Electronic apparatus and program

Abstract

An electronic apparatus comprising a control unit and a battery, wherein the control unit identifies the functionality of a cover member that is to be mounted or that has been mounted to an apparatus body.

Description

Electronic devices and programs

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a program.

[0002] Some portable electronic devices are equipped with replaceable covers for design and functionality reasons. The covers may be part of the device itself, like a main body cover, or they may be optional, like a protective cover.

[0003] International Publication No. 2019-084161

[0004] Currently, cover members are often prepared from the viewpoint of design. In the future, it is possible that sensors, memory, etc. may be installed in cover members. If cover members equipped with sensors, memory, etc. appear, it is possible that new value will be realized through the cooperation between electronic devices and cover members. However, if the electronic device cannot recognize the functional type of the attached cover member, it may not be able to cooperate sufficiently with the cover member.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides a technique for facilitating cooperation with a cover member attached to an electronic device.

[0006] As one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic device having a control unit and a battery, wherein the control unit determines the functional type of a cover member that is attached or has been attached to the device body.

[0007] The control unit may identify the electronic components provided on the cover member based on the result of the functional type determination.

[0008] The control unit may control cooperation with electronic components provided on the cover member based on the result of determining the functional type.

[0009] The control unit may determine the functional type of the cover member by detecting a structural feature provided on the cover member.

[0010] The control unit may determine the functional type of the cover member by reading the magnetic pattern.

[0011] The control unit may determine the functional type of the cover member based on information read out through communication with the cover member.

[0012] The control unit may determine the functional type of the cover member using an image of the cover member captured by the camera.

[0013] The control unit here may read the text information on the cover member as an image.

[0014] The control unit here may also read a graphic code attached to the cover member as an image.

[0015] If the electronic device further includes a heating unit that heats the aerosol source, the control unit may determine the functional type based on information representing a control sequence that can be read from the cover member.

[0016] By attaching the cover member to the device body, part of the surface of the device body may be covered with the cover member.

[0017] If the electronic device further has a heating unit that heats the aerosol source, the control unit may detect the attachment of the cover member to the device body as one of the conditions that enables the heating unit to heat the aerosol source.

[0018] The cover member attached to the device body may be capable of operating a switch provided on the device body by being pressed by a user.

[0019] The portion of the device body that is not covered by the cover member may form an appearance that is integrated with the cover member.

[0020] As one aspect of the present disclosure, a program is provided for causing a computer installed in an electronic device having a battery to realize a function of determining the functional type of a cover member that is or has been attached to the device body.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a technique can be provided that facilitates cooperation with a cover member attached to an electronic device.

[0022] 1 is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generation device observed from diagonally above. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generation device observed from diagonally below. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the aerosol generation device with the shutter removed observed from above. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the main device observed from the front with the front panel removed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the back side of the front panel removed from the main device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the back side of another front panel removed from the main device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart explaining an example of the front panel attachment detection operation executed by the control unit of the main device. FIG. 9 is a flowchart explaining an example of the front panel functional type determination process executed by the control unit of the main device of embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining the attachment of a basic panel to the main device and non-detection of a structure. FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining the attachment of a front panel to which a primary battery can be attached to the main device and detection of a structure. FIG. 12 is a table explaining the relationship between the functional type and the presence or absence of a structure in embodiment 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining an example of detecting the difference in the amount of depression of a detection pin on the sensor side due to contact with a structure. FIG. 14 is a diagram explaining an example of communication between the front panel and the main device in embodiment 2. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence between functional types and electronic components mounted on the front panel. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the connection relationship between the front panel and power supply circuits in the main device. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a USB charging operation performed by a control unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a USB charging operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method for reading the functional type of the front panel in embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying the functional type of the front panel in embodiment 4. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying the functional type of the front panel in embodiment 5. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying the functional type of the front panel in embodiment 6. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying the functional type of the front panel in embodiment 7.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0024] <Terminology> The aerosol generating device according to each embodiment is a form of electronic cigarette. In the following description, the substance generated by the aerosol generating device is referred to as aerosol. Aerosol refers to a mixture of tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas and air or other gases. In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion is described. In the following description, the user's inhalation of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device is referred to as "inhalation" or "puffing." In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device to which a solid aerosol source can be attached is described. Note that the container that stores the solid aerosol source is referred to as either a "capsule" or a "stick-type substrate" depending on the product form. Capsules and stick-type substrates are consumables. For this reason, guidelines for replacement are set for capsules and stick-type substrates.

[0025] <First Embodiment> <External Appearance Example> First, an external appearance example of the aerosol generation device 1 used in the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device 1 observed from diagonally above. Fig. 2 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device 1 observed from diagonally below. Fig. 3 is a view of the aerosol generation device 1 observed from above with the shutter 30 removed. Fig. 4 is a view of the main device 20 observed from the front with the front panel 10 removed. Fig. 5 is a view of the back side of the front panel 10 removed from the main device 20. Fig. 6 is a view of the back side of another front panel 10 removed from the main device 20.

[0026] The aerosol generation device 1 used in this embodiment has a size that allows the user to hold it in one hand. The aerosol generation device 1 has a main body device 20, a front panel 10 attached to the front of the main body device 20, and a shutter 30 that is arranged on the top surface of the main body device 20 and can be slid along the top surface. The main body device 20 here is an example of an equipment main body. The front panel 10 is a member that can be attached and detached to the main body device 20. The front panel 10 here is an example of a cover member. The front panel 10 is attached and detached by the user.

[0027] The front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 covers the front portion of the main unit 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, even after the front panel 10 is attached, the main unit 20 can be observed from the outside except for the front portion. For example, the side, back, top, and bottom surfaces of the main unit 20 can be observed from the outside even after the front panel 10 is attached. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 is continuously connected to the side, top, and bottom surfaces of the main unit 20 without any steps, forming a unified appearance. Thus, one of the roles of the front panel 10 is decoration. Note that the side, top, and bottom surfaces of the main unit 20 are examples of parts not covered by the front panel 10.

[0028] The front panel 10 is provided with a window 10B. The window 10B is provided in a position facing the light-emitting element on the main device 20 side. In the case of embodiment 1, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 20A (see Figure 4) is used as the light-emitting element. The window 10B in embodiment 1 is made of a light-transmitting material. However, the window 10B may also be a slit that penetrates from the front to the back. The lighting and blinking of the light-emitting element represents the operating state of the aerosol generation device 1, etc. The operating state also includes errors. The lighting and blinking of the light-emitting element is controlled by the control unit 206 (see Figure 7), which will be described later.

[0029] In addition to its decorative role, the front panel 10 also serves to buffer the propagation of heat emitted from the main unit 20. For this reason, in the present embodiment, aerosol generation is permitted only when the front panel 10 is attached to the main unit 20. In other words, the front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 forms an integrated appearance with the main unit 20 in a state in which aerosol generation is possible.

[0030] Furthermore, the front panel 10 serves to protect the main device 20 from dirt, scratches, and the like. The front panel 10 used in this embodiment is deformed when a user presses a position below the window 10B with their fingertip, and restores its original shape when the user stops pressing. The front panel 10 in this embodiment is an example of a cover member. Note that the main body panel 10A that forms the exterior of the front panel 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an example of a main body. In this embodiment, two types of front panels 10 are prepared: a front panel 10 shown in FIG. 5 and a front panel 10 shown in FIG. 6. Either front panel 10 can be attached to cover the front portion of the main device 20.

[0031] The difference is that a primary battery 101 is attached to the back surface (the surface attached to the main device 20) of the front panel 10 shown in FIG. 6 and that a structure 102 is present. The structure 102 is a protrusion, projection, convex portion, wing, or other structure on the back surface of the front panel 10. The structure 102 may be formed integrally with the front panel 10 or may be attached as an add-on component. The structure 102 here is an example of a structural feature and indicates that the front panel 10 can accommodate the primary battery 101. The primary battery 101 is an example of an electronic component provided on the front panel 10.

[0032] The primary battery 101 attached to the front panel 10 is used as an auxiliary power source to compensate for power shortages in the main device 20. As mentioned above, the primary battery 101 can be attached to and detached from the back surface of the front panel 10. In other words, a primary battery 101 that has run out of remaining capacity or has a low remaining capacity can be replaced with a new primary battery 101. On the other hand, the back surface of the front panel 10 shown in FIG. 5 does not have a primary battery 101 attached, nor does it have a structure 102. Hereinafter, the front panel 10 shown in FIG. 5 will also be referred to as a basic panel. Note that even basic panels may have different colors, designs, etc.

[0033] In this embodiment, the primary battery 101 is assumed to be, for example, a film-type, coin-type, or chip-type battery. In either case, the primary battery 101 is required to be thin so as not to interfere with the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20. The front panel 10 to which the primary battery 101 is attached is also provided with electrodes and connectors (not shown) used to supply power to the main device 20. However, the power supply electrodes are used in the case of contact-type power supply to the main device 20; in the case of contactless power supply (i.e., wireless power supply), a coil (not shown) is added as an electronic component. Standards for contactless power supply here include electromagnetic induction and electric field induction standards such as the Qi standard and the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard.

[0034] A Type C USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 21 is provided on the bottom side of the main device 20. The shape and type of the USB connector 21 are merely examples. In other words, the USB connector 21 may be a USB other than Type C. In the case of the first embodiment, the USB connector 21 is used, for example, to charge a power supply unit 201 (see FIG. 7) built into the main device 20. A hole 22 is provided on the top surface of the main device 20 for inserting a stick-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 7) that contains an aerosol source.

[0035] The stick-shaped substrate 210 used in this embodiment has a solid aerosol source housed in a paper tube formed into a substantially cylindrical shape. The hole 22 is exposed by sliding the shutter 30 to the open position, and is concealed by sliding the shutter 30 to the closed position. In the case of embodiment 1, the hole 22 has substantially the same cylindrical shape as the stick-shaped substrate 210. The diameter of the opening of the hole 22 is a dimension that allows the stick-shaped substrate 210 to be inserted. In other words, the diameter of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is a dimension that allows it to be inserted into the hole 22.

[0036] A magnet, for example, is attached to the back surface of the shutter 30. Meanwhile, a Hall IC is attached to the main device 20 within the movable range of the shutter 30. The Hall IC is a magnetic sensor comprised of a Hall element and an operational amplifier, etc., and outputs a voltage according to the strength of the magnetic field that crosses the Hall element. In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the shutter 30 is detected from the change in voltage output from the Hall IC as the shutter 30 slides. In other words, it is detected whether the shutter 30 is in the open or closed position.

[0037] A button 20B is located approximately in the center of the front of the main device 20. As described above, the button 20B can be operated with the front panel 10 attached. The button 20B is used, for example, to turn the power of the main device on and off, turn on and off the power supply to the heating unit 207 (see FIG. 7 ) that heats the aerosol source, and issue a Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing command. Note that if the button 20B is pressed and held (for example, for 5 seconds or more) with the front panel 10 detached from the main device 20, a reset function is activated. In this embodiment, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth.

[0038] Magnets 20C used to attach the front panel 10 are located at the top and bottom of the front of the main unit 20. The magnets 20C are located opposite magnets 10C located inside the front panel 10. For example, if the magnet 10C on the front panel 10 has a north pole, the magnet 20C on the main unit 20 side has a south pole. The front panel 10 is detachably attached to the main unit 20 by the attractive force between the magnets.

[0039] Either one of the magnets 10C and 20C may be a piece of iron or other magnetic metal. The attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is detected by a Hall IC provided on the main device 20. The main device 20 also incorporates various electronic components necessary for generating aerosol. In this sense, the main device 20 is an example of an electronic device specialized for generating aerosol. In a narrower sense, the main device 20 is referred to as an aerosol generating device.

[0040] <Internal Configuration> Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1. Fig. 7 illustrates a state in which the stick-shaped substrate 210 is attached to the main body device 20. The internal configuration illustrated in Fig. 7 is intended to explain the electronic components provided in the main body device 20 and their positional relationships. For this reason, the appearance of the electronic components, etc. illustrated in Fig. 7 does not necessarily match the appearance diagram described above.

[0041] The main device 20 has a power supply unit 201, a sensor unit 202, a notification unit 203, a memory unit 204, a communication unit 205, a control unit 206, a heating unit 207, a heat insulating unit 208, and a holding unit 209. A stick-shaped substrate 210 in Fig. 7 is held by the holding unit 209, and in this state, the user inhales the aerosol.

[0042] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 201 is a unit that supplies power to the main device 20. The power supply unit 201 stores power using, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery or a capacitor. The power supply unit 201 can be charged from an external power source. In this embodiment, the external power source is assumed to be, for example, a commercial power source or a mobile battery. The sensor unit 202 is an electronic component that detects various information related to the main device 20. The sensor unit 202 includes, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor and a flow sensor. The sensor unit 202 as a sensor outputs the detected information to the control unit 206. For example, when a change in air pressure or air flow due to inhalation is detected, the sensor unit 202 outputs a numerical value representing the user's inhalation to the control unit 206.

[0043] The sensor unit 202 has an input device that accepts input from, for example, a user. The input device may be, for example, a button or a switch. In this embodiment, a button 20B (see FIG. 4) is used as the input device. The button 20B is used to switch the main power supply on and off, and to start and stop the supply of power to the heating unit 207 (i.e., start and stop the generation of aerosol), etc. The content of the user's instruction is output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. Note that the button 20B is not only an example of a button, but also an example of a switch.

[0044] In addition, the sensor unit 202 has a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 207. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 207 based on, for example, the electrical resistance value of the conductive track of the heating unit 207. The detected electrical resistance value is output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. The control unit 206 calculates the temperature of the heating unit 207 based on the electrical resistance value. In other words, the control unit 206 calculates the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 210 held by the holding unit 209.

[0045] In addition, the sensor unit 202 includes a sensor 20D (see FIG. 4) that is used to detect the functional type of the front panel 10 attached to the front of the main unit 20. In the present embodiment, the functional type to be detected is whether or not power from the primary battery 101 can be used. The sensor 20D also detects the presence or absence of a structure 102. For example, if the presence of the structure 102 is detected, it is possible to receive power from the attached front panel 10. On the other hand, if the structure 102 is not detected, it is not possible to receive power from the attached front panel 10.

[0046] In this embodiment, the sensor 20D uses, for example, a contact detection sensor, a displacement sensor, and a push-in amount detection sensor. The contact detection sensor detects the presence or absence of contact with the structure 102 through, for example, changes in pressure or changes in impedance. The displacement sensor detects the distance to the opposing surface (the rear surface of the front panel 10 or the surface of the structure 102). The push-in amount detection sensor detects the presence or absence of contact with the structure 102 by measuring the push-in amount of a movable pin with a spring.

[0047] The sensor unit 202 also includes a capacitance sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. that detect the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 210 into the holding unit 209 or the approach of an object through a change in capacitance. The sensor unit 202 also includes an optical color sensor for identifying the stick-shaped substrate 210 individually by color, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader, etc. The sensor unit 202 also includes a biosensor that measures the user's heart rate, etc., a fingerprint sensor used for unlocking, etc. The sensor unit 202 also includes an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. that detect the user's movement.

[0048] The notification unit 203 is an electronic component that notifies the user of various types of information related to the main device 20. The notification unit 203 includes an LED 20A (see FIG. 4) and other light-emitting devices. For example, the LED 20A emits light in different patterns when the power supply unit 201 needs to be charged, when the power supply unit 201 is being charged, and when an abnormality has occurred in the main device 20. The patterns here include different colors, different timings for turning the light on and off, etc.

[0049] The notification unit 203 may be configured with a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates the main body device 20, or the like, in addition to or instead of the light-emitting device described above. The light-emitting device, display device, sound output device, vibration device, etc. are also examples of a notification unit that notifies information. In addition, the notification unit 203 may notify the user that it is now possible to inhale the aerosol. This notification is given when the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0050] The storage unit 204 stores various information related to the operation of the main device 20. The storage unit 204 is configured with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. Information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, an operating system (OS), firmware (FW), and other programs. The storage unit 204 also stores a heating profile used to heat the stick-shaped substrate 210, which is the aerosol source. The heating profile is a data file that specifies the change in target temperature over time after heating begins.

[0051] In this embodiment, one heating profile is stored in the storage unit 204. The heating profile is also called a "control profile" or a "control sequence." Other information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, information related to the control of electronic components. The control information includes information related to the user's suction, such as the number of suctions, the suction time, and the cumulative suction time. In other words, the storage unit 204 records the user's suction behavior history and operation history.

[0052] The communication unit 205 is a communication interface for realizing communication between the main device 20 and other devices. The communication unit 205 communicates with other devices in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards include wireless LAN, wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the communication unit 205 transmits information about the user's inhalation to a smartphone. The communication unit 205 also downloads update programs and a profile that defines the temperature change of the heating unit 207 in heating mode from a server.

[0053] The control unit 206 functions as an arithmetic processing unit or control device, and controls the operation of the main unit 20 according to various programs. Control signals are transmitted via a signal line different from the power supply line. For example, communication within the main unit 20 uses a serial communication method such as the I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication method, the SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication method, or the UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication method.

[0054] The control unit 206 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The control unit 206 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate.

[0055] The control unit 206 executes various processes and controls through the execution of programs. These processes and controls include, for example, rewriting the heating profile, supplying power from the power supply unit 201 to other electronic components, charging the power supply unit 201, detecting information using the sensor unit 202, notifying information using the notification unit 203, storing and reading information using the memory unit 204, and sending and receiving information using the communication unit 205. The control unit 206 also controls input of information to electronic components and processing based on information output from electronic components. The control unit 206 also has a function of determining the functional type of the front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 and executing processing and control according to the determined type.

[0056] The holding part 209 is a roughly cylindrical container. In this embodiment, the space inside the holding part 209, which is defined by the inner wall and the bottom surface, is referred to as the internal space 209A. The internal space 209A is roughly columnar. The holding part 209 is provided with an opening 209B that connects the internal space 209A to the outside. The stick-shaped substrate 210 is inserted into the internal space 209A from this opening 209B. The stick-shaped substrate 210 is inserted until its tip hits the bottom 209C. Only a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is accommodated in the internal space 209A. A state in which the stick-shaped substrate 210 is accommodated in the internal space 209A is referred to as the stick-shaped substrate 210 being held in the internal space 209A.

[0057] The holding part 209 is formed so that the inner diameter of at least a portion of its axial direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped substrate 210. For this reason, the outer peripheral surface of the stick-shaped substrate 210 inserted into the internal space 209A is subjected to pressure from the inner wall of the holding part 209. This pressure holds the stick-shaped substrate 210 in the internal space 209A. The holding part 209 also has the function of defining the flow path of air passing through the stick-shaped substrate 210. An air inlet, which is the entrance of air to the flow path, is located, for example, in the bottom part 209C. Note that the opening 209B corresponds to an air outlet, which is the air outlet.

[0058] In the present embodiment, only a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is held in the holding portion 209, with the remainder protruding from the housing. Hereinafter, the portion held in the holding portion 209 will be referred to as the substrate portion 210A, and the portion protruding from the housing will be referred to as the mouthpiece portion 210B. At least the substrate portion 210A houses an aerosol source. The aerosol source is a substance that is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. Aerosol sources include shredded tobacco, as well as processed products in which tobacco raw materials are formed into granules, sheets, or powder, and other tobacco-derived substances.

[0059] Furthermore, the aerosol source may include non-tobacco-derived substances made from plants other than tobacco, such as mint or herbs. For example, the aerosol source may include a flavoring component such as menthol. If the main device 20 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may include a medication for inhalation by the patient. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to solids and may be, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water.

[0060] At least a portion of suction mouth portion 210B is held in the user's mouth when inhaling. When the user holds suction mouth portion 210B in their mouth and inhales, air flows into internal space 209A through the air inlet hole. The inflowing air passes through internal space 209A and base portion 210A and reaches the user's mouth. The air that reaches the user's mouth contains aerosol generated in base portion 210A.

[0061] The heating unit 207 is composed of a heater or other heat generating element. The heating unit 207 is composed of any material such as metal or polyimide. The heating unit 207 is, for example, in the form of a film, and is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the holding unit 209. The aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 210 is heated and atomized by the heat generated by the heating unit 207. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air or the like to generate an aerosol. In the case of FIG. 7 , the area near the periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is heated first, and the heated range gradually moves toward the center.

[0062] Therefore, atomization of the aerosol source begins near the periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 210 and gradually moves toward the center. The heating unit 207 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 201. For example, when a predetermined user input is detected via the sensor unit 202, power supply to the heating unit 207 is permitted. The user input here includes operation of the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1) or button 20B (see FIG. 4). However, power supply to the heating unit 207 is premised on the front panel 10 (see FIG. 1) being attached to the main device 20. By attaching the front panel 10, it is possible to reduce the temperature transmitted to the user's hand compared to when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0063] When the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature, the user becomes able to inhale. The inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected by a flow rate sensor or the like of the sensor unit 202 and stored in the storage unit 204. Thereafter, when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 202, power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped. It is also possible to employ a system in which power is supplied to the heating unit 207 while the sensor unit 202 detects inhalation by the user, and power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped when inhalation by the user is no longer detected by the sensor unit 202.

[0064] 7, the heating unit 207 is disposed outside the stick-shaped substrate 210, but the heating unit 207 may be a blade-shaped metal piece that is inserted into the stick-shaped substrate 210, or a metal piece built into the stick-shaped substrate 210. When a metal piece that functions as the heating unit 207 is built into the stick-shaped substrate 210, a coil for induction heating may be disposed around the holding unit 209.

[0065] The heat insulating section 208 is a member that reduces the propagation of heat generated in the heating section 207 to the surrounding area. For this reason, the heat insulating section 208 is arranged so as to cover at least the outer peripheral surface of the heating section 207. The heat insulating section 208 is made of, for example, a vacuum insulation material, an aerogel insulation material, or the like. A vacuum insulation material is an insulation material in which, for example, glass wool and silica (silicon powder) are wrapped in a resin film and placed in a high vacuum state, thereby reducing the thermal conduction of gases to as close to zero as possible.

[0066] <Example of Processing Operation> An example of processing operation executed by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 7) of the main device 20 (see FIG. 7) will be described below. <Attachment Detection Operation> FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the attachment detection operation of the front panel 10 executed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20. This operation is executed not only before heating by the heating unit 207 (see FIG. 7) starts but also after heating starts, and is always executed in the background. Note that the symbol S in the figure indicates a step. First, the control unit 206 determines whether the front panel 10 (see FIG. 1) is attached to the main device 20 (see FIG. 1) (step 1).

[0067] If the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20, a positive result is obtained in step 1. On the other hand, if the front panel 10 is detached from the front of the main device 20, a negative result is obtained in step 1. Attachment and detachment of the front panel 10 is determined based on the output signal of the Hall IC. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 cancels the prohibition on heating the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 (step 2).

[0068] However, lifting the heating prohibition state is different from starting heating. Heating of the stick-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 7), which is the aerosol source, is started by pressing and holding the button 20B (see FIG. 4) from above the front panel 10 for at least one second. If a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 controls the heating unit 207 to prohibit heating of the aerosol source (step 3). This prevents heating of the aerosol source when the front panel 10 is not attached. After step 2 or step 3 is executed, the control unit 206 returns to step 1 and repeatedly determines whether the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20. This attachment detection operation prevents the user from directly touching the main device 20 during the heating operation.

[0069] <Determining the Functional Type of Front Panel> Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining the functional type of the front panel executed by the control unit 206 (see Figure 7) of the main body device 20 (see Figure 7) according to the first embodiment. The process shown in Figure 9 is initiated, for example, when the attachment of the front panel 10 is detected by an output signal from a Hall IC. The process shown in Figure 9 may also be initiated when a specific operation by the user is received. Examples of the specific operation include opening and closing the shutter 30 multiple times (e.g., twice), operating the button 20B multiple times (e.g., twice), or pressing and holding the button 20B for a long time (e.g., five seconds or more) to reset the button 20B.

[0070] When the process shown in Fig. 9 starts, the control unit 206 acquires the detection result of the structure 102 (step 11). The detection result here is obtained for either Fig. 10 or Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the basic panel (front panel 10 shown in Fig. 5) to the main unit 20 and the non-detection of the structure 102. Three states ST1 to ST3 are shown in Fig. 10.

[0071] State ST1 indicates a state in which attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is started, state ST2 indicates a state immediately before the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20, and state ST3 indicates a state in which the front panel 10 has been attached to the main device 20. Note that state ST3 is also a state in which the Hall IC detects the attachment of the front panel 10. In state ST3, there is no object in contact with the sensor 20D. Therefore, non-contact is detected as the detection result.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the attachment of a front panel 10 (the front panel 10 shown in FIG. 6 ) to the main device 20, to which a primary battery 101 can be attached, and the detection of the structure 102. FIG. 11 shows three states ST11 to ST13. State ST11 indicates the state in which attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is started. State ST12 indicates the state immediately before the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20. State ST13 indicates the state in which the Hall IC detects the attachment of the front panel 10. In state ST13, the sensor 20D and the structure 102 are in contact. Therefore, contact is detected as the detection result.

[0073] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 9 , the control unit 206, having obtained the detection results, determines the functional type (step 12). In the present embodiment, one of two types is determined based on the detection results of the structure 102. FIG. 12 is a table for explaining the relationship between the functional type and the presence or absence of the structure 102 in the first embodiment. This table is stored, for example, in the storage unit 204 (see FIG. 7 ). Note that the structure of the table is not limited to the data structure shown in FIG. 12 . The table shown in FIG. 12 records information regarding "electronic components, etc. mounted on the front panel," "presence or absence of the structure," and "functional type" for each of types #1 and #2.

[0074] For example, type #1 corresponds to a so-called basic panel. Therefore, "none" is recorded for each item. The functional type "none" means that there are no additional functions in addition to the basic functions used for decoration, protection of the main body, etc. On the other hand, type #2 is a front panel 10 that can be equipped with a primary battery 101. Therefore, the primary battery 101 is described as an electronic component equipped on the front panel 10, and the structure 102 is recorded as "present." Furthermore, "auxiliary power supply present" is recorded as the functional type. Although in the case of FIG. 12, each piece of information is expressed in text, it may also be expressed using numerical values ​​or symbols recognizable by the control unit 206.

[0075] Returning to the description of FIG. 9 , the control unit 206 next determines whether the functional type has been identified (step 13). In this embodiment, the functional type is determined based solely on the presence or absence of the structure 102. However, when the functional type is determined based on a combination of multiple elements, multiple combinations may be satisfied simultaneously, or none of the combinations may be satisfied. For this reason, step 13 is provided in the processing example shown in FIG. 9 . If the functional type has been identified, a positive result is obtained in step 13. In this case, the control unit 206 changes the settings according to the identified functional type (step 14).

[0076] If the functional type is "auxiliary power available," then, for example, when the remaining capacity of the power supply unit 201, which is the main power source, drops below a threshold, the control unit 206 changes the setting to switch to power supply from the primary battery 101 of the front panel 10. Also, if the functional type is "auxiliary power available," then the control unit 206 changes the setting to enable selection of, for example, a heating profile (hereinafter also referred to as an "increased amount profile") that increases the amount of aerosol generated during inhalation.

[0077] However, the control unit 206 may automatically change the heating profile to an increased profile when the functional type is "with auxiliary power supply," and may automatically change the heating profile to a heating profile in which the amount of aerosol generated during inhalation is a reference value (hereinafter also referred to as a "standard profile") when the functional type is "without auxiliary power supply." Furthermore, when the functional type is "with auxiliary power supply," the control unit 206 may enable a setting to measure and display the remaining capacity of the primary battery 101, which is the auxiliary power supply, in addition to the remaining capacity of the power supply unit 201, which is the main power supply. The measurement and display here may be performed individually, or the total remaining capacity may be displayed.

[0078] If the functional type is "none," the control unit 206 sets the device to a state in which only basic functions are executed, for example. That is, the heating profile is basically set to the standard profile. However, if an increased heating profile is available, the user can switch from the standard profile to the increased heating profile. On the other hand, if the functional type cannot be identified, a negative result is obtained in step 13. In this case, the control unit 206 notifies the user that the functional type cannot be identified (step 15). To notify the user, for example, an LED 20A (see FIG. 4) or other light-emitting device, a display device, a sound output device, a vibration device, or the like is used.

[0079] <Summary> In this embodiment, the control unit 206 automatically determines whether a battery-compatible front panel 10 or a basic front panel 10 not equipped with a battery is attached to the main device 20. The control unit 206 then automatically changes the settings in the main device 20 according to the determined functional type. In this way, the user can complete the settings according to the functional type of the front panel 10 simply by attaching the front panel 10 to the main device 20. In other words, attaching the front panel 10 can change the processing operations executed by the aerosol generation device 1 (main device 20). In other words, cooperative operation between the front panel 10 and the aerosol generation device 1 (main device 20) is easily achieved.

[0080] Although the present embodiment has been described with respect to a case in which one structure 102 is provided on the rear surface of the front panel 10, the presence or absence of the structure 102 may be detected at multiple positions. For example, multiple sensors 20D that detect the presence or absence of the structure 102 may be disposed on the main unit 20. In this case, if the number of sensors 20D is N, for example, 2 to the power of N functional discriminations are possible. Furthermore, although the sensor 20D in the present embodiment discriminates the functional type of the front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 based on the presence or absence of contact with the structure 102, the functional type may also be discriminated based on differences in the thickness of the structure 102 or differences in the height of the contact surface. However, the sensor 20D may also discriminate the functional type of the front panel 10 in a non-contact manner using a capacitance sensor, an optical sensor, an optical color sensor, an RFID reader, an NFC reader, or the like.

[0081] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of detecting differences in the amount of depression of the detection pin on the sensor 20D side due to contact with the structure 102. In the case of FIG. 13, there are three types of depression amounts: 0, Δ1, and Δ2. Therefore, three functional types can be identified. Alternatively, a displacement sensor may be used as the sensor 20D to measure the distance to the structure 102, and the functional type may be identified based on the difference in the measured distance.

[0082] Alternatively, instead of the structure 102, a magnetic body may be provided on the rear surface of the front panel 10, and the presence or absence of the magnetic body may be detected by the output of a Hall IC provided at a corresponding position. In this case, the presence or absence of the magnetic body is associated with the functional type. Also, the arrangement pattern (arrangement and number) of the magnetic body may enable discrimination between multiple functional types. The arrangement pattern of the magnetic body is also an example of a structural feature. In any case, the functional type of the front panel 10 can be identified in the main device 20 using a simple mechanism.

[0083] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the functional type of the front panel 10 can be notified through communication between the front panel 10 and the main unit 20. In this embodiment, the front panel 10 is provided with wiring and electronic components necessary for communication with the main unit 20. Therefore, the front panel 10 does not need to be provided with a structure 102 for the purpose of indicating the functional type. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main unit 20 does not need to be provided with a sensor 20D that detects the presence or absence of the structure 102 on the front panel 10 side. Other hardware configurations and functional configurations are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0084] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication between the front panel 10 and the main unit 20 in the second embodiment. In FIG. 14, the same reference numerals are used to denote corresponding parts to those in FIGS. 1 and 4. In FIG. 14, communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) is assumed. Therefore, the front panel 10 is detached from the main unit 20. The front panel 10 shown here is an example of a front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20. However, communication may also be assumed when the front panel 10 is attached to the main unit 20. Communication between the front panel 10 and the main unit 20 when attached may be wired communication via contact or connection of communication terminals, or near field communication (NFC).

[0085] 14, information necessary to identify the functional type is recorded on the IC chip 103. The IC chip 103 may be contact or non-contact. The information recorded on the IC chip 103 is read out from the main device 20. Information necessary to identify the functional type includes, for example, the model number, serial number, and model name of the front panel 10, the types and names of the electronic components mounted thereon, and a number indicating the functional type. Incidentally, the types and numbers of electronic components 104 mounted on the front panel 10 vary.

[0086] 15 is a table illustrating an example of the correspondence between functional types and electronic components mounted on the front panel 10. In the case of FIG. 15, the functional type is expressed in 4 bits, but it can also be expressed in 5 bits or more. In the case of this embodiment, one of #1 to #16 representing the functional type is recorded in the above-mentioned IC chip 103 (see FIG. 14).

[0087] Type #1 corresponds to a basic panel. Therefore, the electronic component 104 is "none." Type #2 represents a front panel 10 equipped with a primary battery 101, and type #3 represents a front panel 10 equipped with a large-capacity primary battery 101. For example, a front panel 10 equipped with one button battery is type #2, and a front panel 10 equipped with two button batteries is type #3.

[0088] Similarly, type #4 represents a front panel 10 equipped with a secondary battery, and type #5 represents a front panel 10 equipped with a large-capacity secondary battery. Type #6 represents a front panel 10 equipped with a ROM storing a heating profile. It should be noted that different heating profile contents can be treated as different types of front panels 10. The heating profile here may be an increase profile or a heating profile in which the amount of aerosol generated during inhalation is less than a reference value (hereinafter also referred to as a "decrease profile"). The number of types of heating profiles stored in the front panel 10 is not limited to one, and multiple types may be stored. For example, the front panel 10 may store an increase profile and a decrease profile.

[0089] If the front panel 10 is equipped with a ROM storing a heating profile, the control unit 206 changes the setting to, for example, a setting that allows selection of a heating profile. However, the control unit 206 may also change the setting to preferentially apply the heating profile stored in the attached front panel 10. If the heating profile stored in the front panel 10 is preferred, the user can change the heating profile used to heat the aerosol source simply by replacing the front panel 10.

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 206 may overwrite or additionally record the heating profile stored in the front panel 10 in the memory unit 204 (see FIG. 7 ) of the main device 20. However, additional recording is limited to cases where the memory unit 204 is capable of recording multiple heating profiles. In this case, even after the front panel 10 is removed, the main device 20 can continue suction using the heating profile read from the removed front panel 10. However, the heating profile stored in the front panel 10 can also be set as read-only and used to heat the aerosol only when selected by the user.

[0091] Type #7 indicates a front panel 10 equipped with nonvolatile RAM. The data stored in the nonvolatile RAM can be any data, but may be limited to heating profiles. For example, the nonvolatile RAM may be used as a backup area for the memory unit 204 of the main device 20. Also, if the number of heating profiles that can be written to the memory unit 204 of the main device 20 is two, the third and subsequent heating profiles may be written to the nonvolatile RAM. When the control unit 206 detects that a front panel 10 equipped with nonvolatile RAM has been attached to the main device 20, it sets the nonvolatile RAM as extended memory for the memory unit 204.

[0092] Type #8 indicates that the front panel 10 is equipped with a barometric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. In the example shown in FIG. 15, three types of sensors are installed, but only one of these sensors may be installed, or other sensors may also be installed. For example, if the heating profile can be changed depending on the usage environment, the control unit 206 may switch the heating profile to be applied based on barometric pressure and other information acquired from the front panel 10.

[0093] Type #9 indicates a front panel 10 equipped with a display. Note that different display sizes and shapes can be treated as different types of front panels 10. When a front panel 10 equipped with a display is attached to the main unit 20, the control unit 206 changes the information output destination to the display instead of the LED 20A. However, depending on the size and arrangement of the display, it may be possible to notify information using both the LED 20A and the display.

[0094] Type #10 indicates that the front panel 10 is equipped with a camera. When the front panel 10 equipped with a camera is attached to the main device 20, the control unit 206 can identify the brand, etc. from the appearance of the stick-shaped substrate 210 and the appearance of the container that contains the stick-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 7 ) captured by the camera mounted on the front panel 10, and can select a heating profile appropriate for the identified brand, etc.

[0095] Type #11 indicates that the front panel 10 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor. When a front panel 10 equipped with a GPS sensor is attached, the control unit 206 enables a processing function that uses location information received from the GPS sensor. For example, as a heating profile for the aerosol source, the control unit 206 selects a heating profile according to the region or country corresponding to the detected location information. Furthermore, for example, if the location detected by the GPS sensor corresponds to a prohibited space or area where inhalation is prohibited, the control unit 206 executes processing such as disabling the heating operation of the aerosol source.

[0096] Type #12 indicates that the front panel 10 is equipped with a biosensor. Examples of biosensors include a heart rate sensor, a pulse sensor, a blood oxygen saturation sensor, and a blood flow sensor. The front panel 10 may be equipped with all of the exemplified sensors, only one of the sensors, or an unlisted sensor. When the front panel 10 equipped with a biosensor is attached, if the measured biometric information indicates poor physical condition (e.g., if an abnormal value is measured), the control unit 206 executes processing such as disabling the heating operation of the aerosol source.

[0097] Type #13 indicates that the front panel 10 is equipped with a communication module. The communication module here is assumed to have a function for communicating with an external network such as Wi-Fi or a mobile communication system (e.g., 5G). When the front panel 10 equipped with a communication module is attached, the control unit 206 communicates with a server operated by, for example, the supplier of the aerosol source or the supplier of the main device 20, and executes processing to request the provision of advertisements, guidance, contact, warnings, and other services to the user of the main device 20.

[0098] 15, #14 to #16 are spare areas. Also, while Fig. 15 illustrates typical electronic components 104, multiple of these electronic components 104 may be mounted on one front panel 10. For example, a type #4 secondary battery, a type #6 ROM, and a type #9 display may be mounted on one front panel 10.

[0099] <Specific Example> Below, a specific example of a cooperative operation that is executed when a front panel 10 equipped with a ROM and a secondary battery as electronic components 104 is attached to a main device 20 will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram that schematically shows the connection relationship between the power supply circuits in the front panel 10 and the main device 20. In the case of Fig. 16, the front panel 10 is provided with an IC chip 103 that records the functional type, electronic components 104 (a secondary battery and a ROM), a fuel gauge 105 that measures the remaining capacity of the secondary battery, a step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 106, and a communication unit 107 that notifies the control unit 206 of the main device 20 of the measured remaining capacity.

[0100] The secondary battery serving as electronic component 104 is, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery. Fuel gauge 105 is a circuit that calculates the remaining charge of the secondary battery based on the power supply current IBAT and power supply voltage VBAT appearing on the power supply line of the secondary battery. Note that the calculation of the remaining charge by fuel gauge 105 may be performed, for example, at a predetermined cycle or timing, or may be performed only when instructed by control unit 206 of main device 20. The calculated remaining charge is notified to control unit 206.

[0101] The step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 106 is a circuit that generates a 3.3 V system power supply Vsys from the output voltage of the secondary battery. The generated system power supply Vsys is supplied to the IC chip 103, the ROM serving as the electronic component 104, the fuel gauge 105, and the communication unit 107. In this embodiment, a heating profile is recorded in the ROM. The communication unit 107 is a Bluetooth module.

[0102] Meanwhile, the power supply section 201 of the main device 20 is composed of a secondary battery 201A and a power supply unit 201B. The secondary battery 201A is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The power supply unit 201B switches the power supply path and converts the voltage level depending on the operating mode. The power supply unit 201B generates a system power supply Vsys for the electronic components in the main device 20. The power supply unit 201B also outputs, for example, 5 V to the power supply line connected to the LED 20A (see FIG. 4) and outputs, for example, 4.2 V to the power supply line connected to the heating section 207 (see FIG. 7).

[0103] Furthermore, when charging the secondary battery 201A with an external power source, the power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 4.2 V to the power supply line to which the secondary battery 201A is connected. Here, the external power source includes a commercial power source, a mobile battery, and also the secondary battery of the front panel 10. Because a USB cable is used to supply power from a commercial power source or a mobile battery, the power supply terminal corresponding to these is represented by VUSB in FIG. 16 . Also connected to the power supply unit 201B are a power supply line for charging the secondary battery of the front panel 10 and a power supply line for receiving power from the secondary battery of the front panel 10.

[0104] 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a USB charging operation executed by the control unit 206. First, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a USB connection has been detected (step 21). If a USB connection has not been detected, a negative result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 21. On the other hand, if a USB connection has been detected, a positive result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a secondary battery is mounted on the front panel 10 (step 22).

[0105] If a secondary battery is installed in the front panel 10, a positive result is obtained in step 22. In this case, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery in the main unit 20 and the secondary battery in the front panel 10 (step 23A). Note that the actual charging may be performed by first fully charging either the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 or the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10, and then fully charging the other. However, the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 and the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 may be charged in parallel. Next, the control unit 206 determines whether both secondary batteries are fully charged (step 24A). If either one is not fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 24A. On the other hand, if both secondary batteries are fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 24A.

[0106] If a negative result is obtained in step 24A, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable has been removed (step 25A). If the USB cable remains connected, a negative result is obtained in step 25A. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 24A. On the other hand, if the USB cable is removed during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 25A. If a positive result is obtained in step 24A or if a positive result is obtained in step 25A, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery of the main unit 20 and the secondary battery of the front panel 10 (step 26A). Thereafter, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation.

[0107] The process returns to the determination in step 22. If a secondary battery is not installed in the front panel 10 (this includes not only the case where no battery is installed, but also the case where the installed battery is a primary battery), a negative result is obtained in step 22. In this case, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery of the main unit 20 (step 23B). Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the secondary battery of the main unit 20 is fully charged (step 24B). If the secondary battery is not fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 24B. On the other hand, if the secondary battery is fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 24B.

[0108] If a negative result is obtained in step 24B, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable has been removed (step 25B). If the USB cable remains attached, a negative result is obtained in step 25B. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 24B. On the other hand, if the USB cable is removed during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 25B. If a positive result is obtained in step 24B or if a positive result is obtained in step 25B, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery of the main unit 20 (step 26B). Thereafter, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation.

[0109] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the USB charging operation. The horizontal axis in the diagram represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining charge of the secondary battery in the main unit 20, and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining charge of the secondary battery in the front panel 10. In FIG. 18, in the initial state T1, the secondary battery in the front panel 10 and the secondary battery in the main unit 20 are both fully charged. At time T2, the remaining charge of both the secondary battery in the front panel 10 and the secondary battery in the main unit 20 has decreased from full charge. When a USB cable is connected in this state, USB charging begins. At the end of USB charging at T3, both the secondary battery in the front panel 10 and the secondary battery in the main unit 20 have returned to full charge.

[0110] <Summary> In the present embodiment, information about the electronic components 104 mounted on the front panel 10 is read through communication with the main device 20. Therefore, the number of combinations of electronic components and types of front panels 10 that can be identified by the main device 20 can be increased more easily than in the first embodiment. For example, the adoption of new electronic components or the release of new front panels 10 can be easily accommodated by updating firmware or the correspondence relationship illustrated in FIG. 15. In the present embodiment, the main device 20 can read or identify the functional type of the front panel 10 through communication, making it possible to obtain more detailed information than in the first embodiment.

[0111] Third Embodiment In this embodiment, a case will be described in which information is recorded as a magnetic pattern that indicates the functional type of the front panel 10. In this embodiment, there is no need to provide a special structure 102 (see FIG. 6) in the front panel 10 and the main unit 20 as in the first embodiment, and there is no need to provide a communication unit 107 (see FIG. 16) in the front panel 10 as in the second embodiment. Therefore, the basic hardware configuration and functional configuration are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0112] 19 is a diagram illustrating a method for reading the functional type of front panel 10 in embodiment 3. In FIG. 19, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 4 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, functional type information, which is identified by the electronic components or combinations of electronic components mounted on front panel 10, is recorded as a magnetic pattern. Magnetic stripe 110 with the recorded magnetic pattern may be attached to front panel 10 or to magnetic card 120, which is an accessory for front panel 10.

[0113] When attaching the magnetic stripe 110 to the front panel 10, the magnetic stripe 110 is attached to the periphery or the like of the rear surface of the front panel 10. In the case of Fig. 19, the magnetic reader 40 and the main device 20 are connected with a USB cable to read the magnetic pattern recorded on the magnetic stripe of the front panel 10 or the magnetic card 120. Alternatively, the magnetic reader 40 may be attached to a part of the main device 20. If the shape of the front panel 10 is not suitable for reading the magnetic stripe, a magnetic card 120 is used.

[0114] <Summary> In this embodiment, the main device 20 can obtain information about the electronic components 104 mounted on the front panel 10 by reading the magnetic pattern. Furthermore, the magnetic reader 40 used to read the magnetic pattern can be used by connecting it to the USB connector 21, so there is no need to change the design of the main device 20. This allows the main device 20 to identify the functional type of the front panel 10 using a simple mechanism. Furthermore, as with the second embodiment, more detailed information can be obtained than in the first embodiment. Note that an IC chip 103 (see FIG. 14 ) may be mounted instead of a magnetic stripe recording a magnetic pattern. In this case, an IC chip reader may be connected to the main device 20 instead of the magnetic reader 40, and the information recorded on the IC chip 103 may be read by the IC chip reader.

[0115] Fourth Embodiment In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the functional type of the front panel 10 is identified using an image of the exterior of the front panel 10. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the exterior of the front panel 10 is imaged using a camera serving as the sensor unit 202 (see FIG. 7 ) of the main device 20 or a camera of a smartphone or tablet device capable of communicating with the main device 20. Note that the exterior of the front panel 10 is required to exhibit unique features that allow the functional type to be identified. In addition, it is required that a table or other information linking the unique features extracted from the captured image with the functional type is prepared in the main device 20, etc. Other hardware and functional configurations are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0116] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying the functional type of the front panel 10 according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 20, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 4 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. A single diagonal line is drawn on the surface of the front panel 10 shown in FIG. 20 as a pattern representing the functional type. Information used for identification may be expressed not only by the pattern, but also by the color of the lines constituting the pattern, the thickness of the lines constituting the pattern, or color coding (for example, in the example of FIG. 20, a combination of the color of the surface above the diagonal line and the color of the surface below the diagonal line). The pattern may also be formed as a concave-convex pattern on the surface of the front panel 10, or may be expressed by the number and size of notches or holes, or a pattern combining these.

[0117] However, since the appearance indicating the functional type is intended solely for the purpose of linking with the main device 20, it may not necessarily match the user's preferences. Therefore, the appearance indicating the functional type of the front panel 10 may be provided on the back side of the front panel 10. In this case, the user can select a front panel 10 with a surface texture and design that suits their preferences. In addition, in the case of FIG. 20 , the appearance of the front panel 10 to be attached is captured with a camera provided on the main device 20 while the front panel 10 is removed. However, it is also possible to capture the appearance of another front panel 10 to be newly attached while the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20.

[0118] Alternatively, instead of the main device 20 in FIG. 20 , a smartphone or tablet device may be used to capture an image of the exterior of the front panel 10, and the captured image may be sent from the smartphone or the like to the main device 20 via Bluetooth communication. In this case, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 processes the received image to identify the functional type of the front panel 10. The process of identifying the functional type from the captured image may be executed by a server operated by the supplier of the front panel 10, or by a smartphone or tablet device used by the user. In this case, only the information on the identified result is sent from the server or the like to the main device 20. The image may be uploaded to the server directly by the main device 20 that captured the image, by a smartphone or the like that receives the image from the main device 20, or by the smartphone or the like that captured the image.

[0119] <Summary> In the present embodiment, the functional type of the front panel 10 can be identified simply by capturing an image of the exterior of the front panel 10 using a camera mounted on the main device 20 or a camera mounted on a smartphone or the like, and processing the captured image. In other words, it is possible to identify the functional type using an image. For this reason, the exterior of the front panel 10 must have a unique feature that allows the functional type to be identified, but it is not necessary to install the structure 102 as in the first embodiment or the communication function as in the second embodiment in the front panel 10.

[0120] Fifth Embodiment This embodiment also uses image information. However, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which an image of characters printed or engraved on the front panel 10 is used to identify the functional type of the front panel 10. In this embodiment, it is required that the main device 20 or the like be provided with a function to recognize character strings from the captured image, and a table or other information linking the recognized character strings with functional types. Other hardware and functional configurations are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0121] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying the functional type of the front panel 10 in the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 21, the same reference numerals are used to denote parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 4. In the case of FIG. 21, "N10001" is printed or formed as a rugged pattern on the back surface of the front panel 10. In the case of FIG. 21, the character string on the front panel 10 to be attached is also captured by a camera provided on the main device 20 with the front panel 10 removed. However, it is also possible to capture the character string on another front panel 10 to be newly attached with the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20.

[0122] 21 may be used to capture an image of the character string printed on the front panel 10, and the captured image may be sent from the smartphone to the main device 20 via Bluetooth communication. The process of identifying the functional type from the captured image may be executed by a server operated by the supplier of the front panel 10, or may be executed by a smartphone, tablet, or the like used by the user.

[0123] <Summary> In the present embodiment, the functional type of the front panel 10 can be identified simply by capturing an image of the character string printed on the front panel 10 using a camera mounted on the main device 20 or a camera mounted on a smartphone or the like, and then subjecting the captured image to OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing. In other words, the functional type can be identified using an image. Therefore, in the present embodiment as well, it is not necessary to provide the structure 102 as in the first embodiment or the communication function as in the second embodiment to the front panel 10.

[0124] Sixth Embodiment This embodiment also uses image information. However, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which a functional type is identified using an image of a QR code or barcode (hereinafter referred to as a "graphic code") printed on the front panel 10. In this embodiment, it is required that the main device 20 or the like be provided with a function for decoding the captured graphic code and reading out the functional type. Other hardware configurations and functional configurations are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0125] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying the functional type of the front panel 10 in the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 22, the same reference numerals are used to denote parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 4. In the case of FIG. 22, a QR code is printed on the back surface of the front panel 10. In the case of FIG. 22, the QR code of the front panel 10 to be attached is captured by a camera provided in the main device 20 with the front panel 10 removed. However, the QR code of another front panel 10 to be newly attached may also be captured with the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20.

[0126] 22 , a smartphone or tablet device may be used to capture an image of the QR code printed on the front panel 10, and the image of the captured QR code may be sent from the smartphone or the like to the main device 20 via Bluetooth communication, and the main device 20 may process the captured image to identify the functional type. Note that the process of identifying the functional type from the image of the captured QR code may be executed by a server operated by the supplier of the front panel 10, or may be executed by a smartphone, tablet device, or the like used by the user.

[0127] <Summary> In the present embodiment, the functional type of the front panel 10 can be identified simply by capturing an image of a QR code or the like printed on the front panel 10 using a camera mounted on the main device 20 or a camera mounted on a smartphone or the like, and processing the captured image. In other words, it is possible to identify the functional type using an image. Therefore, in the present embodiment as well, it is not necessary to provide the structure 102 as in the first embodiment or the communication function as in the second embodiment to the front panel 10.

[0128] Seventh Embodiment In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the functional features of the front panel 10 that is to be mounted or has been mounted are identified and reflected in the processing operation of the main unit 20, focusing on a heating profile that can be read from the front panel 10. In other words, the functional features are identified from the heating profile, rather than from the combination of mounted electronic components 104. The basic hardware configuration and functional configuration are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0129] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying the functional type of the front panel 10 in the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 23, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 4 are assigned the same reference numerals. In the case of FIG. 23, the front panel 10 is equipped with at least a ROM as the electronic component 104, and a heating profile is recorded in the ROM. FIG. 23 illustrates an example in which the heating profile information recorded in the front panel 10 is read out to the main device 20.

[0130] The heating profiles here include, for example, a standard profile, an increase profile, a decrease profile, a temperature-adaptive profile, a humidity-adaptive profile, a profile with preheating, and a health condition monitoring profile. The temperature-adaptive profile here refers to a heating profile that has a function for switching or adjusting the heating profile depending on the temperature at the time of use. In the aerosol generation device 1 (main unit 20) that uses the front panel 10 that stores this heating profile, for example, the following linked operations are performed.

[0131] For example, if the air temperature before suction starts is outside the operating environment temperature range (-10°C to +45°C), the main power supply is forcibly turned off. For example, if the air temperature before suction starts is outside the operating environment temperature range (-10°C to +45°C), heating of the aerosol source is not started, or heating that is currently in progress is stopped. For example, if the air temperature before suction starts is outside the operating environment temperature range (-10°C to +45°C), a cooling fan is started to lower the temperature inside the device, or a Peltier cooling unit is operated. For example, if the air temperature before suction starts is below 5°C, the aerosol source is preheated (i.e., preheated) to a temperature lower than the main heating temperature before main heating (heating to the temperature at which aerosols are generated from the aerosol source) begins, thereby increasing the aerosols generated during main heating.

[0132] A temperature-adaptive profile refers to a heating profile that has a function for switching or adjusting the heating profile depending on the humidity during use. In an aerosol generation device 1 (main device 20) that uses a front panel 10 that stores this heating profile, for example, if the humidity at the start of inhalation is 80% or higher, the aerosol source is preheated before the start of main heating. A health monitoring profile refers to a heating profile that monitors the user's health before use and during use (including during inhalation) and controls the heating operation of the aerosol source. In an aerosol generation device 1 (main device 20) that uses a front panel 10 that stores this heating profile, if an abnormal value is detected in the user's biometric information by comparing it with a reference value, for example, the control unit 206 executes processing such as disabling the heating operation of the aerosol source or stopping the heating operation.

[0133] Note that information representing the heating profile includes, for example, the profile name, type, presence or absence of specific parameter values, and numerical magnitudes. If the heating profile of the front panel 10 is recorded in ROM, it is also possible to infer other electronic components 104 mounted on the front panel 10. For example, if a temperature-adaptive profile is recorded in ROM, it is understood that the front panel 10 is equipped with an air temperature sensor and that the measured air temperature can be acquired through communication with the main device 20. Similarly, if a humidity-adaptive profile is recorded in ROM, it is understood that the front panel 10 is equipped with a humidity sensor and that the measured humidity can be acquired through communication with the main device 20.

[0134] <Summary> In the present embodiment, only when a heating profile is recorded on the front panel 10, there is no need to provide the front panel 10 with a structure 102 indicating a functional type or with external features, as in other embodiments. Also in the present embodiment, the user simply attaches the front panel 10 to be used to the main unit 20, and a linked operation according to the heating profile of the front panel 10 is automatically realized.

[0135] <Other Embodiments> (1) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope described in the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the claims that various modifications or improvements to the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0136] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the joint between the front panel 10 and the main device 20 is continuously connected without any steps, forming a unified appearance. However, the joint may have steps or notches as long as the appearance is unified with the main device 20.

[0137] (3) In the above embodiment, the aerosol source is described as a solid, but the aerosol source may be a liquid. In the case where the aerosol source is a liquid, a method is adopted in which the aerosol source is guided into a thin tube called a wick by using capillary action, and the aerosol source is evaporated by heating a coil wound around the wick.

[0138] (4) In the above embodiment, the aerosol generator generates an aerosol by heating a solid aerosol source. However, the aerosol generator may generate an aerosol by separately heating a solid aerosol source and a liquid aerosol source. This type of aerosol generator is also called a hybrid aerosol generator.

[0139] (5) In the above-described embodiment, an aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) to which a front panel 10 is attached was described as an example of an electronic device. However, the electronic device may also be a cover member (including a main body cover and a protective cover) or panel member that can be attached and detached to the device main body, and can be used with the cover member or panel member attached, such as a remote control, a game console, a music player, a video camera, a digital camera, an electronic dictionary, or a calculator.

[0140] (6) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which aerosol generation was permitted only when the front panel 10 was attached to the main device 20. However, the main device 20 may be capable of generating aerosol even when the front panel 10 is not attached. In this case, attaching the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is used to expand the functions executable by the main device 20. For example, when the front panel 10 is removed, the main device 20 operates solely on the built-in secondary battery 201A (see FIG. 16 ), and when a front panel 10 with a secondary battery is attached to the main device 20, functions that use power from the battery (primary battery, secondary battery 104) of the front panel 10 are enabled.

[0141] (7) In the above-described embodiment, a state in which aerosol generation is possible has been described as an example of an operable aerosol generation device 1 (main unit 20). However, this is not limited to this. For example, even if aerosol generation is not possible due to a power shortage, the aerosol generation device 1 (main unit 20) is operable as long as other functions are operating. Examples of other functions include a function to check and display the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A, etc., a function to acquire and display the inhalation history, and a function to communicate with an external terminal.

[0142] (8) In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 was pressed and deformed to operate the buttons 20B provided on the main device 20. However, instructions may be input to the main device 20 using methods other than deformation of the front panel 10. For example, a touch panel may be provided on the front panel 10 as a notification unit, and information indicating a user's operation on the touch panel may be notified to the control unit 206 (see FIG. 7 ) of the main device 20 via a communication unit (not shown). Alternatively, for example, switches or buttons may be provided on the front panel 10, and the presence or absence of an operation on these may be notified to the control unit 206 (see FIG. 7 ) of the main device 20 via a communication unit (not shown). The touch panel, switches, etc. are examples of an operation unit. Note that a heat-shielding structure is employed on the surface and interior of this type of main device 20.

[0143] <Summary> The present disclosure includes the following configurations. (1) An electronic device having a control unit and a battery, wherein the control unit determines the functional type of a cover member that is or has been attached to the device body. (2) The electronic device described in (1), wherein the control unit identifies electronic components provided in the cover member based on the functional type determination result. (3) The electronic device described in (1) or (2), wherein the control unit controls cooperation with the electronic components provided in the cover member based on the functional type determination result. (4) The electronic device described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit determines the functional type of the cover member by detecting structural features provided in the cover member. (5) The electronic device described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit determines the functional type of the cover member by reading a magnetic pattern. (6) The electronic device described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit determines the functional type of the cover member based on information read through communication with the cover member. (7) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit determines the functional type of the cover member using an image of the cover member captured by a camera. (8) The electronic device according to (7), wherein the control unit reads text information on the cover member as an image. (9) The electronic device according to (7), wherein the control unit reads a graphic code attached to the cover member as an image. (10) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising a heating unit that heats the aerosol source, and wherein the control unit determines the functional type based on information representing a control sequence that can be read from the cover member. (11) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein a portion of the surface of the device body is covered by the cover member when the cover member is attached to the device body. (12) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (11), further comprising a heating unit that heats the aerosol source, and wherein the control unit detects attachment of the cover member to the device body as one of the conditions for enabling heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit. (13) An electronic device described in any one of (1) to (12), wherein the cover member attached to the device body can be pressed by a user to operate a switch provided on the device body.(14) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the portion of the device body that is not covered by the cover member forms an appearance that is integrated with the cover member. (15) A program for causing a computer provided in an electronic device having a battery to realize a function of determining the functional type of the cover member that is or has been attached to the device body.

[0144] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Aerosol generating device, 10...Front panel, 10A...Main body panel, 10B...Window, 10C, 20C...Magnet, 20...Main body device, 20A...LED, 20B...Button, 20D...Sensor, 21...USB connector, 22...Hole, 30...Shutter, 101...Primary battery, 102...Structure, 103...IC chip, 104...Electronic component, 105...Fuel gauge, 106...Step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit, 201...Power supply unit, 201A...Secondary battery, 201B...Power supply unit, 202...Sensor unit, 203...Notification unit, 204...Memory unit, 205...Communication unit, 206...Control unit, 207...Heating unit, 208...Insulation unit, 209...Holding unit, 210...Stick-shaped substrate

Claims

1. An electronic device having a control unit and a battery, wherein the control unit discriminates the functional type of a cover member attached to or already attached to the device body. The electronic device.

2. The control unit identifies the electronic components provided on the cover member based on the discrimination result of the functional type. The electronic device according to Claim 1.

3. The control unit controls the cooperation with the electronic components provided on the cover member based on the discrimination result of the functional type. The electronic device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit discriminates the functional type of the cover member through detecting the structural features provided on the cover member. The electronic device according to Claim 1.

5. The control unit discriminates the functional type of the cover member through reading a magnetic pattern. The electronic device according to Claim 1.

6. The control unit discriminates the functional type of the cover member based on the information read through communication with the cover member. The electronic device according to Claim 1.

7. The control unit discriminates the functional type of the cover member using the image of the cover member captured by a camera. The electronic device according to Claim 1.

8. The control unit reads the character information of the cover member as the image. The electronic device according to Claim 7.

9. The control unit reads the graphic code attached to the cover member as the image. The electronic device according to Claim 7.

10. further having a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein the control unit discriminates the functional type based on the information representing the control sequence readable from the cover member. The electronic device according to Claim 1.

11. When the cover member is attached to the device body, a part of the surface of the device body is covered by the cover member. The electronic device according to Claim 1.

12. further having a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein the control unit detects the attachment of the cover member to the device body as one of the conditions enabling the heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit. The electronic device according to Claim 1.

13. The cover member attached to the device body enables the operation of a switch provided on the device body by the pressing of a user. The electronic device according to Claim 1.

14. The portion of the main body of the machine that is not covered by the cover member forms an appearance integral with the cover member. The electronic device according to claim 1.

15. In a computer provided in an electronic device having a battery, A function for discriminating the functional type of a cover member attached to or attached to the main body of the device A program for realizing the above.