Aerosol generating system and control method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience. [Solution] An aerosol generating system comprising: a power source unit; a heating unit that heats an aerosol source by using power supplied from the power source unit; a temperature changing unit that changes the temperature in following with a temperature change of the heating unit; and a control unit that controls operation of the heating unit on the basis of the difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature changing unit, the difference therebetween being indicated by a first measured value measured as a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a second measured value measured as a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the temperature changing unit.

Description

Aerosol generating system and control method

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

[0002] Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices generate aerosols imparted with flavoring components using a substrate containing an aerosol source for generating aerosol and a flavor source for imparting flavoring components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy a smoking experience by inhaling the aerosol imparted with flavoring components generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or puffing action.

[0003] The user's smoking experience is significantly affected by the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. Therefore, it is desirable to heat the aerosol source at an appropriate temperature. In this regard, Patent Document 1 below discloses providing a component whose resistance changes with temperature and using it to control the temperature of the heated portion.

[0004] Patent No. 6833157

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in the above patent document has only recently been developed, and there is still room for improvement in various respects.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising: a power supply unit; a heating unit that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit; a temperature change unit that changes temperature in accordance with the temperature change of the heating unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on the difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit, indicated by a first measurement value measured as a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a second measurement value measured as a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the temperature change unit.

[0008] The control unit may switch a parameter used as a basis for controlling the power supply to the heating unit based on a difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit.

[0009] The control unit may switch a parameter used as a basis for resuming power supply to the heating unit after temporarily stopping power supply to the heating unit based on the difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit.

[0010] The control unit may resume power supply to the heating unit based on the second measurement value when a difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit is within a first range.

[0011] The control unit may resume supplying power to the heating unit based on elapsed time when the difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature change unit exceeds the first range and is included in a second range wider than the first range.

[0012] When the difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit exceeds the second range, the control unit may perform at least one of stopping power supply to the heating unit or prohibiting power supply to the heating unit.

[0013] The control unit may set the first range and the second range based on the difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit obtained when heating is performed by the heating unit for the first time.

[0014] The aerosol generation system includes a memory unit for storing information, and the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on control information that specifies the time series progression of the target value of the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, acquires the difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit during a sampling period that is part of the period during which the time series progression of the target value is specified by the control information, stores the difference in temperature between the heating unit and the temperature change unit stored in the memory unit, and controls the operation of the heating unit based on the difference in temperature between the heating unit and the temperature change unit stored in the memory unit.

[0015] The control unit may acquire the difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit multiple times during the sampling period, store multiple statistical values ​​of the differences between the temperatures of the heating unit and the temperature change unit in the memory unit, and control the operation of the heating unit based on the statistical values ​​of the differences between the temperatures of the heating unit and the temperature change unit stored in the memory unit.

[0016] The period in which the time series progression of the target value is specified by the control information may include a period in the middle in which the temperature of the heating unit is temporarily lowered, the control unit stops supplying power to the heating unit during the period in which the temperature of the heating unit is lowered, and the sampling period may be a period after the period in which the temperature of the heating unit is lowered.

[0017] The control unit may set the sampling period based on the first measurement value when the heating unit starts heating based on the control information.

[0018] The control unit may set the timing to start the sampling period earlier as the temperature of the heating unit indicated by the first measurement value at the time when heating by the heating unit based on the control information is started is higher.

[0019] The heating section may be a resistive heating element that generates heat when a current is applied thereto, the first measurement value may be the electrical resistance value of the resistive heating element, the temperature change section may be a resistor whose electrical resistance value changes in response to a temperature change, and the second measurement value may be the electrical resistance value of the resistor.

[0020] The aerosol generating system may further comprise a substrate containing the aerosol source.

[0021] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a control method for controlling an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising a power supply unit, a heating unit that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit, and a temperature change unit that changes temperature in accordance with the temperature change of the heating unit, and the control method includes controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit, indicated by a first measurement value measured as a value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a second measurement value measured as a value corresponding to the temperature of the temperature change unit.

[0022] As described above, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device. Fig. 2 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the temperature of a heating unit when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the control content of the operation of the heating unit according to the present embodiment. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0025] 1. Configuration Example of Inhalation Device The inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0026] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device. As shown in FIG. 1, a 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 holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0027] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power and supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100 under the control of the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

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

[0029] In particular, the sensor unit 112 includes a thermistor 117 for detecting the temperature of the heating unit 121 from outside the heating unit 121. The thermistor 117 is an example of a temperature change unit whose temperature changes in response to changes in the temperature of the heating unit 121. The thermistor 117 is disposed near the heating unit 121, such as in close contact with the heating unit 121, and its temperature changes due to heat transfer from the heating unit 121. The temperature of the thermistor 117 is detected as the temperature of the heating unit 121. The thermistor 117 includes a resistor whose electrical resistance changes in response to temperature changes. The temperature of the thermistor 117 is calculated based on the electrical resistance of the resistor. The thermistor 117 may be configured as, for example, an NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor, a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor, or a CTR (critical temperature resistor) thermistor. Alternatively, a resistance temperature detector made of platinum or the like may be used as the temperature change unit. The resistance temperature detector may also be called an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector).

[0030] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured by, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0031] The storage unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0032] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a standard using LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0033] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor, for example.

[0034] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the holding part 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0035] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug. Note that in this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is contained in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0036] The heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize it and generate aerosol. The heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit 111. In particular, the heating unit 121 is configured as a resistance heating element that generates heat due to electrical resistance when a current is applied. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an 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 supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0037] 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 heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0038] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0039] As one example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0040] As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0041] The stick-shaped substrate 150 is an example of a substrate that contains an aerosol source and contributes to the generation of an aerosol. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150. The aerosol is generated by combining the inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generating system.

[0042] 2. Technical Features 2.1. Heating Profile The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. 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-shaped substrate 150 using the power supplied from the power supply unit 111.

[0043] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile may be control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121. As an example, the heating profile may include a target value for the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The target temperature may change depending on the elapsed time from the start of heating, in which case the heating profile includes information specifying the time series progression of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) that specify the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121. The 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 feedback control method to be adopted. The ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0044] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user experiences when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user experiences can be optimized.

[0045] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential (PID) control. The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses generated by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 may control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses 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 perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches a target temperature, suspend heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0046] As an example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the resistive heating element that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance of a resistive heating element changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the resistive heating element can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the resistive heating element. The amount of voltage drop across the resistive heating element can be measured using a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the resistive heating element. The electrical resistance of the resistive heating element that constitutes the heating unit 121 is an example of a first measurement value that is measured as a value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121. The temperature of the heating unit 121 calculated based on the measured first measurement value will also be referred to as the heater temperature hereinafter.

[0047] As another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the thermistor 117 (more precisely, the resistor that constitutes the thermistor 117). This is because the temperature of the thermistor 117 changes in response to changes in the temperature of the heating unit 121, and the electrical resistance of the resistor that constitutes the thermistor 117 changes in response to temperature changes. The electrical resistance of the resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the resistor can be measured using a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the resistor. The electrical resistance of the resistor that constitutes the thermistor 117 is an example of a second measurement value measured as a value corresponding to the temperature of the thermistor 117. The temperature of the thermistor 117 calculated based on the second measurement value will also be referred to as the thermistor temperature hereinafter.

[0048] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating session below. In other words, a heating session is a period during which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile starts. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period and a puffable period following the pre-heating period. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed in the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

[0049] An example of a heating profile is shown in Table 1 below.

[0050]

[0051] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile may be divided into a plurality of periods, and the time series transition of the target temperature and the time series transition of the power supply parameters may be specified in each period. In the example shown in Table 1, the heating profile is divided into a total of eight periods, STEP 0 to STEP 7. The time series transition of the target temperature and the time series transition of the power supply parameters are specified in each STEP. The STEPs specified in the heating profile are an example of a unit period in this embodiment.

[0052] Time control may be performed in each step. Time control is a control that ends a step when a predetermined time (i.e., the duration set for each step) has elapsed. When time control is performed, the rate of change in the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature at the end of the duration. Alternatively, when time control is performed, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature midway through the duration and then maintains the target temperature until the duration has elapsed. In the example shown in Table 1 above, time control is performed in steps 1 and 4 to 7.

[0053] In some cases, time control is not performed in each step. When time control is not performed, the step ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a predetermined temperature (i.e., the target temperature set for each step). Therefore, the duration of a step in which time control is not performed expands or contracts depending on the rate of temperature change. In the example shown in Table 1 above, time control is not performed in steps 0, 2, and 3.

[0054] The temperature change of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 performs temperature control in accordance with the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the temperature change of the heating unit 121 when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of graph 20 is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20 is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 shows the temperature change of the heating unit 121. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes in the same way as the target temperature set in the heating profile. An example of the heating profile will be described below with reference to Table 1 and FIG. 2.

[0055] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2 , in STEP 0, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from the initial temperature to 300°C. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating. Time control is not performed in STEP 0. Therefore, STEP 0 ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 300°C, which is used as a trigger. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , STEP 0 ends in 20 seconds. Thereafter, in STEP 1, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 300°C. The pre-heating period ends with the end of STEP 1, and the puffable period begins with the start of STEP 2.

[0056] For users, a shorter preheating time is preferable. However, if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not heated sufficiently, moisture may not completely evaporate and remain inside the stick-shaped substrate 150. If the user puffs in this state, hot steam may be delivered to the user's mouth. Therefore, it is desirable to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 to 300°C in STEP 0 and ensure that STEP 1 continues for a certain period of time.

[0057] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2 , in STEP 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to 220° C. Time control is not performed in STEP 2. Therefore, STEP 2 ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 220° C. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , STEP 2 ends in 10 seconds. In STEP 2, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. This allows the temperature of the heating unit 121 to drop as quickly as possible. In this way, by lowering the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the heating session, rapid consumption of the aerosol source can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent the aerosol source from running out during the heating session.

[0058] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2 , next, in STEP 3, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is increased to 230° C. Time control is not performed in STEP 3. Therefore, STEP 3 ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 230° C. This triggers the end of STEP 3. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , STEP 3 ends in 5 seconds. In this way, by providing a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is decreased and then increased again, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heating unit 121 from decreasing excessively.

[0059] 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is then increased stepwise to 260° C. in steps 4 to 6. By gradually increasing the temperature of the heating unit 121 in this manner, it is possible to reduce power consumption during the entire heating session while maintaining the amount of aerosol produced.

[0060] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2 , in STEP 7, the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. In STEP 7, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. In STEP 7, the duration is specified, but the target temperature is not specified. Therefore, STEP 7 ends when the duration ends. In STEP 7, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated due to residual heat of the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, in this example, the puffable period, i.e., the heating session, ends with the end of STEP 7.

[0061] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which preheating will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of preheating before the end of preheating, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating at the timing at which preheating ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user can refer to such a notification and start puffing immediately after the end of preheating.

[0062] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the puffing period will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of the puffing period before the end of the puffing period, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of the puffing period at the timing when the puffing period ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user can refer to such a notification and continue puffing until the puffing period ends.

[0063] The heating profile described above is merely an example, and various other examples are possible. For example, the number of steps, the duration of each step, and the target temperature may be changed as appropriate.

[0064] 2, in a step in which power is supplied to the heating unit 121, the control unit 116 can compare the heater temperature with the target temperature and control the operation of the heating unit 121. On the other hand, in a step in which power is not supplied to the heating unit 121, such as STEP 2, it is difficult to obtain the heater temperature. Therefore, the control unit 116 can compare the thermistor temperature with the target temperature and control the operation of the heating unit 121.

[0065] Here, the measurement accuracy of the thermistor 117's electrical resistance value may deteriorate. One example of this is deterioration of the thermistor 117 over time. In this case, it becomes difficult to appropriately control the operation of the heating unit 121 during the period in which the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the thermistor temperature, as in STEP 2. Furthermore, the thermistor temperature may be used for a protective function, such as stopping heating by the heating unit 121, when thermal runaway occurs, which is a phenomenon in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises excessively. If the measurement accuracy of the thermistor 117's electrical resistance value deteriorates, it may become difficult to appropriately activate the protective function. In this way, deterioration in the measurement accuracy of the thermistor 117's electrical resistance value may cause a deterioration in the quality of the user experience.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, a mechanism is provided to prevent degradation of the quality of the user experience caused by degradation of the measurement accuracy of the electrical resistance value of the thermistor 117.

[0067] 2.3. Operation Control of Heating Unit 121 (1) Control Based on the Difference Between the Heater Temperature and the Thermistor Temperature The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the difference between the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature, which is indicated by the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 and the electrical resistance value of the thermistor 117. Specifically, the control unit 116 first calculates the heater temperature based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, and calculates the thermistor temperature based on the electrical resistance value of the thermistor 117. Next, the control unit 116 determines degradation in the measurement accuracy of the electrical resistance value of the thermistor 117 based on the difference between the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature. The control unit 116 then controls the operation of the heating unit 121 depending on the degree of degradation in the measurement accuracy of the electrical resistance value of the thermistor 117. This configuration makes it possible to prevent degradation in the quality of the user experience due to degradation in the measurement accuracy of the electrical resistance value of the thermistor 117.

[0068] The control unit 116 may switch the parameter used as the basis for controlling the power supply to the heating unit 121 based on the difference between the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature. With this configuration, it is possible to control the operation of the heating unit 121 based on an appropriate parameter.

[0069] In particular, the control unit 116 may switch the parameters used as the basis for resuming power supply to the heating unit 121 after temporarily stopping the power supply to the heating unit 121 based on the difference between the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature. As described above with reference to Table 1 and FIG. 2 , the heating session includes a period in the middle in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is temporarily lowered, as in STEP 2. The control unit 116 then stops power supply to the heating unit 121 during the period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is temporarily lowered. Thereafter, the control unit 116 resumes power supply to the heating unit 121. In particular, the control unit 116 resumes power supply to the heating unit 121 at a timing based on the parameters selected based on the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately control the temperature decrease of the heating unit 121.

[0070] An example of specific control content will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of control content for the operation of the heating unit 121 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 3, the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature is plotted on the vertical axis, and control content according to the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature is plotted along the vertical axis.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3 , the control unit 116 may resume power supply to the heating unit 121 based on the thermistor temperature when the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature is within a first range. The first range is set as a range within which the heater temperature and thermistor temperature may be considered to be the same when the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature is within the first range. As an example, the first range is a range of ±3°C. For example, when the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature is within the first range, the control unit 116 resumes power supply to the heating unit 121 when the thermistor temperature drops to the target temperature at the end of STEP 2 defined in the heating profile. With this configuration, even during a period in which it is difficult to obtain the heater temperature, such as STEP 2, by referring to the thermistor temperature instead, it is possible to change the temperature of the heating unit 121 as defined in the heating profile.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 3 , the control unit 116 may resume power supply to the heating unit 121 based on the elapsed time when the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature exceeds a first range and falls within a second range wider than the first range. The second range is set as a range within which it is assumed that a malfunction such as thermal runaway will not occur when the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature falls within the second range. As an example, the second range is a range of ±10°C. For example, when the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature exceeds the first range and falls within the second range, the control unit 116 resumes power supply to the heating unit 121 in response to the elapse of a predetermined time since the start of STEP 2. The predetermined time may be specified in the heating profile. Alternatively, the predetermined time may be calculated based on the amount of decrease in the target temperature in STEP 2. With this configuration, even if an error occurs between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature and control based on the thermistor temperature is difficult, it is possible to change the temperature of the heating section 121 within a range that does not deviate significantly from the target temperature specified in the heating profile.

[0073] 3 , when the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature exceeds a second range, the control unit 116 may at least one of prohibiting power supply to the heating unit 121 or stopping power supply to the heating unit 121. Stopping power supply to the heating unit 121 is a concept that refers to stopping power supply to the heating unit 121 that is in progress. Prohibiting power supply to the heating unit 121 is a concept that includes not supplying power to the heating unit 121 in addition to stopping power supply to the heating unit 121. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent malfunctions such as thermal runaway even when the protection function does not work properly due to deterioration in the measurement accuracy of the electrical resistance value of the thermistor 117.

[0074] (2) Timing for Acquiring the Difference Between the Heater Temperature and the Thermistor Temperature The control unit 116 may acquire the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature during a sampling period, which is a portion of a heating session, and store the difference in the storage unit 114. The control unit 116 may then control the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature stored in the storage unit 114. Typically, the control unit 116 uses the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature acquired during a heating session to control the operation of the heating unit 121 in subsequent heating sessions. For example, the control unit 116 may set a sampling period once per multiple heating sessions to acquire the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature, and reuse the acquired difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature in subsequent heating sessions. This configuration reduces the processing load of the suction device 100. Of course, the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature acquired during a heating session may also be used to control the operation of the heating unit 121 during the same heating session.

[0075] The control unit 116 may obtain the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature multiple times during the sampling period and store the statistical value of the differences between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature in the storage unit 114. The control unit 116 may then control the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the statistical value of the differences between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature stored in the storage unit 114. The statistical value may be calculated using various statistical methods, such as the average value, weighted average value, or median value. This configuration makes it possible to more accurately determine the deterioration of the measurement accuracy of the electrical resistance value of the thermistor 117.

[0076] The sampling period is preferably a period following the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is temporarily lowered. In the example described with reference to Table 1 and FIG. 2, the sampling period is preferably a period following STEP 3. In STEPs 0 and 1, the heater temperature is rising rapidly or has just risen sharply, so a large difference naturally occurs between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature. This is because the thermistor temperature rises with a delay while following the heater temperature. In other words, the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature in STEPs 0 and 1 is the sum of a value resulting from deterioration in the measurement accuracy of the electrical resistance value of thermistor 117 and a value resulting from a delay in the rise of the thermistor temperature. On the other hand, from STEP 3 onwards, it is considered that the thermistor temperature has risen sufficiently to asymptotically approach the heater temperature. That is, the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature after STEP 3 is considered to have converged to a value that does not include a value due to a delay in the thermistor temperature rise, but includes only a value due to deterioration in the measurement accuracy of the electrical resistance value of thermistor 117. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to more accurately determine deterioration in the measurement accuracy of the electrical resistance value of thermistor 117.

[0077] Here, so-called chain smoking may be performed, in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is replaced at short intervals while heating multiple times. When chain smoking is performed, the initial temperature of the heating part 121 during the second and subsequent heatings is higher than the initial temperature of the heating part 121 during the first heating. The higher the initial temperature, the earlier the timing at which the difference between the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature converges.

[0078] Therefore, the control unit 116 may set the sampling period based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. In particular, the control unit 116 may set the timing for starting the sampling period earlier the higher the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. The initial temperature of the heating unit 121 may be the heater temperature at the start of heating, i.e., when heating by the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile is started. For example, if the heater temperature at the start of heating is below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 may set STEP 5 and STEP 6 as the sampling period. On the other hand, if the heater temperature at the start of heating is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 may set STEP 3 to STEP 6 as the sampling period. This configuration ensures a long sampling period when chain smoking is performed and the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature converges quickly, making it possible to accurately determine degradation in the measurement accuracy of the electrical resistance value of the thermistor 117.

[0079] The control unit 116 may set the sampling period based on other information that is affected by the presence or absence of chain smoking, in addition to or instead of the heater temperature at the start of heating. As an example, the control unit 116 may set the sampling period based on the thermistor temperature at the start of heating. In this case, the control unit 116 may set the start timing of the sampling period earlier the higher the thermistor temperature at the start of heating. As another example, the control unit 116 may set the sampling period based on the elapsed time from the last execution of heating based on the heating profile to the current execution. In this case, the control unit 116 may set the start timing of the sampling period earlier the shorter the elapsed time from the last execution of heating based on the heating profile to the current execution. In either configuration, a longer sampling period is ensured when chain smoking occurs and the difference between the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature converges quickly, making it possible to accurately determine deterioration of the thermistor 117.

[0080] (3) Absorption of Individual Differences The control unit 116 may set the first range and the second range based on the difference between the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature acquired when heating by the heating unit 121 is performed for the first time. For example, the control unit 116 sets a range of ±3°C as the first range and a range of ±10°C as the second range, based on the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature acquired when heating by the heating unit 121 is performed for the first time. The first time heating by the heating unit 121 refers to, for example, the timing when heating is performed for the first time after the suction device 100 is shipped and purchased. The difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature acquired when heating by the heating unit 121 is performed for the first time corresponds to individual differences between the heating unit 121 or thermistor 117. This configuration makes it possible to absorb individual differences between the heating unit 121 or thermistor 117 and appropriately control the operation of the heating unit 121.

[0081] As another method for absorbing individual differences in the heating unit 121 or thermistor 117, the method for calculating the heater temperature or thermistor temperature may be calibrated before shipping from the factory so that the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature match or the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature falls within a predetermined range. Calibrating the method for calculating the heater temperature refers to setting a correspondence relationship between the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 and the heater temperature calculated from the electrical resistance value. Calibrating the method for calculating the thermistor temperature refers to setting a correspondence relationship between the electrical resistance value of the thermistor 117 and the thermistor temperature calculated from the electrical resistance value. As an example, when the heater temperature reaches an arbitrary target temperature defined in the heating profile, the method for calculating the heater temperature or thermistor temperature is calibrated so that the heater temperature and thermistor temperature match or the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature falls within a predetermined range. Calibration may be performed for multiple target temperatures defined in the heating profile.

[0082] (4) Processing Flow The processing flow executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0083] 4 , first, the control unit 116 acquires a user operation to instruct the start of heating (step S102). One example of a user operation to instruct the start of heating is an operation on the suction device 100, such as operating a switch or the like provided on the suction device 100. Another example of a user operation to instruct the start of heating is inserting the stick-type substrate 150 into the suction device 100.

[0084] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the difference between the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature obtained in the previous heating session is within a second range (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 makes this determination by referring to the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature obtained in the previous heating session, which is stored in the storage unit 114.

[0085] If it is determined that the difference between the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature acquired in the previous heating session is not within the second range (step S104: NO), the control unit 116 prohibits heating (step S108). That is, the control unit 116 ends the process without supplying power to the heating unit 121.

[0086] On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference between the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature acquired in the previous heating session is within the second range (step S104: YES), the control unit 116 starts heating. That is, the control unit 116 starts supplying power to the heating unit 121.

[0087] Next, the control unit 116 acquires the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 (step S110). For example, the control unit 116 acquires the heater temperature at the start of power supply to the heating unit 121.

[0088] Next, the control unit 116 sets a sampling period based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 (step S112).

[0089] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether to temporarily turn off the heating (step S114). For example, when STEP 2 in the heating profile shown in Table 1 starts, the control unit 116 determines to temporarily stop the power supply to the heating unit 121 and temporarily turn off the heating.

[0090] If it is determined that the heating should not be temporarily turned off (step S114: NO), the process proceeds to step S126.

[0091] If it is determined that the heating should be temporarily turned off (step S114: YES), the control unit 116 stops the power supply to the heating unit 121 and turns off the heating (step S116).

[0092] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the difference between the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature obtained in the previous heating session is within a first range (step S118). For example, the control unit 116 makes this determination by referring to the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature obtained in the previous heating session, which is stored in the storage unit 114.

[0093] If it is determined that the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature acquired in the previous heating session is within the first range (step S118: YES), the control unit 116 resumes heating based on the thermistor temperature (step S120). For example, if heating was temporarily turned off in step 2, the controller 116 ends step 2 and resumes power supply to the heating unit 121 when the thermistor temperature drops to the target temperature set at the end of step 2. Then, the process proceeds to step S124.

[0094] If it is determined that the difference between the heater temperature and thermistor temperature acquired in the previous heating session is not within the first range (step S118: NO), the control unit 116 resumes heating based on the passage of time (step S122). For example, the control unit 116 ends step 2 and resumes power supply to the heating unit 121 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the heating was temporarily turned off in step 2. Then, the process proceeds to step S124.

[0095] In step S124, the control unit 116 obtains the difference between the heater temperature and the thermistor temperature during the sampling period, and stores the difference in the storage unit 114 (step S124).

[0096] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a termination condition is satisfied (step S126). One example of the termination condition is when the duration of STEP 7 has elapsed. Another example of the termination condition is when the number of puffs since the start of heating has reached a predetermined number.

[0097] If it is determined that the termination condition is not satisfied (step S126: NO), the process returns to step S114.

[0098] On the other hand, if it is determined that the termination condition is satisfied (step S126: YES), the control unit 116 terminates the heating based on the heating profile (step S128), and then the process ends.

[0099] 3. Supplementary Information Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0100] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the heating profile includes a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The heating profile may include target values ​​for parameters corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121. Examples of parameters corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 include the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 or the electrical resistance value of the thermistor 117.

[0101] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the heating unit 121 is configured as a resistance heating element and generates heat through electrical resistance. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the heating unit 121 may include an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil, that generates a magnetic field and a susceptor that generates heat through induction heating, and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be heated by the susceptor. In this case, the control unit 116 applies an alternating current to the electromagnetic induction source to generate an alternating magnetic field, and causes the susceptor to heat by penetrating the alternating magnetic field. The susceptor that generates heat through induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100. In this case, the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated, which is controlled based on the heating profile, is the temperature of the susceptor. The temperature of the susceptor can be estimated based on the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source.

[0102] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The software programs may be stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) internal or external to each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU when executed by a computer controlling each device described herein. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium. The computer may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing. The series of processes performed by each device described herein may also be distributed among multiple computers.

[0103] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some process steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0104] Note that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) An aerosol generation system comprising: a power supply unit; a heating unit that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit; a temperature change unit that changes its temperature in accordance with a change in the temperature of the heating unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit, the difference being indicated by a first measurement value measured as a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a second measurement value measured as a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the temperature change unit. (2) The aerosol generation system described in (1), in which the control unit switches a parameter used as a basis for controlling the supply of power to the heating unit based on the difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature change unit. (3) The aerosol generation system described in (2), in which the control unit switches a parameter used as a basis for resuming the supply of power to the heating unit after temporarily stopping the supply of power to the heating unit based on the difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature change unit. (4) The aerosol generation system according to (3), wherein the control unit resumes power supply to the heating unit based on the second measurement value when a difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature change unit is within a first range. (5) The aerosol generation system according to (4), wherein the control unit resumes power supply to the heating unit based on an elapsed time when a difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature change unit exceeds the first range and is within a second range wider than the first range. (6) The aerosol generation system according to (5), wherein the control unit performs at least one of stopping power supply to the heating unit or prohibiting power supply to the heating unit when a difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature change unit exceeds the second range. (7) The aerosol generation system according to (5) or (6), wherein the control unit sets the first range and the second range based on a difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature change unit obtained when heating is performed for the first time by the heating unit.(8) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising a storage unit that stores information, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on control information that defines a time series transition of a target value of the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, acquires a difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit during a sampling period that is a part of the period during which the time series transition of the target value is defined by the control information, and stores the difference in temperature between the heating unit and the temperature change unit in the storage unit, and controls the operation of the heating unit based on the difference in temperature between the heating unit and the temperature change unit stored in the storage unit. (9) The aerosol generation system according to (8), further comprising: a storage unit that stores information; (10) The aerosol generation system according to (8) or (9), wherein the period in which the time series transition of the target value is specified by the control information includes a period in which the temperature of the heating unit is temporarily lowered, the control unit stops supplying power to the heating unit during the period in which the temperature of the heating unit is lowered, and the sampling period is a period after the period in which the temperature of the heating unit is lowered. (11) The aerosol generation system according to (10), wherein the control unit sets the sampling period based on the first measurement value when heating by the heating unit starts based on the control information. (12) The aerosol generation system according to (11), wherein the control unit sets the timing to start the sampling period earlier the higher the temperature of the heating unit indicated by the first measurement value when heating by the heating unit starts based on the control information.(13) The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the heating unit is a resistive heating element that generates heat when a current is applied thereto, the first measured value is the electrical resistance value of the resistive heating element, the temperature changing unit is a resistor whose electrical resistance value changes in response to a change in temperature, and the second measured value is the electrical resistance value of the resistor. (14) The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (13), further comprising a substrate containing the aerosol source. (15) A control method for controlling an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising: a power supply unit; a heating unit that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit; and a temperature change unit that changes temperature in accordance with a change in temperature of the heating unit; the control method including controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit, which difference is indicated by a first measurement value measured as a value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a second measurement value measured as a value corresponding to the temperature of the temperature change unit.

[0105] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Memory unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 117 Thermistor 121 Heating unit 140 Holding unit 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom unit 144 Heat insulating unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate unit 152 Suction nozzle unit

Claims

1. A power supply unit; A heating unit that heats the aerosol source using the power supplied from the power supply unit; a temperature change section whose temperature changes in accordance with the temperature change of the heating section; a control unit that controls an operation of the heating unit based on a difference between a temperature of the heating unit and a temperature of the temperature change unit, the difference being indicated by a first measurement value measured as a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a second measurement value measured as a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the temperature change unit; An aerosol generating system comprising:

2. The control unit switches a parameter used as a basis for controlling the power supply to the heating unit based on a difference between a temperature of the heating unit and a temperature of the temperature change unit.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

3. the control unit switches a parameter used as a basis for resuming power supply to the heating unit after temporarily stopping the power supply to the heating unit, based on a difference between a temperature of the heating unit and a temperature of the temperature change unit.

3. The aerosol generating system of claim 2.

4. the control unit resumes power supply to the heating unit based on the second measurement value when a difference between a temperature of the heating unit and a temperature of the temperature change unit is within a first range.

4. The aerosol generating system of claim 3.

5. the control unit resumes power supply to the heating unit based on an elapsed time when a difference between a temperature of the heating unit and a temperature of the temperature change unit exceeds the first range and is included in a second range wider than the first range.

5. The aerosol generating system according to claim 4.

6. When a difference between a temperature of the heating unit and a temperature of the temperature change unit exceeds the second range, the control unit executes at least one of stopping power supply to the heating unit or prohibiting power supply to the heating unit.

6. The aerosol generating system of claim 5.

7. the control unit sets the first range and the second range based on a difference between a temperature of the heating unit and a temperature of the temperature change unit, the difference being acquired when heating by the heating unit is performed for the first time.

6. The aerosol generating system of claim 5.

8. The aerosol generation system further includes a memory unit that stores information, The control unit is Controlling the operation of the heating unit based on control information that defines a time series transition of a target value of a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated; a difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit is obtained during a sampling period that is a part of a period during which the time series transition of the target value is specified by the control information, and the difference is stored in the storage unit; controlling an operation of the heating unit based on a difference between the temperature of the heating unit stored in the memory unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit; 8. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the control unit acquires a difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit a plurality of times during the sampling period, and stores a statistical value of the differences between the temperatures of the heating unit and the temperature change unit in the storage unit; controlling an operation of the heating unit based on the statistical value of the difference between the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the temperature change unit stored in the storage unit; 9. The aerosol generating system of claim 8.

10. a period during which the time series transition of the target value is specified by the control information includes a period during which the temperature of the heating unit is temporarily reduced; The control unit stops supplying power to the heating unit during a period in which the temperature of the heating unit is temporarily reduced, The sampling period is a period following a period during which the temperature of the heating unit is temporarily reduced.

9. The aerosol generating system of claim 8.

11. the control unit sets the sampling period based on the first measurement value at the time when heating by the heating unit based on the control information is started.

11. The aerosol generating system of claim 10.

12. the control unit sets a timing to start the sampling period earlier as a temperature of the heating unit indicated by the first measurement value at the time when the heating unit starts heating based on the control information is higher.

12. The aerosol generating system of claim 11.

13. The heating portion is a resistive heating element that generates heat when a current is applied thereto, the first measurement value being an electrical resistance value of the resistive heating element; the temperature change portion is a resistor whose electrical resistance value changes in response to a temperature change, The second measurement value is the electrical resistance of the resistor.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

14. The aerosol generating system further comprises a substrate containing the aerosol source.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

15. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generation system, comprising: The aerosol generating system comprises: A power supply unit; A heating unit that heats the aerosol source using the power supplied from the power supply unit; a temperature change section whose temperature changes in accordance with the temperature change of the heating section; Equipped with The control method includes: controlling an operation of the heating unit based on a difference between a temperature of the heating unit and a temperature of the temperature change unit, the difference being indicated by a first measurement value measured as a value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a second measurement value measured as a value corresponding to the temperature of the temperature change unit; A control method comprising: