Aerosol generation system and control method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of improving usability related to communication. [Solution] An aerosol generation system comprising: a generation unit that generates an aerosol using a base material containing an aerosol source; a communication unit that sends and receives information wirelessly; a sensor unit that detects a user's operation applied to the aerosol generation system; and a control unit that controls the connection procedures with another aerosol generation system by the communication unit on the basis of a predetermined user's operation detected by the sensor unit.

Description

Aerosol generating system and control method

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

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

[0003] In recent years, it has been considered to equip suction devices with a communication function. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for detachably attaching an accessory having a communication function to a suction device.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-121191

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has only recently been developed, and there is still room for improvement in various respects.

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

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generation system is provided, which includes a generation unit that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source, a communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information, a sensor unit that detects user operations applied to the aerosol generation system, and a control unit that controls the connection procedure with other aerosol generation systems via the communication unit based on the specified user operations detected by the sensor unit.

[0008] The aerosol generation system has an opening through which the substrate can be inserted, and is equipped with a storage section that stores the substrate inserted through the opening, and a lid section that opens and closes the opening, and the specified user operation may include an operation to open or close the lid section.

[0009] The control unit may control the communication unit to start the connection procedure with the other aerosol generation system as the connection partner when the specified user operation is detected, and the connection procedure may include executing the connection procedure while switching between sending advertisements and waiting to receive advertisements.

[0010] The control unit may select whether or not to connect to the other aerosol generation system based on information indicating the timing at which the specified user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system and information indicating the timing at which the specified user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system.

[0011] The control unit may select whether to send or receive the information to be copied based on information indicating the timing when the specified user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system and information indicating the timing when the specified user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system.

[0012] The control unit may select whether the aerosol generation system will operate as a control entity or as a controlled object that operates based on control by the control entity, based on information indicating the timing when the specified user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system and information indicating the timing when the specified user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system.

[0013] During the connection procedure, the communication unit may transmit information indicating the timing at which a specified user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system, or receive information indicating the timing at which the specified user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system.

[0014] The communication unit may transmit information indicating the timing at which the specified user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system, or receive information indicating the timing at which the specified user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system, in the connection established through the connection procedure.

[0015] The control unit may select whether the aerosol generation system will operate as a control entity or as a controlled object that operates based on control by the control entity based on the identification information of the aerosol generation system and the identification information of the other aerosol generation system.

[0016] The communication unit may transmit the identification information of the aerosol generation system or receive the identification information of the other aerosol generation system during the connection procedure.

[0017] The control unit may control the communication unit to send or receive information to be copied when a first user operation is detected in the aerosol generation system and a second user operation corresponding to the first user operation is detected in the other aerosol generation system as a trigger.

[0018] The communication unit may transmit information indicating the first user operation detected in the aerosol generation system, or receive information indicating the second user operation detected in the other aerosol generation system.

[0019] The aerosol generation system may further include a notification unit that notifies information, and the control unit may control the notification unit to notify information indicating that transmission or reception of the information to be copied has begun or that transmission or reception of the information to be copied has been completed.

[0020] The control unit may control the notification unit to notify different information when the information to be copied is transmitted and when it is received.

[0021] The information to be copied may include at least one of first control information that defines an operation of the generation unit and second control information that defines an operation of the notification unit.

[0022] When receiving the information to be copied, the control unit may set an upper limit on the number of times the information to be copied can be used.

[0023] When a third user operation is detected, the control unit may select a connection partner limited to the other aerosol generation systems.

[0024] The aerosol generating system comprises a first device having the generating unit and a second device to which the first device can be connected, and the specified user operation may include an operation to disconnect the first device from the second device or to connect the first device to the second device.

[0025] The aerosol generation system may further include a button, and the predetermined user operation may include pressing the button.

[0026] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system having a generation unit that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source, a communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information, and a sensor unit that detects user operations applied to the aerosol generation system, and the control method includes controlling a connection procedure with another aerosol generation system by the communication unit based on a predetermined user operation detected by the sensor unit.

[0027] As described above, according to the present disclosure, a mechanism capable of improving usability in communication is provided.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a suction device. FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of a suction device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view of a suction device according to the present embodiment in a state in which a stick-shaped substrate is held. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed in a system according to a first modified example. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an aerosol generation system according to a second modified example.

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0030] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a plurality of suction devices 100 (100A and 100B) and a plurality of terminal devices 200 (200A and 200B).

[0031] The inhalation device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 is assumed to be an aerosol. The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 may be a gas. The inhalation device 100 can accommodate a stick-type substrate 150. The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol using the accommodated stick-type substrate 150. The stick-type substrate 150 is an example of a substrate that contributes to the generation of an aerosol. The stick-type substrate 150 contains an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the accommodated stick-type substrate 150.

[0032] The terminal device 200 is a device used by a user of the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 is associated with the suction device 100. The suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be paired in advance for wireless communication, or the fact that the users of the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are the same may be registered in advance in a server that manages information about the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 communicates with the suction device 100 associated with the terminal device 200 to perform operation settings, etc., of the suction device 100. The terminal device 200 may be any device, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, or a PC (Personal Computer). Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may be a charger that charges the suction device 100.

[0033] The system 1 includes a plurality of suction devices 100 and a plurality of terminal devices 200 used by a plurality of users. As an example, a user who uses the suction device 100A and the terminal device 200A will also be referred to as user A. A user who uses the suction device 100B and the terminal device 200B will also be referred to as user B.

[0034] In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different letters after the same reference numeral. For example, multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished as necessary, such as suction device 100A and suction device 100B. However, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral may be used. For example, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between suction device 100A and suction device 100B, they will simply be referred to as suction device 100.

[0035] (2) Configuration Example of Suction Device 100 - Internal Configuration Example Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the suction device. As shown in Fig. 2, the suction device 100 according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the suction device 100. In particular, the sensor unit 112 detects user operations applied to the suction device 100. As one example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device that accepts information input from the user, such as a button or switch. As another example, the sensor unit 112 may have an inertial sensor such as a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor, and may acquire values ​​associated with changes in the position or attitude of the suction device 100. As another example, the sensor unit 112 may detect operations such as a change in the position of the lid unit 14, which will be described later.

[0038] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured by, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0039] The storage unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0040] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0041] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0042] The storage unit 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 storage unit 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the storage unit 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the storage unit 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0043] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicament. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0044] The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0045] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0046] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0047] 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 storage 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 storage 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 storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0048] As another example, the storage 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 storage unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to hold and store the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the holding location in the storage unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0049] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100 has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100 or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0050] The heating unit 121 is an example of a generating unit that generates an aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing unit 140. Other examples of the generating unit include the above-mentioned electromagnetic induction source and / or susceptor.

[0051] The inhalation device 100 cooperates with the stick-shaped substrate 150 to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be considered an aerosol generating system.

[0052] - Example of external configuration Fig. 3 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment in a state in which a stick-shaped substrate 150 is housed.

[0053] 3 and 4 , the inhalation device 100 includes a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, a lid portion 14, a vent 15, and a cap 16. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other to form the outermost housing 11 of the inhalation device 100. The outer housing 11 is sized to fit in a user's hand. When using the inhalation device 100, the user can hold the inhalation device 100 in their hand and inhale the flavor.

[0054] The top housing 11A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 12 is coupled to the top housing 11A to close the opening. As shown in FIG. 4 , the cover 12 has an opening 142 through which the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be inserted. The lid 14 is configured to open and close the opening 142 of the cover 12. Specifically, the lid 14 is attached to the cover 12 and configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position that closes the opening 142 and a second position that opens the opening 142. This allows the lid 14 to permit or restrict access of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to the interior of the suction device 100 (the internal space 141 shown in FIG. 1 ). Opening the opening 142 with the lid 14 will hereinafter also be referred to as opening the lid 14. Furthermore, closing the opening 142 with the lid 14 will also be referred to as closing the lid 14.

[0055] The switch 13 is used to switch the operation of the inhalation device 100 on and off. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , a user can insert the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the internal space 141 through the opening 142 and operate the switch 13 to supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121, thereby heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 without burning it. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated, a flavored aerosol is generated from the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150. The user can inhale the flavored aerosol by inhaling the portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 protruding from the inhalation device 100 (the portion shown in FIG. 4 , i.e., the mouthpiece portion 152).

[0056] The vent 15 is a vent for introducing air into the internal space 141. The air taken into the interior of the suction device 100 through the vent 15 is introduced into the internal space 141, for example, from the bottom 143 of the storage section 140. The cap 16 is configured to be detachable from the bottom housing 11B. By attaching the cap 16 to the bottom housing 11B, the vent 15 is formed between the bottom housing 11B and the cap 16. The cap 16 may have, for example, a through-hole or a notch (not shown).

[0057] 2. BLE The suction device 100 transmits and receives information wirelessly. In particular, the suction device 100 performs wireless communication in accordance with BLE. BLE will be described in detail below.

[0058] In BLE, communication procedures between devices are defined as protocols. Standardized methods for using the protocols are defined as profiles. There are two types of profiles: those standardized for each device characteristic, and those that are independent of device characteristics. The latter type of profile is also called a generic profile. The generic profile operates as a lower layer than the profiles for each device characteristic. An example of a profile and a protocol defined in BLE will be described below.

[0059] -GAP (Generic Access Profile) GAP is a generic profile that defines procedures for enabling communication between devices. In GAP, there are two types of device roles: central and peripheral. The central is responsible for controlling communication. The peripheral connects to the central and communicates with it based on the control of the central.

[0060] A peripheral first broadcasts an advertising packet (hereinafter also simply referred to as an advertisement). After transmitting the advertisement, the peripheral waits to receive a connection request from the central. The peripheral repeats transmitting and waiting to receive the advertisement until it receives a connection request. An advertisement is a signal that notifies the receiver of the advertisement of the existence of the sender of the advertisement. An advertisement can include various information such as information about the peripheral, information specifying whether to scan, and information specifying the connection partner.

[0061] A central discovers peripherals by receiving advertisements. Based on the received advertisements, the central determines whether to allow a connection with the peripheral. The central may send a scan request, which requests the transmission of additional information to determine whether to allow or deny the connection. When a peripheral receives a scan request, it sends the requested additional information. The central sends a connection request to the peripheral that it has allowed to connect to, thereby establishing the connection. Note that the method of waiting to receive advertisements and receiving advertisements from the surrounding area is also called passive scanning. On the other hand, the method of waiting to receive advertisements from the surrounding area, receiving advertisements from the surrounding area, and then requesting the sender of the advertisement to send additional information is also called active scanning.

[0062] - GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) GATT is a generic profile that specifies data transmission and reception and data structure. In GATT, there are two types of device roles: client and server. A client sends a request to a server and receives a response from the server. A server receives a request from a client and sends a response. Either a server or a client may notify the other of information. Typically, a peripheral is a server and a central is a client, but the reverse is also possible.

[0063] - SM (Security Manager) SM is a protocol for establishing security. In GAP, there are two types of device roles: initiator and responder. The initiator corresponds to the central in GAP. The responder corresponds to the peripheral in GAP.

[0064] SM defines pairing, which is a procedure for generating and exchanging temporary encryption keys. Pairing is performed in a connection established by the procedure defined in GAP.

[0065] The SM defines bonding. Bonding is a procedure performed after pairing, in which persistent encryption keys are generated and exchanged. The persistent encryption keys are stored in both devices. In subsequent connections, communication is performed using the stored persistent encryption keys, so there is no need to perform bonding again.

[0066] The SM defines encryption re-establishment, which is a procedure for re-establishing a secure connection using persistent encryption keys stored by bonding.

[0067] Typically, pairing with bonding is performed. However, non-bondable pairing may also be performed. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, pairing refers to pairing with bonding and is a concept that includes both the pairing and bonding procedures described above. Furthermore, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, connection refers to a secure connection using a persistent encryption key that is generated, exchanged, and stored during bonding.

[0068] <3. Technical Features> (1) Overview Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an overview of system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in the upper part of Fig. 5, when user A and user B open lid 14A of suction device 100A and lid 14B of suction device 100B at approximately the same time, suction device 100A and suction device 100B execute a connection procedure and establish a wireless connection. Here, "approximately simultaneously" refers to a time difference that is less than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be on the order of several seconds; that is, "approximately simultaneously" is a concept that allows for a time difference of on the order of several seconds.

[0069] 5, when the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B are each shaken up and down, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B transmit and receive information to be copied. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the suction device 100A transmits the information to be copied to the suction device 100B.

[0070] 5, suction device 100B operates based on the information to be copied, such as by heating stick-shaped substrate 150, based on the information to be copied received from suction device 100A. An example of the information to be copied is control information that defines the operation of suction device 100. In this case, suction device 100B can copy (i.e., reproduce) the operation of suction device 100A.

[0071] As described above, the suction device 100 detects a predetermined user operation applied to the suction device 100. The suction device 100 then controls communication with other devices based on the detected predetermined user operation. The predetermined user operation may be an operation to open or close the lid 14. That is, the suction device 100 may control a connection procedure with another suction device 100 based on the operation of opening or closing the lid 14. The suction device 100 then controls the transmission and reception of information with the other suction device 100 based on a change in the position or posture of the suction device 100. This configuration enables the connection and transmission and reception of information between the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B to be performed with simple operations and without the intervention of the terminal device 200A and the terminal device 200B. Therefore, usability can be significantly improved in use cases such as when user A wants to reproduce a favorite operation on the suction device 100B. Hereinafter, the predetermined user operation is assumed to be an operation to open the lid 14.

[0072] (2) Connection Procedure The suction device 100 may initiate a connection procedure with another suction device 100 as a connection partner, triggered by the detection of a specific user operation, i.e., the opening of the cover 14. The connection procedure includes switching between sending an advertisement and waiting to receive an advertisement. That is, the suction device 100 switches between operating as a central and operating as a peripheral. This allows the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B to discover each other's presence and send and receive information about each other before connecting. Note that waiting to receive an advertisement may be passive scanning or active scanning. The connection procedure also includes a series of procedures for establishing a connection, such as sending a connection request, pairing, and bonding. With this configuration, a user can start a connection procedure between the suction device 100 and another suction device 100 simply by opening the cover 14.

[0073] - Selection of a connection partner The suction device 100 selects a connection partner. A connection partner is a device with which a connection is established and communication is to be performed. Here, selecting a connection partner may refer to selecting a connection partner based on information obtained before the connection is established. That is, the suction device 100 may select a connection partner based on information obtained in passive scanning or active scanning. Alternatively, selecting a connection partner may refer to establishing a trial connection, and then continuing or disconnecting the connection based on information obtained in the established connection, until a connection partner with which the connection will be continued is found.

[0074] The suction device 100 may select a connection partner based on the reception strength of the advertisement. An example of reception strength is RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). As an example, the suction device 100 may select a sender whose reception strength of the advertisement exceeds a predetermined threshold as a connection partner. However, if there are multiple senders whose reception strength of the advertisement exceeds the predetermined threshold, the suction device 100 may select the sender whose reception strength of the advertisement exceeds the predetermined threshold as a connection partner and attempt to connect to it in descending order.

[0075] The suction device 100A may select whether to connect to the suction device 100B based on information indicating the timing at which a predetermined user operation was detected in the suction device 100A and information indicating the timing at which a predetermined user operation was detected in the suction device 100B. That is, the suction device 100A may select whether to connect to the suction device 100B based on information indicating the timing at which the lid 14A of the suction device 100A was opened and information indicating the timing at which the lid 14B of the suction device 100B was opened. An example of the information indicating the timing at which the lid 14 of the suction device 100 was opened is the time at which the lid 14 of the suction device 100 was opened or the elapsed time since the lid 14 of the suction device 100 was opened. For example, the suction device 100A may select the suction device 100B as a connection partner if the time difference between the timing at which the lid 14A of the suction device 100A was opened and the timing at which the lid 14B of the suction device 100B was opened is less than a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, suction device 100A may exclude suction device 100B from its connection partners if the time difference between the opening of lid 14A of suction device 100A and the opening of lid 14B of suction device 100B is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. With this configuration, suction device 100A and suction device 100B can be connected only when user A and user B open lid 14A and lid 14B at approximately the same time with the intention of transmitting and receiving information to be copied.

[0076] During the connection procedure, the suction device 100A may transmit information indicating the timing at which a predetermined user operation was detected in the suction device 100A, or may receive information indicating the timing at which a predetermined user operation was detected in the suction device 100B. That is, during the connection procedure, the suction device 100A may transmit information indicating the timing at which the lid 14A of the suction device 100A was opened, or may receive information indicating the timing at which the lid 14B of the suction device 100B was opened. As an example, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B may transmit and receive information indicating the timing at which the lid 14A was opened and information indicating the timing at which the lid 14B was opened during passive scanning or active scanning. This configuration allows the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B to confirm whether they are appropriate as connection partners before connecting.

[0077] In a connection established through the connection procedure, the suction device 100A may transmit information indicating the timing at which a predetermined user operation was detected in the suction device 100A, or may receive information indicating the timing at which a predetermined user operation was detected in the suction device 100B. That is, in a connection established through the connection procedure, the suction device 100A may transmit information indicating the timing at which the lid 14A of the suction device 100A was opened, or may receive information indicating the timing at which the lid 14B of the suction device 100B was opened. As an example, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B may transmit and receive information indicating the timing at which the lid 14A was opened and information indicating the timing at which the lid 14B was opened after establishing a trial connection. With this configuration, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B can confirm whether they are suitable as connection partners after the trial connection.

[0078] - Central / Peripheral Selection The suction device 100 selects whether it operates as a control subject or as a control target that operates under the control of the control subject. That is, the suction device 100 selects whether it operates as a central or peripheral role. More specifically, in the connection procedure, the suction device 100 selects whether it will send a connection request as a central or wait for a connection request as a peripheral. Here, selecting a role may refer to selecting a role based on information obtained before connection. That is, the suction device 100 may select a role based on information obtained in passive scanning or active scanning. Alternatively, selecting a role may refer to selecting a role on a trial basis, establishing a connection, and then continuing or changing the role selected on a trial basis based on information obtained during the established connection. Note that changing the role selected on a trial basis refers to temporarily disconnecting the connection and reconnecting with the changed role.

[0079] Suction device 100A may select whether to operate as a central or peripheral device based on information indicating the timing at which a predetermined user operation was detected in suction device 100A and information indicating the timing at which a predetermined user operation was detected in suction device 100B. That is, suction device 100A may select whether to operate as a central or peripheral device based on information indicating the timing at which lid 14A of suction device 100A was opened and information indicating the timing at which lid 14B of suction device 100B was opened. As an example, suction device 100A may select to operate as a central device if lid 14A is opened earlier than lid 14B, and may select to operate as a peripheral device otherwise. With this configuration, user A and user B can select which suction device 100 to operate as a central or peripheral device by intentionally staggering the timing at which lid 14A and lid 14B are opened. Therefore, for example, it is easy to make one of the suction devices 100A and 100B, which has a larger remaining battery level or a higher processing function, function as the central device.

[0080] The suction device 100A may select whether to operate as a central or a peripheral based on the identification information of the suction device 100A and the identification information of the suction device 100B. One example of the identification information is a serial number uniquely assigned to each suction device 100. The serial number may include information indicating the manufacturing date, such as a larger number for a newer suction device 100. The serial number may also include information indicating the functions of the suction device 100, such as an alphabet corresponding to the functions of the suction device 100. As an example, the suction device 100A may determine to operate as a central if its manufacturing date is older than the suction device 100B, and may select to operate as a peripheral if its manufacturing date is not older than the suction device 100B. Hereinafter, an older or newer manufacturing date may also be referred to as an older or newer serial number. As another example, the suction device 100A may operate as a central if its communication function is superior to that of the suction device 100B, and may select to operate as a peripheral if its communication function is not superior to the suction device 100B. With this configuration, it becomes possible to more easily select whether to operate as a central or peripheral.

[0081] The suction device 100A may transmit its own identification information or receive the identification information of the suction device 100B during the connection procedure. As an example, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B may transmit and receive each other's serial numbers during passive scanning or active scanning. This configuration makes it possible to easily select whether to operate as a central or a peripheral before connection. Of course, the suction device 100A may transmit its own identification information or receive the identification information of the suction device 100B during the connection established through the connection procedure.

[0082] (3) Transmission and Reception of Information to be Copied The suction device 100A may transmit or receive information to be copied when a first user operation is detected in the suction device 100A and a second user operation corresponding to the first user operation is detected in the suction device 100B. The first user operation and the second user operation may be the same user operation or different user operations. An example of the first user operation or the second user operation is an operation that changes the position or orientation of the suction device 100, such as shaking the suction device 100 up and down or left and right. With this configuration, users A and B can transmit and receive information to be copied by each performing a corresponding user operation. In other words, the information to be copied can be transmitted and received only when users explicitly express their desire to transmit and receive the information to be copied. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the information to be copied from being transmitted and received if users A and B happen to open the cover 14 at approximately the same time.

[0083] The suction device 100A transmits information indicating a first user operation detected by the suction device 100A, or receives information indicating a second user operation detected by the suction device 100B. An example of the information indicating the first user operation is information indicating time-series changes in the acceleration and angular velocity of the suction device 100. The same applies to the information indicating the second user operation. When the suction device 100A receives information indicating the second user operation from the suction device 100B, the suction device 100A can determine whether the first user operation and the second user operation have been detected and trigger transmission and reception of the information to be copied. Similarly, when the suction device 100B receives information indicating the first user operation from the suction device 100A, the suction device 100B can determine whether the first user operation and the second user operation have been detected and trigger transmission and reception of the information to be copied.

[0084] The suction device 100A may transmit information indicating a first user operation when operating as a peripheral, and may receive information indicating a second user operation when operating as a central. That is, the central may determine whether the first user operation and the second user operation have been detected based on the information received from the peripheral, and may trigger transmission and reception of the information to be copied.

[0085] The suction device 100A may select whether to send or receive the information to be copied based on information indicating the timing at which a specific user operation was detected in the suction device 100A and information indicating the timing at which a specific user operation was detected in the suction device 100B. That is, the suction device 100A may select whether to send or receive the information to be copied based on information indicating the timing at which the lid 14A of the suction device 100A was opened and information indicating the timing at which the lid 14B of the suction device 100B was opened. As an example, the suction device 100A may send the information to be copied if the lid 14A is opened earlier than the lid 14B, and may receive the information to be copied otherwise. With this configuration, users A and B can select the direction of transmission of the information to be copied by intentionally staggering the timing at which the lids 14A and 14B are opened.

[0086] When the suction device 100A operates as a central, it may select whether to transmit or receive the information to be copied. On the other hand, when the suction device 100A operates as a peripheral, it may transmit or receive the information to be copied based on the selection result by the central.

[0087] The information to be copied may include at least one of first control information that defines the operation of the heating unit 121 and second control information that defines the operation of the notification unit 113. The first control information may be a heating profile. The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. For example, the heating profile may be information that defines the time series transition of the temperature of the heating unit 121. In this case, the inhalation device 100 changes the temperature of the heating unit 121 as defined in the heating profile. The temperature at which the aerosol source is heated has a direct impact on the flavor experienced by the user. In this regard, since heating profiles can be easily copied between users, users can easily enjoy other users' favorite flavors. Furthermore, the second control information may be a notification setting. The notification setting is a combination of a condition and information to be notified when the condition is met. The notification setting directly affects the usability of the inhalation device 100. In this regard, since notification settings can be easily copied between users, users can easily enjoy other users' favorite usability.

[0088] When the suction device 100 receives information to be copied, it may set a maximum number of times the information to be copied can be used. That is, the suction device 100 may limit the number of times it can operate based on the received control information. An example of the maximum number of times is one. For example, when the suction device 100B receives heating profile A from the suction device 100A, it backs up the heating profile B that it had been using and then performs heating based on heating profile A. Then, when the number of times heating based on heating profile A reaches the maximum number of times, the suction device 100B deletes heating profile A and performs heating based on heating profile B the next time. If user B likes heating profile A, he or she can operate the terminal device 200B to install heating profile A on the suction device 100B or cancel the maximum number of times. This configuration allows the state before the information to be copied is easily restored. This reduces the psychological burden of exchanging heating profiles or notification settings between users, allowing users to easily enjoy new experiences.

[0089] (4) Cancellation of Communication The suction device 100 may cancel communication when a predetermined condition is met. Cancellation of communication includes interrupting the connection procedure, disconnecting an already established connection, and interrupting transmission and reception of the information to be copied. More simply, cancellation of communication may include turning off the communication function of the communication unit 115.

[0090] An example of the predetermined condition is heating the stick-shaped substrate 150. That is, the suction device 100 may cancel communication when it starts to heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 or when it is currently heating the stick-shaped substrate 150. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent connection with another suction device 100 and transmission and reception of information to be copied from being erroneously performed when the user opens the lid 14 to insert and heat the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0091] Another example of the predetermined condition is the detection of a cancel operation. An example of the cancel operation is the operation of closing the cover 14. The suction device 100 may start over from the connection procedure the next time the cover 14 is opened. With this configuration, it is possible to start over from the connection procedure when the connection partner or the transmission direction of the information to be copied is different from the user's intention.

[0092] (5) Information Notification The suction device 100 notifies the user of various information. For example, the suction device 100 may cause the light-emitting device to emit light in a light-emitting pattern corresponding to the information to be notified, and may cause the vibration device to vibrate in a vibration pattern corresponding to the information to be notified. Alternatively, the suction device 100 may notify the user of information via the terminal device 200.

[0093] For example, the suction device 100 may notify the user that transmission or reception of the information to be copied has begun or that transmission or reception of the information to be copied has been completed. Alternatively, the suction device 100A may notify the user that a connection procedure has begun or that a connection has been established. This configuration allows the user to easily grasp the status of communication by the suction device 100.

[0094] In particular, the suction device 100 may notify different information when transmitting and receiving information to be copied. For example, the suction device 100 may cause the light-emitting device to emit light in a different light-emitting pattern and / or the vibration device to vibrate in a different vibration pattern when transmitting and receiving information to be copied. This configuration allows the user to easily understand the transmission direction of the information to be copied.

[0095] (6) Processing Flow Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow executed in the system 1 according to this embodiment. This sequence involves the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B.

[0096] 6, first, suction device 100A detects the operation of lid 14A (step S102A). Similarly, suction device 100B detects the operation of lid 14B (step S102B). Here, it is assumed that lid 14A and lid 14B are opened with a difference of about one second.

[0097] Next, the suction device 100A is triggered by the opening of the cover 14A to start transmitting and waiting to receive an advertisement (step S104A). Similarly, the suction device 100B is triggered by the opening of the cover 14B to start transmitting and waiting to receive an advertisement (step S104B). Each of the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B transmits an advertisement including its own serial number. Furthermore, each of the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B measures the RSSI of the received advertisement.

[0098] Next, the suction device 100A selects a connection partner (step S106A). For example, the suction device 100A selects the suction device 100B, which is the sender of the advertisement whose RSSI exceeds a predetermined threshold and has the highest value, as the connection partner. Similarly, the suction device 100B selects a connection partner (step S106B). For example, the suction device 100B selects the suction device 100A, which is the sender of the advertisement whose RSSI exceeds a predetermined threshold and has the highest value, as the connection partner.

[0099] Next, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B select whether to operate as a central or a peripheral (steps S108A and S108B). For example, each of the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B selects to operate as a central if its own serial number is older than the serial number included in the received advertisement, and selects to operate as a peripheral if not.

[0100] Next, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B each establish a connection (step S110). For example, of the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B, the one operating as the central transmits a connection request, and the one operating as the peripheral receives the connection request. Thereafter, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B execute a series of procedures, such as pairing and bonding. Note that if the connection is not established due to a pairing failure or the like, the process returns to steps S106A and S106B.

[0101] In this sequence, an example will be described in which the suction device 100A is the central and the suction device 100B is the peripheral. Operations by the peripheral can be performed based on requests from the central. However, the following description of requests from the central will be omitted.

[0102] Next, the suction device 100B, which is the peripheral, transmits information indicating the timing at which the lid 14B was opened to the suction device 100A, which is the central (step S112). As an example, the suction device 100B may transmit the time at which the lid 14B was opened or the elapsed time from when the lid 14B was opened until the connection was established (for example, until pairing was completed) as the information indicating the timing at which the lid 14B was opened.

[0103] Next, the central suction device 100A determines whether the time difference between the timing at which the lid 14A is opened and the timing at which the lid 14B is opened is less than a predetermined threshold (step S114). If it is determined that the time difference is less than the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to the next step. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the process returns to steps S106A and S106B. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined threshold is 5 seconds, and that the time difference is determined to be less than the predetermined threshold.

[0104] Next, the suction device 100A, which is the central, selects the transmission direction of the information to be copied (step S116). As one example, the suction device 100A determines that the information to be copied should be transmitted from the suction device 100A to the suction device 100B when the timing at which the lid 14A is opened is earlier than the timing at which the lid 14B is opened. As another example, the suction device 100A determines that the information to be copied should be transmitted from the suction device 100B to the suction device 100A when the timing at which the lid 14A is opened is later than the timing at which the lid 14B is opened. Here, it is assumed that it has been determined that the information to be copied should be transmitted from the suction device 100A to the suction device 100B.

[0105] Next, the suction device 100A, which is the sender of the information to be copied, notifies that it is ready to send (step S118A). On the other hand, the suction device 100B, which is the recipient of the information to be copied, notifies that it is ready to receive (step S118B). It is desirable that the notification of the completion of preparation for sending and the notification of the completion of preparation for receiving be different, for example, by using different light emission patterns or vibration patterns.

[0106] Next, each of the suction devices 100A and 100B detects a user operation (steps S120A and S120B). For example, each of the suction devices 100A and 100B detects time-series changes in acceleration and angular velocity. If a cancel operation is detected in either the suction device 100A or the suction device 100B, communication is canceled. In this case, the process returns to steps S102A and S102B.

[0107] Next, the suction device 100B, which is a peripheral, transmits information indicating the detected user operation to the suction device 100A (step S122). As an example, the suction device 100B transmits information indicating the time-series changes in the detected acceleration and angular velocity.

[0108] Next, the suction device 100A, which is the central, determines whether the user operations match (step S124). Determining whether the user operations match refers to determining whether a second user operation corresponding to the first user operation detected by the suction device 100A has been detected by the terminal device 200B. The suction device 100A determines whether the user operations match based on the time-series changes in the acceleration and angular velocity detected by the suction device 100A and the time-series changes in the acceleration and angular velocity detected by the suction device 100B. If it is determined that the user operations match (i.e., if it is determined that a second user operation corresponding to the first user operation has been detected), the process proceeds to the next step. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user operations do not match, the process returns to steps S118A and S118B.

[0109] Next, the suction apparatus 100A, which is the sender of the information to be copied, sends the information to be copied to the suction apparatus 100B (step S126). For example, the suction apparatus 100A sends the heating profile currently being used by the suction apparatus 100A to the suction apparatus 100B.

[0110] Next, the suction device 100A, which is the sender of the information to be copied, notifies the suction device 100B that the information to be copied is complete (step S128A). On the other hand, the suction device 100B, which is the recipient of the information to be copied, notifies the suction device 100B that the information to be copied is complete (step S128B). The notification of the completion of the transmission and the notification of the completion of the reception are preferably different, for example, by using different light emission patterns or vibration patterns.

[0111] The above describes an example of the processing flow in the system 1. Note that, although the above describes an example in which the suction device 100A, which is the central device, is the source of the information to be copied, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The suction device 100B, which is the peripheral device, may also be the source of the information to be copied.

[0112] Furthermore, when the process returns to steps S106A and S106B, the suction device 100 may notify the user of the error and prompt the user to move to another location or reopen the cover 14. Similarly, when the process returns to steps S118A and S118B, the suction device 100 may notify the user of the error and prompt the user to redo the first user operation and the second user operation.

[0113] (7) Specific Example of Selection of Connection Partner In the following, an example will be described in which suction device 100 and suction device 100B select each other as a connection partner in an environment where four suction devices 100A to 100D exist. Note that, when arranged in order of serial numbers from oldest to newest, the order is suction device 100A, suction device 100B, suction device 100C, and suction device 100D.

[0114] - First specific example This specific example is an example in which the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B are located close to each other and the lids 14A and 14B are opened at approximately the same time. The reception strength of the advertisements in each of the suction devices 100A to 100D is shown in Table 1 below. The numbers in the table are RSSI in units of [dBm].

[0115]

[0116] According to Table 1 above, the suction device 100A selects the suction device 100B, which is the sender of an advertisement whose RSSI exceeds a predetermined threshold, as a connection partner. On the other hand, the suction device 100B selects the suction device 100A, which is the sender of an advertisement whose RSSI exceeds a predetermined threshold, as a connection partner. Based on the serial numbers, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B determine that the suction device 100A is a central and the suction device 100B is a peripheral. Then, the suction device 100A sends a connection request to establish a connection with the suction device 100B. Thereafter, the suction device 100A receives information indicating the timing when the lid 14B of the suction device 100B was opened, and confirms that the suction device 100B is an appropriate connection partner based on the time difference between when the lid 14A and the lid 14B were opened.

[0117] - Second Specific Example This specific example is an example in which the suction device 100A, the suction device 100B, and the suction device 100D are located in close proximity. However, in this specific example, although the lid portion 14A and the lid portion 14B are opened at approximately the same time, the lid portion 14D of the suction device 100D is opened at a timing significantly different from that of the lid portion 14A and the lid portion 14B. The reception strength of the advertisements for each of the suction devices 100A to 100D is shown in Table 2 below. The numbers in the table are RSSI in units of [dBm].

[0118]

[0119] According to Table 1 above, the suction device 100A selects the suction device 100D, which has an RSSI exceeding a predetermined threshold and is the sender of the highest advertisement, as its connection partner. The suction device 100B selects the suction device 100A, which has an RSSI exceeding a predetermined threshold and is the sender of the highest advertisement, as its connection partner. The suction device 100D selects the suction device 100A, which has an RSSI exceeding a predetermined threshold and is the sender of the highest advertisement, as its connection partner.

[0120] Therefore, first, suction device 100A and suction device 100D attempt to connect. That is, suction device 100A and suction device 100D determine that suction device 100A is the central and suction device 100D is the peripheral based on the serial numbers. Then, suction device 100A sends a connection request to establish a connection with suction device 100D. After that, suction device 100A receives information indicating the timing when lid 14D of suction device 100D was opened, and based on the time difference between when lid 14A and lid 14D were opened, suction device 100A confirms that suction device 100D is inappropriate as a connection partner. Therefore, suction device 100A disconnects from suction device 100D.

[0121] Thereafter, the suction device 100A selects the suction device 100B, which is the sender of the advertisement whose RSSI exceeds a predetermined threshold and has the second highest RSSI, as the connection partner. The suction device 100A then attempts to connect to the suction device 100B. The subsequent processing is as described above in the first specific example.

[0122] -Third Specific Example This specific example is an example in which the environment is similar to that of the second specific example, but the reception strength of the advertisement is different from that of the second specific example. The reception strength of the advertisement in each of the suction devices 100A to 100D is shown in Table 3 below. The numbers in the table are RSSI in units of [dBm].

[0123]

[0124] According to Table 1 above, the suction device 100A selects the suction device 100D, which has an RSSI exceeding a predetermined threshold and is the sender of the highest advertisement, as a connection partner. The suction device 100B selects the suction device 100D, which has an RSSI exceeding a predetermined threshold and is the sender of the highest advertisement, as a connection partner. The suction device 100D selects the suction device 100A, which has an RSSI exceeding a predetermined threshold and is the sender of the highest advertisement, as a connection partner.

[0125] Therefore, first, suction device 100A and suction device 100D attempt to connect. That is, suction device 100A and suction device 100D determine that suction device 100A is the central and suction device 100D is the peripheral based on the serial numbers. Then, suction device 100A sends a connection request to establish a connection with suction device 100D. After that, suction device 100A receives information indicating the timing when lid 14D of suction device 100D was opened, and based on the time difference between when lid 14A and lid 14D were opened, suction device 100A confirms that suction device 100D is inappropriate as a connection partner. Therefore, suction device 100A disconnects from suction device 100D.

[0126] Thereafter, the suction device 100D selects the suction device 100B, which is the sender of the advertisement whose RSSI exceeds a predetermined threshold and has the second highest RSSI, as a connection partner. The suction device 100D then attempts to connect to the suction device 100B. The connection attempt between the suction device 100B and the suction device 100D ends in failure, in the same manner as the connection attempt between the suction device 100A and the suction device 100D.

[0127] Through the processing described above, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B have excluded the suction device 100D from their connection partners. The suction device 100A selects the suction device 100B, which is the sender of the advertisement whose RSSI exceeds a predetermined threshold and has the second highest value, as its connection partner. Similarly, the suction device 100B selects the suction device 100A, which is the sender of the advertisement whose RSSI exceeds a predetermined threshold and has the second highest value, as its connection partner. Thereafter, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B attempt to connect. The subsequent processing is as described above in the first specific example.

[0128] <4. Supplementary Information> Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0129] (1) First Modification When the lid 14 is opened, the suction device 100 can start communication not only with another suction device 100 but also with the terminal device 200. Therefore, when the lid 14 is opened, it is desirable to be able to control whether the other suction device 100 or the terminal device 200 should be given priority as the connection partner.

[0130] Therefore, when the suction device 100 operates in a first operation mode (corresponding to a predetermined operation mode), it selects a connection partner only from other suction devices 100. That is, when the suction device 100 operates in the first operation mode, it excludes the terminal device 200 from its connection partners. On the other hand, when the suction device 100 operates in a second operation mode, it may select a connection partner only from the terminal device 200. That is, when the suction device 100 operates in the second operation mode, it may exclude other suction devices 100 from its connection partners. Note that the suction device 100 can determine whether the sender of the advertisement is another suction device 100 or the terminal device 200 based on the serial number included in the advertisement, and determine whether the sender is appropriate as a connection partner. This configuration enables the suction device 100 to appropriately select a connection partner.

[0131] The suction device 100 may operate in the first operation mode when a third user operation is detected. That is, when a third user operation is detected, the suction device 100 may select a connection partner limited to another suction device 100. On the other hand, when a third user operation is not detected, the suction device 100 may operate in the second operation mode. That is, when a third user operation is not detected, the suction device 100 may select a connection partner limited to the terminal device 200. The suction device 100 may detect the third user operation a predetermined time after the cover 14 is opened. An example of the third user operation is an operation that changes the position or orientation of the suction device 100, such as shaking the suction device 100 up and down or left and right. With this configuration, the user can easily select whether to connect to another suction device 100 or the terminal device 200, depending on whether or not the third user operation is performed.

[0132] The suction device 100 may notify the user of information indicating the operation mode. With this configuration, the user can easily understand the operation mode of the suction device 100.

[0133] Note that when operating in the first operation mode, detection of the first user operation and the second user operation may be omitted. That is, after the connection between the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B is established, the information to be copied may be transmitted and received without the first user operation and the second user operation. This is because the explicit expression of the intention to transmit and receive the information to be copied by the first user operation and the second user operation can be replaced by the third user operation. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the operational burden on the user.

[0134] The processing flow in this modified example will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow executed in the system 1 according to this modified example. This sequence involves the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B.

[0135] The processes relating to steps S202A and S202B to steps S204A and S204B are similar to the processes relating to steps S102A and S102B to steps S104A and S104B described above with reference to FIG.

[0136] Next, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B detect a third user operation (steps S206A and S206B). For example, the suction device 100A detects an operation of shaking the suction device 100A up and down or left and right three times as the third user operation. The suction device 100B also detects an operation of shaking the suction device 100B up and down or left and right three times as the third user operation.

[0137] Next, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B select the first operation mode (steps S208A and S208B).

[0138] Next, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B notify information indicating that they will operate in the first operation mode (steps S210A and S210B).

[0139] Next, the suction device 100A selects a connection partner (step S212A). For example, the suction device 100A selects the suction device 100B, which has the highest RSSI that exceeds a predetermined threshold and is the sender of an advertisement including the serial number of the suction device 100, as the connection partner. Similarly, the suction device 100B selects a connection partner (step S212B). For example, the suction device 100B selects the suction device 100A, which has the highest RSSI that exceeds a predetermined threshold and is the sender of an advertisement including the serial number of the suction device 100, as the connection partner.

[0140] The processes of steps S214A and S214B through S224A and S224B are similar to the processes of steps S108A and S108B through S118A and S118B described above with reference to FIG. 6. However, suction device 100A and suction device 100B may provide a grace period of approximately 10 seconds in steps S224A and S224B for accepting a cancellation operation. If a cancellation operation is detected in either suction device 100A or suction device 100B during this grace period, communication is canceled. In this case, processing returns to steps S202A and S202B.

[0141] The processes in steps S226 to S228A and S228B are similar to the processes in steps S126 to S128A and S128B described above with reference to FIG.

[0142] (2) Second Modification FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an aerosol generation system 2 according to a second modification. As shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol generation system 2 according to this modification includes a suction device 100 (an example of a first device) and a charging device 300 (an example of a second device). The internal configuration of the suction device 100 is the same as that described above with reference to FIG. 2. Unlike the external configuration examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the suction device 100 may not have a lid 14. The charging device 300 is a device that charges the suction device 100. The charging device 300 is connectable to the suction device 100, charges the suction device 100 when the suction device 100 is connected, and stops charging the suction device 100 when the connection with the suction device 100 is released. For example, the charging device 300 includes a power supply unit that stores power, a charging terminal that can be connected to the suction device 100, and a control unit that supplies power from the power supply unit to the suction device 100 when the suction device 100 is connected to the charging terminal. The charger 300 may be configured to be able to accommodate the suction device 100 in a state where it is connected to the suction device 100.

[0143] The charging device 300 may have a communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information. The charging device 300 may then be wirelessly connected to another aerosol generation system 2 (i.e., another suction device 100 or another charging device 300). In this case, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may control the connection procedure with the other aerosol generation system 2 via the communication unit of the charging device 300. Alternatively, the control unit of the charger 300 may control the connection procedure with the other aerosol generation system 2 via the communication unit of the charging device 300.

[0144] Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 may be wirelessly connected to another aerosol generation system 2 (i.e., another inhalation device 100 or another charging device 300). As described in the above embodiment, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 may control the connection procedure with the other aerosol generation system 2 by the communication unit 115 of the inhalation device 100. Alternatively, the control unit of the charger 300 may control the connection procedure with the other aerosol generation system 2 by the communication unit 115 of the inhalation device 100.

[0145] (3) Third Modification As described in the above embodiment, the suction device 100 controls a connection procedure with another suction device 100 based on a detected predetermined user operation. In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the predetermined user operation is an operation to open or close the cover 14, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example.

[0146] As an example, the predetermined operation may be an operation of pressing a button provided on the suction device 100. An example of the button is the switch 13 shown in Figures 3 and 4. The button may also be provided on the charger 300.

[0147] As another example, the predetermined operation may be an operation to disconnect the suction device 100 from the charger 300, or an operation to connect the suction device 100 to the charger 300. In other words, the predetermined operation may be an operation to start charging the suction device 100, or an operation to stop charging the suction device 100.

[0148] The predetermined user operation may include one or more of the above-mentioned operations. That is, the suction device 100 may control a connection procedure with another suction device 100 based on the detection of an operation to open the lid 14, an operation to close the lid 14, an operation to press the switch 13, an operation to disconnect the suction device 100 from the charger 300, or an operation to connect the suction device 100 to the charger 300.

[0149] (3) Others In the above embodiment, an example in which the suction device 100 performs communication in accordance with BLE has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The suction device 100 may perform communication in accordance with any wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi.

[0150] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The inhalation device 100 may be configured as a so-called liquid atomization aerosol generator that generates an aerosol by heating and atomizing an aerosol source in the form of a liquid. The technology according to the present disclosure can also be applied to a liquid atomization aerosol generator.

[0151] Each device described in this specification may be realized as a single device, or some or all of them may be realized as separate devices. For example, the inhalation device 100 as an aerosol generation system may be realized as multiple devices. For example, among the inhalation device 100 described above with reference to FIG. 2 , some of the functions of the communication unit 115 and the control unit 116 may be provided in a device other than the inhalation device 100. More specifically, the function of performing BLE-compliant communication and the function of controlling BLE-compliant communication may be provided in a charger that charges the inhalation device 100.

[0152] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The software programs may be stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) internal or external to each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU when executed by a computer controlling each device described herein. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium. The computer may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing. The series of processes performed by each device described herein may also be distributed among multiple computers.

[0153] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some process steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0154] Note that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) An aerosol generating system comprising: a generating unit that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source; a communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information; a sensor unit that detects a user operation applied to the aerosol generating system; and a control unit that controls a connection procedure with another aerosol generating system via the communication unit based on a predetermined user operation detected by the sensor unit. (2) The aerosol generating system according to (1), comprising: a storage unit having an opening into which the substrate can be inserted and that stores the substrate inserted through the opening; and a lid unit that opens and closes the opening, wherein the predetermined user operation includes an operation to open or close the lid. (3) The aerosol generating system according to (1) or (2), wherein the control unit, triggered by detection of the predetermined user operation, controls the communication unit to start the connection procedure with the other aerosol generating system as a connection partner, and wherein the connection procedure includes executing the connection procedure while switching between sending an advertisement and waiting to receive an advertisement. (4) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit selects whether to connect to the other aerosol generation system based on information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system and information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system. (5) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit selects whether to transmit or receive information to be copied based on information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system and information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system.(6) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit selects whether the aerosol generation system operates as a control entity or as a controlled object that operates under control by the control entity, based on information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system and information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system. (7) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the communication unit transmits information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system or receives information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system, in the connection procedure. (8) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the communication unit transmits information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system or receives information indicating the timing at which the predetermined user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system, in the connection established via the connection procedure. (9) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the control unit selects whether the aerosol generation system operates as a control entity or as a controlled object that operates under control by the control entity, based on identification information of the aerosol generation system and identification information of the other aerosol generation system. (10) The aerosol generation system according to (9), wherein the communication unit transmits the identification information of the aerosol generation system or receives the identification information of the other aerosol generation system in the connection procedure. (11) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the control unit controls the communication unit to transmit or receive information to be copied, triggered by detection of a first user operation in the aerosol generation system and detection of a second user operation corresponding to the first user operation in the other aerosol generation system.(12) The aerosol generation system according to (11), wherein the communication unit transmits information indicating the first user operation detected in the aerosol generation system or receives information indicating the second user operation detected in the other aerosol generation system. (13) The aerosol generation system according to (11) or (12), wherein the aerosol generation system further includes a notification unit that notifies information, and the control unit controls the notification unit to notify information indicating that transmission or reception of the information to be copied has started or that transmission or reception of the information to be copied has been completed. (14) The aerosol generation system according to (13), wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to notify different information when the information to be copied is transmitted and when it is received. (15) The aerosol generation system according to (13) or (14), wherein the information to be copied includes at least one of first control information that defines the operation of the generation unit or second control information that defines the operation of the notification unit. (16) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (11) to (15), wherein, when the control unit receives the information to be copied, it sets an upper limit on the number of times the information to be copied can be used. (17) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein, when a third user operation is detected, the control unit selects a connection partner limited to the other aerosol generation systems. (18) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein the aerosol generation system comprises: a first device including the generation unit; and a second device to which the first device can be connected; and the predetermined user operation includes an operation to disconnect the first device from the second device or to connect the first device to the second device. (19) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (18), further comprising a button; and the predetermined user operation includes an operation to press the button.(20) A control method executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system having: a generation unit that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source; a communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information; and a sensor unit that detects a user operation applied to the aerosol generation system, the control method including controlling a connection procedure with another aerosol generation system by the communication unit based on a predetermined user operation detected by the sensor unit.

[0155] 1 System 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Memory unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 121 Heating unit 140 Storage unit 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 144 Heat insulating unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Base material 152 Suction nozzle 11 Outer housing 12 Cover 13 Switch 14 Lid unit 15 Vent 16 Cap 200 Terminal device 210 Input unit 220 Output unit 230 Detection unit 240 Communication unit 250 Memory unit 260 Control unit 300 Charging device

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: A generating unit that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source; A communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information; A sensor unit for detecting a user operation applied to the aerosol generation system; A control unit that controls a connection procedure with another aerosol generation system by the communication unit based on a predetermined user operation detected by the sensor unit; An aerosol generating system comprising:

2. The aerosol generation system comprises: a housing portion having an opening into which the substrate can be inserted and housing the substrate inserted through the opening; A lid portion that opens and closes the opening; Equipped with The predetermined user operation includes an operation of opening or closing the lid portion.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

3. The control unit controls the communication unit to start the connection procedure with the other aerosol generation system as a connection partner when the predetermined user operation is detected as a trigger, The connection procedure includes switching between transmitting an advertisement and waiting for reception of the advertisement, 10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

4. the control unit selects whether or not to make the other aerosol generation system a connection partner based on information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system and information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

5. The control unit selects whether to transmit or receive the information to be copied based on information indicating the timing at which the specific user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system and information indicating the timing at which the specific user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

6. The control unit selects whether the aerosol generation system operates as a control subject or as a controlled object that operates based on control by the control subject, based on information indicating the timing at which the specified user operation was detected in the aerosol generation system and information indicating the timing at which the specified user operation was detected in the other aerosol generation system.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

7. The communication unit transmits information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the aerosol generation system, or receives information indicating a timing at which the predetermined user operation is detected in the other aerosol generation system, during the connection procedure.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

8. The communication unit transmits information indicating the timing at which the specified user operation is detected in the aerosol generation system, or receives information indicating the timing at which the specified user operation is detected in the other aerosol generation system, in the connection established through the connection procedure.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

9. The control unit selects whether the aerosol generation system operates as a control subject or as a controlled object that operates based on the control of the control subject, based on the identification information of the aerosol generation system and the identification information of the other aerosol generation system.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

10. The communication unit transmits the identification information of the aerosol generation system or receives the identification information of the other aerosol generation system in the connection procedure.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 9.

11. The control unit controls the communication unit to transmit or receive information to be copied, when a first user operation is detected in the aerosol generation system and a second user operation corresponding to the first user operation is detected in the other aerosol generation system. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The communication unit transmits information indicating the first user operation detected in the aerosol generation system, or receives information indicating the second user operation detected in the other aerosol generation system.

12. The aerosol generating system of claim 11.

13. The aerosol generation system further includes a notification unit that notifies information, The control unit controls the notification unit to notify information indicating that transmission or reception of the information to be copied has started or that transmission or reception of the information to be copied has been completed.

12. The aerosol generating system of claim 11.

14. The control unit controls the notification unit to notify different information when the information to be copied is transmitted and when the information is received.

14. The aerosol generating system of claim 13.

15. The information to be copied includes at least one of first control information that specifies an operation of the generation unit or second control information that specifies an operation of the notification unit.

14. The aerosol generating system of claim 13.

16. When the control unit receives the information to be copied, the control unit sets an upper limit number of times that the information to be copied can be used.

12. The aerosol generating system of claim 11.

17. When a third user operation is detected, the control unit selects a connection partner limited to the other aerosol generation system.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

18. The aerosol generating system comprises: A first device including the generation unit; A second device to which the first device can be connected; Equipped with The predetermined user operation includes an operation of disconnecting the first device and the second device, or an operation of connecting the first device and the second device.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

19. The aerosol generating system comprises: Further equipped with a button, The predetermined user operation includes an operation of pressing the button.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

20. 1. A computer-implemented control method for controlling an aerosol generation system, comprising: The aerosol generating system is A generating unit that generates an aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source; A communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information; A sensor unit for detecting a user operation applied to the aerosol generation system; having The control method includes controlling a connection procedure with another aerosol generation system by the communication unit based on a predetermined user operation detected by the sensor unit; A control method comprising: