Inhalation device, control method, and program

Abstract

A control unit (116) of an inhalation device (100) begins control of a heating unit (121) in a control mode defined by a heating profile in response to an aerosol generation request, acquires information that represents an inhalation mode for a first period in which the heating unit (121) is controlled in the control mode defined by the heating profile, and changes the control mode of the heating unit (121) for a second period that is after the first period from the control mode defined by the heating profile to a control mode based on the acquired inhalation mode for the first period.

Description

Suction device, control method, and program

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

[0002] Conventionally, inhalation devices have been known that generate aerosols containing, for example, flavoring ingredients and allow a user to inhale the generated aerosol. These inhalation devices typically heat a substrate having an aerosol source with a heating unit (also referred to as a "heating element"), which is an electrical resistance or induction heater, to generate the aerosol and deliver it to the user. Some of these inhalation devices also control the temperature of the heating unit according to a pre-defined control profile (also referred to as a "heating profile" or "target temperature profile") (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] Japan Special Table No. 2015-524260

[0004] The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user, assuming a standard inhalation. However, the standard inhalation assumed in the heating profile is not necessarily achieved by the inhalation device. For example, the inhalation behavior of the inhalation device varies not only between individuals, but also between users, depending on their mood during inhalation.

[0005] If control is performed according to the heating profile in a situation where the standard suction assumed in the heating profile is not being performed, situations may occur, such as heating by the heating unit being stopped even though a sufficient aerosol source remains on the substrate, or heating by the heating unit being continued uselessly even though the aerosol source on the substrate has been depleted. The occurrence of such situations is undesirable from the perspective of improving user satisfaction with the suction device (in other words, the marketability of the suction device).

[0006] The present invention provides an inhalation device, a control method, and a program that can appropriately consume a substrate having an aerosol source and provide a user with a high-quality smoking experience, even if the inhalation is performed in a manner different from the standard inhalation assumed in the heating profile.

[0007] A first invention is an suction device that includes a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate having an aerosol source, and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines the time series progression of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, and that allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit, wherein the control unit, in response to a request for aerosol generation, starts controlling the heating unit in a control mode defined by the heating profile, acquires information representing the suction mode during a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in the control mode defined by the heating profile, and changes the control mode of the heating unit during a second period after the first period from the control mode defined by the heating profile to a control mode based on the suction mode during the first period.

[0008] A second invention is a control method in which a computer controls a suction device that includes a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate having an aerosol source, and that allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit, and in response to a request for aerosol generation, starts control of the heating unit in a control mode specified by a heating profile that specifies the time series progression of a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, acquires information representing the suction mode during a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in the control mode specified by the heating profile, and changes the control mode of the heating unit during a second period after the first period from the control mode specified by the heating profile to a control mode based on the suction mode during the first period.

[0009] A third invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the following processes to control a suction device that includes a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate having an aerosol source, and that allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit: in response to a request to generate an aerosol, start controlling the heating unit in a control mode specified by a heating profile that specifies the time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit; acquire information that represents the suction mode during a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in the control mode specified by the heating profile; and change the control mode of the heating unit during a second period after the first period from the control mode specified by the heating profile to a control mode based on the suction mode during the first period.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inhalation device, a control method, and a program that can appropriately consume a substrate having an aerosol source and provide a user with a high-quality smoking experience, even if an inhalation pattern different from the standard inhalation assumed in the heating profile is performed.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a suction device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating profile according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of suction performed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating a modified example of the control mode when the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. FIG. 5 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating a modified example of the control mode when the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period is less than a second predetermined value. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the control mode when the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the control mode when the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period is less than a fourth predetermined value. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the control unit of the suction device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating a modified example of the control mode when the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 2) showing a modified example of the control mode when the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity in the first acquisition target period is less than the second predetermined value.

[0012] A suction device, a control method, and a program according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following, identical or similar elements will be denoted by identical or similar reference numerals, and their description may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0013] 1. Configuration Example of Suction Device The suction device of this embodiment is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user and allows the user to inhale the generated substance. In the following description, the substance generated by the suction device of this embodiment is described as an aerosol, but is not limited to an aerosol and may be, for example, a gas.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an inhalation device of the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, a stick-shaped substrate 150 having a flavor-generating substrate such as a filler containing an aerosol source, which is a source of inhaled components, and a flavor source is inserted into an inhalation device 100 of the present embodiment. The stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol containing flavor components by being heated from its outer periphery.

[0015] The aerosol source can be a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.) or water, but is not limited to a liquid and can also be a solid. The flavor source is a component for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol, and includes, for example, tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. Examples of tobacco-derived flavor components include tobacco granules formed from tobacco raw materials in a granular form, and shredded tobacco. Examples of non-tobacco-derived flavor components include plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, Chinese medicine, or herbs), and flavorings such as menthol.

[0016] The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1 , the suction device 100 includes a power supply unit 111 , a sensor unit 112 , a notification unit 113 , a memory unit 114 , a communication unit 115 , a control unit 116 , a heating unit 121 , a holding unit 140 , and a heat insulating unit 144 .

[0018] 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.

[0019] The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100. The sensor unit 112 is configured with, for example, a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or a voltage sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with the suction by the user.

[0020] As an example, the sensor unit 112 may be configured to include a pressure sensor (hereinafter also referred to as a "puff sensor") that detects the pressure inside the suction device 100. As will be described later, the control unit 116 can detect suction on the suction device 100 based on the detected value of the puff sensor.

[0021] As another example, the sensor unit 112 may be configured to include a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate (hereinafter also referred to as "flow rate") generated by suction on the suction device 100. As yet another example, the sensor unit 112 may be configured to include a temperature sensor (hereinafter also referred to as "puff thermistor") that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121 (or a predetermined location near the heating unit 121). As yet another example, the sensor unit 112 may be configured to include a voltage sensor that detects the potential difference (hereinafter also referred to as "voltage") applied to a heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121.

[0022] The sensor unit 112 may also be configured to further include an input device such as an operation button or an operation switch that accepts information input from the user, and may acquire information input by the user.

[0023] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 may be configured, for example, by a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates. For example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) may be used as the light-emitting device. For example, a liquid crystal display or an OELD (Organic Electro Luminescence Diode) display may be used as the display device. For example, a speaker configured to convert an electrical signal representing sound into physical sound (i.e., air vibration) may be used as the sound output device. For example, a vibrator including an eccentric weight and a motor that rotates the eccentric weight may be used as the vibration device.

[0024] The storage unit 114 stores various information (e.g., various data and various programs) for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 may be configured, for example, with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. Examples of information stored in the storage unit 114 include a heating profile. Here, the heating profile is information that defines the time series progression of a target temperature (hereinafter also simply referred to as "target temperature"), which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121. An example of a heating profile will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0025] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. For wireless communication, such communication standards may include, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or near field communication. For wired communication, the communication unit 115 may be connected via, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) external connection terminal and a data communication cable.

[0026] 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. An example of the control performed by the control unit 116 will be described later, so a description thereof will be omitted here. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor, for example.

[0027] 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. The holding part 140 also has the function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to this flow path, is arranged in the bottom 143, for example. On the other hand, an air outlet, which is an air outlet from this flow path, is the opening 142.

[0028] Stick-shaped substrate 150 includes substrate portion 151 and suction mouth portion 152. Substrate portion 151 is configured to include, for example, an aerosol source. When stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by holder 140, at least a portion of substrate portion 151 is contained in internal space 141, and at least a portion of suction mouth portion 152 protrudes from opening 142. When a user holds suction mouth portion 152 protruding from opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into internal space 141 through an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from substrate portion 151.

[0029] The heating unit 121 generates an aerosol by, for example, heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. As an example, in this embodiment, the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0030] For example, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input, the power supply unit 111 may start supplying power to the heating unit 121. Then, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input, the power supply unit 111 may stop supplying power to the heating unit 121. Note that the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 can be controlled by the control unit 116, as described above.

[0031] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 may be made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0032] The above describes one example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the suction device 100 is not limited to the above configuration, and can have various configurations, such as those exemplified below.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121, and may be, for example, induction heating. The inhalation device 100 may have multiple types of aerosol sources. Furthermore, multiple types of aerosols generated from multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed together to cause a chemical reaction, thereby generating yet another type of aerosol.

[0036] 2. Heating Profile A heating profile, which is information that defines the time series progression of a target temperature, can be, for example, information that defines the time length and target temperature of each time interval included in multiple consecutive time intervals along a time axis. Alternatively, the heating profile may not define the time length of a time interval, but may define a target temperature for that time interval, and end that time interval when that target temperature is reached.

[0037] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a heating profile in this embodiment. The vertical axis in Fig. 2 represents the target temperature [°C]. The vertical axis in Fig. 2 represents time [sec], more specifically, the elapsed time since control based on the heating profile was started.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the heating profile of this embodiment defines the time length and target temperature of each of the first time interval S1, second time interval S2, third time interval S3, fourth time interval S4, fifth time interval S5, and sixth time interval S6, which are consecutive along the time axis.

[0039] The first time interval S1, the second time interval S2, the third time interval S3, the fourth time interval S4, the fifth time interval S5, and the sixth time interval S6 are arranged in this order in chronological order. At the end of the sixth time interval S6, which is the final time interval, heating by the heating unit 121 (in other words, the supply of power to the heating unit 121) is stopped. As a result, the temperature of the heating unit 121 gradually decreases after the end of the sixth time interval S6, as indicated by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 2 .

[0040] In the heating profile of this embodiment, the first time interval S1 is a time interval having a duration of tm1 [sec] and a target temperature of T1 [°C]. The second time interval S2 is a time interval having a duration of tm2 [sec] and a target temperature of T1 [°C]. The third time interval S3 is a time interval having a duration of tm3 [sec] and a target temperature of T2 [°C] (where T2<T1).

[0041] The fourth time interval S4 is a time interval having a time length of tm4 [sec] and a target temperature of T2 [°C]. As an example, in this embodiment, the fourth time interval S4 is the longest time interval. In other words, tm4 is longer than any of tm1 to tm3 described above and tm5 and tm6 described below.

[0042] The fifth time interval S5 is a time interval having a time length of tm5 [sec] and a target temperature of T3 [°C] (where T3 > T2 and T3 < T1). The sixth time interval S6 is a time interval having a time length of tm6 [sec] and a target temperature of T3 [°C]. As described above, the sixth time interval S6 is the last time interval and is the time interval immediately before heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped.

[0043] Incidentally, the time intervals included in the heating profile can be roughly divided into three types: a temperature increase interval, a temperature decrease interval, and a temperature maintenance interval.

[0044] Here, the temperature rise section is a time section in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is raised (in other words, the temperature of the heating section 121 rises). For example, a time section in which the target temperature is assumed to be higher than the temperature of the heating section 121 at the start (e.g., the target temperature of the immediately preceding time section) is a temperature rise section. In this embodiment, the first time section S1 and the fifth time section S5 are the temperature rise sections. Hereinafter, the first time section S1 will also be referred to as the "first temperature rise section S1," and the fifth time section S5 will also be referred to as the "second temperature rise section S5."

[0045] The temperature-reducing section is a time section in which the temperature of the heating section 121 is reduced (in other words, the temperature of the heating section 121 decreases). For example, a time section in which the target temperature is assumed to be lower than the temperature of the heating section 121 at the start (for example, the target temperature of the immediately preceding time section) is a temperature-reducing section. In this embodiment, the third time section S3 is the temperature-rising section. Hereinafter, the third time section S3 is also referred to as the "temperature-reducing section S3."

[0046] The temperature maintenance interval is a time interval during which the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 to maintain a constant temperature. For example, a time interval during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start (e.g., the target temperature of the immediately preceding time interval) is assumed to be approximately equal to the target temperature is the temperature maintenance interval. In this embodiment, the second time interval S2, the fourth time interval S4, and the sixth time interval S6 are the temperature maintenance intervals. Hereinafter, the second time interval S2 will also be referred to as the "first temperature maintenance interval S2," the fourth time interval S4 will also be referred to as the "second temperature maintenance interval S4," and the sixth time interval S6 will also be referred to as the "third temperature maintenance interval S6."

[0047] It should be noted that although control is performed to maintain the temperature of the heating unit 121 at a constant temperature during the temperature maintenance section, in reality, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may fluctuate. Factors that may cause the temperature of the heating unit 121 to fluctuate during the temperature maintenance section include, for example, a decrease in the temperature of the heating unit 121 due to inhalation by the user, or hunting in PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller).

[0048] As described above, the heating profile of this embodiment includes a first heating section S1 that is set up first, a temperature decreasing section S3 that is set up after the first heating section S1 and has a target temperature lower than that of the first heating section S1, a third temperature maintenance section S6 that is set up after the temperature decreasing section S3 and has a target temperature higher than that of the temperature decreasing section S3, and a second temperature maintenance section S4 that is a low-temperature section whose target temperature is lower than that of the third temperature maintenance section S6.

[0049] More specifically, in the heating profile of this embodiment, a first temperature increase section S1, a first temperature maintenance section S2, a temperature decrease section S3, a second temperature maintenance section S4, a second temperature increase section S5, and a third temperature maintenance section S6 are provided in this order in chronological order. The target temperature of the heating unit 121 is T1 [°C] in the first temperature increase section S1 and the first temperature maintenance section S2, T2 [°C] (T2<T1) in the temperature decrease section S3 and the second temperature maintenance section S4, and T3 [°C] (T2<T3<T1) in the second temperature increase section S5 and the third temperature maintenance section S6.

[0050] In the inhalation device 100, the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated is also referred to as the "inhalable period (or puffable period)." The period from the start of heating to the start of the inhalable period is also referred to as the "preheating period." Heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as "preheating." In this embodiment, the first temperature-raising section S1 corresponds to the preheating period. The first temperature-maintaining section S2, the temperature-decreasing section S3, the second temperature-maintaining section S4, the second temperature-raising section S5, and the third temperature-maintaining section S6 correspond to the inhalable period.

[0051] For example, the notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 notifies the user of the start and end timings of the suction-enabled period. That is, the notification unit 113 notifies the user of the start timing of the first temperature maintenance interval S2 (in other words, the end timing of the first temperature increase interval S1) and the end timing of the third temperature maintenance interval S6. By notifying the user of the start and end timings of the suction-enabled period in this way, the user can refer to the notification to perform suction using the suction device 100 during the suction-enabled period.

[0052] Furthermore, the notification mode at the start of the suction enabled period (i.e., the start of the first temperature maintenance interval S2) may be different from the notification mode at the end of the suction enabled period (i.e., the end of the third temperature maintenance interval S6). By differentiating the notification modes at the start and end of the suction enabled period in this way, it is possible to clearly notify the user that the suction enabled period has started and ended.

[0053] 3. Control Unit The control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. As a result, the aerosol is generated as planned by the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user experiences when the user inhales 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.

[0054] More specifically, in response to a request for aerosol generation, the control unit 116 starts controlling the heating unit 121 in a control mode defined by the heating profile. Here, the request for aerosol generation can be, for example, an operation to instruct the start of heating. As an example, the operation to instruct the start of heating can be pressing a predetermined operation button provided on the inhalation device 100. Alternatively, the operation to instruct the start of heating can be a suction operation on the inhalation device 100, or receipt of predetermined information from another device such as a smartphone. The control unit 116 can detect the request for aerosol generation based on, for example, information acquired by the sensor unit 112 or the communication unit 115.

[0055] To describe in detail the control of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the deviation between a target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of control based on the heating profile and the actual temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the "actual temperature") of the heating unit 121. More specifically, at this time, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 becomes the same as the time series transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile.

[0056] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses obtained by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulses.

[0057] In feedback control, the control unit 116 may control the power supplied to the heating unit 121, for example, the duty ratio, based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature, etc. Furthermore, the feedback control may be, for example, PID control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and start heating by the heating unit 121 again when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0058] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be obtained (in other words, quantified) by, for example, measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121. This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated (i.e., obtained) by, for example, measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured (i.e., obtained) by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. As another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be measured by a temperature sensor (puff thermistor) installed near the heating unit 121.

[0059] Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of control based on the heating profile, the control unit 116 stops heating by the heating unit 121. The timing at which heating by the heating unit 121 stops is, for example, when the last time interval in the heating profile (the third temperature maintenance interval S6 in this embodiment) ends.

[0060] That is, after heating by the heating unit 121 begins, the aerosol source and flavor component being heated in the stick-type substrate 150 gradually decrease over time. Heating by the heating unit 121 is typically stopped at a timing when it is expected that at least one of the aerosol source and flavor component in the stick-type substrate 150 will decrease to the point where it will no longer be possible to deliver a sufficient amount of aerosol with an appropriate amount of flavor component to the user. In other words, the heating profile is designed so that the final time interval ends at a timing when it is expected that the aerosol source or flavor component in the stick-type substrate 150 will decrease to such an extent that it will no longer be possible to deliver a sufficient amount of aerosol with an appropriate amount of flavor component to the user, assuming that a standard inhalation is performed.

[0061] The aerosol source and flavor components in the stick-shaped substrate 150 also decrease as a result of inhalation into the inhalation device 100. Therefore, the control unit 116 may stop heating by the heating unit 121 at the point in time when a predetermined number of inhalations (e.g., 15 inhalations) have been performed since control based on the heating profile was started, even if a predetermined time has not yet elapsed since control based on the heating profile was started. Hereinafter, the number of inhalations that meets the condition for stopping heating by the heating unit 121 in this case is also referred to as the "number of inhalations possible."

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may stop heating by the heating unit 121, for example, when a predetermined operation button provided on the suction device 100 is pressed. In this way, it becomes possible for the user to stop heating by the heating unit 121 at a timing desired by the user.

[0063] The heating profile is designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user on the assumption that a standard inhalation will be performed. However, the standard inhalation assumed by the heating profile is not necessarily performed by the inhalation device 100. For example, the inhalation behavior of the inhalation device 100 not only varies from user to user, but may also change even for the same user depending on their mood during inhalation.

[0064] If control is performed according to the heating profile in a situation where the standard inhalation assumed by the heating profile is not being performed, situations may occur in which heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped even though a sufficient aerosol source and flavor component remain in the stick-type substrate 150, or heating by the heating unit 121 is continued unnecessarily even though the aerosol source or flavor component of the stick-type substrate 150 is nearly depleted to the extent that a sufficient amount of aerosol with an appropriate amount of flavor component cannot be delivered to the user (in other words, a high-quality smoking experience cannot be provided to the user). The occurrence of such situations is undesirable from the perspective of improving user satisfaction with the inhalation device 100 (i.e., the marketability of the inhalation device 100).

[0065] In other words, even if an inhalation mode different from the standard inhalation assumed in the heating profile is performed, it is desirable from the perspective of improving the marketability of the inhalation device 100 to appropriately consume the stick-shaped substrate 150 having an aerosol source or the like and provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0066] Therefore, the control unit 116 acquires information representing the suction mode of the suction device 100 during a first period in which the heating unit 121 is controlled in a control mode defined by the heating profile (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the "suction mode during the first period"). Here, the suction mode during the first period may be, for example, the suction time during the first period, the suction volume during the first period, or the suction intensity during the first period. Furthermore, the suction mode during the first period may be a combination of two or more of the suction time during the first period, the suction volume during the first period, and the suction intensity during the first period (e.g., a combination of suction time and suction intensity). Specific examples of the suction time during the first period, the suction volume during the first period, and the suction intensity during the first period will be described below as the suction time during the acquisition target period, the suction volume during the acquisition target period, and the suction intensity during the acquisition target period, respectively.

[0067] The control unit 116 then changes the control mode of the heating unit 121 during a second period, which is a period following the first period, from the control mode defined by the heating profile to a control mode based on the acquired inhalation mode during the first period. This allows the heating unit 121 to be appropriately controlled during the subsequent second period, taking into account the inhalation mode during the first period (i.e., the inhalation actually performed during the first period), even if the inhalation mode during the first period differs from standard inhalation. This makes it possible to appropriately consume the stick-shaped substrate 150 and provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience. The control unit 116 will be described in more detail below.

[0068] <4-1. Target acquisition period> The control unit 116 acquires information indicating the suction mode during a predetermined target acquisition period, for example, based on the detection result of the sensor unit 112 during the target acquisition period in which the heating unit 121 is controlled in a control mode defined by the heating profile.

[0069] The acquisition target period can be, for example, the period from when control of the heating unit 121 is started in the control mode defined by the heating profile (i.e., when control based on the heating profile is started) until a predetermined time has elapsed. This makes it possible to ensure a relatively long period as the acquisition target period. Furthermore, considering that control based on the heating profile is started when an aerosol generation request is made, the acquisition target period can also be said to be the period from when an aerosol generation request is made until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0070] In the example of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a first acquisition target period A1 and a second acquisition target period A2 are provided as acquisition target periods.

[0071] The first acquisition target period A1 is the period from when control based on the heating profile is initiated (i.e., when the elapsed time is zero) to the first timing ti1, which is the time when a first predetermined time Tm1 preset by the manufacturer of the suction device 100 or the like has elapsed. For example, the first predetermined time Tm1 is set to be shorter than half the period from when control based on the heating profile is initiated to when heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped (i.e., tm1 + tm2 + tm3 + tm4 + tm5 + tm6). Furthermore, the first predetermined time Tm1 is set to satisfy, for example, (tm1 + tm2 + tm3) < Tm1 < (tm1 + tm2 + tm3 + tm4 - Δta). As a result, the first timing ti1 is set to be a timing within the second temperature maintenance interval S4. Δta will be described later.

[0072] The second acquisition target period A2 is the period from when control based on the heating profile is initiated (i.e., when the elapsed time is 0) to the second timing ti2, which is the time when a second predetermined time Tm2 (where Tm2 > Tm1) preset by the manufacturer or the like of the suction device 100 has elapsed. For example, the second predetermined time Tm2 satisfies (tm1 + tm2 + tm3 + tm6 + tm5) < Tm2 < (tm1 + tm2 + tm3 + tm4 + tm5 + tm6 - Δtc). As a result, the second timing ti2 is set to be a timing within the third temperature maintenance interval S6. Δtc will be described later.

[0073] In the example described here, the first acquisition target period A1 is the period from when control based on the heating profile is started until the first predetermined time Tm1 has elapsed, but this is not limited to this.

[0074] For example, the first acquisition target period A1 may be the period from when control based on the heating profile is initiated (i.e., when control of the heating unit 121 is initiated in the control mode defined by the heating profile) to when a first predetermined number of suctions (e.g., five suctions) have been performed. This also makes it possible to ensure a relatively long period as the first acquisition target period A1. Similarly, the second acquisition target period A2 may be the period from when control based on the heating profile is initiated to when a second predetermined number of suctions (e.g., ten suctions), which is greater than the first predetermined number of suctions, have been performed. In this case, the first predetermined number of suctions and the second predetermined number of suctions are greater than 0 and less than the aforementioned maximum number of suctions.

[0075] In the example described here, the start of the first acquisition target period A1 is set to the time when control based on the heating profile starts, but this is not limited to this and may be set to the time when the suction-enabled period starts (for example, the timing when the first temperature maintenance interval S2 starts). This also makes it possible to ensure a relatively long period as the first acquisition target period A1. Similarly, the start of the second acquisition target period A2 is not limited to the time when control based on the heating profile starts and may be set to, for example, the time when the suction-enabled period starts.

[0076] <4-2. Suction time during acquisition target period> Next, the "suction time during acquisition target period" that can be acquired by the control unit 116 will be described. Here, the suction time during the acquisition target period can be, for example, the maximum value of the suction time for one suction during the acquisition target period, or the integrated value of the suction time for multiple suctions during the acquisition target period. In this way, the suction time during the acquisition target period acquired by the control unit 116 can represent the suction mode during the acquisition target period.

[0077] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of suction performed by the suction device of this embodiment. The horizontal axis in Figure 3 represents time. (a) of Figure 3 represents the presence or absence (ON / OFF) of heating at each time represented by the horizontal axis of Figure 3. (b) of Figure 3 represents the presence or absence (ON / OFF) of suction at each time represented by the horizontal axis of Figure 3. (c) of Figure 3 represents the flow rate at each time represented by the horizontal axis of Figure 3.

[0078] The example shown in Figure 3 is an example of a case where two suctions, a first suction Pf1 and a second suction Pf2, are performed during an acquisition target period AX (e.g., a first acquisition target period A1) from when a request for aerosol generation is made until a predetermined time (e.g., a first predetermined time Tm1) has elapsed.

[0079] The first suction Pf1 is performed from time t11 to time t12 after time t11, and its suction time is tm10. Here, the suction time is the length of the period (i.e., time) from when suction starts (time t11 in the case of the first suction Pf1) to when it ends (time t12 in the case of the first suction Pf1). The second suction Pf2 is performed from time t21 after time t12 to time t22 after time t21, and its suction time is tm20 (where tm20 > tm10).

[0080] More specifically, the control unit 116 determines that suction on the suction device 100 has started when the detection value of the puff sensor described above changes from a state below a predetermined threshold to a state above the threshold. The above "when suction has started" can be, for example, when the control unit 116 determines that suction on the suction device 100 has started. The control unit 116 also determines that suction on the suction device 100 has ended when the detection value of the puff sensor changes from a state above the threshold to a state below the threshold. The above "when suction has ended" can be, for example, when the control unit 116 determines that suction on the suction device 100 has ended. That is, the control unit 116 can obtain the suction time based on the detection result of the puff sensor.

[0081] As another example, the control unit 116 may determine that suction has started for the suction device 100 when the detection value of the flow sensor described above changes from a state where it is less than a predetermined threshold to a state where it is equal to or greater than the threshold. Furthermore, the control unit 116 may determine that suction has ended for the suction device 100 when the detection value of the flow sensor changes from a state where it is equal to or greater than the threshold to a state where it is less than the threshold. In other words, the control unit 116 may obtain the suction time based on the detection result of the flow sensor.

[0082] 3, the maximum value of the suction time per suction in the acquisition target period AX is tm20. Therefore, if the control unit 116 is configured to acquire the maximum value of the suction time per suction in the acquisition target period as the suction time in the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 may acquire tm20 as the suction time in the acquisition target period AX.

[0083] Furthermore, the cumulative value of the suction time due to multiple suctions during the acquisition target period AX is tm10 + tm20. Therefore, if the control unit 116 is configured to acquire the cumulative value of the suction time due to multiple suctions during the acquisition target period as the suction time during the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 may acquire tm10 + tm20 as the suction time during the acquisition target period AX. In other words, the control unit 116 may acquire the cumulative value of the suction time due to all suctions during the acquisition target period as the suction time during the acquisition target period.

[0084] Furthermore, for example, if the sensor unit 112 is configured to include a flow rate sensor capable of detecting the flow rate generated by suction in the suction device 100, the control unit 116 may acquire, based on the detection result of the flow rate sensor, the length of the period during which the flow rate is equal to or greater than a threshold value during the acquisition target period as the suction time during the acquisition target period. In this way, the suction time during the acquisition target period acquired by the control unit 116 can also represent the suction mode during the acquisition target period.

[0085] 3, the length of the period during which the flow rate per unit time is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value ThX during the suction time tm10 of the first suction Pf1 is defined as tm11, and the length of the period during which the flow rate per unit time is equal to or greater than the threshold value ThX during the suction time tm20 of the second suction Pf2 is defined as tm21 (where tm21 > tm11).

[0086] In this case, the length of the period during which the flow rate per unit time is equal to or greater than the threshold value ThX during the acquisition target period AX is tm11 + tm21. Therefore, if the control unit 116 is configured to acquire the length of the period during which the flow rate is equal to or greater than the threshold value during the acquisition target period as the suction time during the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 may acquire tm11 + tm21 as the suction time during the acquisition target period AX. Note that the threshold value ThX is set in advance in the control unit 116 by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0087] <4-3. Suction volume during acquisition target period> Next, the "suction volume during acquisition target period" that can be acquired by the control unit 116 will be described. When the control unit 116 acquires the suction volume during the acquisition target period described below, the sensor unit 112 can be configured to include, for example, the flow rate sensor described above. Then, the control unit 116 acquires the suction volume during the acquisition target period described below based on the detection result of the flow rate sensor.

[0088] Here, the suction volume during the target acquisition period may be, for example, the maximum flow rate generated by a single suction during the target acquisition period, the integrated value of the flow rates generated by multiple suctions during the target acquisition period, or the maximum flow rate per unit time during the target acquisition period. In this way, the suction volume during the target acquisition period acquired by the control unit 116 can represent the suction mode during the target acquisition period.

[0089] 3 , the flow rate generated by the first suction Pf1, more specifically, the integrated value of the flow rate at each time point during the first suction Pf1, is set to Fw10. The flow rate generated by the second suction Pf2, more specifically, the integrated value of the flow rate at each time point during the second suction Pf2, is set to Fw20 (where Fw20 > Fw10). The maximum flow rate per unit time during the acquisition target period AX is set to Fw21 at time point t23 during the second suction Pf2.

[0090] 3, the maximum value of the flow rate generated by one suction during the acquisition target period AX is Fw20. Therefore, if the control unit 116 is configured to acquire the maximum value of the flow rate generated by one suction during the acquisition target period as the suction amount during the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 may acquire Fw20 as the suction amount during the acquisition target period AX.

[0091] Furthermore, the integrated value of the flow rate generated by multiple suctions during the acquisition target period AX is Fw10 + Fw20. Therefore, if the control unit 116 is configured to acquire the integrated value of the flow rate generated by multiple suctions during the acquisition target period as the suction amount during the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 may acquire Fw10 + Fw20 as the suction amount during the acquisition target period AX. In other words, the control unit 116 may acquire the integrated value of the flow rate generated by all suctions during the acquisition target period as the suction amount during the acquisition target period.

[0092] Furthermore, the maximum value of the flow rate per unit time in the acquisition target period AX is Fw21. Therefore, if the control unit 116 is configured to acquire the maximum value of the flow rate per unit time in the acquisition target period as the suction amount in the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 may acquire Fw21 as the suction amount in the acquisition target period AX.

[0093] The control unit 116 may also acquire the suction volume for the acquisition target period based on the suction time for the acquisition target period and FwX, which is a standard suction volume per unit time. For example, if the estimated value of the flow rate generated by the first suction Pf1 is Fw10', this estimated value Fw10' can be expressed as Fw10' = tm10 × FwX using the suction time tm10 for the first suction Pf1 and the standard suction volume FwX per unit time. Similarly, if the estimated value of the flow rate generated by the second suction Pf2 is Fw20', this estimated value Fw20' can be expressed as Fw20' = tm20 × FwX using the suction time tm20 for the second suction Pf2 and the standard suction volume FwX.

[0094] Using the estimated values ​​Fw10' and Fw20', the integrated value (estimated value) of the flow rate generated by multiple suctions during the acquisition target period AX can be expressed as Fw10' + Fw20'. Therefore, if the control unit 116 acquires the integrated value of the flow rate generated by multiple suctions during the acquisition target period as the suction volume during the acquisition target period, the control unit 116 may acquire Fw10' + Fw20' as the suction volume during the acquisition target period AX. In this way, the suction volume during the acquisition target period can be acquired even if the sensor unit 112 does not have a flow sensor. In other words, the suction volume during the acquisition target period can be acquired with a simpler configuration.

[0095] <4-4. Suction Intensity During Acquisition Target Period> Next, a description will be given of the "suction intensity during the acquisition target period" that can be acquired by the control unit 116. Here, the suction intensity can be, for example, an evaluation value that represents the strength of suction (in other words, the "depth") applied to the suction device 100.

[0096] For example, the stronger the suction applied to the suction device 100 (in other words, the "deeper"), the greater the flow rate caused by the suction, and therefore the greater the decrease (i.e., the amount of change) in the temperature of the heating unit 121. Therefore, the amount of change in the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be used as the suction strength. In this case, the control unit 116 determines that the steeper the decrease in the temperature of the heating unit 121, the greater the flow rate and the higher the suction strength.

[0097] Furthermore, considering that the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor constituting the heating unit 121 changes depending on the temperature of the heating unit 121, the amount of change in the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor may be used as the suction strength. In this case as well, the control unit 116 determines that the flow rate is large and the suction strength is high when the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor changes in a way that indicates a steep drop in the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0098] Furthermore, the stronger the suction applied to suction device 100, the greater the flow rate caused by the suction, and therefore the greater the amount of change in pressure within suction device 100. Therefore, the amount of change in pressure within suction device 100 may be used as the suction strength. In this case, control unit 116 determines that the steeper the increase in pressure within suction device 100, the greater the flow rate and the higher the suction strength.

[0099] Furthermore, since the stronger the suction applied to the suction device 100, the greater the flow rate generated by the suction, the flow rate (e.g., flow rate per unit time) itself may be used as the suction strength. In this case, the control unit 116 determines that the greater the flow rate, the greater the suction strength.

[0100] More specifically, for example, it is assumed that sensor unit 112 is configured to include a puff thermistor. In this case, control unit 116 acquires, as the suction intensity per unit time, the amount of change in temperature of heating unit 121 (or a predetermined location near heating unit 121) per unit time based on the detection result of the puff thermistor during the acquisition period. Control unit 116 then acquires, as the suction intensity per unit time, the maximum value of the acquired suction intensities per unit time (here, for example, the amount of change in temperature of heating unit 121) or the integrated value of the acquired suction intensities per unit time.

[0101] As another example, the sensor unit 112 may be configured to include the voltage sensor described above. In this case, the control unit 116 may acquire, as the attraction strength for the acquisition period, the amount of change in the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor per unit time based on the detection result of the voltage sensor. The control unit 116 may then acquire, as the attraction strength for the acquisition period, the maximum value of the acquired attraction strengths per unit time (here, the amount of change in the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor).

[0102] As another example, assume that sensor unit 112 is configured to include a puff sensor. In this case, control unit 116 may acquire, as the suction intensity for the acquisition period, the amount of change in pressure within suction device 100 per unit time based on the detection result of the puff sensor. Control unit 116 may then acquire, as the suction intensity for the acquisition period, the maximum value of the acquired suction intensities per unit time (here, the amount of change in pressure within suction device 100).

[0103] The control unit 116 may also calculate the suction intensity for each suction performed during the target acquisition period, and acquire the maximum value of the calculated suction intensities for each suction as the suction intensity for the target acquisition period. Furthermore, the control unit 116 may also calculate the sum of the suction intensities for a predetermined number of suctions performed during the target acquisition period as the suction intensity for the target acquisition period. When calculating the suction intensity for each suction, the control unit 116 may multiply the maximum value of the suction intensity for that suction by the suction time for that suction, and acquire the calculated value as the suction intensity for that suction.

[0104] As another example, if the sensor unit 112 is configured to include a flow rate sensor, the control unit 116 may, for example, acquire the maximum flow rate per unit time during the aforementioned acquisition target period as the suction intensity during the acquisition target period.

[0105] Note that the manufacturer of the suction device 100 can appropriately determine which of the suction time, suction volume, and suction intensity during the acquisition period the control unit 116 will acquire. Furthermore, when the control unit 116 acquires the suction time during the acquisition period, the manufacturer of the suction device 100 can also appropriately determine which of the aforementioned values ​​will be acquired as the suction time during the acquisition period. Similarly, when the control unit 116 acquires the suction volume during the acquisition period, the manufacturer of the suction device 100 can also appropriately determine which of the aforementioned values ​​will be acquired as the suction volume during the acquisition period. Furthermore, when the control unit 116 acquires the suction intensity during the acquisition period, the manufacturer of the suction device 100 can also appropriately determine which of the aforementioned values ​​will be acquired as the suction intensity during the acquisition period.

[0106] 5. Changing the Control Mode Based on the Suction Mode During the Acquisition Target Period Next, an example of changing the control mode of the heating unit 121 based on the suction mode during the acquisition target period by the control unit 116 will be described. As described above, in this embodiment, two acquisition target periods are provided: a first acquisition target period A1 until the first timing ti1, and a second acquisition target period A2 until the second timing ti2. First, below, an example of changing the control mode of the heating unit 121 based on the suction mode during the first acquisition target period A1 will be described.

[0107] 4 is a diagram (part 1) showing a modified example of the control mode when the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. The vertical axis in FIG. 4 represents the target temperature [°C]. The vertical axis in FIG. 4 represents time [sec].

[0108] 4, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value Th1, the control unit 116 changes (i.e., shortens) the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 (i.e., the fourth time interval S4) from the initial tm4 [sec] to tm4a [sec], which is shorter than tm4 [sec]. Here, tm4a can be, for example, tm4 minus a fixed value Δta (where Δta > 0) (i.e., tm4a = tm4 - Δta). Note that the first predetermined value Th1 and the fixed value Δta are preset in the control unit 116 by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0109] That is, if the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value Th1, it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source and flavor components during the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than assumed when the heating profile was designed. Therefore, in this case, it is considered that the aerosol source or flavor components contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 will decrease at a faster pace than assumed when the heating profile was designed.

[0110] Therefore, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value Th1, the control unit 116 shortens the second temperature maintenance interval S4, thereby correspondingly advancing the timing at which heating by the heating unit 121 stops. This makes it possible to avoid situations in which heating by the heating unit 121 is unnecessarily continued even though the aerosol source or flavor component contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is about to run out. Furthermore, by suppressing unnecessary heating by the heating unit 121, wasteful power consumption by the power supply unit 111 can also be suppressed.

[0111] 5 is a diagram (part 1) showing a modified example of the control mode when the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period is less than a second predetermined value. The vertical axis in FIG. 5 represents the target temperature [°C]. The vertical axis in FIG. 5 represents time [sec].

[0112] As shown in FIG. 5 , if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is less than a second predetermined value Th2 (e.g., the second predetermined value Th2 is less than the first predetermined value Th1), the control unit 116 changes (i.e., extends) the duration of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 from the initial tm4 [sec] to tm4b [sec], which is longer than tm4 [sec]. Here, tm4b may be, for example, tm4 plus a constant value Δtb (where Δta > 0) (i.e., tm4b = tm4 + Δtb). Note that the second predetermined value Th2 and the constant value Δtb are preset in the control unit 116 by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100. The absolute value of the constant value Δtb may be equal to the absolute value of the aforementioned constant value Δta.

[0113] That is, if the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second predetermined value Th2, it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source and flavor components during the first acquisition target period A1 is less than that assumed when the heating profile was designed. Therefore, in this case, it is considered that the aerosol source or flavor components contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 remain in the stick-shaped substrate 150 longer than that assumed when the heating profile was designed.

[0114] Therefore, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second predetermined value Th2, the control unit 116 extends the second temperature maintenance interval S4, thereby lengthening the period during which heating by the heating unit 121 continues (in other words, the period during which aerosol is generated). This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped even though a sufficient amount of aerosol source and flavor component remains in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0115] Furthermore, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value Th2 and less than the first predetermined value Th1, the control unit 116 keeps the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 (i.e., the fourth time interval S4) at the original value tm4 [sec]. This allows the aerosol to continue to be generated as planned by the heating profile if it is considered that the consumption amounts of the aerosol source and flavor components during the first acquisition target period A1 are not significantly different from those assumed when the heating profile was designed.

[0116] Next, an example of changing the control mode based on the suction mode during the second acquisition target period A2 will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of changing the control mode when the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value. The vertical axis in Fig. 6 represents the target temperature [°C]. The vertical axis in Fig. 6 represents time [sec].

[0117] As shown in FIG. 6 , if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period A2 is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value Th3, the control unit 116 changes (i.e., shortens) the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 (i.e., the sixth time interval S6) from the initial tm6 [sec] to tm6a [sec], which is shorter than tm6 [sec]. Here, tm6a can be, for example, tm6 minus a fixed value Δtc (where Δtc > 0) (i.e., tm6a = tm6 - Δtc). Note that the third predetermined value Th3 and the fixed value Δtc are preset in the control unit 116, for example, by the manufacturer of the suction device 100. The fixed value Δtc may also be equal to the fixed value Δta described above.

[0118] That is, if the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period A2 is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value Th3, it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source and flavor components during the second acquisition target period A2 is greater than assumed when the heating profile was designed. Therefore, in this case, it is considered that the aerosol source or flavor components contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 will decrease at a faster pace than assumed when the heating profile was designed.

[0119] Therefore, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period A2 is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value Th3, the control unit 116 shortens the third temperature maintenance interval S6, thereby correspondingly advancing the timing at which heating by the heating unit 121 stops. This makes it possible to avoid situations in which heating by the heating unit 121 is unnecessarily continued even when the aerosol source or flavor component contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is about to run out. Furthermore, by suppressing unnecessary heating by the heating unit 121, wasteful power consumption by the power supply unit 111 can also be suppressed.

[0120] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the control mode when the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition period is less than a fourth predetermined value. The vertical axis in FIG. 7 represents the target temperature [°C]. The vertical axis in FIG. 7 represents time [sec].

[0121] As shown in FIG. 7 , if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period A2 is less than a fourth predetermined value Th4 (e.g., the fourth predetermined value Th4 is less than the third predetermined value Th3), the control unit 116 changes (i.e., extends) the duration of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 from the initial tm6 [sec] to tm6b [sec], which is longer than tm6 [sec]. Here, tm6b may be, for example, tm6 plus a constant value Δtd (where Δtd > 0) (i.e., tm6b = tm6 + Δtd). Note that the fourth predetermined value Th4 and the constant value Δtd are preset in the control unit 116 by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100. The constant value Δtd may also be equal to the aforementioned constant value Δtb.

[0122] That is, if the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period A2 is less than the fourth predetermined value Th4, it is considered that the consumption of the aerosol source and flavor components during the second acquisition target period A2 is less than that assumed when the heating profile was designed. Therefore, in this case, it is considered that the aerosol source or flavor components contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 remain in the stick-shaped substrate 150 longer than that assumed when the heating profile was designed.

[0123] Therefore, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period A2 is less than the fourth predetermined value Th4, the control unit 116 extends the third temperature maintenance interval S6, thereby lengthening the period during which heating by the heating unit 121 continues (in other words, the period during which aerosol is generated). This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped even though a sufficient amount of aerosol source and flavor component remains in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0124] Furthermore, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period A2 is equal to or greater than the fourth predetermined value Th4 and less than the third predetermined value Th3, the control unit 116 keeps the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 (i.e., the sixth time interval S6) at the initial value tm6 [sec]. This allows the aerosol to continue to be generated as planned by the heating profile if it is considered that the consumption amounts of the aerosol source and flavor components during the second acquisition target period A2 are not significantly different from those assumed when the heating profile was designed.

[0125] 6. Processing Executed by the Control Unit Next, an example of processing executed by the control unit 116 to change the control mode of the heating unit 121 will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit of the suction device of this embodiment. Note that a program that causes the control unit 116 to execute the series of processing shown in Fig. 8 is stored in advance in, for example, the storage unit 114.

[0126] 8, the control unit 116 waits until a request for aerosol generation is received (step Sp10: No loop), and when a request for aerosol generation is received (step Sp10: Yes), the control unit 116 starts control of the heating unit 121 in the control mode defined by the heating profile (step Sp11). The control unit 116 also starts a process (hereinafter also referred to as "suction mode acquisition process") to acquire information representing the suction mode (i.e., the above-mentioned suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity) during the first acquisition target period A1 and the second acquisition target period A2 (step Sp12).

[0127] For example, if the first and second acquisition target periods A1, A2 are set to start when control based on the heating profile is started, step Sp12 is executed (i.e., the suction mode acquisition process is started) when control based on the heating profile is started. Also, if the first and second acquisition target periods A1, A2 are set to start when the suction-enabled period is started, step Sp12 is executed (i.e., the suction mode acquisition process is started) when the suction-enabled period is started.

[0128] The suction mode acquisition process processes at least one of the suction time described in <4-2. Suction time during acquisition target period>, the suction volume described in <4-3. Suction volume during acquisition target period>, and the suction intensity described in <4-4. Suction intensity during acquisition target period>. The parameters to be acquired by the suction mode acquisition process are set in advance by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, etc.

[0129] More specifically, in the suction mode acquisition process, for example, the control unit 116 monitors whether or not suction is being performed on the suction device 100, and each time suction is detected on the suction device 100, it acquires the suction time, the flow rate generated by the suction, or the suction intensity of the suction. If the maximum value of the suction time, flow rate, or suction intensity from a single suction is acquired as the suction time, flow rate, or suction intensity for the acquisition period, the control unit 116 compares the maximum value from the suctions performed so far during the acquisition period with the value from the current suction, and stores the larger one in the storage unit 114. If the integrated value of the suction time, flow rate, or suction intensity from multiple suctions is acquired as the suction time, flow rate, or suction intensity for the acquisition period, the control unit 116 adds the value from the current suction to the integrated values ​​from the suctions performed so far during the acquisition period, and stores the result of the integration in the storage unit 114. As a result, the storage unit 114 can store the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity in the first acquisition target period A1 and the second acquisition target period A2.

[0130] In addition, the control unit 116 may store in the memory unit 114 a history of the suction time, flow rate, or suction strength of each suction performed on the suction device 100, and when it determines that the first timing ti1 or the second timing ti2 has arrived (see steps Sp13 and Sp18), it may refer to the history to acquire the suction time, flow rate, or suction strength for the acquisition target period.

[0131] Then, the control unit 116 waits for the first timing ti1 while executing the suction pattern acquisition process (loop of step Sp13: No), and when the first timing ti1 arrives (step Sp13: Yes), it determines whether the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength during the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value Th1 (step Sp14).

[0132] Then, when the control unit 116 determines that the suction time, suction volume, or suction strength during the first acquisition target period A1 is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value Th1 (step Sp14: Yes), it shortens the second temperature maintenance interval S4 (step Sp15) and proceeds to processing of step Sp18.

[0133] Furthermore, if the control unit 116 determines that the suction time, suction volume, or suction strength during the first acquisition target period A1 is not greater than or equal to the first predetermined value Th1 (step Sp14: No), it determines whether the suction time, suction volume, or suction strength during the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second predetermined value Th2 (step Sp16).

[0134] Then, when the control unit 116 determines that the suction time, suction volume, or suction strength during the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second predetermined value Th2 (step Sp16: Yes), it extends the second temperature maintenance interval S4 (step Sp17) and proceeds to processing of step Sp18.

[0135] Furthermore, if the control unit 116 determines that the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is not less than the second predetermined value Th2 (step Sp16: No), the control unit 116 proceeds to the processing of step Sp 18. In this case, the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 remains the original tm4 [sec].

[0136] Then, the control unit 116 continues to execute the suction pattern acquisition process while waiting for the second timing ti2 (loop of step Sp18: No), and when the second timing ti2 arrives (step Sp18: Yes), it terminates the suction pattern acquisition process started in step Sp12 and determines whether the suction time, suction amount, or suction strength during the second acquisition target period A2 is greater than or equal to the third predetermined value Th3 (step Sp19).

[0137] Then, when the control unit 116 determines that the suction time, suction volume, or suction strength during the second acquisition target period A2 is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value Th3 (step Sp19: Yes), it shortens the third temperature maintenance interval S6 (step Sp20) and terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 8.

[0138] Furthermore, if the control unit 116 determines that the suction time, suction volume, or suction strength during the second acquisition target period A2 is not greater than or equal to the third predetermined value Th3 (step Sp19: No), it determines whether the suction time, suction volume, or suction strength during the second acquisition target period A2 is less than the fourth predetermined value Th4 (step Sp21).

[0139] Then, when the control unit 116 determines that the suction time, suction volume, or suction strength during the second acquisition target period A2 is less than the fourth predetermined value Th4 (step Sp21: Yes), it extends the third temperature maintenance interval S6 (step Sp22) and terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 8.

[0140] Furthermore, if the control unit 116 determines that the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period A2 is not less than the fourth predetermined value Th4 (step Sp21: No), the control unit 116 ends the series of processes shown in Fig. 8. In this case, the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 remains the original tm6 [sec].

[0141] As described above, the control unit 116 acquires information indicating the suction mode during the first acquisition target period A1 based on the detection result of the sensor unit 112 during the first acquisition target period A1 in which the heating unit 121 is controlled in the control mode defined by the heating profile. Then, the control unit 116 changes the control mode of the heating unit 121 during the period after the first acquisition target period A1 from the control mode defined by the heating profile to the control mode based on the suction mode during the first acquisition target period A1.

[0142] Specifically, when the suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value Th1, the control unit 116 shortens the time length of the second temperature maintenance section S4 to be shorter than tm4 [sec] specified in the heating profile. As a result, when the consumption of the aerosol source or flavor component during the first acquisition target period A1 is considered to be greater than expected when the heating profile was designed, the second temperature maintenance section S4 can be shortened to bring forward the timing at which heating by the heating unit 121 stops compared to when control is performed according to the heating profile. This makes it possible to avoid situations in which heating by the heating unit 121 continues unnecessarily even when the aerosol source or flavor component contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is about to run out.

[0143] Similarly, when the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period A2 is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value Th3, the control unit 116 shortens the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to be shorter than tm6 [sec] specified in the heating profile. As a result, when the consumption of the aerosol source or flavor component during the second acquisition target period A2 is considered to be greater than expected when the heating profile was designed, the third temperature maintenance interval S6 can be shortened to bring forward the timing at which heating by the heating unit 121 stops compared to when control is performed according to the heating profile. This makes it possible to avoid situations in which heating by the heating unit 121 continues unnecessarily even when the aerosol source or flavor component contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is about to run out.

[0144] Furthermore, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second predetermined value Th2, the control unit 116 extends the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 beyond tm4 [sec] specified in the heating profile. As a result, if the consumption of the aerosol source or flavor component during the first acquisition target period A1 is considered to be less than expected when the heating profile was designed, the control unit 116 extends the second temperature maintenance interval S4, thereby lengthening the period during which heating by the heating unit 121 continues (in other words, the period during which aerosol is generated) compared to when control is performed according to the heating profile. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped even though a sufficient amount of aerosol source and flavor component remain in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0145] Similarly, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period A2 is less than the fourth predetermined value Th4, the control unit 116 lengthens the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 beyond tm6 [sec] specified in the heating profile. As a result, if the consumption of the aerosol source or flavor component during the second acquisition target period A2 is considered to be less than expected when the heating profile was designed, the control unit 116 extends the third temperature maintenance interval S6, thereby lengthening the period during which heating by the heating unit 121 continues (in other words, the period during which aerosol is generated) compared to when control is performed according to the heating profile. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped even though a sufficient amount of aerosol source and flavor component remain in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0146] In the example described above, the first acquisition target period A1 and the second acquisition target period A2 are set as acquisition target periods, and the control unit 116 can change the length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 based on the suction time, suction volume, or suction strength in the first acquisition target period A1, and the length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 based on the suction time, suction volume, or suction strength in the second acquisition target period A2, but this is not limited to this.

[0147] For example, only the first acquisition target period A1 may be set as the acquisition target period, and the control unit 116 may change only the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 based on the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1. Alternatively, only the first acquisition target period A1 may be set as the acquisition target period, and the control unit 116 may change only the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 based on the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1. Alternatively, only the first acquisition target period A1 may be set as the acquisition target period, and the control unit 116 may change the time lengths of the second temperature maintenance interval S2 and the third temperature maintenance interval S6 based on the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1. As another example, only the second acquisition target period A2 may be set as the acquisition target period, and the control unit 116 may change only the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 based on the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the second acquisition target period A2.

[0148] By making the acquisition target period as short as possible, such as by limiting it to only the first acquisition target period A1, it is possible to reduce the burden on the control unit 116 required for processing to acquire information representing the suction state (suction time, suction amount, or suction intensity) during the acquisition target period.

[0149] For example, as described above, by setting only the first acquisition target period A1, which is shorter than half the period from when control based on the heating profile is started to when heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped, the control unit 116 only needs to execute the process of acquiring information representing the suction mode during the acquisition target period during the first half of the period during which control based on the heating profile is performed. Therefore, during the second half of the period during which control based on the heating profile is performed, the control unit 116 can be prevented from executing the process of acquiring information representing the suction mode during the acquisition target period, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 116.

[0150] Furthermore, for example, three or more acquisition target periods may be provided, such as providing other acquisition target periods in addition to the first acquisition target period A1 and the second acquisition target period A2. By providing more detailed acquisition target periods, it becomes possible to change the control mode of the heating unit 121 more precisely according to the suction mode in each acquisition target period.

[0151] Furthermore, the control unit 116 changes the duration of the third temperature maintenance interval S6, which is the time interval immediately before heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped, depending on the inhalation mode during an acquisition target period such as the second acquisition target period A2. This makes it possible to generate aerosol as planned by the heating profile, regardless of the user's inhalation mode (i.e., even when the inhalation time, inhalation volume, or inhalation intensity during an acquisition target period such as the second acquisition target period A2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value or less than a predetermined value), until the third temperature maintenance interval S6, which is the time interval immediately before heating by the heating unit 121 is stopped, arrives.

[0152] In the example described above, the temperature maintenance intervals in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained substantially constant, such as the second temperature maintenance interval S4 and the third temperature maintenance interval S6, are designated as the time intervals whose time length is to be changed. Instead of the temperature maintenance intervals, it is also possible to designate a time interval in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes, such as a temperature increase interval or a temperature decrease interval (e.g., the second temperature increase interval S5), as the time interval whose time length is to be changed. However, if this is done, shortening the time interval in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes may result in a situation in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not reach the target temperature due to insufficient time, or the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes suddenly to reach the target temperature. Such a situation is undesirable from the perspective of providing a high-quality smoking experience to the user.

[0153] In contrast, if a temperature maintenance interval in which the temperature of heating unit 121 is maintained substantially constant, such as second temperature maintenance interval S4 or third temperature maintenance interval S6, is set as a time interval whose time length is subject to change, even if the time interval is shortened, it is unlikely that the temperature of heating unit 121 will not reach the target temperature or that the temperature of heating unit 121 will change suddenly. Therefore, by setting the temperature maintenance interval as a time interval whose time length is subject to change, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the quality of the user's smoking experience will be reduced, even if the time length of the time interval is changed.

[0154] In the example described above, the second temperature maintenance interval S4, which is a low-temperature interval in which the target temperature is relatively low, is set as the time interval whose duration is to be changed. In low-temperature intervals such as the second temperature maintenance interval S4, less power is supplied to the heating unit 121 per unit time than in time intervals in which the target temperature is relatively high. Therefore, by setting a low-temperature interval such as the second temperature maintenance interval S4 as the time interval whose duration is to be changed, the time interval can be extended while suppressing an increase in the power consumed by the heating unit 121. Furthermore, low-temperature intervals such as the second temperature maintenance interval S4 are typically set to a relatively long duration, which allows for ample room for changing the duration, making it easy to change the duration.

[0155] In the example described above, the time length of the subsequent time period is changed based on the suction behavior during the acquisition target period, such as the first acquisition target period A1, but this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 116 may change the target temperature for the subsequent time period based on the suction behavior during the acquisition target period, such as the first acquisition target period A1.

[0156] Below, a specific example will be described of a case where the control unit 116 changes the target temperature for the subsequent time interval based on the suction state during a target acquisition period such as the first target acquisition period A1. Note that the following description will focus on only the differences from the example described above, and descriptions of the same points as the example described above will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0157] FIG. 9 is a diagram (part 2) showing a modified example of the control mode when the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 2) showing a modified example of the control mode when the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period is less than a second predetermined value. The vertical axes in FIGS. 9 and 10 represent the target temperature [°C]. The vertical axes in FIGS. 9 and 10 represent time [sec]. In the examples shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, only the first acquisition target period A1 is set as the acquisition target period.

[0158] 9 , if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value Th1, the control unit 116 changes (i.e., raises) the target temperature for the third temperature maintenance interval S6 (i.e., the sixth time interval S6) from the initial T3 [°C] to T3a [°C], which is higher than T3 [°C]. Here, T3a can be, for example, T3 plus a constant value ΔTa (where ΔTa > 0) (i.e., T3a = T3 + ΔTa). Note that the constant value ΔTa is preset in the control unit 116, for example, by the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0159] The aerosol generated when the stick-type substrate 150 is heated and the flavor components imparted to the aerosol depend on the heating temperature and the amount of the aerosol source and flavor components remaining in the stick-type substrate 150 at the time of heating. More specifically, the aerosol generated when the stick-type substrate 150 is heated and the flavor components imparted to the aerosol increase as the heating temperature increases, and also increase as the amount of the aerosol source and flavor components remaining in the stick-type substrate 150 at the time of heating increases.

[0160] If the inhalation time, inhalation amount, or inhalation intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value Th1, it is considered that the amount of aerosol source and flavor components remaining in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is less than that assumed when the heating profile was designed. Therefore, in such a case, even if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated to the target temperature specified in the heating profile, there may be a shortage of aerosol or flavor components imparted to the aerosol, and the user may not be able to enjoy a high-quality smoking experience.

[0161] Therefore, when the inhalation time, inhalation volume, or inhalation intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value Th1, the control unit 116 sets the target temperature for the third temperature maintenance interval S6 higher than the target temperature specified in the heating profile. This increases the amount of aerosol generated during the third temperature maintenance interval S6 and the amount of flavor components imparted to the aerosol, compared to when control is performed according to the heating profile. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience even during the third temperature maintenance interval S6.

[0162] 10 , if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second predetermined value Th2, the control unit 116 changes (i.e., lowers) the target temperature for the third temperature maintenance interval S6 (i.e., the sixth time interval S6) from the initial T3 [°C] to T3b [°C], which is lower than T3 [°C]. Here, T3b can be, for example, T3 minus a fixed value ΔTb (where ΔTa > 0) (i.e., T3b = T3 - ΔTb). Note that the fixed value ΔTb is preset in the control unit 116, for example, by the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0163] If the inhalation time, inhalation amount, or inhalation intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second predetermined value Th2, it is considered that the amount of aerosol source and flavor components remaining in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is greater than that assumed when the heating profile was designed. Therefore, in such a case, if heating is performed at the target temperature specified in the heating profile, the aerosol or the flavor components imparted to the aerosol will be excessive, and it may not be possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0164] Therefore, when the inhalation time, inhalation volume, or inhalation intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second predetermined value Th2, the control unit 116 sets the target temperature for the third temperature maintenance interval S6 lower than the target temperature specified in the heating profile. This reduces the amount of aerosol generated during the third temperature maintenance interval S6 and the flavor components imparted to the aerosol compared to when control is performed according to the heating profile. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience even during the third temperature maintenance interval S6.

[0165] As described above, the control unit 116 may change the target temperature for the subsequent time period based on the suction state in the acquisition target period such as the first acquisition target period A1.

[0166] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may change both the time length and the target temperature of the subsequent time interval based on the suction state during an acquisition target period such as the first acquisition target period A1.

[0167] As an example, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value Th1, the control unit 116 may shorten the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to the aforementioned tm6a [sec] and increase the target temperature of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to the aforementioned T3a [°C].

[0168] As another example, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction strength during the first acquisition target period A1 is less than the second predetermined value Th2, the control unit 116 may extend the time length of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to the aforementioned tm6b [sec] and lower the target temperature of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to the aforementioned T3b [°C].

[0169] In this way, even if the control unit 116 changes both the time length of the subsequent time interval and the target temperature based on the inhalation pattern during an acquisition target period such as the first acquisition target period A1, it is possible to appropriately consume the stick-shaped substrate 150 having the aerosol source and provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0170] The inhalation device 100 may have a plurality of heating profiles. For example, when there are two types of stick-shaped substrates 150, a "menthol type" that contains menthol as a flavor component and a "regular type" that does not contain menthol as a flavor component, it is conceivable to provide a heating profile for the menthol type and a heating profile for the regular type.

[0171] In this case, the control unit 116 is configured to be able to determine, for example, the type (i.e., whether it is a menthol type or a regular type) of the stick-type substrate 150. As an example, the control unit 116 can receive information indicating the type of the stick-type substrate 150 from the user via the input device of the sensor unit 112, and determine the type of the stick-type substrate 150 based on the received information.

[0172] As another example, the sensor unit 112 may detect a predetermined physical quantity (e.g., light transmittance or reflectance, or electrical resistance value) of the stick-shaped substrate 150, which differs depending on the type. Then, the control unit 116 may determine the type of the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the physical quantity detected by the sensor unit 112.

[0173] Then, based on the determination result of the type of stick-shaped substrate 150, the control unit 116 selects a heating profile to be used for controlling the current heating unit 121 from among the multiple heating profiles possessed by the inhalation device 100, and controls the heating unit 121 based on the selected heating profile. For example, when the control unit 116 determines that the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 is a menthol type, it selects a heating profile for the menthol type, and when the control unit 116 determines that the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 is a regular type, it selects a heating profile for the regular type.

[0174] In this way, the control unit 116 determines the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 and selects a heating profile based on the determination result, making it possible to control the heating unit 121 with an appropriate heating profile according to the type of stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, regardless of the type of stick-shaped substrate 150, it is possible to optimize the flavor that the user enjoys, and to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0175] The heating profile described in this embodiment may be a heating profile selected by the control unit 116 based on the determination result of the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 in this way.

[0176] Furthermore, when there are multiple heating profiles, the acquisition target period may be different for each heating profile. Similarly, the time interval for which the time length or target temperature is changed may also be different for each heating profile. Furthermore, the amount of change in the time length (e.g., the aforementioned Δta to Δtd) or the amount of change in the target temperature (e.g., the aforementioned ΔTa and ΔTb) may also be different for each heating profile.

[0177] In addition, the control unit 116 bases the time length or target temperature (i.e., control mode) specified by the heating profile on the suction mode during an acquisition target period such as the first acquisition target period A1.

[0178] 4, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value Th1, the control unit 116 sets the time length of the second temperature maintenance interval S4 to tm4a [sec], which is calculated by subtracting a constant value Δta [sec] from tm4 [sec] defined by the heating profile. As another example, as shown in FIG. 9, if the suction time, suction volume, or suction intensity during the first acquisition target period A1 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value Th1, the control unit 116 sets the target temperature of the third temperature maintenance interval S6 to T3a [°C], which is calculated by adding a constant value ΔTa [°C] to T3 [°C] defined by the heating profile.

[0179] In this way, by using the time length or target temperature specified by the heating profile as a base and then changing the time length or target temperature based on the inhalation pattern during an acquisition target period such as the first acquisition target period A1, it is possible to appropriately consume the stick-shaped substrate 150 while preventing the configuration of the inhalation device 100 from becoming complicated, thereby providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0180] Alternatively, for example, a number of heating profiles corresponding to different suction modes may be prepared in advance in the suction device 100, and the control unit 116 may select a heating profile appropriate for the user's suction mode. However, this would require a large number of heating profiles, and the storage unit 114 would need to have a large capacity to store these heating profiles. Therefore, this could complicate the configuration of the suction device 100.

[0181] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if an inhalation mode different from the standard inhalation assumed in the heating profile is performed, the inhalation device 100 can be provided that can appropriately consume the stick-shaped substrate 150 having the aerosol source and provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0182] The control method of the suction device 100 described in the above embodiment can be realized by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer (processor). The program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The program may be provided in a form stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes the program may be, for example, one included in the suction device 100 (e.g., a CPU included in the suction device 100), but is not limited thereto and may also be one included in another device that can communicate with the suction device 100 (e.g., a smartphone or a server device).

[0183] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0184] This specification and the like describes at least the following: In parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-described embodiments are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0185] (1) An inhalation device (inhalation device 100) that allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating device, the inhalation device comprising: a heating unit (heating unit 121) that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate (stick-shaped substrate 150) having an aerosol source; and a control unit (control unit 116) that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit starts controlling the heating unit in a control mode defined by the heating profile in response to a request for aerosol generation; acquires information representing a suction mode during a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in the control mode defined by the heating profile; and changes the control mode of the heating unit during a second period after the first period from the control mode defined by the heating profile to a control mode based on the suction mode during the first period.

[0186] According to (1), the control mode of the heating unit during a second period following a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control mode defined by the heating profile can be changed to a control mode based on the inhalation mode during the first period. As a result, even if the inhalation mode during the first period differs from the standard inhalation assumed by the heating profile, the heating unit can be appropriately controlled during the subsequent second period, taking into account the inhalation actually performed during the first period. This makes it possible to appropriately consume the base material and provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0187] (2) The suction device according to (1), wherein the heating profile is information specifying the target temperature and the duration of each time interval included in a plurality of consecutive time intervals (first time interval S1 to sixth time interval S6) along a time axis, and the control mode based on the suction mode in the first period is obtained by changing the duration of any of the time intervals included in the second period according to the suction mode in the first period.

[0188] According to (2), the length of any of the time intervals included in the second period after the first period can be changed depending on the suction mode during the first period. This makes it possible to advance the timing at which heating by the heating unit is stopped or lengthen the period during which heating by the heating unit is continued, depending on the suction mode during the first period. This makes it possible to avoid situations such as stopping heating by the heating unit even when sufficient aerosol source remains on the substrate, or continuing heating by the heating unit unnecessarily even when the aerosol source contained in the substrate is about to be depleted.

[0189] (3) The suction device according to (2), wherein the control mode based on the suction mode in the first period is a mode in which the time length of a time period (a sixth time period S6) immediately before heating by the heating unit is stopped is changed in accordance with the suction mode in the first period, among the time periods included in the second period.

[0190] According to (3), the time period for which the time length is changed is the time period immediately before heating by the heating unit is stopped. Therefore, until the time period immediately before heating by the heating unit is stopped, it is possible to generate aerosol as planned by the heating profile, regardless of the user's inhalation mode.

[0191] (4) The suction device according to (2), wherein the plurality of time intervals include a first heating interval (first time interval S1) that is set first, a temperature decreasing interval (third time interval S3) that is set after the first heating interval and in which the target temperature is lower than that of the first heating interval, a second heating interval (fifth time interval S5) that is set after the temperature decreasing interval and in which the target temperature is higher than that of the temperature decreasing interval, and a low temperature interval (fourth time interval S4) in which the target temperature is lower than that of the second heating interval, and the control mode based on the suction mode in the first time interval is a mode in which the time length of the low temperature interval among the time intervals included in the second time interval is changed according to the suction mode in the first time interval.

[0192] According to (4), the time period for which the time length is changed is a low-temperature period in which the target temperature is relatively low, so that the time period can be extended while suppressing an increase in the power consumed by the heating unit.

[0193] (5) The suction device according to (2), wherein the plurality of time periods include temperature maintenance periods (fourth time period S4, sixth time period S6) in which the control unit controls the temperature of the heating unit to maintain a constant temperature, and the control mode based on the suction mode in the first period is a control mode in which the time length of the temperature maintenance period among the time periods included in the second period is changed according to the suction mode in the first period.

[0194] According to (5), the time period for which the time length is changed is a temperature maintenance period in which the temperature of the heating section is kept approximately constant. Therefore, even if the time length of the time period is changed, it is possible to prevent situations from occurring that could degrade the quality of the user's smoking experience.

[0195] (6) The suction device according to (1), wherein the heating profile is information specifying the target temperature and the time length of each time interval included in a plurality of consecutive time intervals (first time interval S1 to sixth time interval S6) along a time axis, and the control mode based on the suction mode in the first period is a control mode in which the target temperature in any of the time intervals included in the second period is changed according to the suction mode in the first period.

[0196] According to (6), the target temperature for any time interval included in the second period after the first period can be changed depending on the inhalation mode during the first period. As a result, even if the inhalation mode during the first period differs from the standard inhalation assumed in the heating profile, an appropriate amount of aerosol can be generated during the second period, making it possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0197] (7) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the first period is a period from when control of the heating unit is started in a control mode defined by the heating profile or when a suction-enabled period is started until a predetermined time (a first predetermined time Tm1, a second predetermined time Tm2) has elapsed or a predetermined number of suctions have been performed.

[0198] According to (7), it is possible to secure a relatively long period as the first period.

[0199] (8) The suction device according to (7), wherein the first period is a period from when control of the heating unit is started in a control manner defined by the heating profile or when a suction-enabled period is started until the predetermined time has elapsed, and the predetermined time is shorter than half the period (tm1+tm2+tm3+tm4+tm5+tm6) from when control of the heating unit is started in a control manner defined by the heating profile or when a suction-enabled period is started until heating by the heating unit is stopped.

[0200] According to (8), in the latter half of the period in which the heating unit is controlled in the control mode specified by the heating profile, the control unit can be prevented from executing the process of acquiring the suction mode in the first period, thereby reducing the processing burden on the control unit.

[0201] (9) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the heating profile is one selected from a plurality of heating profiles prepared in advance, the control unit is configured to be able to distinguish the type of the substrate, and the one heating profile is a heating profile selected by the control unit based on the result of distinguishing the type of the substrate.

[0202] According to (9), it is possible to control the heating section with an appropriate heating profile according to the type of substrate.

[0203] (10) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the suction mode in the first period is any one of a suction time in the first period, a suction amount in the first period, and a suction intensity in the first period, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0204] According to (10), the control mode of the heating unit in the second period can be changed depending on the suction time in the first period, the suction amount in the first period, or the suction strength in the first period.

[0205] (11) The suction device according to (10), wherein the suction mode in the first period includes at least a suction amount in the first period, and the suction amount in the first period is either a maximum value (Fw20) of a flow rate generated by one suction in the first period, an integrated value (Fw10+Fw20) of a flow rate generated by multiple suctions in the first period, or a maximum value (Fw21) of a flow rate per unit time in the first period.

[0206] According to (11), the control mode of the heating unit in the second period can be changed according to the maximum flow rate generated by one suction in the first period, the integrated value of the flow rate generated by multiple suctions in the first period, or the maximum flow rate per unit time in the first period.

[0207] (12) The suction device according to (10), wherein the suction mode in the first period includes at least a suction time in the first period, and the suction time in the first period is a length of a period during which the flow rate generated by suction in the first period is equal to or greater than a threshold value (threshold value ThX) (tm11+tm21), a maximum value of the suction time for one suction in the first period (tm20), or an integrated value of the suction time for multiple suctions in the first period (tm10+tm20).

[0208] According to (12), the control mode of the heating unit in the second period can be changed depending on the length of the period during which the flow rate generated by suction in the first period is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the maximum value of the suction time for one suction in the first period, or the cumulative value of the suction time for multiple suctions in the first period.

[0209] (13) The suction device according to (10), wherein the suction mode in the first period includes at least a suction intensity in the first period, and the suction intensity in the first period is a maximum value of the suction intensity per unit time in the first period or an integrated value of the suction intensity per unit time in the first period.

[0210] According to (13), the control mode of the heating unit in the second period can be changed according to the maximum value of the suction strength per unit time in the first period or the integrated value of the suction strength per unit time in the first period.

[0211] (14) A control method in which a computer (control unit 116) controls an inhalation device (inhalation device 100) that includes a heating unit (heating unit 121) that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate (stick-shaped substrate 150) having an aerosol source, and that allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit, and in response to a request for generation of an aerosol, starts control of the heating unit in a control mode defined by a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit (step Sp11), acquires information representing the suction mode during a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in the control mode defined by the heating profile (step Sp12), and changes the control mode of the heating unit during a second period after the first period from the control mode defined by the heating profile to a control mode based on the suction mode during the first period (steps Sp14 to Sp17, steps Sp19 to Sp22).

[0212] According to (14), the control mode of the heating unit during a second period following a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control mode defined by the heating profile can be changed to a control mode based on the inhalation mode during the first period. As a result, even if the inhalation mode during the first period differs from the standard inhalation assumed by the heating profile, the heating unit can be appropriately controlled during the subsequent second period, taking into account the inhalation actually performed during the first period. This makes it possible to appropriately consume the base material and provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0213] (15) A program for causing a computer (controller 116) to control an inhalation device (inhalation device 100) that includes a heating unit (heating unit 121) that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate (stick-shaped substrate 150) having an aerosol source, and that enables a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit, to execute the following processes in response to a request for generation of an aerosol: start control of the heating unit in a control mode defined by a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit (step Sp11); acquire information representing the suction mode during a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in the control mode defined by the heating profile (step Sp12); and change the control mode of the heating unit during a second period after the first period from the control mode defined by the heating profile to a control mode based on the suction mode during the first period (steps Sp14 to Sp17, steps Sp19 to Sp22).

[0214] According to (15), the control mode of the heating unit during a second period following a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control mode defined by the heating profile can be changed to a control mode based on the inhalation mode during the first period. As a result, even if the inhalation mode during the first period differs from the standard inhalation assumed by the heating profile, the heating unit can be appropriately controlled during the subsequent second period, taking into account the inhalation actually performed during the first period. This makes it possible to appropriately consume the base material and provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0215] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Suction device 112 Sensor unit (detection unit) 116 Control unit 121 Heating unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate (substrate) S1 First time period (time period, first temperature increase period) S2 Second time period (time period) S3 Third time period (time period, temperature decrease period) S4 Fourth time period (time period, low temperature period, temperature maintenance period) S5 Fifth time period (time period, second temperature increase period) S6 Sixth time period (time period, temperature maintenance period)

Claims

1. a heating section for heating a substrate having an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, An inhalation device that allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit, The control unit is In response to a request for generating an aerosol, control of the heating unit is started in a control manner defined by the heating profile; acquiring information representing a suction mode during a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control mode defined by the heating profile; changing a control mode of the heating unit in a second period after the first period from a control mode defined by the heating profile to a control mode based on a suction mode in the first period; Suction device.

2. 2. The suction device according to claim 1, the heating profile is information that specifies a time length of each time section included in a plurality of consecutive time sections along a time axis and the target temperature; the control mode based on the suction mode in the first period is a mode in which the time length of any one of the time sections included in the second period is changed in accordance with the suction mode in the first period. Suction device.

3. 3. The suction device according to claim 2, the control mode based on the suction mode in the first period is a mode in which the time length of a time period immediately before heating by the heating unit is stopped, among time periods included in the second period, is changed in accordance with the suction mode in the first period. Suction device.

4. 3. The suction device according to claim 2, the plurality of time sections include a first heating section provided first, a temperature decreasing section provided after the first heating section and in which the target temperature is lower than that of the first heating section, a second heating section provided after the temperature decreasing section and in which the target temperature is higher than that of the temperature decreasing section, and a low temperature section in which the target temperature is lower than that of the second heating section, The control mode based on the suction mode in the first period is a control mode in which the time length of the low temperature section among the time sections included in the second period is changed in accordance with the suction mode in the first period. Suction device.

5. 3. The suction device according to claim 2, the plurality of time periods includes a temperature maintaining period in which the control unit controls the temperature of the heating unit to maintain a constant temperature; the control mode based on the suction mode in the first period is a mode in which the time length of the temperature maintenance section among the time sections included in the second period is changed in accordance with the suction mode in the first period. Suction device.

6. 2. The suction device according to claim 1, the heating profile is information that specifies a time length of each time section included in a plurality of consecutive time sections along a time axis and the target temperature; the control mode based on the suction mode in the first period is a control mode in which the target temperature in any time period included in the second period is changed in accordance with the suction mode in the first period. Suction device.

7. 7. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The first period is a period from when control of the heating unit is started in a control mode defined by the heating profile or when a suction-enabled period is started until a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number of suctions have been performed. Suction device.

8. 8. The suction device according to claim 7, the first period is a period from when control of the heating unit is started in a control manner defined by the heating profile or from when a suction-enabled period is started until the predetermined time has elapsed, the predetermined time is shorter than half of a period from when control of the heating unit is started in the control mode defined by the heating profile or when a suction-enabled period is started to when heating by the heating unit is stopped. Suction device.

9. 7. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The heating profile is one selected from a plurality of heating profiles prepared in advance, The control unit is configured to be able to distinguish the type of the base material, The one heating profile is a heating profile selected by the control unit based on a result of determining the type of the base material. Suction device.

10. 7. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The suction mode in the first period is any one of a suction time in the first period, a suction amount in the first period, and a suction intensity in the first period, or a combination of two or more of these. Suction device.

11. 11. The suction device according to claim 10, The suction mode in the first period includes at least a suction amount in the first period, The suction amount in the first period is any one of a maximum value of a flow rate generated by one suction in the first period, an integrated value of a flow rate generated by multiple suctions in the first period, and a maximum value of a flow rate per unit time in the first period. Suction device.

12. 11. The suction device according to claim 10, The suction mode in the first period includes at least a suction time in the first period, The suction time in the first period is a length of a period during which a flow rate generated by suction in the first period is equal to or greater than a threshold value, a maximum value of a suction time for one suction in the first period, or an integrated value of a suction time for multiple suctions in the first period. Suction device.

13. 11. The suction device according to claim 10, The suction mode in the first period includes at least a suction intensity in the first period, the suction intensity in the first period is a maximum value of the suction intensity per unit time in the first period, or an integrated value of the suction intensity per unit time in the first period; Suction device.

14. A computer controls a suction device that includes a heating unit that heats a substrate having an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit, In response to a request for generating an aerosol, control of the heating unit is started in a control mode defined by a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; acquiring information representing a suction mode during a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control mode defined by the heating profile; changing a control mode of the heating unit in a second period after the first period from a control mode defined by the heating profile to a control mode based on a suction mode in the first period; A control method for performing a process.

15. A computer controls a suction device that includes a heating unit that heats a substrate having an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit. In response to a request for generating an aerosol, control of the heating unit is started in a control mode defined by a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; acquiring information representing a suction mode during a first period in which the heating unit is controlled in a control mode defined by the heating profile; changing a control mode of the heating unit in a second period after the first period from a control mode defined by the heating profile to a control mode based on a suction mode in the first period; A program that executes a process.