Aerosol generation system, control method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience. [Solution] An aerosol generation system comprising: a notification unit for notifying a user of information; an accommodating portion having an internal space and an opening for communicating the internal space with the outside and capable of storing an aerosol source-containing base material inserted from the opening; a lid portion for opening and closing the opening of the accommodating portion; a heating unit for heating the base material accommodated in the accommodating portion; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the notification unit and the heating unit, wherein the control unit operates the heating unit and the notification unit on the basis of an initial parameter which is a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and acquired triggered by the lid portion opening the opening.

Description

[[TECHNICAL FIELD]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system, a control method, and a program. [[BACKGROUND ART]]

[0002] Suction devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, the suction device generates an aerosol imparted with a flavor component by using a base material including an aerosol source for generating the aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavor component-imparted aerosol generated by the suction device. The operation of a user inhaling an aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or puff operation. Examples of devices classified as suction devices include those used as alternatives to so-called combustible cigarettes, such as heated tobacco products. A heated tobacco product is a type of suction device that generates an aerosol by heating a solid containing an aerosol source.

[0003] Various technological developments are being conducted with the aim of further improving the quality of user experience when using such suction devices. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for notifying, by light, that insertion of a base material into a suction device has been detected. [[PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS]] [[PATENT DOCUMENTS]]

[0004] [[Patent Document 1]] International Publication No. 2021 / 259949 [[SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 has only been developed for a short time, and there remains room for improvement from various perspectives.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned issues, and its purpose is to provide a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generation system is provided comprising: a notification unit for notifying a user of information; a storage unit having an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space to the outside, and capable of accommodating a substrate containing an aerosol source inserted through the opening; a lid for opening and closing the opening of the storage unit; a heating unit for heating the substrate housed in the storage unit; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the notification unit and the heating unit, wherein the control unit operates the heating unit and the notification unit based on an initial parameter, which is a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, obtained as a trigger when the lid opens the opening.

[0008] The control unit may monitor whether the time-series progression of the parameter satisfies a first criterion when the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature, and control the notification unit to notify the first information while monitoring whether the first criterion is satisfied. If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above a predetermined temperature, the control unit may monitor whether the time-series progression of the parameter satisfies a second criterion different from the first criterion, and control the notification unit to notify the first information while monitoring whether the second criterion is satisfied.

[0009] The control unit may monitor whether the time-series progression of the parameter obtained by repeatedly applying a group of detection pulses, including one first detection pulse, to the heating unit satisfies the first criterion if the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below the predetermined temperature, and whether the time-series progression of the parameter obtained by repeatedly applying a group of detection pulses, consisting of one or more second detection pulses with a shorter duration than the first detection pulse, to the heating unit satisfies the second criterion if the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature.

[0010] The control unit may, if the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature, determine whether the pattern of the parameter's oscillation corresponding to the repeated temperature rise of the heating unit due to the application of the first detection pulse and the temperature decrease of the heating unit due to the cessation of the application of the first detection pulse satisfies the first determination criterion; and if the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above a predetermined temperature, determine whether the pattern of the parameter's change corresponding to the temperature decrease of the heating unit satisfies the second determination criterion.

[0011] The control unit may, if the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below the predetermined temperature and the first criterion is met, notify the second information and start heating by the heating unit based on control information that defines the time-series progression of the target value of the parameter. If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature and the second criterion is met, notify the second information and start heating by the heating unit based on the control information.

[0012] The control unit may, if the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below the predetermined temperature and the first criterion is not met, notify the third information and transition to standby mode; or, if the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature and the second criterion is not met, notify the third information and transition to standby mode.

[0013] If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below the predetermined temperature, the control unit may monitor whether a third criterion is met while heating is being performed by the heating unit based on the control information. If the third criterion is met, the control unit may continue heating by the heating unit based on the control information. If the third criterion is not met, the control unit may notify the fourth information, stop heating by the heating unit based on the control information, and transition to the standby mode.

[0014] The third determination criterion may be that the rate of change of the parameter, which is shown by the relationship between the elapsed time since the start of heating by the heating unit based on the control information and the parameter, is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0015] The third information and the fourth information may be notified in the same manner.

[0016] The control unit may, in the standby mode, control the operation of the heating unit to start heating based on the control information when a predetermined user operation is detected, control the notification unit to notify the second information, and continue heating by the heating unit based on the control information regardless of whether the third determination criterion is met.

[0017] The control unit may cancel the standby mode if the lid closes the opening while in standby mode.

[0018] The control unit may determine the state of the housing based on the parameters and control the notification unit to notify information indicating the progress of the process for determining the state of the housing during the period in which the progress continues.

[0019] The aerosol generation system may further include the substrate.

[0020] Furthermore, to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a control method executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol generating system includes: a notification unit configured to notify information to a user; a housing portion having an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, the housing portion being capable of housing a base material containing an aerosol source inserted through the opening; a lid portion configured to open and close the opening of the housing portion; and a heating portion configured to heat the base material housed in the housing portion, the control method includes controlling operations of the notification unit and the heating portion, and controlling the operations of the notification unit and the heating portion includes operating the heating portion and the notification unit based on an initial parameter that is a parameter corresponding to a temperature of the heating portion and is acquired triggered by the lid opening the opening.

[0021] Furthermore, to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a program executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol generating system includes: a notification unit configured to notify information to a user; a housing portion having an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, the housing portion being capable of housing a base material containing an aerosol source inserted through the opening; a lid portion configured to open and close the opening of the housing portion; and a heating portion configured to heat the base material housed in the housing portion, the program causes the computer to function as a control unit that controls operations of the notification unit and the heating portion, and the control unit operates the heating portion and the notification unit based on an initial parameter that is a parameter corresponding to a temperature of the heating portion and is acquired triggered by the lid opening the opening. Effects of the Invention

[0022] As described above, according to the present disclosure, a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience is provided. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 2] It is an overall perspective view of the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is an overall perspective view of the suction device according to the present embodiment in a state where a stick-shaped base material is accommodated. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining a first process executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining a first process executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a graph schematically showing an example of a temperature transition of a heating unit when heating is performed based on a heating profile. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining power supply control based on a heating profile. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining experimental results regarding the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining criteria for determining a state of an accommodating portion in the first processing. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining a second process executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining experimental results regarding the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining information notified in a modification. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, whereby redundant description is omitted.

[0025] <1. Example of suction device configuration> - Example of internal 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.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device. As shown in Figure 1, the suction device 100 according to this example configuration includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a housing unit 140, and a heat insulation unit 144.

[0027] The power supply unit 111 stores power. Then, based on the control by the control unit 116, the power supply unit 111 supplies power to each component of the suction device 100. The power supply unit 111 may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0028] The sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the suction device 100. For example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of an input device that accepts information input from the user, such as a button or switch.

[0029] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 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.

[0030] The memory unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The memory unit 114 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium, such as flash memory.

[0031] The communication unit 115 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®, Bluetooth®, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy®), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0032] The control unit 116 functions as both an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, controlling the overall operation of the suction device 100 according to various programs. The control unit 116 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0033] The housing section 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-type substrate 150 while housing a portion of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The housing section 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside and accommodates the stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the housing section 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and bottom 143 as its base, defining a columnar internal space 141. An air passage is connected to the housing section 140 to supply air to the internal space 141. An air inlet, which is the air entrance to the air passage, is located, for example, on the side of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is the air exit from the air passage to the internal space 141, is located, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0034] 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. The aerosol source includes flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug. The aerosol source may be a liquid such as water, including polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco, or it may be a solid containing flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. When the stick-type base material 150 is held in the housing portion 140, at least a part of the base material portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user puts the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air passage (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base material portion 151.

[0035] The heating unit 121 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, thereby atomizing it. In the example shown in Figure 1, the heating unit 121 is configured in a film-like form and is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the containment unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the stick-type base material 150 is heated from the outer circumference, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0036] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.

[0037] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0038] As an example, the heating section 121 may be configured in a blade shape and positioned to protrude from the bottom 143 of the housing section 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating section 121 is inserted into the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 and heats the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating section 121 may be positioned to cover the bottom 143 of the housing section 140. Furthermore, the heating section 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating section covering the outer circumference of the housing section 140, a blade-shaped second heating section, and a third heating section covering the bottom 143 of the housing section 140.

[0039] As another example, the housing section 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism, such as a hinge, that opens and closes a part of the outer shell forming the internal space 141. The housing section 140 may then house the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heating section 121 may be provided at the clamping location in the housing section 140 and may heat the stick-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

[0040] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100. The heating unit 121 generates an aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 (more specifically, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150) housed in the housing unit 140 using power supplied from the power supply unit 111. The control unit 116 controls the power supply to the heating unit 121. The suction device 100 is an example of an aerosol generation system. The combination of the suction device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may also be considered as an aerosol generation system.

[0041] - Example of exterior configuration Figure 2 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment with the stick-type substrate 150 housed inside.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the suction device 100 includes a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, a lid 14, a vent 15, and a cap 16. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other to form the outermost outer housing 11 of the suction device 100. The outer housing 11 is sized to fit in the user's hand. When a user uses the suction device 100, they can hold the suction device 100 in their hand and inhale the flavor.

[0043] The top housing 11A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 12 is coupled to the top housing 11A to close the opening. As shown in Figure 3, the cover 12 has an opening 142 into which a stick-type substrate 150 can be inserted. The lid 14 is configured to open and close the opening 142 of the cover 12. Specifically, the lid 14 is attached to the cover 12 and is configured to move along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position that closes the opening 142 and a second position that opens the opening 142. This allows the lid 14 to allow or restrict the access of the stick-type substrate 150 to the inside of the suction device 100 (internal space 141 shown in Figure 1).

[0044] Switch 13 accepts user input by being pressed. The suction device 100 is triggered by the press of switch 13 to either turn on its power or start heating with the heating unit 121.

[0045] The vent 15 is a vent for introducing air into the internal space 141. The air taken into the suction device 100 through the vent 15 is introduced into the internal space 141, for example, from the bottom 143 of the housing 140. The cap 16 is configured to be detachably attached to the bottom housing 11B. When the cap 16 is attached to the bottom housing 11B, the vent 15 is formed between the bottom housing 11B and the cap 16. The cap 16 may have, for example, through holes or notches (not shown).

[0046] <2. Technical Features> <2.1. Heating accompanied by insertion detection> The control unit 116 determines the state of the housing unit 140 based on a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121. In the following description, the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 is assumed to be the electrical resistance (hereinafter also simply referred to as resistance) of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heat-generating resistor constituting the heating unit 121). The control unit 116 obtains the resistance of the heating unit 121 by applying a voltage to the heating unit 121. In the following description, it is assumed that the resistance of the heating unit 121 increases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises, and the resistance of the heating unit 121 decreases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 falls. That is, in the following description, resistance and temperature may be read interchangeably.

[0047] First, the control unit 116 performs a first process. The first process includes obtaining the resistance of the heating unit 121 and determining the state of the housing unit 140 based on the obtained resistance of the heating unit 121. In particular, in the first process, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140.

[0048] If the control unit 116 determines that the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 during the first process, it terminates the first process and executes the second process. The second process includes heating the stick-type substrate 150 based on a heating profile. The heating profile is control information for generating an aerosol. The suction device 100 can generate an aerosol by heating the stick-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile. The heating profile will be explained in detail later.

[0049] In the first process, there are cases where it is incorrectly determined that a stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing section 140, even though the stick-type substrate 150 has not been inserted into the housing section 140. Such an incorrect determination may occur if an item other than the stick-type substrate 150, such as a cleaning cotton swab, is inserted into the housing section 140, or if outside air is blown into the housing section 140. In these cases as well, the resistance of the heating section 121 may change, just as it would be if a stick-type substrate 150 had been inserted into the housing section 140.

[0050] Therefore, the control unit 116 acquires the resistance of the heating unit 121 during heating based on the heating profile, and determines the state of the housing unit 140 based on the acquired resistance of the heating unit 121. In particular, the control unit 116 determines whether the determination in the first process that the stick-type substrate 150 was inserted into the housing unit 140 was an error.

[0051] If the control unit 116 determines that a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140, that is, if it determines that the determination in the first process is correct, it continues heating the stick-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 determines that a stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the housing unit 140, that is, if it determines that the determination in the first process is incorrect, it stops heating the stick-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile.

[0052] With this configuration, when a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the storage section 140, heating of the stick-type substrate 150 can be automatically started and continued. On the other hand, if nothing is inserted into the storage section 140, or if an item other than the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted, heating can be stopped. In this way, the user can improve usability by inserting the stick-type substrate 150 into the storage section 140, which will start heating and allow aerosol inhalation without requiring separate instructions to start or stop heating.

[0053] Furthermore, with this configuration, the heating unit 121 for heating the stick-type substrate 150 can be used for detecting the insertion of the stick-type substrate 150. In other words, it is not necessary to mount other sensors such as a capacitive sensor for detecting the insertion of the stick-type substrate 150. This makes it possible to further miniaturize the suction device 100.

[0054] In the first process, a voltage is applied to the heating unit 121 in order to obtain the resistance of the heating unit 121, and the heating unit 121 may become hotter. That is, the first process may be considered as a process of heating the stick-type substrate 150. However, unless otherwise specified below, heating refers to heating based on the heating profile in the second process.

[0055] The first and second processes will be explained in detail below.

[0056] (1) First process Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating the first process performed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. Graph 30 in Figure 4 shows an example of the time-series progression of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 in the first process. The vertical axis of graph 30 is voltage, in volts. The horizontal axis of graph 30 is time, in seconds. Graph 35 in Figure 5 shows an example of the time-series progression of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the voltage shown in Figure 4 is applied. The vertical axis of graph 35 is resistance, in ohms. The horizontal axis of graph 35 is time, in seconds. Graph 35 illustrates the case where the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140 at the timing indicated by arrow 39, i.e., 5 seconds after the start of the first process.

[0057] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 116 repeatedly applies a group of detection pulses 34, including one first detection pulse 31, to the heating unit 121. Here, a pulse is a wave having a predetermined voltage. In particular, the first detection pulse 31 is a pulse that raises the temperature of the heating unit 121 while acquiring the resistance of the heating unit 121. The period during which one group of detection pulses 34 is applied will be referred to as the detection cycle below. Within the detection cycle, the period during which the first detection pulse 31 is applied will be referred to as the temperature rise period. On the other hand, within the detection cycle, the period during which the first detection pulse 31 is not applied will be referred to as the temperature falloff period. In the example shown in Figure 4, the duration of the detection cycle is 0.5 seconds, with the first 0.1 seconds of the detection cycle being the temperature rise period and the remaining 0.4 seconds being the temperature falloff period.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, during the heating period, a voltage is applied to the heating unit 121, causing the temperature of the heating unit 121 to rise, and consequently, the resistance of the heating unit 121 also to rise. On the other hand, during the cooling period, the application of voltage to the heating unit 121 is suspended, causing the temperature of the heating unit 121 to decrease, and consequently, the resistance of the heating unit 121 also to decrease. In other words, in one detection cycle, the resistance of the heating unit 121 fluctuates up and down. As shown in Figure 5, as the application of the detection pulse group 34 is repeated, the resistance of the heating unit 121 gradually increases while repeatedly fluctuating up and down. Here, the voltage and width of the first detection pulse 31 are adjusted so that the resistance of the heating unit 121 gradually increases or is maintained at a constant value as the application of the detection pulse group 34 is repeated.

[0059] The control unit 116 determines the state of the housing unit 140 based on the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121, which is obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse group 34 to the heating unit 121. Specifically, the control unit 116 determines that a stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 when the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies predetermined conditions. On the other hand, the control unit 116 determines that a stick-type substrate 150 has not been inserted into the housing unit 140 when the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0060] The time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during the period when the detection pulse group 34 is applied to the heating unit 121 differs depending on whether or not a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140. In the example shown in Figure 5, the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the housing unit 140 during the period from the start of the first process until 5 seconds have elapsed. During this period, the resistance at the start of application of the first detection pulse 31 is located on line 37, and the resistance at the end of application of the first detection pulse 31 is located on line 38. On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 5, the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140 during the period after 5 seconds have elapsed from the start of the first process. During this period, the resistance at the start of application of the first detection pulse 31 is located below line 37, and the resistance at the end of application of the first detection pulse 31 is located below line 38. Therefore, the control unit 116 determines that a stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 when a change occurs in the time-series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121, as illustrated in Figure 5, during the process of repeatedly applying the detection pulse group 34. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not a stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 with a simple configuration.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, the first process may include first applying a third detection pulse 33 to the heating unit 121. The third detection pulse 33 is a pulse for increasing the temperature of the heating unit 121 while acquiring the resistance of the heating unit 121. The duration of the third detection pulse 33 is longer than the duration of the first detection pulse 31. In the example shown in Figure 4, the duration of the first detection pulse 31 is 0.1 seconds, and the duration of the third detection pulse 33 is 0.5 seconds. With this configuration, the resistance of the heating unit 121 can be increased to a certain extent immediately after the start of the first process. If the resistance of the heating unit 121 is not increased to a certain extent, the resistance of the heating unit 121 may not decrease appropriately during the cooling period of the detection cycle. With this configuration, the resistance of the heating unit 121 can be appropriately raised and lowered during the detection cycle, making it possible to improve the accuracy of determining the state of the housing unit 140.

[0062] The detection pulse group 34 may include one or more second detection pulses in addition to the single first detection pulse 31. The second detection pulse is a pulse for obtaining the resistance of the heating unit 121. The duration of the second detection pulse is shorter than the duration of the first detection pulse 31. In particular, it is desirable that the duration of the second detection pulse be set to an extremely short time such that the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not change even when the second detection pulse is applied to the heating unit 121. This makes it possible to obtain the resistance of the heating unit 121 while lowering the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the cooling period.

[0063] The resistance of the heating unit 121, obtained by the second detection pulse, can be used to determine the state of the housing unit 140. With this configuration, the state of the housing unit 140 can be determined based on more samples, making it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of determining the state of the housing unit 140 due to, for example, the influence of external disturbances.

[0064] The control unit 116 may start the first process as a trigger when a predetermined user action is detected. The predetermined user action is any user action that is expected to result in the insertion of the stick-type substrate 150 into the housing 140 immediately after the predetermined user action is performed. An example of a predetermined user action is opening the lid 14 that opens and closes the opening 142. Another example of a predetermined user action is lifting the suction device 100. Another example of a predetermined user action is discharging the suction device 100. The presence or absence of these predetermined user actions can be detected by a sensor provided on the lid 14, or by a motion sensor, etc. With this configuration, the first process can be executed only at the timing when the stick-type substrate 150 can be inserted. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed.

[0065] The control unit 116 terminates the first process if, within a predetermined time elapsed since the start of the first process, the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not satisfy a predetermined condition. In other words, the control unit 116 stops the first process if, within a predetermined time elapsed since the start of the first process, it does not determine that the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140. The predetermined time may be set, for example, according to the time that is normally expected to take from when the user performs a predetermined user operation that triggers the start of the first process until the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted. In the example shown in Figure 4, the predetermined time is 10 seconds, and the detection cycle is repeated a maximum of 18 times. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress power consumption without degrading usability.

[0066] On the other hand, the control unit 116 starts the second process when it determines that the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 in the first process satisfies a predetermined condition. In other words, the control unit 116 starts the second process when it determines that the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 in the first process. With this configuration, it is possible to improve usability by eliminating the need for the user to separately instruct the start of heating.

[0067] (2) Second process In the second process, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile and determines the state of the housing unit 140. These processes will be described in order below.

[0068] - Heating based on heating profile The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 heats the stick-type substrate 150 using the power supplied from the power supply unit 111.

[0069] A heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which an aerosol source is heated. The heating profile defines target values ​​for parameters corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. An example of a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated is the temperature of the heating unit 121. An example of a target value for a parameter corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated is the target value of the resistance of the heating unit 121, which will also be referred to as the target resistance below. Furthermore, the temperature of the heating unit 121 when its resistance is the target resistance, i.e., the temperature corresponding to the target resistance, will also be referred to as the target temperature below. The temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled to change according to the elapsed time since the start of heating. In that case, the heating profile includes information that defines the time-series change of the target resistance. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters that define the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters). Power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the method of feedback control to be adopted. The ON / OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121 may be considered as the ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0070] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that its resistance changes in a manner similar to the target resistance defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor the user experiences when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor the user experiences can be optimized.

[0071] Temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The control unit 116 may supply 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 pulse in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may supply power pulses to the heating unit 121 until the resistance of the heating unit 121 reaches a target resistance, and stop supplying power pulses when the resistance of the heating unit 121 reaches the target resistance.

[0072] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosols using the stick-type substrate 150 will hereafter be referred to as the heating session. In other words, the heating session is the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of the heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile begins. The end of the heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating session includes a preheating period and a puffing period that follows the preheating period. The puffing period is the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The preheating period is the period from the start of heating until the start of the puffing period. The heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.

[0073] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating when preheating is complete. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating before it is completed, or notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating when it is completed. Notification to the user may be made, for example, by lighting up an LED (light-emitting diode) or by vibration. The user can then perform puffing immediately after preheating is complete by referring to such notification.

[0074] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating when the puffable period will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information that will precede the end of the puffable period before it ends, or notify the user of information indicating that the puffable period has ended when it has ended. Notification to the user may be made, for example, by the lighting or vibration of an LED. The user can then use such a notification as a reference to continue puffing until the puffable period ends.

[0075] An example of a heating profile will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a schematic graph showing an example of the temperature change of the heating unit 121 when heating is performed based on the heating profile. The horizontal axis of Graph 20 is time. The vertical axis of Graph 20 is temperature. Line 21 shows the time series change of the temperature of the heating unit 121. As shown in Figure 6, a heating session may sequentially include an initial heating period, an intermediate cooling period, and a reheating period. The initial heating period is the period after the start of heating during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises rapidly and is maintained at a high temperature. The intermediate cooling period is the period after the initial heating period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. The reheating period is the period after the intermediate cooling period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises again. In the example shown in Figure 6, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises rapidly to around 300°C during the initial heating period, then decreases to around 230°C during the intermediate cooling period, and then gradually rises to around 260°C during the reheating period. During the intermediate cooling period, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be interrupted and heating may be turned OFF. In the example shown in Figure 6, the preheating period is from the start of heating until partway through the initial heating period, and the puffing period is from partway through the initial heating period until the end of the reheating period.

[0076] Next, power supply control based on the heating profile will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating power supply control based on the heating profile. Graph 40 shown in Figure 7 shows an example of the time-series change of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 during power supply control based on the heating profile. The vertical axis of Graph 40 is voltage, in volts. The horizontal axis of Graph 40 is time, in milliseconds.

[0077] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 116 repeatedly applies a group of heating pulses 44, including a measurement pulse 41, to the heating unit 121. The measurement pulse 41 is a pulse applied to measure the resistance of the heating unit 121. The group of heating pulses 44 may include one or more heating pulses 42. The heating pulses 42 are pulses applied to raise the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0078] The period during which one group of heating pulses 44 is applied will be referred to as the heating cycle. Within the heating cycle, the period during which the measurement pulse 41 is applied will be referred to as the measurement period. On the other hand, within the heating cycle, the period during which the measurement pulse 41 is not applied will be referred to as the non-measurement period. During the non-measurement period, the heating pulse 42 may be applied. In the example shown in Figure 7, the duration of the heating cycle is 50 milliseconds, with the first 3 milliseconds of the heating cycle being the measurement period and the remaining 47 milliseconds being the non-measurement period.

[0079] The control unit 116 controls the configuration of the heating pulse 42 during the non-measurement period. Here, "configuration" refers to whether or not the heating pulse 42 is applied, and the duration of the heating pulse 42. As shown in Figure 7, the duration of the heating pulse 42 can be set to any time of 47 milliseconds or less. Furthermore, the number of heating pulses 42 and their start timing during the non-measurement period can also be set arbitrarily.

[0080] In particular, the control unit 116 acquires the resistance of the heating unit 121 when a measurement pulse 41 is applied during the measurement period. Then, based on the resistance of the heating unit 121 acquired during the measurement period and the heating profile, the control unit 116 controls the configuration of the heating pulse 42 during the non-measurement period, which belongs to the same heating cycle as the measurement period. At that time, the control unit 116 controls the duty cycle of the heating pulse 42 during the non-measurement period based on the resistance of the heating unit 121 and the target resistance defined in the heating profile.

[0081] The heating pulse group 44 described above is applied to the heating unit 121 during the initial heating period and the reheating period of the heating session. On the other hand, the heating pulse group 44 does not need to be applied to the heating unit 121 during the intermediate cooling period of the heating session. In that case, whether or not the temperature of the heating unit 121 has decreased to the temperature corresponding to the target resistance during the intermediate cooling period may be determined by a temperature sensor such as a separately provided thermistor, or it may be simply determined based on the elapsed time since the power supply to the heating unit 121 was stopped.

[0082] - Status determination of the housing unit 140 The control unit 116 determines the state of the housing unit 140 based on the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the heating pulse group 44 to the heating unit 121. Specifically, the control unit 116 determines that a stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 when the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies predetermined conditions. On the other hand, the control unit 116 determines that a stick-type substrate 150 has not been inserted into the housing unit 140 when the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0083] The time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during the period when the heating pulse group 44 is applied to the heating unit 121 differs depending on whether or not a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140. For example, when no stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140, the resistance (i.e., temperature) of the heating unit 121 rises more rapidly compared to when a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140. Therefore, for example, the control unit 116 determines that a stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 when the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 falls within the range of the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 that would be expected when a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140 with a simple configuration.

[0084] Furthermore, it is desirable that the state of the containment section 140 be determined early in the preheating period of the heating session. This is to stop dry heating or heating of items other than the stick-type base material 150 as quickly as possible if the insertion of the stick-type base material 150 into the containment section 140 is incorrectly determined in the first process.

[0085] (3) Experimental results The experimental results obtained when the first and second processes described above were performed will be explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0086] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating experimental results related to the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. The graph 50 shown in Figure 8 shows the time series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the suction device 100 performs the first and second processes. The vertical axis of the graph 50 is resistance, in units of ohms. The horizontal axis of the graph 50 is time, in units of seconds. The resistance of the heating unit 121 measured at each point in time is plotted on the graph 50, and plots that are consecutive in time are connected by lines. The graph 50 shows the time series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted at the timing indicated by the arrow 59, i.e., 4.5 seconds after the start of the first process.

[0087] Referring to Graph 50, the resistance of the heating section 121 gradually increases while repeatedly fluctuating up and down until the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted. Immediately after the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted, the resistance of the heating section 121 decreases from plot 51A to plot 51B, and from plot 52A to plot 52B. Plots 51A and 51B correspond to the resistance of the heating section 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 31. Plots 52A and 52B correspond to the resistance of the heating section 121 at the end of application of the first detection pulse 31. Based on this decrease in the resistance of the heating section 121, the control unit 116 determines that the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing section 140. Therefore, as the first process ends and the second process begins, the resistance of the heating section 121 rapidly increases.

[0088] (4) Processing flow Next, we will explain the processing flow while referring to Figure 9.

[0089] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0090] As shown in Figure 9, first, the control unit 116 determines whether a predetermined user operation has been detected (step S102). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether the sensor unit 112 has detected a user operation to open the lid 14 that opens and closes the opening 142, a user operation to lift the suction device 100, or a user operation to deactivate the charge of the suction device 100.

[0091] If it is determined that no predetermined user operation has been detected (step S102: NO), the control unit 116 waits until the predetermined user operation is detected.

[0092] If it is determined that a predetermined user operation has been detected (step S102: YES), the control unit 116 starts the first process (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 first applies a third detection pulse 33 to the heating unit 121, and then repeatedly applies a group of detection pulses 34 to the heating unit 121.

[0093] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 based on whether or not the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121, obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse group 34 to the heating unit 121, satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0094] If it is determined that a stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing section 140 (step S106: YES), the control unit 116 terminates the first process and starts the second process (step S108). For example, the housing section 140 repeatedly applies a group of heating pulses 44 to the heating section 121 based on the heating profile.

[0095] On the other hand, if it is determined that the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the housing section 140 (step S106: NO), the control unit 116 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first process (step S110). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether 10 seconds have elapsed since the start of the first process.

[0096] If it is determined that a predetermined amount of time has not elapsed since the start of the first process (step S110: NO), the process returns to step S106.

[0097] On the other hand, if it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first process (step S110: YES), the control unit 116 terminates the first process (step S112). After that, the process ends.

[0098] After the second process is started in step S108, the control unit 116 determines whether the determination result in the first process is correct or not (step S114). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 based on whether the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121, obtained by repeatedly applying the heating pulse group 44 to the heating unit 121, satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0099] If the determination result in the first process is determined to be correct, that is, if it is determined that the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing section 140 (step S114: YES), the control unit 116 continues heating based on the heating profile (step S116). When heating based on the heating profile is completed, the process ends.

[0100] On the other hand, if the determination result in the first process is found to be incorrect, that is, if it is determined that the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the housing section 140 (step S114: NO), the control unit 116 terminates heating based on the heating profile (step S118). After that, the process ends.

[0101] The above describes an example of the processing flow performed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. The notification unit 113 may appropriately notify information indicating the progress of the above-described processing. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify that the first processing has started, the result of the determination in the first processing, that the second processing has started, and the result of the determination in the second processing.

[0102] <2.2. Criteria for Judgment in the First Process> The following describes an example of the criteria for determining the state of the containment section 140 in the first process. This criterion will also be referred to as the first criterion below.

[0103] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the criteria for determining the state of the housing section 140 in the first process. Graph 60 shown in Figure 10 shows an example of the time-series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 in the first process. The vertical axis of graph 60 represents resistance in ohms. The horizontal axis of graph 60 represents time in seconds.

[0104] The resistances in plots 61A and 61B in graph 60 represent the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 31. The resistances in plots 62A and 62B represent the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the end of application of the first detection pulse 31.

[0105] The control unit 116 determines the state of the housing unit 140 based on the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 when two detection pulse groups 34 are applied to the heating unit 121. The two detection pulse groups 34 used for determining the state of the housing unit 140 are two detection pulse groups 34 that are consecutive in time. In particular, the two detection pulse groups 34 used for determining the state of the housing unit 140 are two detection pulse groups 34 that were most recently applied to the heating unit 121 and are consecutive in time. Each time a detection pulse group 34 is applied, the control unit 116 repeatedly performs the state determination of the housing unit 140 while switching between the two detection pulse groups 34 used for determining the state of the housing unit 140. Of the two detection pulse groups 34 that are consecutive in time, the first detection pulse group 34 is also referred to as the first detection pulse group 34, and the detection pulse group 34 that follows the first detection pulse group 34 is also referred to as the second detection pulse group 34.

[0106] - First condition As an example, the control unit 116 may determine the state of the housing unit 140 based on the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 31 included in the first detection pulse group 34 and the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 31 included in the second detection pulse group 34. More specifically, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted if the resistance at the start of application of the first detection pulse 31 included in the second detection pulse group 34 is less than the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 31 included in the first detection pulse group 34. This condition will also be referred to as the first condition below.

[0107] In the example shown in Figure 10, the resistance at plot 61A may correspond to the resistance at the start of application of the first detection pulse 31 included in the first detection pulse group 34. In that case, the resistance at plot 61B corresponds to the resistance at the start of application of the first detection pulse 31 included in the second detection pulse group 34. The control unit 116 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing 140 if the resistance at plot 61B is less than the resistance at plot 61A. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 has not been inserted into the housing 140 if the resistance at plot 61B is equal to or greater than the resistance at plot 61A.

[0108] - Second condition As another example, the control unit 116 may determine the state of the housing unit 140 based on the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the end of application of the first detection pulse 31 included in the first detection pulse group 34 and the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the end of application of the first detection pulse 31 included in the second detection pulse group 34. More specifically, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted if the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the end of application of the first detection pulse 31 included in the second detection pulse group 34 is less than the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the end of application of the first detection pulse 31 included in the first detection pulse group 34. This condition will also be referred to as the second condition below.

[0109] In the example shown in Figure 10, the resistance at plot 62A may correspond to the resistance at the end of application of the first detection pulse 31 included in the first detection pulse group 34. In that case, the resistance at plot 62B corresponds to the resistance at the end of application of the first detection pulse 31 included in the second detection pulse group 34. The control unit 116 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing 140 if the resistance at plot 62B is less than the resistance at plot 62A. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 has not been inserted into the housing 140 if the resistance at plot 62B is equal to or greater than the resistance at plot 62A.

[0110] -supplement The control unit 116 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing section 140 if either the first or second condition is met. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing section 140 if both the first and second conditions are met.

[0111] <2.3. Criteria for Judgment in the Second Process> The following describes in detail the criteria used to determine the state of the housing section 140 in the second process. These criteria will also be referred to as the third criteria below.

[0112] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a second process performed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. Graph 70 in Figure 11 shows an example of the time-series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 after heating based on the heating profile has started. The vertical axis of graph 70 represents resistance, in units of ohms. The horizontal axis of graph 70 represents time, more specifically, the elapsed time since heating based on the heating profile has started, in units of seconds. The elapsed time since heating based on the heating profile has started will also be referred to as the heating time below.

[0113] Line 71 shows the time series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when heating is started with a stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the housing unit 140. Line 72 shows the time series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when heating is started with nothing inserted into the housing unit 140. Line 73 shows the time series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when heating is started with a dry cotton swab inserted into the housing unit 140. Line 74 shows the time series change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when heating is started with a wet cotton swab inserted into the housing unit 140.

[0114] Comparing lines 71 and 72-74 shown in Figure 11, it can be seen that there is a significant difference in the rate at which the resistance (i.e., temperature) of the heating section 121 rises depending on whether or not the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing section 140. Specifically, when the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing section 140, the rate at which the resistance of the heating section 121 rises is significantly slower compared to when the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the housing section 140.

[0115] Therefore, the control unit 116 may determine that a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140 if the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121 (particularly the rate of increase), which is shown by the relationship between the resistance of the heating unit 121 and the heating time, is less than a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may determine that a stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the housing unit 140 if the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121, which is shown by the relationship between the resistance of the heating unit 121 and the heating time, is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0116] For example, the control unit 116 may determine that a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140 if the heating time at which the resistance of the heating unit 121 reaches a first resistance threshold is equal to or greater than a first time threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may determine that a stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the housing unit 140 if the heating time at which the resistance of the heating unit 121 reaches a first resistance threshold is less than a first time threshold. For example, the first resistance threshold may be the resistance corresponding to 99.5% of the maximum target temperature. The maximum target temperature here is the highest target temperature among the target temperatures defined in the heating profile, and in particular, may be the highest target temperature during the preheating period. It is desirable that the first time threshold be set according to the heating time required for the resistance of the heating unit 121 to reach the first resistance threshold when a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140.

[0117] In the example shown in Figure 11, the first resistance threshold may be 1.5Ω. The first time threshold may be set to 3.5 seconds. Referring to line 71, when the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing 140, the heating time required for the resistance of the heating unit 121 to reach 1.5Ω is approximately 4.2 seconds. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing 140. On the other hand, referring to lines 72-74, when the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the housing 140, the heating time required for the resistance of the heating unit 121 to reach 1.5Ω is less than 3 seconds. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the housing 140. In this way, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing 140. Note that these values ​​for the first resistance threshold and the first time threshold are merely examples, and other arbitrary values ​​can be adopted.

[0118] As another example, the control unit 116 may determine that a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140 if the resistance of the heating unit 121 is less than a second resistance threshold when the heating time reaches a second time threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may determine that a stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the housing unit 140 if the resistance of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than the second resistance threshold when the heating time reaches a second time threshold. For example, the second resistance threshold may be 99.5% of the resistance corresponding to the highest target temperature. The highest target temperature here is the highest target temperature among the target temperatures defined in the heating profile, and in particular, may be the highest target temperature during the preheating period. It is desirable that the second time threshold be set according to the heating time required for the resistance of the heating unit 121 to reach the second resistance threshold when a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140.

[0119] In the example shown in Figure 11, the second resistance threshold may be 1.5Ω. The second time threshold may be set to 3.5 seconds. Referring to line 71, when the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing 140, the resistance of the heating unit 121 at a heating time of 3.5 seconds is less than 1.5Ω. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing 140. On the other hand, referring to lines 72-74, when the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the housing 140, the resistance of the heating unit 121 at a heating time of 3.5 seconds is greater than 1.5Ω. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the housing 140. In this way, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing 140. Note that these values ​​for the second time threshold and the second resistance threshold are merely examples, and other arbitrary values ​​can be adopted.

[0120] Furthermore, it is desirable for the control unit 116 to maintain the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 at a predetermined value during the period until it determines whether or not a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140. For example, it is desirable for the control unit 116 to maintain the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 at a predetermined value during the period from when the heating unit 121 starts heating based on the heating profile until the resistance of the heating unit 121 reaches a first resistance threshold. As another example, it is desirable for the control unit 116 to maintain the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 at a predetermined value during the period until the heating time reaches a second threshold. With this configuration, the influence of changes in the duty cycle can be eliminated from the determination of whether or not a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140, thereby improving the accuracy of the state determination of the housing unit 140. The predetermined value here may be 100%. In that case, the preheating period can be shortened.

[0121] <2.4. Criteria for Judgment During Continuous Heating> In some cases, heating by the heating unit 121 may be performed continuously. For example, so-called chain smoking may be performed, in which the stick-type substrate 150 is continuously heated while being replaced to inhale the aerosol. When such continuous heating is performed, the resistance (i.e., temperature) of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating based on the heating profile is higher compared to when it is not performed continuously.

[0122] If the same judgment criteria as above are used during continuous heating, the accuracy of determining the state of the housing section 140 may decrease. Therefore, during continuous heating, the control unit 116 uses different judgment criteria to determine the state of the housing section 140. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the accuracy of determining the state of the housing section 140 during continuous heating. The judgment criteria for continuous heating (hereinafter also referred to as the second judgment criteria) will be described below.

[0123] The control unit 116 may determine that continuous heating is occurring when the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a predetermined temperature or higher, that is, when the temperature corresponding to the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 is above a predetermined temperature. The initial resistance is the resistance of the heating unit 121 in its initial state, for example, the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the start of the first process. The predetermined temperature is set according to the temperature of the heating unit 121 that is expected when continuous heating is started. When the control unit 116 determines that continuous heating is occurring, it may apply a detection pulse group 34, which includes only the second detection pulse, to the heating unit 121 during the first process. In this case, although the temperature and resistance of the heating unit 121 continue to decrease, the manner of decrease differs depending on the state of the housing unit 140. Therefore, the control unit 116 may determine the state of the housing unit 140 based on the manner in which the resistance of the heating unit 121 decreases. Experimental results regarding the manner in which the resistance of the heating unit 121 decreases will be explained with reference to Figure 12.

[0124] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating experimental results related to the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. Graph 90 shows the experimental results of the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 immediately after heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped after the heating unit 121 has sufficiently risen in temperature. The vertical axis of graph 90 is resistance, and the unit is ohms. The horizontal axis of graph 90 is time, and the unit is seconds, indicating the elapsed time since the end of heating. Plot 91 shows the experimental results with a stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the housing unit 140. Plot 92 shows the experimental results with air continuously blown into the housing unit 140 without anything inserted. Plot 93 shows the experimental results with a cleaning cotton swab inserted into the housing unit 140. As shown in plots 91 to 93, when a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140, the resistance of the heating unit 121 may decrease rapidly compared to other cases. Therefore, the control unit 116 may apply a detection pulse group 34 containing only the second detection pulse to the heating unit 121 in the first process, and determine that a stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 when the rate of decrease in the resistance of the heating unit 121 exceeds a predetermined threshold. More simply, for example, the control unit 116 may determine that a stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 when the difference between the resistance of the heating unit 121 at the current time and the resistance of the heating unit 121 one second ago exceeds a predetermined threshold. As shown in plot 91, the higher the resistance of the heating unit 121, the faster the rate of decrease in the resistance of the heating unit 121 tends to be. Therefore, the control unit 116 may increase the predetermined threshold as the resistance of the heating unit 121 increases. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the determination.

[0125] If the control unit 116 determines that continuous heating is occurring, it may omit the state determination of the housing unit 140 in the second process. That is, the control unit 116 may start heating based on the heating profile while omitting the state determination of the housing unit 140 during heating based on the heating profile. This is because, during continuous heating, the heating based on the heating profile starts when the resistance of the heating unit 121 is relatively high, which can reduce the accuracy of the state determination of the housing unit 140 based on the third determination criterion. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent situations in which heating is stopped because it is mistakenly determined that the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted, even though it is inserted.

[0126] <2.5. Information Notification> The control unit 116 may acquire the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 as a trigger when the lid 14 opens the opening 142. The initial resistance is an example of an initial parameter. The control unit 116 may then operate the heating unit 121 and the notification unit 113 based on the initial resistance of the heating unit 121. As described above, the determination criteria used to determine the state of the housing unit 140 and whether or not to perform the second process are switched according to the initial resistance of the heating unit 121. In this respect, with this configuration, information corresponding to the process being performed inside the suction device 100 can be notified to the user, thereby improving usability.

[0127] (1) Control of the heating unit 121 according to the initial resistance The operation of the heating unit 121 in response to the initial resistance is as described above.

[0128] -When the initial resistance of the heating section 121 corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature. Specifically, if the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined level, the control unit 116 monitors whether the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies the first criterion in the first process. More specifically, the control unit 116 repeatedly applies a group of detection pulses 34, including one first detection pulse 31, to the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 then monitors whether the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the group of detection pulses 34 to the heating unit 121 satisfies the first criterion. In particular, the control unit 116 determines whether the pattern of oscillation in the resistance of the heating unit 121, corresponding to the repeated temperature rise of the heating unit 121 due to the application of the first detection pulse 31 and the temperature decrease of the heating unit 121 due to the cessation of the application of the first detection pulse 31, satisfies the first criterion. Details regarding the first criterion are as described above.

[0129] If the first criterion is met, the control unit 116 starts the second process. Specifically, the control unit 116 starts heating by the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile and monitors whether the third criterion is met while heating by the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile is being performed. In particular, the control unit 116 determines whether the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121, which is shown by the relationship between the resistance of the heating unit 121 and the heating time, meets the third criterion. If the third criterion is met, the control unit 116 continues heating by the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. On the other hand, if the third criterion is not met, the control unit 116 stops heating by the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile.

[0130] On the other hand, if the first determination criterion is not met, the control unit 116 does not start heating by the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile.

[0131] -When the initial resistance of the heating section 121 corresponds to a predetermined temperature or higher. When the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a predetermined temperature or higher, the control unit 116 monitors whether the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies the second criterion. Specifically, when the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a predetermined temperature or higher, the control unit 116 repeatedly applies a detection pulse group 34 consisting of a second detection pulse to the heating unit. The control unit 116 then monitors whether the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse group 34 to the heating unit 121 satisfies the second criterion. In particular, the control unit 116 determines whether the pattern of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponding to the temperature decrease of the heating unit 121 satisfies the second criterion. Details regarding the second criterion are as described above.

[0132] If the second criterion is met, the control unit 116 starts heating using the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. On the other hand, if the second criterion is not met, the control unit 116 does not start heating using the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile.

[0133] (2) Control of the notification unit 113 according to the initial resistance The control unit 116 controls the operation of the notification unit 113 in parallel with controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 according to the initial resistance.

[0134] More specifically, the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify first information while monitoring whether the first determination criterion is met when the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature. On the other hand, the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify first information while monitoring whether the second determination criterion is met when the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a temperature above a predetermined temperature. The first information is information indicating that the status of the housing unit 140 is being monitored. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user that the status of the housing unit 140 is being monitored. For example, the first information may be notified by vibration according to a predetermined vibration pattern, or by LED illumination according to a predetermined light emission pattern. The vibration pattern here is defined by the intensity of the vibration, the duration of the vibration, the number of vibrations, and the interval when there are multiple vibrations. The light emission pattern is defined by the intensity of the light emission, the duration of the light emission, the color of the light emission, the number of light emissions, and the interval when there are multiple light emissions. The notification of the first information may also be notified by LED illumination, which may also serve as information indicating the remaining battery level. For example, the area that emits light may be larger as the battery level increases, and smaller as the battery level decreases. As another example, the presence or absence of light emission and / or the color of the light emission may change depending on the battery level. With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user that the status of the housing unit 140 is being monitored, as well as the remaining battery level.

[0135] The control unit 116 may control the notification unit 113 to notify the second information if the first criterion is met when the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature. That is, the suction device 100 may start heating based on the heating profile and notify the second information. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may control the notification unit 113 to notify the second information if the second criterion is met when the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a temperature above a predetermined temperature. That is, the suction device 100 may start heating based on the heating profile and notify the second information. The second information is information indicating that heating based on the heating profile has started. For example, the second information may be notified by vibration according to a predetermined vibration pattern or by LED illumination according to a predetermined light emission pattern. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user that the suction device 100 has recognized that a stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the housing unit 140 and has started heating based on the heating profile.

[0136] The control unit 116 may control the notification unit 113 to notify a third piece of information if the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature and the first criterion is not met. That is, the suction device 100 may notify a third piece of information instead of starting heating based on the heating profile. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may control the notification unit 113 to notify a third piece of information if the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a temperature above a predetermined temperature and the second criterion is not met. That is, the suction device 100 may notify a third piece of information instead of starting heating based on the heating profile. The third piece of information indicates that it has determined that the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted and that it will not start heating based on the heating profile. The third piece of information may be notified by vibration according to a predetermined vibration pattern or by LED illumination according to a predetermined light emission pattern. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user that the suction device 100 has recognized that the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted in the housing unit 140 and that it has not started heating based on the heating profile.

[0137] Here, it is desirable that the first to third pieces of information be communicated in different ways. That is, it is desirable that the first to third pieces of information be communicated using different vibration patterns and / or light emission patterns. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to make the user more strongly aware of the differences in the communicated information.

[0138] The control unit 116 may control the notification unit 113 so as not to notify information if the third determination criterion is met. That is, the suction device 100 may continue heating based on the heating profile without notifying any information. With this configuration, by not notifying the user of explicit information, it is possible to implicitly notify the user that there is no particular problem with the heating. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may control the notification unit 113 to notify the fourth information if the third determination criterion is not met. That is, the suction device 100 may stop heating based on the heating profile and notify the fourth information. The fourth information is information indicating that it has been determined that the stick-type substrate 150 has not been inserted and that heating based on the heating profile has been stopped. The fourth information may be notified by vibration according to a predetermined vibration pattern or by LED illumination according to a predetermined light emission pattern. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user that the suction device 100 has determined that the stick-type substrate 150 has not been inserted into the housing 140 and that heating based on the heating profile has been stopped.

[0139] - Standby mode If the first, second, or third criterion is not met, the control unit 116 may switch to standby mode. Standby mode is an operating mode in which the state of the housing 140 is not determined even if the lid 14 has opened the opening 142. With this configuration, if the user opens the lid 14 but does not insert the stick-type substrate 150, the power consumption of the suction device 100 can be reduced by suspending the state determination of the housing 140.

[0140] The control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 121 to start heating based on the heating profile when a predetermined user operation is detected in standby mode, and may also control the notification unit 113 to notify the second information. An example of a predetermined user operation is pressing the switch 13. In this case, the control unit 116 may omit the state determination of the housing unit 140. That is, the control unit 116 may start and continue heating by the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile regardless of whether the first to third determination criteria are met. With this configuration, even if time has passed since the lid 14 opened the opening 142 and the state determination of the housing unit 140 is paused, the user can manually start heating the stick-type substrate 150. Furthermore, the suction device 100 can notify the user that heating based on the heating profile has started by notifying the second information.

[0141] The control unit 116 cancels the standby mode when the lid 14 closes the opening 142 in standby mode. That is, when the lid 14 opens the opening 142 again, the control unit 116 obtains the initial resistance of the heating unit 121, determines the state of the housing unit 140 based on the first to third criteria, and controls the operation of the heating unit 121 and the notification unit 113. With this configuration, the user can initiate heating and a series of notification processes accompanied by the insertion detection of the stick-type substrate 150 by closing the lid 14 once and then opening it again.

[0142] The third and fourth pieces of information described above may be notified in the same manner. For example, the light emission pattern and vibration pattern when notifying the third piece of information may be the same as the light emission pattern and vibration pattern when notifying the fourth piece of information. This is because the system will transition to standby mode regardless of whether the third or fourth piece of information is notified, that is, regardless of whether any of the first, second, or third criteria are met. With this configuration, it becomes easier for the user to recognize that the system has transitioned to standby mode. In other words, the third and fourth pieces of information may be considered as information indicating that the system is transitioning to standby mode.

[0143] (3) Processing flow Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0144] As shown in Figure 13, first, the sensor unit 112 detects that the opening 142 has opened the lid 14 (step S202).

[0145] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature (step S204). For example, the control unit 116 obtains the resistance of the heating unit 121 measured by applying a voltage to the heating unit 121 for a short period of time as the initial resistance of the heating unit 121. Then, the control unit 116 determines whether the temperature corresponding to the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 is below a predetermined temperature.

[0146] If it is determined that the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature (step S204: YES), the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify the first information and starts monitoring based on the first determination criterion (step S206). For example, the control unit 116 first applies a third detection pulse 33, and then repeatedly applies a group of detection pulses 34 that includes at least the first detection pulse 31, to monitor whether the time-series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies the first determination criterion. Monitoring based on the first determination criterion may continue for a maximum of 10 seconds. For example, the first information may be notified as an LED light indicating the battery level at the same time that monitoring based on the first determination criterion starts.

[0147] In monitoring based on the first determination criterion, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the first determination criterion has been met (step S208). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the pattern of vibration of the resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponding to the repeated rise in temperature of the heating unit 121 due to the application of the first detection pulse 31 and the decrease in temperature of the heating unit 121 due to the cessation of the application of the first detection pulse 31 satisfies the first determination criterion.

[0148] If it is determined that the first criterion is met (step S208: YES), the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify the second information and controls the operation of the heating unit 121 to start heating based on the heating profile (step S210). For example, the second information may be notified as a short vibration at the same time that heating based on the heating profile is started.

[0149] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the third criterion is met (step S212). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether the rate of change of the resistance of the heating unit 121, which is shown by the relationship between the resistance of the heating unit 121 and the heating time, satisfies the third criterion.

[0150] If it is determined that the third criterion is met (step S212: YES), the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 to continue heating based on the heating profile (step S214).

[0151] Then, when heating based on the heating profile is completed, the control unit 116 switches to standby mode (step S216). Heating based on the heating profile may be terminated when the heating time reaches a predetermined time or when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined number. After that, the process ends.

[0152] In step S204, if it is determined that the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a predetermined temperature or higher (step S204: NO), the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify the first information and starts monitoring based on the second determination criterion (step S218). For example, the control unit 116 repeatedly applies a detection pulse group 34 consisting only of the second detection pulse. Monitoring based on the second determination criterion may continue for a maximum of 10 seconds. The first information may be notified, for example, as a short LED flash at the same time as the start of monitoring based on the second determination criterion.

[0153] In monitoring based on the second determination criterion, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the second determination criterion has been met (step S220). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the pattern of resistance reduction of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying a detection pulse group 34 consisting only of the second detection pulse satisfies the second determination criterion.

[0154] If it is determined that the second criterion is met (step S220: YES), the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify the second information and controls the operation of the heating unit 121 to start heating based on the heating profile (step S222). For example, the second information may be notified as a short vibration at the same time that heating based on the heating profile is started.

[0155] Then, once heating based on the heating profile is complete, the control unit 116 switches to standby mode (step S224). After that, the process ends.

[0156] If it is determined that the first criterion is not met (step S208: NO), or if it is determined that the second criterion is not met (step S220: NO), the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify the third information and transitions to standby mode (step S226). For example, the third information may be notified as prolonged vibration.

[0157] If it is determined that the third criterion is not met (step S212: NO), the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify the fourth information and transitions to standby mode (step S226). For example, the fourth information may be notified as a long-duration vibration, similar to the third information. After that, the process ends.

[0158] <3. Supplement> While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that various modifications or alterations may be conceived within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and these will naturally be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0159] (1) Variant For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which information is notified at the timing of a change in the progress of the state determination process of the housing unit 140, such as when it is determined whether or not the first to third determination criteria are met. However, this disclosure is not limited to such examples. The control unit 116 may control the notification unit 113 to notify information indicating the state of the suction device 100 for the duration that state persists. One example of the state of the suction device 100 is the progress of the state determination process of the housing unit 140. Another example of the state of the suction device 100 is the progress of heating based on the heating profile. With such a configuration, it is possible to further improve usability. The notification of information indicating the state of the suction device 100 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 14.

[0160] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the information to be notified in this modified example. In Figure 14, the flowchart shown in Figure 13 is supplemented with the information to be notified in this modified example.

[0161] First, the case where the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature will be explained below. The notification unit 113 may notify the fifth information during the period in which monitoring based on the first determination criterion is being performed. That is, as shown in Figure 14, the notification unit 113 may notify the fifth information during the period from the start of step S206 to the start of step S210. The fifth information is information indicating that monitoring based on the first determination criterion is being performed.

[0162] Furthermore, the notification unit 113 may notify the sixth information during the period in which monitoring based on the third criterion is being performed. That is, as shown in Figure 14, the notification unit 113 may notify the sixth information during the period from the start of step S210 to the start of step S214. The sixth information is information indicating that monitoring based on the third criterion is being performed. The sixth information may also serve as information indicating that the temperature of the heating unit 121 is not yet at 99.5% of the maximum target temperature.

[0163] Furthermore, the notification unit 113 may notify the seventh piece of information during the period when monitoring the status of the housing unit 140 has ended. That is, as shown in Figure 14, the notification unit 113 may notify the seventh piece of information during the period from the start of step S214 to the start of step S216. The seventh piece of information indicates that monitoring the status of the housing unit 140 has ended. The seventh piece of information may also include information indicating that the temperature of the heating unit 121 has reached 99.5% of the maximum target temperature.

[0164] Here, it is desirable that the fifth to seventh pieces of information be notified in different ways. For example, the fifth piece of information may be notified by the illumination of a red LED, the sixth piece of information by the illumination of a yellow LED, and the seventh piece of information by the illumination of a blue LED. As another example, the fifth piece of information may be notified by the illumination of one LED, the sixth piece of information by the illumination of two LEDs, and the seventh piece of information by the illumination of three LEDs.

[0165] Next, the case where the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a predetermined temperature or higher will be described below. The notification unit 113 may notify the eighth piece of information during the period in which monitoring based on the second determination criterion is being performed. That is, as shown in Figure 14, the notification unit 113 may notify the eighth piece of information during the period from the start of step S218 to the start of step S222. The eighth piece of information is information indicating that monitoring based on the second determination criterion is being performed.

[0166] Furthermore, the notification unit 113 may notify the ninth information during the period when monitoring the status of the housing unit 140 has ended. That is, as shown in Figure 14, the notification unit 113 may notify the ninth information during the period after the start of step S222. The ninth information is information indicating that monitoring the status of the housing unit 140 has ended. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the notification unit 113 may switch the information to be notified from the ninth information to the tenth information at a timing corresponding to the timing when step S214 is executed. This timing can be determined based on the resistance of the heating unit 121. The tenth information, like the ninth information, is information indicating that monitoring the status of the housing unit 140 has ended. The ninth information may also serve as information indicating that the temperature of the heating unit 121 is before reaching 99.5% of the maximum target temperature. On the other hand, the tenth information may also serve as information indicating that the temperature of the heating unit 121 has reached 99.5% of the maximum target temperature.

[0167] Here, it is desirable that the 8th to 10th pieces of information be notified in different ways. For example, the 8th piece of information may be notified by the illumination of a red LED, the 9th piece of information by the illumination of a yellow LED, and the 10th piece of information by the illumination of a blue LED. As another example, the 8th piece of information may be notified by the illumination of one LED, the 9th piece of information by the illumination of two LEDs, and the 10th piece of information by the illumination of three LEDs.

[0168] Furthermore, it is desirable that the fifth piece of information and the eighth piece of information be notified in the same manner. Similarly, it is desirable that the sixth piece of information and the ninth piece of information be notified in the same manner. Also, it is desirable that the seventh piece of information and the tenth piece of information be notified in the same manner. With this configuration, whether the initial resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature or to a temperature above a predetermined temperature, the information notified by the notification unit 113 can be changed in the same manner.

[0169] By combining information 5 through 10 with information 1 through 4, it becomes possible to provide users with more information. For example, by providing information 5 and information 3, the user can be notified that insertion detection failed before heating based on the heating profile began. As another example, by providing information 6 and information 4, the user can be notified that insertion detection failed after heating based on the heating profile had progressed to a certain extent. In this way, even when information 3 and information 4 are notified in the same manner, it becomes possible to notify the user of differences in the progress of heating based on the heating profile.

[0170] (2) Other supplementary information In the above embodiment, an example was described in which whether or not the second criterion is met is determined based on the rate of decrease in the resistance of the heating unit 121 every second, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, whether or not the second criterion is met may be determined based on the rate of decrease in the resistance of the heating unit 121 over a period of a certain length, such as 10 seconds, from the start of the first process.

[0171] The above describes an example in which the third and fourth pieces of information are notified in the same manner, but this disclosure is not limited to such examples. The third and fourth pieces of information may be notified in different manners. Considering that the fourth piece of information is notified after heating based on the heating profile has progressed to some extent, it is possible to notify the user that the stick-type substrate 150 has been consumed by notifying the fourth piece of information in a different manner than the third piece of information.

[0172] The above describes examples in which the notification of the first to tenth pieces of information is achieved by LED light emission or vibration, but this disclosure is not limited to such examples. For example, the notification of the first to tenth pieces of information may be achieved by the communication unit 115 transmitting the information to another device such as a smartphone. In this case, the communication unit 115 may be considered as being included in the notification unit 113.

[0173] 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 (more specifically, a non-temporary storage medium readable by a computer) provided inside or outside each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM when executed by a computer controlling each device described herein, and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed via a network, for example, without using a recording medium. The computer may be an application-specific integrated circuit such as an ASIC, a general-purpose processor that performs functions by loading software programs, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing. Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described herein may be centrally processed by a single computer or distributed among multiple computers. In addition, in each of the above embodiments, two or more communication means present in a single device may be implemented on a single physical medium.

[0174] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts or 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.

[0175] Furthermore, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. (1) A notification unit that notifies the user of information, A housing section having an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and capable of accommodating a substrate containing an aerosol source inserted through the opening, A lid portion that opens and closes the opening of the aforementioned housing portion, A heating unit for heating the substrate housed in the housing section, A control unit that controls the operation of the notification unit and the heating unit, Equipped with, The control unit, Based on an initial parameter, which is a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, obtained as a trigger when the lid opens the opening, the heating unit and the notification unit are operated. Aerosol generation system. (2) The control unit, If the aforementioned initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature, The time series changes of the aforementioned parameters are monitored to determine whether they satisfy the first criterion. The notification unit is controlled to notify the first information while monitoring whether the first determination criterion is met. If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature, The time series changes of the aforementioned parameters are monitored to determine whether they satisfy a second criterion different from the first criterion. The notification unit is controlled to notify the first information while monitoring whether the second criterion is met. The aerosol generation system described in (1) above. (3) The control unit, If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below the predetermined temperature, the time series change of the parameter obtained by repeatedly applying a group of detection pulses, including one first detection pulse, to the heating unit is monitored to determine whether it satisfies the first determination criterion. If the initial parameter corresponds to a predetermined temperature or higher, the system monitors whether the time-series change of the parameter obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse group, which consists of one or more second detection pulses with a shorter duration than the first detection pulse, to the heating unit satisfies the second determination criterion. The aerosol generation system described in (2) above. (4) The control unit, If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below the predetermined temperature, it is determined whether the pattern of the parameter's oscillation corresponding to the repeated temperature rise of the heating section due to the application of the first detection pulse and the temperature decrease of the heating section due to the cessation of the application of the first detection pulse satisfies the first determination criterion. If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature, it is determined whether the pattern of change in the parameter corresponding to the temperature decrease of the heating section satisfies the second determination criterion. The aerosol generation system described in (3) above. (5) The control unit, If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature less than the predetermined temperature, If the first criterion is met, the second information is notified, and heating by the heating unit is started based on control information that defines the time-series progression of the target value of the parameter. If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature, If the second determination criterion is met, the second information is notified, and heating by the heating unit based on the control information is started. An aerosol generation system according to any one of the above items (2) to (4). (6) The control unit, If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature less than the predetermined temperature, If the first criterion is not met, the third piece of information is notified, and the system switches to standby mode. If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature, If the second criterion is not met, the third information is notified, and the system switches to the standby mode. The aerosol generation system described in (5) above. (7) The control unit, If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature less than the predetermined temperature, During heating by the heating unit based on the control information, the system monitors whether the third determination criterion is met. If the third criterion is met, heating by the heating unit based on the control information is continued. If the third criterion is not met, the fourth information is notified, heating by the heating unit based on the control information is stopped, and the system transitions to the standby mode. The aerosol generation system described in (6) above. (8) The third determination criterion is that the rate of change of the parameter, which is shown by the relationship between the elapsed time since the start of heating by the heating unit based on the control information and the parameter, is less than a predetermined threshold. The aerosol generation system described in (7) above. (9) The third piece of information and the fourth piece of information are notified in the same manner. The aerosol generation system described in (7) or (8) above. (10) The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit to start heating based on the control information when a predetermined user operation is detected in the standby mode, controls the notification unit to notify the second information, and continues heating by the heating unit based on the control information regardless of whether the third determination criterion is met. An aerosol generation system according to any one of the above items (7) to (9). (11) The control unit cancels the standby mode when the lid closes the opening in the standby mode. An aerosol generation system according to any one of the above items (6) to (10). (12) The control unit determines the state of the housing based on the parameters and controls the notification unit to notify information indicating the progress of the process for determining the state of the housing during the period in which the progress continues. An aerosol generation system according to any one of the above items (1) to (11). (13) The aerosol generation system further comprises the substrate, An aerosol generation system according to any one of the above items (1) to (12). (14) A control method performed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system, The aerosol generation system is A notification unit that notifies the user of information, A housing section having an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and capable of accommodating a substrate containing an aerosol source inserted through the opening, A lid portion that opens and closes the opening of the aforementioned housing portion, A heating unit for heating the substrate housed in the housing section, It has, The control method described above is This includes controlling the operation of the notification unit and the heating unit, Controlling the operation of the notification unit and the heating unit includes operating the heating unit and the notification unit based on an initial parameter, which is a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, obtained as a trigger when the lid unit opens the opening. Control method. (15) A program executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system, The aerosol generation system is A notification unit that notifies the user of information, A housing section having an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and capable of accommodating a substrate containing an aerosol source inserted through the opening, A lid portion that opens and closes the opening of the aforementioned housing portion, A heating unit for heating the substrate housed in the housing section, It has, The aforementioned program, the computer, It functions as a control unit that controls the operation of the notification unit and the heating unit. The control unit, Based on an initial parameter, which is a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, obtained as a trigger when the lid opens the opening, the heating unit and the notification unit are operated. program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 100 Suction device 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor section 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 121 Heating section 140 storage units 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 144 Insulation section 150 Stick-type base material 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece 11 Outer Housing 12 Covers 13 switches 14 Lid 15 Ventilation holes 16 caps 31 First detection pulse 33 Third detection pulse 34 detection pulse group 41 Measuring pulse 42 Heating pulse 44 Heating pulse group

Claims

1. A notification unit that notifies the user of information, A housing section having an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and capable of accommodating a substrate containing an aerosol source inserted through the opening, A lid portion that opens and closes the opening of the aforementioned housing portion, A heating unit for heating the substrate housed in the housing section, A control unit that controls the operation of the notification unit and the heating unit, Equipped with, The control unit, Based on an initial parameter, which is a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, obtained as a trigger when the lid opens the opening, the heating unit and the notification unit are operated. The control unit, If the aforementioned initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature, The time-series transition of the parameters obtained by repeatedly applying a group of detection pulses, including one first detection pulse, to the heating unit is monitored to determine whether it satisfies the first determination criterion. The notification unit is controlled to notify the first information while monitoring whether the first determination criterion is met. If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature, The time-series transition of the parameters obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse group, which consists of one or more second detection pulses with a shorter duration than the first detection pulse, to the heating unit is monitored to determine whether it satisfies a second determination criterion different from the first determination criterion. The notification unit is controlled to notify the first information while monitoring whether the second criterion is met. Aerosol generation system.

2. The control unit, If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below the predetermined temperature, it is determined whether the pattern of the parameter's oscillation corresponding to the repeated rise in temperature of the heating section due to the application of the first detection pulse and the decrease in temperature of the heating section due to the cessation of the application of the first detection pulse satisfies the first determination criterion. If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature, it is determined whether the pattern of change in the parameter corresponding to the temperature decrease of the heating section satisfies the second determination criterion. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature less than the predetermined temperature, If the first criterion is met, the second information is notified, and heating by the heating unit is started based on control information that specifies the time-series change of the target value of the parameter. If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature, If the second determination criterion is met, the second information is notified, and heating by the heating unit based on the control information is started. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit, If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature less than the predetermined temperature, If the first criterion is not met, the third information is notified, and the system switches to standby mode. If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature, If the second criterion is not met, the third information is notified, and the system switches to the standby mode. The aerosol generation system according to claim 3.

5. The control unit, If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature less than the predetermined temperature, During heating by the heating unit based on the control information, the system monitors whether the third determination criterion is met. If the third criterion is met, heating by the heating unit based on the control information is continued. If the third criterion is not met, the fourth information is notified, heating by the heating unit based on the control information is stopped, and the system transitions to the standby mode. The aerosol generation system according to claim 4.

6. The third determination criterion is that the rate of change of the parameter, which is shown by the relationship between the elapsed time since the start of heating by the heating unit based on the control information and the parameter, is less than a predetermined threshold. The aerosol generation system according to claim 5.

7. The third piece of information and the fourth piece of information are notified in the same manner. The aerosol generation system according to claim 5.

8. The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit to start heating based on the control information when a predetermined user operation is detected in the standby mode, controls the notification unit to notify the second information, and continues heating by the heating unit based on the control information regardless of whether the third determination criterion is met. The aerosol generation system according to claim 5.

9. The control unit cancels the standby mode when the lid closes the opening in the standby mode. The aerosol generation system according to claim 4.

10. The control unit determines the state of the housing based on the parameters and controls the notification unit to notify information indicating the progress of the process for determining the state of the housing during the period in which the progress continues. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The aerosol generation system further comprises the substrate, The aerosol generation system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A control method performed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system, The aerosol generation system is A notification unit that notifies the user of information, A housing section having an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and capable of accommodating a substrate containing an aerosol source inserted through the opening, A lid portion that opens and closes the opening of the aforementioned housing portion, A heating unit for heating the substrate housed in the housing section, It has, The control method described above is This includes controlling the operation of the notification unit and the heating unit, Controlling the operation of the notification unit and the heating unit includes operating the heating unit and the notification unit based on an initial parameter, which is a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, obtained as a trigger when the lid unit opens the opening. Operating the heating unit and the notification unit based on the aforementioned initial parameters is, If the aforementioned initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature, The time-series transition of the parameters obtained by repeatedly applying a group of detection pulses, including one first detection pulse, to the heating unit is monitored to determine whether it satisfies the first determination criterion. The notification unit is controlled to notify the first information while monitoring whether the first determination criterion is met. If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature, The time-series transition of the parameters obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse group, which consists of one or more second detection pulses with a shorter duration than the first detection pulse, to the heating unit is monitored to determine whether it satisfies a second determination criterion different from the first determination criterion. This includes controlling the notification unit to notify the first information while monitoring whether the second determination criterion is met, Control method.

13. A program executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system, The aerosol generation system is A notification unit that notifies the user of information, A housing section having an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and capable of accommodating a substrate containing an aerosol source inserted through the opening, A lid portion that opens and closes the opening of the aforementioned housing portion, A heating unit for heating the substrate housed in the housing section, It has, The aforementioned program, the computer, It functions as a control unit that controls the operation of the notification unit and the heating unit. The control unit, Based on an initial parameter, which is a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, obtained as a trigger when the lid opens the opening, the heating unit and the notification unit are operated. The control unit, If the aforementioned initial parameter corresponds to a temperature below a predetermined temperature, The time-series transition of the parameters obtained by repeatedly applying a group of detection pulses, including one first detection pulse, to the heating unit is monitored to determine whether it satisfies the first determination criterion. The notification unit is controlled to notify the first information while monitoring whether the first determination criterion is met. If the initial parameter corresponds to a temperature above the predetermined temperature, The time-series transition of the parameters obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse group, which consists of one or more second detection pulses with a shorter duration than the first detection pulse, to the heating unit is monitored to determine whether it satisfies a second determination criterion different from the first determination criterion. The notification unit is controlled to notify the first information while monitoring whether the second criterion is met. program.

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