds after the start of heating. Next, it is set to reach a target temperature of 220°C 60 seconds after the start of heating. Then, it is set to reach a target temperature of 230°C 240 seconds after the start of heating. Next, it is set to maintain a target temperature of 230°C from 240 seconds to 260 seconds after the start of heating. Finally, it is set to reach a target temperature of 220°C 300 seconds after the start of heating. At each of these time points, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 toward the set target temperature. As a result, the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes in accordance with the heating profile.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 3, the preheating period lasts from the start of heating until 20 seconds later. Therefore, the puffing period begins 20 seconds after the start of heating. After 300 seconds from the start of heating, the target temperature is not set. Therefore, the control unit 116 stops heating by the heating unit 121. However, aerosols are generated while residual heat remains in the heating unit 121 and the substrate. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 3, the puffing period ends 320 seconds after the start of heating, which is after heating has stopped.

[0077] As described above, if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121, the heating profile may define the time-series change of the target resistance value. Figure 4 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target resistance value according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph shows the target temperature of the heating unit 121, which is the vertical axis in the example shown in Figure 3, as the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (i.e., the target resistance value). Line 31 in this graph shows the time-series change of the target resistance value in the heating profile. Note that the resistance value on the vertical axis of this graph is merely an example, and if the characteristics of the heating unit 121 or the ambient temperature are different, the resistance value corresponding to the same target temperature will be a different value.

[0078] Referring to line 31 in this graph, the target resistance value of 1.50Ω is set to be reached 20 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the target resistance value of 1.20Ω is set to be reached 60 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the target resistance value of 1.30Ω is set to be reached 240 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the target resistance value of 1.30Ω is maintained from 240 seconds to 260 seconds after the start of heating. Finally, the target resistance value of 1.20Ω is set to be reached 300 seconds after the start of heating. At each of these time points, the control unit 116 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 toward the set target resistance value. As a result, the resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes in accordance with the heating profile. And since the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes according to the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the control unit 116's control of the resistance value of the heating unit 121.

[0079] In the example shown in Figure 4, the preheating period lasts from the start of heating until 20 seconds later. Therefore, the puffing period begins 20 seconds after the start of heating. After 300 seconds from the start of heating, the target resistance value is not set. Therefore, the control unit 116 stops heating by the heating unit 121. However, aerosols are generated while residual heat remains in the heating unit 121 and the substrate. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 4, the puffing period ends 320 seconds after the start of heating, which is after heating has stopped.

[0080] (2) Discretization of heating profile The suction device 100 transmits and receives information indicating the heating profile via a communication link. The communication link is, for example, wireless. Examples of wireless communication standards used in this case include NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth. With this configuration, the suction device 100 can transmit and receive information indicating the heating profile with other devices in close proximity. The communication link may also be wired.

[0081] As an example, suction device 100 transmits and receives information indicating the heating profile with other suction devices 100. With this configuration, the receiving device can operate according to the received heating profile.

[0082] As another example, the suction device 100 transmits and receives information indicating a heating profile to and from a terminal device such as a smartphone. With this configuration, the terminal device can output the heating profile received from the suction device 100 to the user or customize it based on user operation. Furthermore, the suction device 100 can operate according to the customized heating profile received from the terminal device.

[0083] If we were to attempt to send and receive the heating profile described above as continuous data showing the time-series change of the target temperature (or target resistance value), the amount of data transmitted would increase in proportion to the granularity of time. Therefore, in this embodiment, the amount of data transmitted is reduced by sending and receiving the heating profile as discrete data. This point will be explained in detail below.

[0084] The suction device 100 transmits information via a communication link that includes a combination of time information and parameter information at that time, as information indicating the heating profile. More specifically, the suction device 100 wirelessly transmits information that includes a combination of time interval information (hereinafter also referred to as a partial time interval) and information indicating the time-series change of parameters in that partial time interval, for each of the multiple partial time intervals that make up the period from the start to the end, as information indicating the heating profile. For example, the suction device 100 wirelessly transmits information that includes a combination of information indicating the partial time interval and information indicating the time-series change of the target temperature (or target resistance value) in that partial time interval, for each of the multiple partial time intervals obtained by dividing the entire period from the start to the end of heating. With this configuration, the heating profile as continuous data is discretized into discrete data for each partial time interval. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication when sending and receiving the heating profile.

[0085] The receiving end of the information representing the heating profile as discrete data can reconstruct the heating profile as continuous data based on the received information. In other words, according to this embodiment, by so-called lossless compression of the heating profile, it is possible to reduce the amount of data transmitted while suppressing the reduction in the amount of information.

[0086] An example of a method for transmitting information indicating the heating profile is described below. Note that devices other than the suction device 100, such as terminal devices, may also use the transmission method described below to discretize and transmit the heating profile.

[0087] - First transmission method In the first transmission method, the information indicating the partial time intervals is information indicating the order of the partial time intervals and the length of the partial time intervals. Furthermore, the information indicating the time-series change of the parameters in the partial time intervals is information indicating the target value that the parameters should reach in the partial time interval. That is, the suction device 100 transmits information that includes a combination of information indicating the order of the partial time intervals and the length of the partial time intervals, and information indicating the target value that the parameters should reach in the partial time interval, for each of the multiple partial time intervals. Note that devices other than the suction device 100, such as terminal devices, may also transmit this information to the suction device 100.

[0088] For example, information indicating the target value that a parameter should reach in a partial time interval may indicate the target value that the parameter should reach at the end of that partial time interval. As another example, information indicating the target value that a parameter should reach in a partial time interval may indicate the target value that the parameter should reach at any point in that partial time interval.

[0089] Table 1 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 3, which is transmitted by the first transmission method.

[0090] [Table 1]

[0091] When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 1 above, it controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 250°C in the first 20 seconds. Then, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 220°C in the following 40 seconds. The same applies to other partial time intervals. Note that the last row of Table 1, "Thereafter" and "OFF," indicates that heating will be stopped in the corresponding partial time interval. In other words, the suction device 100 controls the temperature with a target temperature of 220°C for the last 40 seconds and then stops heating.

[0092] The information actually transmitted may be simply a combination of numbers, consisting of a number indicating a partial time interval and a number indicating the target temperature within that partial time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(20,250),(40,220),(180,230),(20,230),(40,220)}. The target temperature may be expressed in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius. The last line, "from then on" and "OFF," may be omitted.

[0093] Table 2 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 4, which is transmitted by the first transmission method.

[0094] [Table 2]

[0095] When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 2 above, it controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.50Ω in the first 20 seconds. Next, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.20Ω in the following 40 seconds. The same applies to other time intervals. Note that the last row of Table 2, "Thereafter" and "OFF," indicates that heating (power supply to the heating unit 121) will be stopped in the corresponding time interval. In other words, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value to reach a target resistance value of 1.20Ω in the last 40 seconds, and then stops heating (power supply to the heating unit 121).

[0096] The information actually transmitted may be simply a combination of numbers, consisting of a number indicating a partial time interval and a number indicating the target resistance value within that partial time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(20,1.50),(40,1.20),(180,1.30),(20,1.30),(40,1.20)}. The last line, "from here on" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0097] - Second transmission method In the second transmission method, the information indicating a partial time interval is information that indicates the end of the partial time interval by the elapsed time from the start of the heating profile. The information indicating the time-series change of the parameter in the partial time interval is information that indicates the target value that the parameter should reach in that partial time interval. That is, the suction device 100 transmits information that includes a combination of information indicating the end of the partial time interval by the elapsed time from the start and information indicating the target value that the parameter should reach in that partial time interval, for each of the multiple partial time intervals. Note that devices other than the suction device 100, such as terminal devices, may also transmit this information to the suction device 100.

[0098] Table 3 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 3, which is transmitted by the second transmission method.

[0099] [Table 3]

[0100] When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 3 above, it controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 250°C 20 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 220°C 60 seconds after the start of heating. The same applies to other partial time intervals. Note that the last row of Table 3, "Thereafter" and "OFF," indicates that heating will be stopped in the corresponding partial time interval. In other words, the suction device 100 stops heating 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0101] The information actually transmitted may be simply a combination of numbers, consisting of a number indicating a partial time interval and a number indicating the target temperature within that partial time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(20,250),(60,220),(240,230),(260,230),(300,220)}. The target temperature may be expressed in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius. The last line, "from then on" and "OFF," may be omitted.

[0102] Table 4 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 4, which is transmitted by the second transmission method.

[0103] [Table 4]

[0104] When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 4 above, it controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.50Ω 20 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.20Ω 60 seconds after the start of heating. The same applies to other partial time intervals. Note that the last row of Table 4, "Thereafter" and "OFF," indicates that heating (supply of power to the heating unit 121) will be stopped in the corresponding partial time interval. In other words, the suction device 100 will stop heating (supply of power to the heating unit 121) 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0105] The information actually transmitted may be simply a combination of numbers, consisting of a number indicating a partial time interval and a number indicating the target resistance value within that partial time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(20,1.50),(60,1.20),(240,1.30),(260,1.30),(300,1.20)}. The last line, "from then on" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0106] - Third transmission method In the third transmission method, the information indicating a partial time interval is information that shows the start and end times of the partial time interval based on the elapsed time from the start of the heating profile. The information showing the time-series change of the parameter in the partial time interval is information that shows the target value that the parameter should reach in that partial time interval. That is, the suction device 100 transmits information that includes a combination of information showing the start and end times of the partial time interval based on the elapsed time from the start of the heating profile and information showing the target value that the parameter should reach in that partial time interval, for each of the multiple partial time intervals. Note that devices other than the suction device 100, such as terminal devices, may also transmit this information to the suction device 100.

[0107] Table 5 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 3, which is transmitted by the third transmission method.

[0108] [Table 5]

[0109] When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 5 above, it controls the temperature of the heating section 121 so that the temperature of the heating section 121 reaches 250°C between 0 and 20 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating section 121 so that the temperature of the heating section 121 reaches 220°C between 20 and 60 seconds after the start of heating. The same applies to other partial time intervals. Note that the last row of Table 5, "Thereafter" and "OFF," indicates that heating will be stopped in the corresponding partial time interval. In other words, the suction device 100 stops heating 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0110] The information actually transmitted may be a simple combination of numbers, consisting of a number indicating a partial time interval and a number indicating the target temperature within that partial time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(0,20,250),(20,60,220),(60,240,230),(240,260,230),(260,300,220)}. The target temperature may be expressed in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius. The last line, "from then on" and "OFF," may be omitted.

[0111] Table 6 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 4, which is transmitted by the third transmission method.

[0112] [Table 6]

[0113] When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 6 above, it controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.50Ω between 0 seconds and 20 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.20Ω between 20 seconds and 60 seconds after the start of heating. The same applies to other partial time intervals. Note that the last row of Table 6, "Thereafter" and "OFF," indicates that heating (supply of power to the heating unit 121) will be stopped in the corresponding partial time interval. In other words, the suction device 100 will stop heating (supply of power to the heating unit 121) 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0114] The information actually transmitted may be simply a combination of numbers, consisting of a number indicating a partial time interval and a number indicating the target resistance value within that partial time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(0,20,1.50),(20,60,1.20),(60,240,1.30),(240,260,1.30),(260,300,1.20)}. The last line, "from here on" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0115] - Fourth transmission method A fourth transmission method involves omitting information showing the time-series changes of parameters in a partial time interval. That is, the suction device 100 may transmit information showing the heating profile, omitting information showing the time-series changes of parameters in at least a portion of the partial time interval. With this configuration, the amount of communication can be further reduced.

[0116] Table 7 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 3, which is transmitted by the fourth transmission method. Note that devices other than the suction device 100, such as terminal devices, may also transmit this information to the suction device 100.

[0117] [Table 7]

[0118] The receiving side may optionally restore the omitted information. For example, if the information indicating the received heating profile does not include information indicating the time-series change of parameters in the first partial time interval, the suction device 100 may use information indicating the time-series change of parameters in the second partial time interval immediately preceding the first partial time interval as information indicating the time-series change of parameters in the first partial time interval. For example, when the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 7 above, it controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 230°C between 60 seconds and 240 seconds after the start of heating. Subsequently, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that it maintains the target temperature of 230°C, which is the target temperature of the partial time interval immediately preceding the said partial time interval, between 240 seconds and 260 seconds after the start of heating.

[0119] The information actually transmitted may be simply a combination of numbers, consisting of a number indicating a partial time interval and a number indicating the target temperature within that partial time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(0,20,250),(20,60,220),(60,240,230),(240,260,-),(260,300,220)}. The target temperature may be expressed in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius. The last line, "from then on" and "OFF," may be omitted.

[0120] Although Table 7 above shows an example in which information indicating a partial time interval in the third transmission method is used, information indicating a partial time interval in the first or second transmission method may also be used.

[0121] Table 8 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 4, which is transmitted by the fourth transmission method.

[0122] [Table 8]

[0123] The receiving side may optionally restore the omitted information. For example, if the information indicating the received heating profile does not include information indicating the time-series change of parameters in the first partial time interval, the suction device 100 may use information indicating the time-series change of parameters in the second partial time interval immediately preceding the first partial time interval as information indicating the time-series change of parameters in the first partial time interval. For example, when the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 8 above, it controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that the resistance value of the heating unit 121 reaches 1.30Ω between 60 seconds and 240 seconds after the start of heating. Subsequently, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that it maintains the target resistance value of 1.30Ω, which is the partial time interval immediately preceding the said partial time interval, between 240 seconds and 260 seconds after the start of heating.

[0124] The information actually transmitted may be simply a combination of numbers, consisting of a number indicating a partial time interval and a number indicating the target resistance value within that partial time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(0,20,1.50),(20,60,1.20),(60,240,1.30),(240,260,-),(260,300,1.20)}. The last line, "from here on" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0125] Although Table 8 above shows an example in which information indicating a partial time interval in the third transmission method is used, information indicating a partial time interval in the first or second transmission method may also be used.

[0126] - Fifth transmission method In the fifth transmission method, the information showing the time-series change of parameters in a partial time interval is information showing a function that approximates the shape of the time-series change of parameters in that partial time interval. That is, the suction device 100 transmits information that includes a combination of information showing a partial time interval and information showing a function that approximates the shape of the time-series change of parameters in that partial time interval, for each of a plurality of partial time intervals. Note that devices other than the suction device 100, such as terminal devices, may transmit this information to the suction device 100. With this configuration, even when the heating profile has a complex shape, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication while suppressing a decrease in the amount of information.

[0127] An example of a function that approximates the shape of the time-series change of a parameter is a function F with time as the variable, such as Target Temperature = F(Time), which shows the relationship between time and target temperature. Here, time refers to the elapsed time from the start of the heating profile. An example of information indicating the shape of the time-series change of a parameter is the coefficient of the function F.

[0128] Table 9 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 3, transmitted by the fifth transmission method.

[0129] [Table 9]

[0130] Table 9 above shows an example where the coefficients p and q of a function F that approximates the shape of the time-series change of the parameter are included as information indicating a function that approximates the shape of the time-series change of the parameter. When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 9 above, it controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 using the value obtained by substituting the received coefficients p and q, as well as the elapsed time since the start of heating, into the function F as the target temperature. For example, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that a temperature similar to the target temperature indicated by the function F, where coefficient p is p1 and coefficient q is q1, is achieved in the heating unit 121 between 0 seconds and 20 seconds after the start of heating. The same applies to other partial time intervals. Note that the last row of Table 9, "Thereafter" and "OFF," indicates that heating will be stopped in the corresponding partial time interval. In other words, the suction device 100 stops heating 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0131] The information actually transmitted may be simply a combination of numbers consisting of a numerical value indicating a partial time interval and the coefficient of the function F. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(0,20,p1,q1),(20,60,p2,q2),(60,240,p3,q3),(240,260,p4,q4),(260,300,p5,q5)}. The last line, "from then on" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0132] The above example shows a function F with two coefficients, but the coefficients may be one, three or more, or different functions may be used, such as having a different number of coefficients for each sub-time interval.

[0133] In addition, while Table 9 above shows an example in which information indicating a partial time interval is used in the third transmission method, information indicating a partial time interval in the first or second transmission method may also be used. Furthermore, similar to the fourth transmission method, the suction device 100 may transmit information indicating the heating profile, omitting information indicating the time-series changes of parameters in at least some partial time intervals. The method for restoring this information is the same as described above with respect to the fourth transmission method.

[0134] An example of a function that approximates the shape of the time-series change of a parameter is a function F with time as a variable, such as Target Resistance = F(Time), which shows the relationship between time and the target resistance. Here, time refers to the elapsed time from the start of the heating profile. An example of information indicating a function that approximates the shape of the time-series change of a parameter is the coefficient of the function F.

[0135] Table 10 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 4, transmitted by the fifth transmission method.

[0136] [Table 10]

[0137] Table 10 above shows an example where the coefficients r and s of a function F that approximates the shape of the time-series change of the parameter are included as information indicating a function that approximates the shape of the time-series change of the parameter. When the suction device 100 receives the information shown in Table 10 above, it controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 using the value obtained by substituting the received coefficients r and s, as well as the elapsed time since the start of heating, into the function F as the target resistance value. For example, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 so that a resistance value similar to the target resistance value indicated by the function F, where coefficient r is r1 and coefficient s is s1, is achieved in the heating unit 121 between 0 seconds and 20 seconds after the start of heating. The same applies to other partial time intervals. The last row of Table 10, "Thereafter" and "OFF," indicates that heating (supply of power to the heating unit 121) will be stopped in the corresponding partial time interval. In other words, the suction device 100 will stop heating (supply of power to the heating unit 121) 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0138] The information actually transmitted may be simply a combination of numbers consisting of a numerical value indicating a partial time interval and the coefficient of the function F. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(0,20,r1,s1),(20,60,r2,s2),(60,240,r3,s3),(240,260,r4,s4),(260,300,r5,s5)}. The last line, "from here on" and "OFF", may be omitted.

[0139] The above example shows a function F with two coefficients, but the coefficients may be one, three or more, or different functions may be used, such as having a different number of coefficients for each sub-time interval.

[0140] In addition, while Table 10 above shows an example in which information indicating a partial time interval in the third transmission method is used, information indicating a partial time interval in the first or second transmission method may also be used. Furthermore, similar to the fourth transmission method, the suction device 100 may transmit information indicating the heating profile, omitting information indicating the time-series changes of parameters in at least some partial time intervals. The method for restoring this information is also as described above with respect to the fourth transmission method.

[0141] (3) Heating profile in the first configuration example The above mainly described a method for discretizing and transmitting the heating profile in the second configuration example, with reference to Figure 3. The present invention is similarly applicable to the heating profile in the first configuration example.

[0142] First, an example of a heating profile in the first configuration example will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target temperature according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The start time of this heating profile is the timing when the first puff is detected. That is, the horizontal axis of this graph is the elapsed time from the timing when the first puff is detected. The vertical axis of this graph is the target temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 22 in this graph shows the time-series change of the target temperature in the heating profile.

[0143] However, line 22 shows the time-series change of the target temperature for heating performed when a puff is detected. For example, if a puff is detected by the suction device 100 between the start time and 40 seconds later, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 with a target temperature of 35°C. If a puff is detected by the suction device 100 between 40 seconds and 80 seconds later, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 with a target temperature of 40°C. If a puff is detected by the suction device 100 between 80 seconds and 120 seconds later, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 with a target temperature of 45°C.

[0144] The first to fifth transmission methods can also be applied when transmitting the heating profile shown in Figure 5. As an example, Table 11 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 5, transmitted by the first transmission method.

[0145] [Table 11]

[0146] As described above, if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121, the heating profile may define the time-series change of the target resistance value. Figure 6 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target resistance value according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph shows the target temperature of the heating unit 121, which is the vertical axis in the example shown in Figure 5, as the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (i.e., the target resistance value). Line 32 in this graph shows the time-series change of the target resistance value in the heating profile. Note that the resistance value on the vertical axis of this graph is merely an example, and if the characteristics of the heating unit 121 or the ambient temperature are different, the resistance value corresponding to the same target temperature will be a different value.

[0147] Line 32 shows the time-series change of the target resistance value for heating performed when a puff is detected. For example, if a puff is detected by the suction device 100 between the start time and 40 seconds have elapsed, the resistance value of the heating unit 121 is controlled with a target resistance value of 1.00Ω. If a puff is detected by the suction device 100 between 40 seconds and 80 seconds have elapsed from the start time, the resistance value of the heating unit 121 is controlled with a target resistance value of 1.05Ω. If a puff is detected by the suction device 100 between 80 seconds and 120 seconds have elapsed from the start time, the resistance value of the heating unit 121 is controlled with a target resistance value of 1.10Ω.

[0148] The first to fifth transmission methods can also be applied when transmitting the heating profile shown in Figure 6. As an example, Table 12 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 6, transmitted by the first transmission method.

[0149] [Table 12]

[0150] In the first configuration example, the time interval in the heating profile may be defined by the number of puffs. An example of such a heating profile will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target temperature according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is the cumulative number of puffs. The start time of this heating profile is the timing when the first puff is detected. That is, the horizontal axis of this graph is the cumulative number of puffs from the timing when the first puff is detected. The vertical axis of this graph is the target temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 22 in this graph shows the time-series change of the target temperature in the heating profile.

[0151] However, line 22 shows the time-series change of the target temperature during heating performed when a puff is detected. For example, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 with a target temperature of 35°C when a puff is detected, up to a cumulative puff count of 5. The suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 with a target temperature of 40°C when a puff is detected, from a cumulative puff count of 6 to 10. The suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 with a target temperature of 45°C when a puff is detected, from a cumulative puff count of 11 to 15.

[0152] The first to fifth transmission methods can also be applied when transmitting the heating profile shown in Figure 7. As an example, Table 13 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 7, transmitted by the first transmission method.

[0153] [Table 13]

[0154] As described above, if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121, the heating profile may define the time-series change of the target resistance value. Figure 8 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target resistance value according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph shows the target temperature of the heating unit 121, which is the vertical axis in the example shown in Figure 7, as the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (i.e., the target resistance value). Line 32 in this graph shows the time-series change of the target resistance value in the heating profile. Note that the resistance value on the vertical axis of this graph is merely an example, and if the characteristics of the heating unit 121 or the ambient temperature are different, the resistance value corresponding to the same target temperature will be a different value.

[0155] Line 32 shows the time-series change of the target resistance value during heating performed when a puff is detected. For example, the suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 with a target resistance value of 1.00Ω when a puff is detected, up to a cumulative puff count of 5. The suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 with a target resistance value of 1.05Ω when a puff is detected, from a cumulative puff count of 6 to 10. The suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating unit 121 with a target resistance value of 1.10Ω when a puff is detected, from a cumulative puff count of 11 to 15.

[0156] The first to fifth transmission methods can also be applied when transmitting the heating profile shown in Figure 8. As an example, Table 14 below shows an example of information indicating the heating profile shown in Figure 8, transmitted by the first transmission method.

[0157] [Table 14]

[0158] (4) Processing flow Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0159] As shown in Figure 9, first, the suction device 100 wirelessly transmits information indicating the heating profile, which is a discretized version of the heating profile (step S102). This information indicating the heating profile is received and customized, for example, by the user's terminal device.

[0160] Next, the suction device 100 receives wireless information indicating the heating profile (step S104). For example, the suction device 100 receives wireless information indicating the customized heating profile, which is obtained by discretizing the heating profile customized by the terminal device.

[0161] Then, the suction device 100 generates an aerosol based on the heating profile indicated by the received information (step S106). Specifically, the suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating section 121 so that a temperature similar to the target temperature defined in the heating profile is achieved in the heating section 121.

[0162] <<3. Variant Example>> - First variation In the first modified example, the suction device 100 transmits and receives information indicating the heating profile, specifically the difference between the existing heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100 and the new heating profile B to be transmitted and received (hereinafter also referred to as difference profile data). The difference information indicates the portion of the new heating profile B to be transmitted and received that differs from the existing heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100. That is, the difference information is the information of the new heating profile B to be transmitted and received, out of the information of the portion of the existing heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100 that differs from the new heating profile B to be transmitted and received. Note that devices other than the suction device 100, such as terminal devices, may transmit the difference profile data to the suction device 100. With this configuration, since only difference information is transmitted and received, the amount of communication can be further reduced. Also, when the suction device 100 receives the difference information (difference profile data), it can reproduce the new heating profile B to be transmitted and received by adding the difference information to the existing heating profile A that is recorded.

[0163] Figure 10 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target temperature related to the first modification. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 41 in this graph shows the time-series change of the target temperature in the existing heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100. The dashed line 42 in this graph shows the time-series change of the target temperature in the new heating profile B that is to be transmitted and received.

[0164] Referring to line 41 in this graph, the system is set to reach a target temperature of 250°C 20 seconds after the start of heating. Next, it is set to reach a target temperature of 220°C 60 seconds after the start of heating. Then, it is set to reach a target temperature of 230°C 240 seconds after the start of heating. Next, it is set to maintain a target temperature of 230°C from 240 seconds to 260 seconds after the start of heating. Finally, it is set to reach a target temperature of 220°C 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0165] On the other hand, referring to the dashed line 42 in this graph, the system is set to reach the target temperature of 250°C 20 seconds after the start of heating (superimposed on line 41 in Figure 10). Next, it is set to reach the target temperature of 210°C 60 seconds after the start of heating. Then, it is set to reach the target temperature of 230°C 240 seconds after the start of heating. Next, it is set to maintain the target temperature of 230°C from 240 seconds to 260 seconds after the start of heating (superimposed on line 41 in Figure 10). Finally, it is set to reach the target temperature of 220°C 300 seconds after the start of heating (superimposed on line 41 in Figure 10).

[0166] Comparing line 41 and dashed line 42 in this graph, the difference is that 60 seconds after the start of heating, the existing heating profile A has a target temperature of 220°C, while the new heating profile B has a target temperature of 210°C; otherwise, they are the same. The difference information (difference profile data) is the information of the new heating profile B, which is the difference between the existing heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100 and the new heating profile B that is to be transmitted and received. Therefore, the difference information (difference profile data) is "60 seconds after the start of heating, the target temperature is 210°C".

[0167] Furthermore, when transmitting differential information (differential profile data), the first to fifth transmission methods can also be applied. As an example, Table 15 below shows an example of information indicating differential information (differential profile data) transmitted by the second transmission method.

[0168] [Table 15]

[0169] The differential information (differential profile data) actually transmitted may be simply a combination of numbers, consisting of a numerical value indicating a partial time interval and a numerical value indicating the target temperature in that partial time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(60,210)}. The target temperature may be expressed in Fahrenheit instead of Celsius.

[0170] The suction device 100 reproduces a new heating profile B from the existing heating profile A and the received difference information (difference profile). For example, the suction device 100 updates (replaces) the portion of the existing heating profile A indicated by the difference information (difference profile) to restore the new heating profile B.

[0171] For example, the suction device 100 updates (replaces) the portion of the existing heating profile A shown by line 41 in Figure 10, which is the difference information (difference profile) that states "the target temperature is 210°C 60 seconds after the start of heating," to restore the new heating profile B shown by dashed line 42 in Figure 10. More specifically, the suction device 100 updates (replaces) the portion of the existing heating profile A that states "the target temperature is 220°C 60 seconds after the start of heating" with the difference information (difference profile) that states "the target temperature is 210°C 60 seconds after the start of heating." On the other hand, the suction device 100 maintains the values ​​of the existing heating profile A as they are for the portion of the existing heating profile A that is not included in the difference information (difference profile). The suction device 100 then combines the portion updated with the difference information (difference profile) and the portion of the existing heating profile A whose values ​​are maintained to create the new heating profile B.

[0172] As described above, if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121, the heating profile may define the time-series change of the target resistance value. Figure 11 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile that defines the time-series change of the target resistance value according to the first modified example. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph shows the target temperature of the heating unit 121 in the example shown in Figure 10, as the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (i.e., the target resistance value). Line 51 in this graph shows the time-series change of the target resistance value in heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100. Also, the dashed line 52 in this graph shows the time-series change of the target resistance value in heating profile B that is to be transmitted and received. Note that the resistance value on the vertical axis of this graph is just an example, and if the characteristics of the heating unit 121 or the ambient temperature are different, the resistance value corresponding to the same target temperature will be a different value.

[0173] Referring to line 51 in this graph, the target resistance value of 1.50Ω is set to be reached 20 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the target resistance value of 1.20Ω is set to be reached 60 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the target resistance value of 1.30Ω is set to be reached 240 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the target resistance value of 1.30Ω is maintained from 240 seconds to 260 seconds after the start of heating. Finally, the target resistance value of 1.20Ω is set to be reached 300 seconds after the start of heating.

[0174] On the other hand, referring to the dashed line 52 in this graph, the target resistance value of 1.50Ω is set to be reached 20 seconds after the start of heating (superimposed on line 51 in Figure 11). Next, the target resistance value of 1.10Ω is set to be reached 60 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the target resistance value of 1.30Ω is set to be reached 240 seconds after the start of heating. Next, the target resistance value of 1.30Ω is maintained from 240 seconds to 260 seconds after the start of heating (superimposed on line 51 in Figure 11). Finally, the target resistance value of 1.20Ω is set to be reached 300 seconds after the start of heating (superimposed on line 51 in Figure 11).

[0175] Comparing line 51 and dashed line 52 in this graph, the difference is that 60 seconds after the start of heating, the existing heating profile A has a target resistance of 1.20 Ω, while the new heating profile B has a target resistance of 1.10 Ω; otherwise, they are the same. The difference information (difference profile data) is the information of the new heating profile B, which is the difference between the existing heating profile A recorded in the suction device 100 and the new heating profile B that is to be transmitted and received. Therefore, the difference information (difference profile data) is "60 seconds after the start of heating, target resistance of 1.10 Ω".

[0176] Furthermore, when transmitting differential information (differential profile data), the first to fifth transmission methods can also be applied. As an example, Table 16 below shows an example of information indicating differential information (differential profile data) transmitted by the second transmission method.

[0177] [Table 16]

[0178] The differential information (differential profile data) actually transmitted may be simply a combination of numbers, consisting of a numerical value indicating a partial time interval and a numerical value indicating the target resistance value in that partial time interval. For example, the information actually transmitted may be {(60,1.10)}.

[0179] The suction device 100 reproduces a new heating profile B from the existing heating profile A and the received difference information (difference profile). For example, the suction device 100 updates (replaces) the portion of the existing heating profile A indicated by the difference information (difference profile) to restore the new heating profile B.

[0180] - Second variation In the second modification, the suction device 100 transmits and receives encoded profile data as information indicating the heating profile. In the second modification, the information indicating the heating profile is encoded profile data converted using a common table that associates each candidate parameter in a partial time interval with a corresponding alphanumeric code. That is, in the second modification, the information indicating the heating profile is represented as encoded profile data by multiple codes included in the common table. With this configuration, since encoded profile data containing codes with a small data size is transmitted and received, the amount of communication can be further reduced.

[0181] The common table is maintained by the suction device 100 and by devices other than the suction device 100, such as terminal devices that send and receive heating profiles with the suction device 100. When the suction device 100 or devices other than the suction device 100, such as terminal devices, transmit information indicating a heating profile, it creates encoded profile data by converting the parameters included in the heating profile into codes by referring to the common table it maintains. Then, the suction device 100 or devices other than the suction device 100, such as terminal devices, transmits the created encoded profile. On the other hand, when the suction device 100 or devices other than the suction device 100, such as terminal devices, receive the encoded profile data, it refers to the common table it maintains, converts the encoded profile data into parameters, and reproduces the heating profile.

[0182] Figure 12 shows an example of a common table that defines the target temperature for the second modified example. The columns of this table represent information indicating partial time intervals, and each of these partial time intervals is assigned a code such as a, b, c, etc. The rows of this table represent the target temperature, and each of these target temperatures is assigned a code such as 1, 2, 3, etc. Each cell in this table contains either 0 or 1, where 0 means not selected and 1 means selected.

[0183] Figure 13 shows an example of the correspondence between the common table shown in Figure 12 and the heating profile. As shown in Figure 13, each partial time interval of the heating profile is associated with a column in the common table. In the example in Figure 13, the partial time interval "20 seconds after the start of heating" is associated with the symbol a in the common table. The cell at the intersection of each partial time interval of the heating profile and the target temperature in that partial time interval is marked with 1, which signifies selection. In the example in Figure 13, the cell at the intersection of the symbol a associated with "20 seconds" in the common table and the symbol 6 associated with the target temperature of 250°C is marked with 1. Similarly, in the example in Figure 13, the cells at the intersection of the symbols c and 3, the cells at the intersection of the symbols l and 4, the cells at the intersection of the symbols m and 4, and the cells at the intersection of the symbols p and 3 are marked with 1, which signifies selection.

[0184] In the second modification, the information indicating the heating profile is represented as encoded profile data that includes multiple combinations of column and row codes corresponding to cells in the common table where "1" is written, signifying selection. For example, in the example in Figure 13, the information indicating the heating profile is encoded profile data that includes a6, c3, l4, m4, and p3, which are combinations of column and row codes of cells where "1" is written, signifying selection.

[0185] The encoded profile data that is actually transmitted is a combination of codes, simply a combination of alphanumeric characters. For example, the information that is actually transmitted would be {a6,c3,l4,m4,p3}.

[0186] Furthermore, when the suction device 100 or other devices such as terminal devices receive encoded profile data, they refer to a common table they maintain, convert the encoded profile data into parameters, and reproduce the heating profile. For example, if the suction device 100 receives {a6, c3, l4, m4, p3} as encoded profile data, it refers to the common table shown as an example in Figure 12 and converts a6 to "target temperature 250°C 20 seconds after heating starts", c3 to "target temperature 220°C 60 seconds after heating starts", l4 to "target temperature 230°C 240 seconds after heating starts", m4 to "target temperature 230°C 260 seconds after heating starts", and p3 to "target temperature 220°C 300 seconds after heating starts", and reproduces the heating profile.

[0187] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 12, the row of the common table represents the temperature of the heating unit 121. However, if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121, the row of the common table may represent the resistance value of the heating unit 121. Figure 14 shows an example of a common table that defines the target resistance value according to the second modified example. The columns of this table represent information indicating partial time intervals, and each of these partial time intervals is assigned a sign such as a, b, c, etc. The rows of this table represent the target resistance value, and each of these target resistance values ​​is assigned a sign such as 1, 2, 3, etc. Each cell in this table contains either 0 or 1, where 0 means not selected and 1 means selected.

[0188] Figure 15 shows an example of the correspondence between the common table shown in Figure 14 and the heating profile. As shown in Figure 15, each of the partial time intervals of the heating profile is associated with a column in the common table. In the example in Figure 15, the partial time interval "20 seconds after the start of heating" is associated with the symbol a in the common table. Then, the cell at the intersection of each partial time interval of the heating profile and the target resistance value in that partial time interval is marked with 1, which signifies selection. In the example in Figure 15, the cell at the intersection of the symbol a associated with "20 seconds" in the common table and the symbol 6 associated with the target resistance value of 1.50Ω is marked with 1. Similarly, in the example in Figure 15, the cells at the intersection of the symbols c and 3, the cells at the intersection of the symbols l and 4, the cells at the intersection of the symbols m and 4, and the cells at the intersection of the symbols p and 3 are marked with 1, which signifies selection.

[0189] In the second modification, the information indicating the heating profile is represented as encoded profile data containing multiple combinations of column and row codes corresponding to cells in the common table where "1" is written, signifying selection. For example, in the example in Figure 14, the information indicating the heating profile is encoded profile data containing a6, c3, l4, m4, and p3, which are combinations of column and row codes of cells where "1" is written, signifying selection.

[0190] The encoded profile data that is actually transmitted is a combination of codes, simply a combination of alphanumeric characters. For example, the information that is actually transmitted would be {a6,c3,l4,m4,p3}.

[0191] Furthermore, when the suction device 100 or other devices such as terminal devices receive encoded profile data, they refer to a common table they maintain to convert the encoded profile data into parameters and reproduce the heating profile. For example, if the suction device 100 receives {a6, c3, l4, m4, p3} as encoded profile data, it refers to the common table shown as an example in Figure 14 and converts a6 to "target resistance value of 1.50Ω 20 seconds after heating starts", c3 to "target resistance value of 1.20Ω 60 seconds after heating starts", l4 to "target resistance value of 1.30Ω 240 seconds after heating starts", m4 to "target resistance value of 1.30Ω 260 seconds after heating starts", and p3 to "target resistance value of 1.20Ω 300 seconds after heating starts", and reproduces the heating profile.

[0192] <<4. Supplement>> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0193] For example, in the embodiments described above, the parameters in the heating profiles of the first and second configuration examples were described as being the temperature of the heating unit 121, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. For example, the parameter may be the temperature of the part heated by the heating unit 121. An example of the part heated by the heating unit 121 is the holding unit 140. In that case, the control unit 116 controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 so that a temperature similar to the target temperature defined in the heating profile is achieved in the holding unit 140. As another example, the parameter may be information about the electricity supplied to the heating unit 121. For example, the parameter may be the voltage, current, resistance, or power supplied to the heating unit 121. In that case, the control unit 116 controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 so that a voltage, current, resistance, or power similar to the voltage, current, resistance, or power defined in the heating profile is supplied to the heating unit 121.

[0194] The heating profile described above is an example of a profile that contains information about the aerosol generation operation performed by the suction device 100. The suction device 100 may also send and receive profiles other than the heating profile as discrete data discretized by the method described in the above embodiment. An example of a profile other than the heating profile may be information showing the result of the aerosol generation operation performed by the suction device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the operation result profile). The parameters in the operation result profile are information detected when the suction device 100 performs the aerosol generation operation, that is, when the heating unit 121 operates. For example, while the heating profile was information showing the target temperature transition, the operation result profile may be information showing the actual temperature transition. The first to fifth transmission methods described in the above embodiment can also be applied when sending and receiving the operation result profile. With this configuration, the suction device 100 can reduce the amount of communication while suppressing a decrease in the amount of information when sending and receiving the operation result profile.

[0195] Examples of parameters in the operation result profile include, similar to the heating profile, the temperature of the heating unit 121, the temperature of the part heated by the heating unit 121, and information regarding the electricity supplied to the heating unit 121. Alternatively, the parameters in the operation result profile may also include the amount of aerosol generated by the heating unit 121 that is inhaled by the user (hereinafter also referred to as the aerosol delivery amount). In this case, the sensor unit 112 includes a filter for collecting aerosols and a component analyzer for analyzing the components of the collected aerosols, as a sensor for detecting the aerosol delivery amount. The aerosol delivery amount here may also refer to the amount of major aerosol components delivered to the user's oral cavity per puff operation. Major aerosol components are visible aerosol components generated when various aerosol sources contained in the substrate are heated to a predetermined temperature or higher. Typically, the aerosol sources contained in the substrate are propylene glycol and glycerin. Furthermore, if the substrate contains flavor sources such as tobacco, aerosol components derived from these flavor sources are also included in the major aerosol components.

[0196] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the transmission and reception of information indicating the heating profile may be the transmission and reception of information that combines the information indicating the heating profile with other information. For example, the information indicating the heating profile may be transmitted and received as information that combines the information indicating the heating profile with information related to the heating profile. Information related to the heating profile may be, for example, a correction value used to correct the heating profile based on the characteristics of the heating section 121 of each suction device 100.

[0197] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information indicating the heating profile may be included, for example, in the firmware of the suction device 100. That is, the firmware transmitted and received by the suction device 100 may include the information indicating the heating profile described in the above embodiment. In this case, when the suction device 100 sends and receives firmware, it also sends and receives information indicating the heating profile. For example, when the suction device 100 updates its firmware, it may receive the information indicating the heating profile described in the above embodiment as part of the firmware being updated.

[0198] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are pre-stored on a recording medium (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM when executed by a computer and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or flash memory. The computer programs may also be distributed without using a recording medium, for example, via a network.

[0199] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown. Some processing steps may be executed in parallel. Additional processing steps may be adopted, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0200] Furthermore, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) A control unit that controls the operation of a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol, A communication unit wirelessly transmits information that includes, as information showing a profile which is information showing the time-series changes of parameters related to the operation of the heating unit from the start time to the end time, a combination of information showing a time interval and information showing the time-series changes of the parameters in that time interval, for each of the multiple time intervals that constitute the period from the start time to the end time. A suction device equipped with the following features. (2) The information indicating the time intervals includes the order of the time intervals and the length of the time intervals. The suction device described in (1) above. (3) The information indicating the time interval is information that indicates the end of the time interval by the elapsed time from the start time. The suction device described in (1) above. (4) The information indicating the time interval is information that indicates the start and end times of the time interval by the elapsed time from the start time. The suction device described in (1) above. (5) The information showing the time-series change of the parameter in the aforementioned time interval is information showing the target value that the parameter should reach in the aforementioned time interval. A suction device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (4). (6) The information showing the time series change of the parameter in the aforementioned time interval is information showing a function that approximates the shape of the time series change of the parameter in the aforementioned time interval. A suction device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (4). (7) The communication unit transmits information indicating the profile, omitting information showing the time-series changes of the parameters in at least a portion of the time interval. A suction device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (6). (8) The aforementioned parameters are information that defines the operation by which the heating unit heats the substrate, The control unit controls the heating unit to operate according to the profile. A suction device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (7). (9) If the received information indicating the profile does not include information indicating the time-series change of the parameter in the first time interval, the control unit shall use the information indicating the time-series change of the parameter in the second time interval immediately preceding the first time interval as the information indicating the time-series change of the parameter in the first time interval. The suction device described in (7) above. (10) The aforementioned parameters are information detected when the heating unit is operating. A suction device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (9). (11) The parameter is the temperature of the heating section. A suction device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (10). (12) The parameter is the temperature of the part heated by the heating element. A suction device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (10). (13) The aforementioned parameters relate to the electricity supplied to the heating unit. A suction device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (10). (14) The parameter is the amount of aerosol generated by the heating unit that is inhaled by the user. The suction device described in (10) above. (15) The communication unit transmits information indicating the profile via NFC. A suction device as described in any one of the above items (1) to (14). (16) The information transmitted wirelessly includes a profile, which is information showing the time-series changes in parameters related to the operation of the heating unit that heats the substrate to generate an aerosol, from the start time to the end time. This profile includes a combination of information indicating a time interval and information showing the time-series changes in the parameters within that time interval, for each of the multiple time intervals that make up the period from the start time to the end time. A method of transmitting information that includes this. (17) A computer that controls the suction device which controls the operation of the heating section that heats the substrate to generate an aerosol, The suction device is controlled to wirelessly transmit information that includes a combination of information indicating a time interval and information indicating the time-series change of the parameters related to the operation of the heating section that heats the substrate to generate an aerosol, for each of the multiple time intervals that make up the period from the start to the end, as information indicating a profile which is information showing the time-series change of parameters related to the operation of the heating section that heats the substrate to generate an aerosol from the start to the end. A program to execute. [Explanation of symbols]

[0201] 1 System 100 Suction device 110 Power Supply Unit 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor section 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 120 cartridges 121 Heating section 122 Liquid guiding part 123 Liquid storage section 124 Mouthpiece 130 Flavoring Cartridges 131 Flavor source 140 Holding part 141 Interior space 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 144 Insulation section 150 Stick-type base material 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece 180 Airflow channel 181 Air inlet 182 Air outlet

Claims

1. A heating section that heats the substrate to generate an aerosol, A communication unit that receives information indicating a profile defining the operation of the heating unit via a communication link from another suction device or terminal device, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit according to information indicating the profile, The information representing the profile includes encoded profile data which encodes information indicating parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in each of a plurality of time intervals that constitute the period from the start to the end of heating in the heating unit. The control unit refers to a common table that associates information indicating the parameters with codes, converts the codes included in the coded profile data into information indicating the parameters, and reproduces the profile. The common table associates information indicating the time interval with a first code, and associates information indicating the parameter with a second code. The communication unit receives a plurality of combinations of the first code and the second code as the coded profile data. The control unit, referring to the common table, converts a plurality of combinations of the first code and the second code received by the communication unit into a combination of information indicating the time interval and information indicating the parameter, and reproduces the profile. Suction device.

2. The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit by feedback control. The information indicating the parameters relating to the operation of the heating unit is information indicating the target values ​​of the parameters in the feedback control for each of the plurality of time intervals. The suction device according to claim 1.

3. The target value of the parameter is the target temperature or target resistance value that the heating unit should reach at the end of each of the multiple time intervals. The suction device according to claim 2.

4. The information representing the profile includes information that omits information that shows parameters relating to the operation of the heating unit in at least part of the plurality of time intervals. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. If the information indicating the profile does not include information indicating the target value of the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in the first time period, the control unit shall use the information indicating the target value of the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in the second time period immediately preceding the first time period as the information indicating the target value of the parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in the first time period. The suction device according to claim 4.

6. The information representing the profile is discrete data obtained by discretizing the profile, which is the time-series change of parameters related to the operation of the heating unit. The communication unit receives information indicating the profile, for each of the plurality of time intervals, including a combination of information indicating the time interval and information indicating parameters related to the operation of the heating unit. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The information indicating the time interval is information indicating each of the multiple time intervals obtained by dividing the entire time interval from the start to the end of heating in the heating unit. The suction device according to claim 6.

8. The information indicating the aforementioned time intervals includes information indicating the order of the time intervals and the length of the time intervals. The suction device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The information indicating the time interval is information that indicates the end of the time interval by the elapsed time from the start of heating of the heating unit. The suction device according to claim 6 or 7.

10. The information representing the profile includes information representing a combination of a numerical value representing the time interval and a numerical value representing the parameters relating to the operation of the heating unit during that time interval, for each of the plurality of time intervals. A suction device according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. The information representing the profile includes correction values ​​used to correct the profile based on the characteristics of the heating section. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A receiving step in which information indicating a profile defining the operation of a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol is received from another suction device or terminal device via a communication link, The control step includes controlling the operation of the heating unit according to the received information indicating the profile, The information representing the profile includes encoded profile data which encodes information indicating parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in each of a plurality of time intervals that constitute the period from the start to the end of heating in the heating unit. The control step includes referring to a common table that associates information and codes representing the parameters, converting the codes included in the coded profile data into information representing the parameters, and reconstructing the profile. The common table associates information indicating the time interval with a first code, and associates information indicating the parameter with a second code. The receiving step includes receiving a plurality of combinations of the first code and the second code as the coded profile data, The control step includes, by referring to the common table, converting a plurality of combinations of the first code and the second code received in the reception step into combinations of time interval information and parameter information to reproduce the profile. Control method.

13. A computer that controls the suction device which controls the operation of the heating section that heats the substrate to generate an aerosol, A receiving step of receiving information indicating a profile that defines the operation of the heating unit from another suction device or terminal device via a communication link, A control step is performed to control the operation of the heating unit according to the received information indicating the profile, The information representing the profile includes encoded profile data which encodes information indicating parameters related to the operation of the heating unit in each of a plurality of time intervals that constitute the period from the start to the end of heating in the heating unit. The control step includes referring to a common table that associates information indicating the parameters with codes, converting the codes included in the coded profile data into information indicating the parameters, and reproducing the profile. The common table associates information indicating the time interval with a first code, and associates information indicating the parameter with a second code. The receiving step includes receiving a plurality of combinations of the first code and the second code as the coded profile data, The control step includes, by referring to the common table, converting a plurality of combinations of the first code and the second code received in the receiving step into a combination of information indicating the time interval and information indicating the parameter, and reconstructing the profile. program.

Images