Cover

Abstract

This cover is attached to a main body having a heating part which heats a base material including an aerosol source, the cover comprising: a notification part 104 displaying information; a communication part receiving an electromagnetic wave transmitted from a beacon transmitter 40 which transmits an electromagnetic wave; and a control part causing the notification part 104 to display information included in the electromagnetic wave received by the communication part.

Description

cover

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cover.

[0002] It has been proposed to display information about the operation of an inhalation device that generates an aerosol as an inhalation component and allows the user to inhale it on a housing or the like. The inhalation device described in Patent Document 1 has a detachable panel attached to a housing of a main body. The main body has a display window, which is an opening aligned with an LED disposed within the main body and allows light from the LED to pass through to a display unit on the panel. This allows the user to see the light from the outer surface of the panel. The LED, by emitting light in a predetermined light-emitting manner, notifies the user of information about the operation of the inhalation device, such as whether the inhalation device is powered on, the progress of preheating, and the remaining time available for inhalation.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 079896

[0004] From the viewpoint of user convenience, it is desirable to display information other than information relating to the operation of the suction device on a member that is configured to be detachable from the device body of the suction device.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a cover that can display information other than information related to the operation of a suction device.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cover to be attached to a main body having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source, the cover comprising: a display unit that displays information; a receiver unit that receives electromagnetic waves transmitted from a transmitter that emits electromagnetic waves; and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display information contained in the electromagnetic waves received by the receiver. In this cover, the receiver unit may receive information regarding a store advertisement transmitted from a store, and the display control unit may cause the advertisement to be displayed on the display unit. In this cover, the receiver unit may receive information regarding a coupon that can be used at the store transmitted from the store, and the display control unit may cause the coupon to be displayed on the display unit. In this cover, the receiver unit may receive information indicating that the smoking area is a smoking area transmitted from a smoking area, and the display control unit may cause the display unit to display the information indicating that the smoking area is a smoking area. In this cover, the receiver unit may receive location information of the smoking area transmitted from the smoking area, and the display control unit may cause the display unit to display the location information of the smoking area. In this cover, the receiver unit may receive information indicating that smoking articles are being sold transmitted from a smoking article vending machine, and the display control unit may cause the display unit to display the information indicating that smoking articles are being sold. In this cover, the receiving unit may receive electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmitter at regular intervals, and the display control unit may cause the display unit to display information contained in the electromagnetic waves when the signal strength received by the receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength. In this cover, the receiving unit may receive electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmitter at regular intervals, and the display control unit may cause the display unit to display information contained in the electromagnetic waves when the period during which the signal strength received by the receiving unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined strength has elapsed.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, information other than information related to the operation of the suction device can be displayed on a member configured to be detachable from the device body of the suction device.

[0008] 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device as viewed from diagonally above. FIG. 2 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device as viewed from diagonally below. FIG. 3 is a view of the aerosol generation device as viewed from above with the shutter removed. FIG. 4 is a view of the main body device as viewed from the front with the front panel removed. FIG. 5 is a view of the back side of the front panel removed from the main body device. FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device. FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuits in the front panel and the main body device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart explaining an example of a pre-heating operation by the control unit of the main body device in the aerosol generation device. FIG. 9 is a diagram explaining a situation in which the front panel of the aerosol generation device receives a signal from a beacon transmitter. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit of the front panel when display information is directly acquired from a beacon transmitter. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit of the front panel when display information is directly acquired from a server.

[0046] Figures 12(A) and 12(B) show an example of display of information about a store on a notification section of the front panel of an aerosol generating device, with Figure 12(A) showing the aerosol generating device receiving a radio signal from a beacon transmitter, Figure 12(B) showing one example of display on the notification section, and Figure 12(C) showing another example of display on the notification section. Figures 13(A) and 13(B) show an example of display on the notification section of the front panel of an aerosol generating device, with Figure 13(A) showing the aerosol generating device receiving a radio signal from a beacon transmitter, and Figure 13(B) showing one example of display on the notification section. Figures 13(A) and 13(B) show another example of display on the notification section of the front panel of an aerosol generating device, with Figure 13(A) showing the aerosol generating device receiving a radio signal from a beacon transmitter, and Figure 13(B) showing one example of display on the notification section. Figures 13(A) and 13(B) show an ... 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit of the front panel when display information is directly acquired from a server via a relay device.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. An aerosol generating device according to the embodiment is a form of electronic cigarette. The substance generated by the aerosol generating device is an aerosol. An aerosol is a mixture of air or other gases and minute liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas. In the embodiment, an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion is described. In addition, in the embodiment, an aerosol generating device to which a solid aerosol source can be attached is described.

[0010] <Device configuration> Fig. 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device as seen from diagonally above. Fig. 2 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device as seen from diagonally below. Fig. 3 is a view of the aerosol generation device as seen from above with the shutter removed. Fig. 4 is a view of the main device as seen from the front with the front panel removed. Fig. 5 is a view showing the back side of the front panel removed from the main device.

[0011] The aerosol generating device 1 is sized so that a user can hold it in one hand. The aerosol generating device 1 includes 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 disposed on the top surface of the main body device 20 and can be slid along the top surface. The front panel 10 is a member that can be attached to and detached from the main body device 20.

[0012] The front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 covers the front portion of the main device 20, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In other words, even after the front panel 10 is attached, the front panel 10 does not cover any portion of the main device 20 other than the front portion. Therefore, the sides, back, top, and bottom of the main device 20 remain visible from the outside, even after the front panel 10 is attached. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 is continuously connected to the sides, top, and bottom of the main device 20 without any steps, creating a unified appearance.

[0013] The front panel 10 is an example of a cover. When attached to the main unit 20 as described above, the front panel 10 has an appearance that is continuous with the main unit 20, and serves as decoration. The front panel 10 also serves to buffer the transmission of heat emitted from the main unit 20. Furthermore, the front panel 10 serves to protect the main unit 20 from dirt, scratches, and the like.

[0014] The front panel 10 is provided on its inside with a power supply unit 101 capable of charging and discharging electricity, a charging circuit 102 that charges the power supply unit 101 with power supplied from the main device 20, and a power supply circuit 103 that supplies the power stored in the power supply unit 101 to the main device 20. The power supply unit 101 may be, for example, a film-type lithium-ion secondary battery or a capacitor. The arrangement of the power supply unit 101, charging circuit 102, and power supply circuit 103 in FIG. 5 is merely an example and is not limited to the illustrated arrangement. Multiple power supply units 101 may be attached to the front panel 10. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a notification unit 104 is provided on the outside of the front panel 10. The arrangement of the notification unit 104 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is merely an example and is not limited to the illustrated arrangement.

[0015] A connector 21 for charging a power supply unit 201 (see FIG. 6 ) built into the main device 20 is provided on the bottom side of the main device 20. The type of connector 21 is not particularly limited, and as an example, a type C USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector may be used.

[0016] A hole 22 is provided on the top surface of the main device 20 for inserting a stick-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 6 ) that houses an aerosol source. The stick-shaped substrate 210 used in this embodiment houses a solid aerosol source 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. 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 insertion of a stick-shaped substrate 210 that has a circular cross section.

[0017] 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 corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field that crosses the Hall element. Whether the shutter 30 is in the open position or the closed position is detected from the change in voltage output from the Hall IC as the shutter 30 slides.

[0018] A button 20B is located approximately in the center of the front of the main device 20. When the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20 and a position on the front panel 10 corresponding to the button 20B is pressed, the front panel 10 deforms and the button 20B is pressed. This allows the button 20B to be operated while the front panel 10 is 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. 6 ) that heats the aerosol source, and issue a Bluetooth® pairing command. Note that if the button 20B is pressed and held (e.g., for 5 seconds or more) while the front panel 10 is detached from the main device 20, a reset function is activated. For example, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as the Bluetooth.

[0019] 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 the magnets 10C located inside the front panel 10. The magnets 20C of the main unit 20 and the magnets 10C of the front panel 10 have polarities that attract each other. For example, if the magnet 10C of 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. Note that either the magnet 10C or the magnet 20C may be a piece of iron or other magnetic metal. Attachment of the front panel 10 to the main unit 20 is detected by a Hall IC located on the main unit 20 side.

[0020] In addition, various electronic components necessary for generating aerosol are built into the main device 20. In this sense, the main device 20 is an example of an electronic device specialized for generating aerosol. In a narrow sense, the main device 20 is called an aerosol generating device.

[0021] <Internal Configuration> Fig. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1. Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuits in the front panel 10 and the main device 20. Note that Fig. 6 shows a state in which the stick-shaped substrate 210 is attached to the main device 20. The internal configuration shown in Fig. 6 is intended to explain the components provided on the front panel 10 and the main device 20 and their positional relationship. For this reason, the appearance of the components, etc. shown in Fig. 6 does not necessarily match the appearance diagram described above.

[0022] The front panel 10 is provided with a power supply unit 101 that stores electricity, a charging circuit 102 that charges the power supply unit 101 with power supplied from the main unit 20, a power supply circuit 103 that supplies power from the power supply unit 101 to the main unit 20, etc., a notification unit 104 that notifies information, a communication unit 105, and a control unit 106.

[0023] The power supply unit 101 is realized by a secondary battery 101A and further includes a step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B. The secondary battery 101A may be, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery. In the power supply unit 101, the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B generates a 3.3V power supply Vsys from the output voltage of the secondary battery 101A and supplies the power supply Vsys to the notification unit 104, the communication unit 105, and the control unit 106.

[0024] The charging circuit 102 is configured, for example, by a step-up DC / DC circuit. The charging circuit 102 is a circuit that supplies a voltage of, for example, 4.2 V to the secondary battery 101A when power is supplied from the main device 20. The charging circuit 102 is also provided with a circuit that prevents reverse current flow.

[0025] The power supply circuit 103 is configured, for example, by a step-up DC / DC circuit. The power supply circuit 103 is a circuit that supplies a constant voltage (for example, 5 V) to the main device 20 regardless of the output voltage of the power supply unit 101. The power supply circuit 103 is provided with a circuit that prevents backflow of current.

[0026] The power supply from the main device 20 to the charging circuit 102 and the power supply from the power supply circuit 103 to the main device 20 may be contact or non-contact. Contact power supply may be achieved, for example, by mechanical contact of electrodes, mechanical contact using spring-loaded electrode pins (pogo pins), or by connector coupling. Contactless power supply may be achieved, for example, by electromagnetic induction, such as the Qi standard or the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard, or by electric field induction.

[0027] The notification unit 104 is a display device that displays text and images to notify various information. The notification unit 104 is realized, for example, by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, a micro LED (light emitting diode) display, or other display device. The notification unit 104 displays information such as the remaining charge of the built-in secondary battery, the current operating mode of the main unit 20 (high aerosol generation mode, low aerosol generation mode), aerosol inhalation history, time, error information, etc. The notification unit 104 also displays various information obtained, for example, by communicating with other external devices. The notification unit 104 is an example of a display unit.

[0028] The communication unit 105 is a communication interface for communicating with the main device 20 and other devices. The communication unit 105 acquires status information from the main device 20 and sends it to the notification unit 104. The communication unit 105 also connects to other devices under the control of the control unit 106, acquires information, and sends it to the notification unit 104. The communication unit 105 communicates with other devices in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), serial signal line, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth, etc.

[0029] The communication unit 105 receives a signal transmitted from a beacon transmitter using radio waves. The beacon transmitter is installed in facilities such as stores, smoking areas, and vending machines for smoking articles such as cigarettes. When a user carrying the aerosol generating device 1 approaches a facility where a beacon transmitter is installed and enters an area where radio waves from the beacon transmitter can be received, the communication unit 105 receives the radio waves transmitted from the beacon transmitter. As a result, the control unit 106 acquires information related to the facility where the beacon transmitter is installed. The communication unit 105 is an example of a receiving unit.

[0030] The control unit 106 is a device that loads and executes programs to perform various types of arithmetic processing and control in the front panel 10. The control unit 106 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), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The control unit 106 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs, arithmetic parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as needed.

[0031] The control unit 106 controls, for example, communication with the main device 20, communication with other devices such as a smartphone, display by the notification unit 104, charging of the secondary battery 101A of the power supply unit 101 by the charging circuit 102 and the power supply circuit 103, and power supply to each electronic component. The control unit 106 also inputs information to each electronic component on the front panel 10 and performs processing based on information output from each electronic component. Furthermore, the control unit 106 displays information acquired by the communication unit 105 based on radio waves received from a beacon transmitter on the notification unit 104. The control unit 106 is an example of a display control unit. It is assumed that the secondary battery 101A is charged via a USB cable. Charging from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 may also be possible.

[0032] In controlling the front panel 10, internal communication between the control unit 106 and each unit uses a serial communication method such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication, or UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication. Communication between the control unit 106 and the main unit 20 uses, for example, the SPI communication method or the UART communication method.

[0033] The main device 20 is provided with 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. Fig. 6 shows a state in which a stick-shaped substrate 210 is held by the holding unit 209, and in this state, the user inhales the aerosol.

[0034] The power supply unit 201 is a unit that supplies power to the front panel 10 and the main unit 20. The power supply unit 201 stores power using, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery or a capacitor. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , power is stored in a secondary battery 201A. The secondary battery 201A can be charged from an external power source. Examples of external power sources that can be used include a commercial power source, a mobile battery, and the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10.

[0035] The power supply unit 201 is also provided with a power supply unit 201B. 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 outputs, for example, 3.3 V to the power supply line to which the sensor unit 202, the notification unit 203, the storage unit 204, the communication unit 205, and the control unit 206 are connected. The power supply unit 201B also outputs, for example, 4.2 V to the power supply line to which the heating unit 207 is connected. When charging the secondary battery 201A with an external power supply, the power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 4.2 V to the power supply line to which the secondary battery 201A is connected. A USB cable is used to supply power from a commercial power supply or a mobile battery as an external power supply. In FIG. 7, the power supply terminals corresponding to these external power supplies are designated as "VUSB."

[0036] Sensor unit 202 is an electronic component that detects various types of information related to main device 20. Examples of sensors that make up sensor unit 202 include a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor and a flow sensor. Sensor unit 202 outputs the detected information to control unit 206. For example, when sensor unit 202 detects a change in air pressure or air flow associated with inhalation, it outputs a numerical value representing the user's inhalation to control unit 206.

[0037] The sensor unit 202 has, for example, an input device that accepts input from a user. The input device is realized by, for example, a button or a switch. The button 20B shown in FIG. 4 is an example of the input device. The button 20B is used to switch the main power supply on and off, start and stop power supply to the heating unit 207 (in other words, start and stop aerosol generation), etc. The content of the user's instruction is output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 may be configured, for example, by a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates the main device 20, or the like. The notification unit 203 may notify the user that inhalation of the aerosol is now possible. This notification is given when the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0040] The storage unit 204 stores various information related to the operation of the main device 20. The storage unit 204 is configured, for example, with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, an operating system (OS), firmware (FW), and other programs. The information stored in the storage unit 204 also includes, for example, information related to the control of electronic components. The control information includes, for example, information related to suction by the user, such as the number of suctions, the suction time, and the cumulative suction time.

[0041] The communication unit 205 is a communication interface for enabling communication between the main device 20 and other devices. The communication unit 205 communicates with other devices using a method that complies with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards include wireless LAN, serial signal line, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. 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 profiles that define the temperature change of the heating unit 207 in heating mode from a server. The communication unit 205 also transmits commands to start and stop power supply to the power supply circuit 103.

[0042] The control unit 206 functions as an arithmetic processing unit or a control unit and controls the operation of the main unit 20 according to various programs. The control unit 206 may also control the operation of the charging circuit 102 and the power supply circuit 103 provided in the front panel 10. Control signals are transmitted via a signal line different from the power supply line. For example, serial communication methods such as I2C, SPI, and UART are used for communication within the main unit 20. SPI and UART communication methods are used for communication between the control unit 206 and the charging circuit 102 and the power supply circuit 103 of the front panel 10. BLE, for example, is used for the communication line. The control unit 206 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, and DSP. The control unit 206 may include a ROM for storing programs, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM for temporarily storing parameters, etc.

[0043] The control unit 206 executes various processes and controls by executing programs. Specifically, the control unit 206 performs functions such as 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 storage unit 204, and sending and receiving information using the communication unit 205. Note that communication by the communication unit 205 also includes communication with the front panel 10. The control unit 206 also controls input of information to electronic components and processing based on information output from the electronic components.

[0044] The holding part 209 is a roughly cylindrical container. The space inside the holding part 209, defined by the inner wall and bottom surface of the container, is called 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 said to be that the stick-shaped substrate 210 is held in the internal space 209A.

[0045] 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. The opening 209B corresponds to an air outlet, which is the air outlet.

[0046] The holding portion 209 holds a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 210, with the remaining portion of the stick-shaped substrate 210 protruding from the housing of the main device 20. Hereinafter, the portion held by 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. Examples of aerosol sources include tobacco shreds, processed tobacco raw materials formed into granules, sheets, or powder, and other tobacco-derived substances. 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 contain a flavoring component such as menthol. When the main device 20 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain a medication to be inhaled by the patient. The aerosol source is not limited to a solid; for example, it may be a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The heating unit 207 is composed of a heater or other heating 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 example shown in FIG. 6 , the area near the periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is heated first, and the heated range gradually moves toward the center.

[0049] 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 the 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.

[0050] When the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature, the user is 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 information related to the detected inhalation is 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. Note that a system may be employed 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.

[0051] 6, 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, an induction heating coil may be disposed around the holding unit 209.

[0052] 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, silica (silicon powder), or the like is 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.

[0053] <Operation of the aerosol generating device 1 (pre-heating operation)> Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a pre-heating operation performed by the control unit 206 of the main body device 20 in the aerosol generating device 1. The pre-heating operation is an operation that is executed before heating by the heating unit 207 (see Fig. 6) starts, and is always executed in the background.

[0054] First, the control unit 206 determines whether the front panel 10 (see FIG. 1) is attached to the main device 20 (see FIG. 1). Attachment or detachment of the front panel 10 is determined based on the output signal of the Hall IC. If the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20 (YES in S1), the control unit 206 cancels the inhibited state of heating the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 (S2). On the other hand, if the front panel 10 is not attached to the main device 20 (NO in S1), the control unit 206 maintains the inhibited state of heating the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 (S3). Heating of the stick-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 6), which is the aerosol source, is initiated by operating the button 20B (see FIG. 4) when the inhibited state of heating is canceled due to the attachment of the front panel 10. The button 20B is operated, for example, by pressing and holding the button 20B from above the front panel 10 for one second or more.

[0055] <Operation of the aerosol generating device 1 (display of information)> The following describes the display of information by the notification unit 104 provided on the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1. The communication unit 105 of the front panel 10 receives signals transmitted from beacon transmitters installed in facilities such as stores and smoking areas (hereinafter referred to as "smoking facilities"). The control unit 106 of the front panel 10 displays various information on the notification unit 104 based on the reception of these signals.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the front panel 10 of the aerosol generation device 1 receives a signal from a beacon transmitter. The beacon transmitter 40 periodically transmits a signal using radio waves such as BLE. In FIG. 9, the range of the radio waves from the beacon transmitter 40 is indicated by region R. When the user carrying the aerosol generation device 1 is outside region R, the communication unit 105 of the front panel 10 does not receive the radio waves output by the beacon transmitter 40, and the signal is not detected (in FIG. 9, this is indicated as "signal not detected"). When the user carrying the aerosol generation device 1 enters region R, the communication unit 105 of the front panel 10 receives the radio waves from the beacon transmitter 40, and the signal is detected (in FIG. 9, this is indicated as "signal detected").

[0057] When the communication unit 105 receives a radio signal stronger than a predetermined first strength, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 acquires information to be displayed on the notification unit 104 based on the received radio signal. Hereinafter, the first strength of this radio signal is referred to as a first threshold. Also, when the communication unit 105 continuously receives a radio signal that is weaker than the first threshold but stronger than a predetermined second strength for a predetermined set period, the control unit 106 acquires information to be displayed on the notification unit 104 based on the received radio signal. Hereinafter, the second strength of this radio signal is referred to as a second threshold. The "set period" used as the criterion for continuously receiving a radio signal stronger than the second threshold may be set arbitrarily, and may be, for example, 5 seconds.

[0058] The information displayed on the notification unit 104 (hereinafter referred to as "display information") may be acquired by directly transmitting the information from the beacon transmitter 40 to the front panel 10 of the aerosol generation device 1, or by the front panel 10 of the aerosol generation device 1 accessing a server and acquiring the information using connection information acquired from the beacon transmitter 40. In the former case, for example, the data of the display information is stored in a storage means such as a memory built into the beacon transmitter 40 or an external storage device connected to the beacon transmitter 40, and this data of the display information is output from the beacon transmitter 40 together with a radio wave signal.

[0059] In the latter case, the display information is stored in a server (not shown) prepared separately from the beacon transmitter 40. The server may be located in a smoking facility or the like, or may be built on a network as a cloud server or the like. The server can be connected via wireless communication using Wi-Fi or the like. The beacon transmitter 40 stores connection information to the server in its built-in memory and outputs the information together with a radio signal. Examples of the connection information to the server include an IP (Internet Protocol) address and a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). When the front panel 10 of the aerosol generation device 1 is connected to the server via a wireless LAN, a wireless LAN router may be installed in the smoking facility or the like together with the beacon transmitter 40.

[0060] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 when display information is directly acquired from the beacon transmitter 40. When a user carrying the aerosol generation device 1 enters area R (S11) and the communication unit 105 of the front panel 10 receives a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40, the control unit 106 checks the strength of the received radio signal (denoted as "signal strength" in the figure). If the signal strength is stronger than a first threshold (YES in S12), the control unit 106 determines whether display information has been received along with the radio signal. If display information has been received (YES in S15), the control unit 106 displays the display information on the notification unit 104 (S16).

[0061] If the signal strength is weaker than the first threshold (NO in S12) but stronger than the second threshold (YES in S13), the control unit 106 checks the reception period of the radio signal. If the reception period of the radio signal stronger than the second threshold reaches the set period (YES in S14), the control unit 106 determines whether display information has been received along with the radio signal. If display information has been received (YES in S15), the control unit 106 displays the display information on the notification unit 104 (S16).

[0062] If the signal strength becomes weaker than the second threshold before the reception period of a radio signal stronger than the second threshold reaches the set period (NO in S14, NO in S13), the control unit 106 cannot acquire the display information and ends the processing without displaying it on the notification unit 104. Also, even if the signal strength is stronger than the first threshold (YES in S12) and a radio signal stronger than the second threshold has been continuously received for the set period (YES in S14), if there is no display information (NO in S15), the control unit 106 cannot acquire the display information and ends the processing without displaying it on the notification unit 104.

[0063] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 when display information is directly acquired from the server. The operations of S21 to S24 related to receiving a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 are the same as the operations of S11 to S14 described with reference to FIG. 10, and therefore will not be described here.

[0064] If the signal strength of the radio signal received from the beacon transmitter 40 is stronger than the first threshold (YES in S22), the control unit 106 determines whether connection information to a server has been received along with the radio signal. If connection information has been received (YES in S25), the control unit 106 connects to the server using the received connection information (S26) and acquires display information (S27). The control unit 106 then displays the acquired display information on the notification unit 104 (S28).

[0065] If the signal strength of the radio signal received from the beacon transmitter 40 is weaker than the first threshold (NO in S22) but stronger than the second threshold (YES in S23), and the reception period of the radio signal stronger than the second threshold reaches the set period (YES in S24), the control unit 106 determines whether connection information to a server has been received along with the radio signal. If connection information has been received (YES in S25), the control unit 106 connects to the server using the received connection information (S26) and acquires display information (S27). The control unit 106 then displays the acquired display information on the notification unit 104 (S28).

[0066] If the signal strength becomes weaker than the second threshold before the reception period of a radio signal stronger than the second threshold reaches the set period (NO in S24, NO in S23), the control unit 106 cannot connect to the server to acquire display information, and therefore ends the processing without displaying the display information on the notification unit 104. Also, even if the signal strength is stronger than the first threshold (YES in S22) and a radio signal stronger than the second threshold has been continuously received for the set period (YES in S24), if connection information to the server has not been received (NO in S25), the control unit 106 cannot connect to the server, and therefore ends the processing without displaying the display information on the notification unit 104.

[0067] <Examples of Display Information> Below, we will explain several display examples in the notification unit 104 of the front panel 10 of the aerosol generation device 1. In each example shown below, no distinction is made as to whether the front panel 10 acquires the display information directly from the beacon transmitter 40 or from a server, because there is no difference in the point that the display information is acquired based on the radio signal received from the beacon transmitter 40.

[0068] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of display of store-related information in the notification unit 104 of the front panel 10 of the aerosol generation device 1. Figure 12(A) is a diagram showing how the aerosol generation device 1 receives a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40, Figure 12(B) is a diagram showing one display example in the notification unit 104, and Figure 12(C) is a diagram showing another display example in the notification unit 104.

[0069] 12(A) , a beacon transmitter 40 is installed in a store 41. When a user carrying the aerosol generation device 1 approaches the store 41 and enters an area R within which radio waves from the beacon transmitter 40 reach, the aerosol generation device 1 receives a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 via the communication unit 105 of the front panel 10. Then, the aerosol generation device 1 acquires display information based on the received radio signal via the control unit 106 of the front panel 10, and displays the acquired display information on the notification unit 104.

[0070] In this example, the display information is information about the store 41 in which the beacon transmitter 40 is installed. Examples of information about the store 41 include advertisements for the store 41 and products, coupons that can be used at the store 41, etc. In the example shown in Figure 12 (B), the aerosol generating device 1 acquires information about the advertisements for the store 41 as display information, and displays advertisements based on the acquired information on the notification unit 104. The advertisements for the store 41 may display, for example, sales information such as the types and prices of products and services sold, and information about events being held such as special sales. In the example shown, the text "Special Sale Today" is displayed as an example of an advertisement.

[0071] 12(C), the aerosol generating device 1 acquires information about coupons that can be used in the store 41 as display information, and displays the coupons based on the acquired information on the notification unit 104. When using a coupon, for example, when purchasing a product or receiving a service at the store 41, the user of the aerosol generating device 1 presents the coupon displayed on the notification unit 104 to a store clerk or the like.

[0072] 13 and 14 are diagrams showing examples of display of information about smoking areas in the notification section 104 of the front panel 10 of the aerosol generation device 1. Fig. 13(A) is a diagram showing how the aerosol generation device 1 receives a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40, and Fig. 13(B) is a diagram showing one example of display in the notification section 104. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing another example of display in the notification section 104.

[0073] 13(A), a beacon transmitter 40 is installed in a smoking area 42. When a user carrying the aerosol generation device 1 approaches the smoking area 42 and enters an area R within which radio waves from the beacon transmitter 40 can reach, the aerosol generation device 1 receives a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 via the communication unit 105 of the front panel 10. Then, the aerosol generation device 1 acquires display information based on the received radio signal via the control unit 106 of the front panel 10, and displays the acquired display information on the notification unit 104.

[0074] In this example, the display information displayed is information about the smoking area 42 where the beacon transmitter 40 is installed. Examples of information about the smoking area 42 include the location where the radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 was received, in other words, information indicating that the location where the user is located is the smoking area 42, and information indicating the location of the smoking area 42. In the example shown in Fig. 13(B), the aerosol generation device 1 displays, as display information, information indicating that the location where the user is located is the smoking area 42 on the notification unit 104. In the example shown, the text "This is a smoking area" is displayed.

[0075] In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the aerosol generation device 1 acquires information indicating the location of a smoking area 42 as display information, and displays the location information of the smoking area 42 on the notification unit 104 based on the acquired information. In the example shown in FIG. 14 , a map is displayed on the notification unit 104 as the location information, and a mark 42a representing the smoking area 42 is placed at the location on the map corresponding to the smoking area 42. The notification unit 104 in FIG. 14 displays two marks 42a on the map. One of the smoking areas 42 indicated by the mark 42a is a smoking area 42 in which a beacon transmitter 40 that transmits a radio signal received by the aerosol generation device 1 is installed, while the other is another smoking area 42. In this way, by displaying the location information of not only the smoking area 42 corresponding to the received radio signal but also the other smoking areas 42, the user can immediately know the locations of other nearby smoking areas 42 even if the smoking area 42 they intended to use is crowded.

[0076] 15 and 16 are diagrams showing examples of information about a smoking article vending machine displayed on the notification unit 104 of the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1. Fig. 15(A) is a diagram showing how the aerosol generating device 1 receives a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40, and Fig. 15(B) is a diagram showing one example of display on the notification unit 104. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing another example of display on the notification unit 104.

[0077] 15(A), a beacon transmitter 40 is installed in a vending machine 43. When a user carrying the aerosol generation device 1 approaches the vending machine 43 and enters an area R within which radio waves from the beacon transmitter 40 reach, the aerosol generation device 1 receives a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 via the communication unit 105 of the front panel 10. Then, the aerosol generation device 1 acquires display information based on the received radio signal via the control unit 106 of the front panel 10, and displays the acquired display information on the notification unit 104.

[0078] In this example, the display information is information about a vending machine 43 in which a beacon transmitter 40 is installed. Examples of information about the vending machine 43 include information indicating that the vending machine 43 is located at a location where a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 is received, in other words, information indicating that smoking articles are being sold near the user's location, and information indicating the location of the vending machine 43. In the example shown in FIG. 15(B), the aerosol generating device 1 displays, as display information, information indicating that a vending machine 43 is located near the user's location on the notification unit 104. In the example shown, the text "There is a vending machine" is displayed.

[0079] In the example shown in Fig. 16, the aerosol generating device 1 acquires information indicating the location of the vending machine 43 as display information, and displays the location information of the vending machine 43 on the notification unit 104 based on the acquired information. In the example shown in Fig. 14, a map is displayed on the notification unit 104 as location information, and a mark 43a representing the vending machine 43 is placed at the position on the map corresponding to the vending machine 43. In the notification unit 104 of Fig. 16, two marks 43a are displayed on the map. One of the vending machines 43 indicated by the mark 43a is a vending machine 43 equipped with a beacon transmitter 40 that transmits a radio signal received by the aerosol generating device 1, while the other is another vending machine 43. In this way, by displaying the location information of not only the vending machine 43 corresponding to the received radio signal but also other nearby vending machines 43, the user can purchase smoking articles using the desired vending machine 43.

[0080] <Modifications> Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications and alternative configurations that do not depart from the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure. Some modifications are shown below.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the display information is obtained from the beacon transmitter 40 or the server, but depending on the display content, the display information may be stored in a memory provided in the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 of the aerosol generation device 1, and the display information may be read from the memory and displayed on the notification unit 104 on the condition that a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 is received. For example, information indicating a smoking area as shown in Fig. 13(B) or information indicating the presence of a vending machine as shown in Fig. 15(B) can be stored in the memory of the control unit 106 because the display content does not change depending on the date, time, or location and the amount of information is small.

[0082] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described assuming that a display device such as a liquid crystal display is used as the notification unit 104. However, for displays with a small amount of information as described above, a light-emitting device such as an LED may be used to present the information. For example, an LED may be used to notify the charge state of the secondary battery built into the aerosol generation device 1, and may be configured to notify the presence of a nearby smoking area, a smoking article vending machine, etc., with a unique light-emitting pattern.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 is 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 used as the notification unit 104, and information indicating a user's operation on the touch panel may be notified to the control unit 206 of the main device 20 via the communication unit 105. Alternatively, 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 of the main device 20 via the communication unit 105. The touch panel, switches, etc. here 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.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which aerosol generation is permitted only when the front panel 10 is 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. 7 ), and when the main device 20 is attached to a front panel 10 with a secondary battery, functions that use power from the secondary battery 101A (see FIG. 7 ) of the front panel 10 are enabled.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the front panel 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 has been described as acquiring display information directly from the beacon transmitter 40 and by accessing a server using connection information acquired from the beacon transmitter 40. However, the display information may be acquired via other routes. For example, a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone may be used as a relay device to acquire display information from a server. In this case, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 pre-registers the relay device as a communication target. The relay device is registered, for example, by Bluetooth pairing, and the registration information is stored, for example, in the memory of the control unit 106. The control unit 106 controls the communication unit 105 to connect to the registered relay device, transmit connection information to the server, and receive display information from the server.

[0086] 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 when display information is directly acquired from the server via a relay device. The operations of S31 to S34 related to receiving a radio signal from the beacon transmitter 40 are the same as the operations of S11 to S14 described with reference to FIG. 10, and therefore will not be described here.

[0087] If the signal strength of the radio signal received from the beacon transmitter 40 is stronger than the first threshold (YES in S32), the control unit 106 determines whether connection information to a server has been received along with the radio signal. If connection information has been received (YES in S35), the control unit 106 transmits the received connection information to the registered relay device (S36). The relay device uses the received connection information to connect to the server and acquire display information. The relay device then transmits the acquired display information to the control unit 106 of the front panel 10. If the control unit 106 acquires the display information from the relay device (S37), it displays the acquired display information on the notification unit 104 (S38). If connection information has not been received (NO in S35), the control unit 106 is unable to connect to the server and acquire display information, and therefore ends the process without displaying the display information on the notification unit 104. If the signal strength of the radio signal received from the beacon transmitter 40 is weaker than the first threshold (NO in S32) and stronger than the second threshold (YES in S33), and the reception period of the radio signal stronger than the second threshold reaches the set period (YES in S34), the operation from S35 onwards is similar.

[0088] In the above example, the front panel 10 of the aerosol generation device 1 receives a signal transmitted from the beacon transmitter 40 and acquires display information from a server via a relay device such as a smartphone, but the operations of receiving the signal transmitted from the beacon transmitter 40 and acquiring the display information from the server may be performed using a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone. The portable communication terminal transmits the acquired display information to the control unit 106 of the front panel 10, and the control unit 106 displays the display information received from the portable communication terminal on the notification unit 104. In this case, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 also registers the portable communication terminal as a communication target in advance and sets it up to be able to communicate with the portable communication terminal.

[0089] <Summary> The present disclosure includes the following configurations. (1) A cover to be attached to a main body having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source, the cover comprising: a display unit that displays information; a receiver unit that receives electromagnetic waves transmitted from a transmitter that emits electromagnetic waves; and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display information contained in the electromagnetic waves received by the receiver. (2) The cover described in (1), in which the receiver unit receives information about an advertisement for the store transmitted from the store, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the advertisement. (3) The cover described in (1) or (2), in which the receiver unit receives information about a coupon that can be used at the store transmitted from the store, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the coupon. (4) The cover described in any of (1) to (3), in which the receiver unit receives information that the smoking area is a smoking area transmitted from the smoking area, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the information that the smoking area is a smoking area. (5) The cover described in any of (1) to (4), in which the receiver unit receives location information of the smoking area transmitted from the smoking area, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the location information of the smoking area. (6) The cover according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the receiver receives information transmitted from a smoking article vending machine that smoking articles are being sold, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the information that smoking articles are being sold. (7) The cover according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the receiver receives electromagnetic waves transmitted from a transmitter at regular intervals, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display information contained in the electromagnetic waves when the signal strength received by the receiver is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength. (8) The cover according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the receiver receives electromagnetic waves transmitted from a transmitter at regular intervals, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display information contained in the electromagnetic waves when the period during which the signal strength received by the receiver is equal to or greater than the predetermined strength has elapsed.

[0090] 1...aerosol generating device, 10...front panel, 10C, 20C...magnet, 20...main body device, 101A, 201A...secondary battery, 20B...button, 21...connector, 22...hole, 30...shutter, 40...beacon transmitter, 101, 201...power supply unit, 101B...step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit, 102...charging circuit, 103...power supply circuit, 104...notification unit, 105...communication unit, 106...control unit, 201B...power supply unit, 202...sensor unit, 203...notification unit, 204...storage unit, 205...communication unit, 206...control unit, 207...heating unit, 208...insulation unit, 209...holding unit, 210...stick-shaped substrate

Claims

1. A cover attached to a body having a heating portion for heating a substrate including an aerosol source, A display unit for displaying information; a receiving unit that receives electromagnetic waves transmitted from a transmitter that transmits electromagnetic waves; a display control unit that causes information included in the electromagnetic waves received by the receiving unit to be displayed on the display unit; A cover comprising:

2. The receiving unit receives information regarding an advertisement of a store transmitted from the store, The cover according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the advertisement to be displayed on the display unit.

3. The receiving unit receives information regarding a coupon that can be used at a store, the information being transmitted from the store; The cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display control unit causes the coupon to be displayed on the display unit.

4. The receiving unit receives information indicating that the smoking area is a smoking area, The cover according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display information indicating that the area is a smoking area.

5. The receiving unit receives location information of the smoking area transmitted from the smoking area, The cover according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display location information of the smoking area.

6. The receiving unit receives information that the smoking article is being sold, the information being transmitted from a vending machine for the smoking article, The cover according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display information indicating that the smoking article is for sale.

7. The receiving unit receives electromagnetic waves transmitted at regular intervals from the transmitter, The cover according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display information contained in the electromagnetic waves when a signal strength received by the receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength.

8. The receiving unit receives electromagnetic waves transmitted at regular intervals from the transmitter, The cover according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display information contained in the electromagnetic waves when a period during which the signal strength received by the receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength has elapsed.