Generation device and cover

Abstract

A cover, when attached to a main body having a heating unit that heats a base material containing an aerosol source, the cover permitting heating of the heating unit by the main body. This cover is equipped with: a first communication unit communicating by a short-distance wireless communication method; a second communication unit communicating by a wireless communication method capable of communicating over a longer distance than the communication distance of the first communication unit; a storage unit storing information on a first other cover, which is another cover that has been present within a predetermined distance for a period of time longer than a predetermined time, detected via the first communication unit; an acquisition unit acquiring, via the second communication unit, a notification that the main body to which another cover is attached conducts heating; and a reporting unit that outputs the location information of a second other cover, which is the other cover based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit, via the first communication unit or the second communication unit or allows a display unit to display the information, when the information of the first other cover stored in the storage unit includes the information of the second other cover.

Description

Generator and cover

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a generator and a cover.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a participatory map site that provides useful information for smokers, such as smoking areas and areas where smoking is permitted. In Patent Document 1, not only do users receive information from distributors on the map site, but users who are smokers themselves can also participate in viewing and creating the map site via their personal computers and mobile devices, enabling interactive map creation that has not been possible before.

[0003] JP 2012-104085 A

[0004] In a configuration in which only smoking areas set by the distributor of smoking areas or other smokers are notified, there is room for further improvement in terms of obtaining information on more smoking areas.

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure is to enable smokers to be notified of smoking permitted areas that have not been designated by the broadcaster or other smokers.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a generation device that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, the generation device comprising: a first communication unit that communicates via a short-range wireless communication method; a second communication unit that communicates via a wireless communication method capable of communication over distances longer than the communication range of the first communication unit; a memory unit that stores information about a first other device that is another generation device that has been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time, the information being detected via the first communication unit; an acquisition unit that acquires a notification via the second communication unit that the other generation device has performed heating; and a notification unit that, when information about a second other device that is another generation device based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit is included in the information about the first other device stored in the memory unit, outputs location information of the second other device via the first communication unit or the second communication unit or displays it on a display unit. The generation device comprises a main body having a heating unit that heats the substrate containing the aerosol source, and a cover that is attached to the main body to allow the main body to heat the heating unit, and the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the memory unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit may be provided on the main body. The generating device may include a main body having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source, and a cover that is attached to the main body to allow the main body to heat the heating unit, and any of the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the memory unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit may be provided in the main body, and the others may be provided in the cover. In this case, the first communication unit may be provided in the cover, and the second communication unit, the memory unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit may be provided in the main body.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides a cover that is attached to a main body having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source, thereby allowing the main body to heat the heating unit, the cover comprising: a first communication unit that communicates using a short-range wireless communication method; a second communication unit that communicates using a wireless communication method that is capable of communication even at distances longer than the communication distance of the first communication unit; a memory unit that stores information about a first other cover that is another cover that has been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined period of time, the information being detected via the first communication unit; an acquisition unit that acquires a notification via the second communication unit that the main body to which the other cover is attached has performed heating; and an alarm unit that, when information about a second other cover that is another cover based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit is included in the information about the first other cover stored in the memory unit, outputs position information of the second other cover via the first communication unit or the second communication unit, or displays it on a display unit.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, smokers can be notified of smoking areas that have not been designated by the broadcaster or other smokers.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generation device as viewed from diagonally above. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generation device as viewed from diagonally below. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the aerosol generation device with the shutter removed as viewed from above. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the main device as viewed 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 a schematic diagram of the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the connection relationship of the power supply circuits in the front panel and the main device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart explaining an example of a pre-heating operation by the control unit of the main device in the aerosol generation device. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a situation in which information about the aerosol generation devices of other smokers who smoked together in the first smoking area is acquired and stored. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a situation in which notifications from the aerosol generation devices of other smokers smoking in the second smoking area are acquired and collated. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of displaying location information of smoking areas by the aerosol generation device. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a front cover for realizing a first operation example. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the first operation example. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a front cover for realizing a second operation example. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the second operation example. FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a front cover for realizing a third operation example. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the third operation example.

[0010] 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.

[0011] <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.

[0012] The aerosol generation device 1 is sized so that a user can hold it in one hand. The aerosol generation device 1 includes a main body device 20, a front cover 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 aerosol generation device 1 is an example of a generation device. The main body device 20 is an example of a main body. The front cover 10 is an example of a cover. The front cover 10 is a member that can be attached to and detached from the main body device 20.

[0013] The front cover 10 attached to the main unit 20 covers the front portion of the main unit 20, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In other words, even after the front cover 10 is attached, the front cover 10 does not cover any portion of the main unit 20 other than the front portion. Therefore, the sides, back, top, and bottom of the main unit 20 remain visible from the outside, even after the front cover 10 is attached. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front cover 10 attached to the main unit 20 is continuously connected to the sides, top, and bottom of the main unit 20 without any steps, creating an integrated appearance.

[0014] When attached to the main unit 20 as described above, the front cover 10 has an appearance that is continuous with the main unit 20, and serves as decoration. The front cover 10 also serves to buffer the transmission of heat emitted from the main unit 20. Furthermore, the front cover 10 serves to protect the main unit 20 from dirt, scratches, and the like.

[0015] The front cover 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 cover 10. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a notification unit 104 is provided on the outside of the front cover 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] A button 20B is located approximately in the center of the front of the main device 20. When the front cover 10 is attached to the main device 20 and a position on the front cover 10 corresponding to the button 20B is pressed, the front cover 10 deforms and the button 20B is pressed. This allows the button 20B to be operated while the front cover 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 cover 10 is detached from the main device 20, a reset function is activated. For example, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as the Bluetooth.

[0020] Magnets 20C used to attach the front cover 10 are located at the top and bottom of the front of the main unit 20. The magnets 20C are positioned opposite the magnets 10C provided inside the front cover 10. The magnets 20C of the main unit 20 and the magnets 10C of the front cover 10 have polarities that attract each other. For example, if the magnet 10C of the front cover 10 has a north pole, the magnet 20C on the main unit 20 side has a south pole. The front cover 10 is detachably attached to the main unit 20 due to the attractive force between the magnets. Note that either the magnets 10C or the magnets 20C may be a piece of iron or other magnetic metal. Attachment of the front cover 10 to the main unit 20 is detected by a Hall IC provided on the main unit 20 side.

[0021] 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.

[0022] <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 circuit between the front cover 10 and the main body device 20. Note that Fig. 6 shows a state in which the stick-shaped substrate 210 is attached to the main body device 20. The internal configuration shown in Fig. 6 is intended to explain the components provided on the front cover 10 and the main body 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.

[0023] The front cover 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The control unit 106 is a device that reads and executes programs to perform various types of arithmetic processing and control in the front cover 10. The control unit 106 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. 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 appropriate.

[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 in the front cover 10 and performs processing based on information output from each electronic component. It is assumed that the secondary battery 101A will be charged via a USB cable. It may also be possible to charge from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20.

[0032] In controlling the front cover 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 cover 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 cover 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 control device 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 cover 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 cover 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 cover 10. The control unit 206 also controls input of information to electronic components and processing based on information output from 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 cover 10 (see FIG. 1) being attached to the main body device 20. By attaching the front cover 10, it is possible to reduce the temperature transmitted to the user's hand compared to when the front cover 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 cover 10 (see FIG. 1) is attached to the main device 20 (see FIG. 1). Attachment or detachment of the front cover 10 is determined based on the output signal of the Hall IC. If the front cover 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 cover 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) after the inhibited state of heating has been canceled by attaching the front cover 10. The button 20B is operated, for example, by pressing and holding the button 20B from above the front cover 10 for one second or more.

[0055] <Operation of aerosol generating device 1 (notifying location information of smoking area)> The following describes the notifying location information of smoking areas by the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol generating device 1 notifies location information of other smoking areas where other smokers who have joined the smoking area are smoking.

[0056] First, the aerosol generation device 1 acquires and stores information about other aerosol generation devices 1 that have been present within a predetermined distance for longer than a predetermined time. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which information about the aerosol generation devices 1 of other smokers who smoked together in the first smoking area is acquired and stored. As shown in the figure, assume that user A and user B smoke together in the first smoking area. The aerosol generation device 1A owned by user A acquires and stores information about the aerosol generation device 1B owned by user B. Here, it is assumed that user A is a user with good smoking etiquette who turns on the aerosol generation device 1 only in the smoking area. Therefore, user B is also presumed to be a user with good smoking etiquette who smokes in the smoking area. Note that if there is another user who has been present within a predetermined distance from user A for longer than a predetermined time, the aerosol generation device 1 also acquires and stores information about the aerosol generation device 1 owned by that user.

[0057] Next, the aerosol generation device 1 receives a notification that another aerosol generation device 1 has performed heating and compares the information with the previously stored information of the other aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the aerosol generation device 1 receives a notification that another aerosol generation device 1 has performed heating and determines whether the information of the other aerosol generation device 1 related to the received notification is included in the previously stored information of the other aerosol generation device 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which a notification from an aerosol generation device 1 of another smoker smoking in a second smoking area is received and compared. As shown in the figure, assume that user C is smoking in the second smoking area. The aerosol generation device 1A owned by user A receives a notification from the aerosol generation device 1C owned by user C. The aerosol generation device 1A then compares the information of the aerosol generation device 1C related to the received notification with the information of the other aerosol generation device 1 stored in FIG. 9.

[0058] If the result of the comparison indicates that the information of the other aerosol generation device 1 related to the acquired notification is included in the previously stored information of the other aerosol generation device 1, the aerosol generation device 1 reports the location information of the other aerosol generation device 1 related to the acquired notification. For example, if the aerosol generation device 1 has a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, the aerosol generation device 1 displays the location information of the other aerosol generation device 1 related to the acquired notification on the display unit. Here, since the previously stored information of the other aerosol generation device 1 is information about the other aerosol generation device 1 owned by a user with good smoking etiquette who smokes in a smoking area, the location information of the other aerosol generation device 1 related to the acquired notification is presumed to be the location information of the smoking area. Note that the condition for reporting the location information of the other aerosol generation device 1 related to the acquired notification may include a condition that the aerosol generation device 1 has received notifications that multiple other aerosol generation devices 1 have performed heating. This improves the reliability of a location being a smoking area by reporting a location where two or more people other than the aerosol generation device 1 have smoked as a smoking area. However, if this is the only condition, for example, if three or more people are smoking at home, the user's home may be registered as a smoking area. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 may be provided with a function to, for example, display "Do you want to register this as a smoking area?" on the liquid crystal display on the front cover 10 to confirm with the user. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display of location information of a smoking area by the aerosol generation device 1. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the aerosol generation device 1 displays the location information of the smoking area on the notification unit 104. In the example shown in FIG. 11, a map is displayed on the notification unit 104 as location information, and a mark M representing the smoking area is placed at a position on the map corresponding to the smoking area. Alternatively, the aerosol generation device 1 may output the location information of the smoking area to an external device. The external device may be, for example, a mobile phone. In this case, the location information of the smoking area may be displayed on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display of the external device.

[0059] Below, three operation examples in which the aerosol generating device 1 notifies the location information of a smoking area will be described. The first operation example is an operation example in which the front cover 10 performs all of the main processing when notifying the location information of a smoking area. The second operation example is an operation example in which the main processing when notifying the location information of a smoking area is performed all of the main processing when notifying the location information of a smoking area. The third operation example is an operation example in which the main processing when notifying the location information of a smoking area is shared and performed by the front cover 10 and the main device 20.

[0060] <First Operation Example of Notifying Location Information of Smoking Area> Fig. 12 is a block diagram of the front cover 10 for realizing the first operation example. As shown in the figure, the front cover 10 includes a first communication unit 105a, a second communication unit 105b, a memory unit 107, a control unit 106, and a notification unit 104.

[0061] The first communication unit 105a is a communication interface for communicating with other devices using a short-range wireless communication method with a shorter communication distance than the short-range wireless communication method used by the second communication unit 105b of the communication unit 105 shown in FIG. 6 . If the second communication unit 105b uses Classic Bluetooth as a short-range wireless communication method with a communication distance of approximately 1 m to 100 m, the first communication unit 105a may use BLE as a short-range wireless communication method with a communication distance of approximately several cm to several meters. The first communication unit 105a detects other front covers 10 that have been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time. The predetermined distance may be, for example, 5 m, and the predetermined time may be, for example, 5 minutes. The first communication unit 105a is an example of a first communication unit that communicates using a short-range wireless communication method.

[0062] The second communication unit 105b is a communication interface for communicating with other devices using a short-range wireless communication method with a longer communication distance than the short-range wireless communication method used by the first communication unit 105a, among the communication units 105 shown in FIG. 6 . If the first communication unit 105a uses BLE as a short-range wireless communication method with a communication distance of several centimeters to several meters, the second communication unit 105b may use Classic Bluetooth as a short-range wireless communication method with a communication distance of approximately 1 meter to 100 meters. The second communication unit 105b detects that the main unit 20 with the other front cover 10 attached has heated up. The second communication unit 105b is an example of a second communication unit that communicates using a wireless communication method with a longer communication distance than the first communication unit. Here, the first communication unit 105a communicates using a short-range wireless communication method with a shorter communication distance, and the second communication unit 105b communicates using a short-range wireless communication method with a longer communication distance, but this is not limited thereto. Either the first communication unit 105a or the second communication unit 105b may communicate using both a short-range wireless communication method with a short communication distance and a short-range wireless communication method with a long communication distance.

[0063] The front cover 10 also includes a third communication unit, which is a communication interface for communicating with the main body device 20, among the communication units 105 shown in FIG. 6, but this is not shown in the figure.

[0064] The memory unit 107 has been described in outline with reference to FIG. 6 , but here, it also has a function of storing information about another front cover 10 (hereinafter referred to as a “first other cover”) that has been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time. The information about the first other cover is detected by the first communication unit 105a. The memory unit 107 is an example of a memory unit that stores information about the first other cover, which is another cover that has been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time, and is detected via the first communication unit. Alternatively, the memory unit 107 may also store a notification that the main unit 20 to which the other front cover 10 is attached has performed heating, which is acquired by the acquisition unit 106a as described below.

[0065] The control unit 106 has been described in outline with reference to FIG. 6 , but the internal configuration of the control unit 106 is also shown here. As shown in the figure, the control unit 106 includes an acquisition unit 106a, a collation unit 106b, and a notification unit 106c. The acquisition unit 106a acquires a notification from the second communication unit 105b that the main unit 20 to which the other front cover 10 is attached has performed heating. The notification includes location information of the other front cover 10. The location information of the other front cover 10 may be obtained, for example, by a GPS (Global Positioning System) positioning function of the other front cover 10 or the main unit 20 to which the other front cover 10 is attached. Note that, although the acquisition unit 106a acquires the location information of the other front cover 10 from the notification that the main unit 20 to which the other front cover 10 is attached has performed heating, this is not limiting. For example, the acquisition unit 106a may acquire, from the constantly received location information, location information received when a notification is received that a main body device 20 with another front cover 10 attached has performed heating. The acquisition unit 106a is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires a notification that a main body device 20 with another cover attached has performed heating via the second communication unit. The comparison unit 106b compares information about the other front cover 10 (hereinafter referred to as the “second other cover”) based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit 106a with information about the first other cover stored in the memory unit 107. Specifically, the comparison unit 106b determines whether information about the second other cover based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit 106a is included in information about the first other cover stored in the memory unit 107. Here, the information about the first other cover may include identification information of the first other cover, and the information about the second other cover may include identification information of the second other cover. The matching unit 106b may then determine whether the identification information of the second other cover acquired by the acquisition unit 106a is included in the identification information of the first other cover stored in the storage unit 107. The notification unit 106c causes the notification unit 104 to display position information of the second other cover when the information of the second other cover based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit 106a is included in the information of the first other cover stored in the storage unit 107.Alternatively, the alarm unit 106c may output position information of the second other cover to the first communication unit 105a or the second communication unit 105b when information on the second other cover based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit 106a is included in information on the first other cover stored in the memory unit 107. As a result, the first communication unit 105a or the second communication unit 105b transmits the position information of the second other cover to an external device (such as a smartphone). Alternatively, the first communication unit 105a or the second communication unit 105b may transmit the position information of the second other cover to another aerosol generation device 1 via a P2P connection using BLE or Classic Bluetooth. The alarm unit 106c is an example of an alarm unit that outputs the position information of the second other cover via the first communication unit or the second communication unit or displays it on a display unit when information on the second other cover, which is an other cover based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit, is included in information on the first other cover stored in the memory unit.

[0066] The notification unit 104 has been described with reference to FIG. 6, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6, the front cover 10 also includes a power supply unit 101, a charging circuit 102, and a power supply circuit 103, but these are not shown in the figure.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a first operation example. The front cover 10 periodically executes this first operation example. As shown in the figure, in the front cover 10, the first communication unit 105a first determines whether or not a first other cover has been detected (step 11). If the first other cover has been detected in step 11, the first communication unit 105a stores information about the first other cover in the memory unit 107 (step 12), and the process proceeds to step 13. If the first other cover has not been detected in step 11, the front cover 10 skips step 12 and proceeds to step 13.

[0069] Next, the second communication unit 105b determines whether or not it has detected that the main device 20 with the second cover attached has heated up (step 13). If it detects that the main device 20 with the second cover attached has heated up in step 13, the acquisition unit 106a acquires a notification from the second communication unit 105b that the main device 20 with the second cover attached has heated up (step 14). Then, the collation unit 106b determines whether or not the information about the first cover stored in the memory unit 107 in step 12 includes information about the second cover related to the notification acquired in step 14 (step 15). If the information about the first cover includes information about the second cover, the notification unit 106c causes the notification unit 104 to display position information about the second cover (step 16). Alternatively, in this case, the notification unit 106c may output position information about the second cover to the first communication unit 105a or the second communication unit 105b to be displayed on an external device. If the front cover 10 does not detect that the main body 20 with the second other cover attached has been heated in step 13, the front cover 10 ends the process without executing steps 14 to 16. If the information on the first other cover does not include information on the second other cover in step 15, the front cover 10 ends the process without executing step 16.

[0070] As described above, in the first operation example, the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the storage unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit are all provided on the front cover 10. This allows the main unit 20 to have a simpler configuration than when the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the storage unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit are all provided on the main unit 20.

[0071] <Second Operation Example of Notifying Location Information of Smoking Area> Fig. 14 is a block diagram of main device 20 for realizing operation example 2. As shown in the figure, main device 20 includes first communication unit 205a, second communication unit 205b, third communication unit 205c, memory unit 204, and control unit 206.

[0072] The first communication unit 205a is a communication interface for communicating with other devices using a short-range wireless communication method with a shorter communication distance than the short-range wireless communication method used by the second communication unit 205b of the communication unit 205 shown in FIG. 6 . If the second communication unit 205b uses Classic Bluetooth as the short-range wireless communication method with a communication distance of approximately 1 m to 100 m, the first communication unit 205a may use, for example, BLE as the short-range wireless communication method with a communication distance of approximately several cm to several meters. The first communication unit 205a detects other aerosol generation devices 1 that have been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time. The predetermined distance may be, for example, 5 m, and the predetermined time may be, for example, 5 minutes. The first communication unit 205a is an example of a first communication unit that communicates using a short-range wireless communication method.

[0073] The second communication unit 205b is a communication interface for communicating with other devices using a short-range wireless communication method with a longer communication distance than the short-range wireless communication method used by the first communication unit 205a, among the communication units 205 shown in FIG. 6 . If the first communication unit 205a uses BLE as a short-range wireless communication method with a communication distance of several centimeters to several meters, the second communication unit 205b may use, for example, Classic Bluetooth as a short-range wireless communication method with a communication distance of approximately 1 meter to 100 meters. The second communication unit 205b detects that another aerosol generation device 1 has performed heating. The second communication unit 205b is an example of a second communication unit that communicates using a wireless communication method that is capable of communication over a longer distance than the communication distance of the first communication unit. Here, the first communication unit 205a communicates using a short-range wireless communication method with a shorter communication distance, and the second communication unit 205b communicates using a short-range wireless communication method with a longer communication distance, but this is not limited thereto. Either the first communication unit 205a or the second communication unit 205b may communicate using both a short-range wireless communication method with a short communication distance and a short-range wireless communication method with a long communication distance.

[0074] The third communication unit 205c is a communication interface for communicating with the front cover 10, among the communication units 205 shown in FIG.

[0075] The storage unit 204 has been described in outline with reference to FIG. 6 , but here, it also has a function of storing information about another aerosol generation device 1 (hereinafter referred to as a "first other device") that has been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time. The information about the first other device is detected by the first communication unit 205a. The storage unit 107 is an example of a storage unit that stores information about the first other device, which is another generation device that has been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time, and that is detected via the first communication unit. Alternatively, the storage unit 204 may also store a notification that another aerosol generation device 1 has performed heating, which is acquired by the acquisition unit 206a as described below.

[0076] The control unit 206 has been outlined with reference to FIG. 6 , but the internal configuration of the control unit 206 is also shown here. As shown in the figure, the control unit 206 includes an acquisition unit 206a, a collation unit 206b, and a notification unit 206c. The acquisition unit 206a acquires a notification from the second communication unit 205b that another aerosol generation device 1 has performed heating. The notification includes location information of the other aerosol generation device 1. The location information of the other aerosol generation device 1 may be obtained, for example, by a GPS positioning function possessed by the other aerosol generation device 1. Note that, although the acquisition unit 206a acquires the location information of the other aerosol generation device 1 from the notification that the other aerosol generation device 1 has performed heating, this is not a limitation. For example, the acquisition unit 206a may acquire the location information received when the notification that the other aerosol generation device 1 has performed heating from among the location information constantly received. The acquisition unit 206a is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires a notification that another generation device has performed heating via the second communication unit. The collation unit 206b compares information about the other aerosol generation device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "second other device") based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit 206a with information about the first other device stored in the storage unit 204. Specifically, the collation unit 206b determines whether the information about the second other device based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit 206a is included in the information about the first other device stored in the storage unit 204. Here, the information about the first other device may include identification information of the first other device, and the information about the second other device may include identification information of the second other device. The collation unit 106b then determines whether the identification information about the second other device acquired by the acquisition unit 106a is included in the identification information about the first other device stored in the storage unit 107. The notification unit 206c outputs the location information of the second other device to the third communication unit 205c when the information of the second other device based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit 206a is included in the information of the first other device stored in the storage unit 204. As a result, the third communication unit 205c displays the location information of the second other device on the notification unit 104 of the front cover 10.Alternatively, the notification unit 206c may output the location information of the second other device to the first communication unit 205a or the second communication unit 205b when information on the second other device based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit 206a is included in the information on the first other device stored in the storage unit 204. As a result, the first communication unit 205a or the second communication unit 205b transmits the location information of the second other device to an external device (such as a smartphone). Alternatively, the first communication unit 205a or the second communication unit 205b may transmit the location information of the second other device to another aerosol generation device 1 via a P2P connection using BLE or Classic Bluetooth. The notification unit 206c is an example of a notification unit that outputs the location information of the second other device via the first communication unit or the second communication unit or displays it on a display unit when information on the second other device, which is another generation device based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit, is included in the information on the first other device stored in the storage unit.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 6, the main device 20 also includes a power supply unit 201 and a sensor unit 202, but these are not shown in the figure.

[0078] 15 is a flowchart showing a second operation example. The main device 20 periodically executes this second operation example. As shown in the figure, the first communication unit 205a of the main device 20 first determines whether or not a first other device has been detected (step 21). If the first other device has been detected in step 21, the first communication unit 205a stores information about the first other device in the storage unit 204 (step 22), and the process proceeds to step 23. If the first other device has not been detected in step 21, the main device 20 skips step 22 and proceeds to step 23.

[0079] Next, the second communication unit 205b determines whether or not it has detected that the second other device has performed heating (step 23). If the second other device has performed heating in step 23, the acquisition unit 206a acquires a notification from the second communication unit 205b that the second other device has performed heating (step 24). Then, the collation unit 206b determines whether or not the information about the first other device stored in the memory unit 204 in step 22 includes information about the second other device related to the notification acquired in step 24 (step 25). If the information about the first other device includes information about the second other device, the notification unit 206c outputs the location information of the second other device to the third communication unit 205c for display on the notification unit 104 of the front cover 10 (step 26). Alternatively, in this case, the notification unit 106c may output the location information of the second other device to the first communication unit 105a or the second communication unit 105b for display on an external device. If the main device 20 does not detect that the second other device has performed heating in step 23, the main device 20 ends the process without executing steps 24 to 26. If the information about the first other device does not include information about the second other device in step 25, the main device 20 ends the process without executing step 26.

[0080] As described above, in the second operation example, the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the storage unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit are all provided in the main device 20. This allows the front cover 10 to have a simpler configuration than when the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the storage unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit are all provided in the front cover 10.

[0081] <Third Operation Example of Notifying Location Information of Smoking Area> Figure 16 is a block diagram of front cover 10 and main device 20 for realizing the third operation example. As shown in the figure, front cover 10 includes first communication unit 105a, third communication unit 105c, control unit 106, and notification unit 104. Main device 20 includes second communication unit 205b, third communication unit 205c, memory unit 204, and control unit 206.

[0082] The first communication unit 105a is a communication interface for communicating with other devices using a short-range wireless communication method with a shorter communication distance than the short-range wireless communication method used by the second communication unit 205b of the communication unit 105 shown in FIG. 6 . If the second communication unit 205b uses Classic Bluetooth as the short-range wireless communication method with a communication distance of approximately 1 m to 100 m, the first communication unit 105a may use, for example, BLE as the short-range wireless communication method with a communication distance of approximately several cm to several meters. The first communication unit 105a detects other aerosol generation devices 1 that have been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time. The predetermined distance may be, for example, 5 m, and the predetermined time may be, for example, 5 minutes. The first communication unit 105a is an example of a first communication unit that communicates using a short-range wireless communication method.

[0083] The third communication unit 105c is a communication interface for communicating with the main device 20, among the communication units 105 shown in FIG.

[0084] 6, control unit 106 further has a function of notifying the location information of the second other device. When third communication unit 105c receives an instruction to notify the location information of the second other device from third communication unit 205c, control unit 106 causes notification unit 104 to display the location information of the second other device.

[0085] The notification unit 104 has been described with reference to FIG. 6, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] The second communication unit 205b is a communication interface for communicating with other devices using a short-range wireless communication method with a longer communication distance than the short-range wireless communication method used by the first communication unit 105a, among the communication units 205 shown in Figure 6. If the first communication unit 105a uses BLE as a short-range wireless communication method with a communication distance of approximately several centimeters to several meters, the second communication unit 205b may use, for example, Classic Bluetooth as a short-range wireless communication method with a communication distance of approximately 1 meter to 100 meters. The second communication unit 205b detects that another aerosol generation device 1 has performed heating. The second communication unit 205b is an example of a second communication unit that communicates using a wireless communication method that is capable of communication over a longer distance than the communication distance of the first communication unit.

[0087] The third communication unit 205c is a communication interface for communicating with the front cover 10, among the communication units 205 shown in FIG.

[0088] The storage unit 204 has been described in outline with reference to FIG. 6 , but here, it also has a function of storing information about another aerosol generation device 1 (first other device) that has been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time. The information about the first other device is detected by the first communication unit 105a and transmitted via the third communication unit 105c and the third communication unit 205c. The storage unit 107 is an example of a storage unit that stores information about the first other device, which is another generation device that has been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time, detected via the first communication unit. Alternatively, the storage unit 204 may also store a notification that another aerosol generation device 1 has performed heating, acquired by the acquisition unit 206a as described below.

[0089] The control unit 206 has been outlined with reference to FIG. 6 , but the internal configuration of the control unit 206 is also shown here. As shown in the figure, the control unit 206 includes an acquisition unit 206a, a collation unit 206b, and a notification unit 206c. The acquisition unit 206a acquires a notification from the second communication unit 205b that another aerosol generation device 1 has performed heating. The notification includes location information of the other aerosol generation device 1. The location information of the other aerosol generation device 1 may be obtained, for example, by a GPS positioning function possessed by the other aerosol generation device 1. Note that, although the acquisition unit 206a acquires the location information of the other aerosol generation device 1 from the notification that the other aerosol generation device 1 has performed heating, this is not a limitation. For example, the acquisition unit 206a may acquire the location information received when the notification that the other aerosol generation device 1 has performed heating from among the location information constantly received. The acquisition unit 206a is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires a notification that another generation device has performed heating via the second communication unit. The collation unit 206b compares information about the other aerosol generation device 1 (second other device) based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit 206a with information about the first other device stored in the storage unit 204. Specifically, the collation unit 206b determines whether the information about the second other device based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit 206a is included in the information about the first other device stored in the storage unit 204. Here, the information about the first other device may include identification information of the first other device, and the information about the second other device may include identification information of the second other device. The collation unit 206b then determines whether the identification information of the second other device acquired by the acquisition unit 206a is included in the identification information of the first other device stored in the storage unit 204. When the information of the second other device based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit 206a is included in the information of the first other device stored in the storage unit 204, the notification unit 206c outputs the location information of the second other device to the front cover 10 via the third communication unit 205c. This causes the control unit 106 to display the location information of the second other device on the notification unit 104 or output it to the first communication unit 105a to be displayed on an external device.Alternatively, the notification unit 206c may output the location information of the second other device to the second communication unit 205b when the information of the second other device based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit 206a is included in the information of the first other device stored in the storage unit 204. As a result, the second communication unit 205b transmits the location information of the second other device to an external device (such as a smartphone). Alternatively, the second communication unit 205b may transmit the location information of the second other device to another aerosol generation device 1 via a P2P connection using Classic Bluetooth. The notification unit 206c is an example of a notification unit that outputs the location information of the second other device via the first communication unit or the second communication unit or displays it on a display unit when the information of the second other device, which is another generation device based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit, is included in the information of the first other device stored in the storage unit.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 6, the front cover 10 also includes a power supply unit 101, a charging circuit 102, and a power supply circuit 103, but these are not shown in the figure. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, the main unit 20 also includes a power supply unit 201 and a sensor unit 202, but these are not shown in the figure.

[0091] FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating a third operation example. The front cover 10 and the main device 20 periodically execute this third operation example. As illustrated, in the front cover 10, the first communication unit 105a first determines whether a first other device has been detected (step 31). If a first other device has been detected in step 31, the third communication unit 105c transmits information about the first other device to the main device 20 (step 32), and the process proceeds to step 33. If a first other device has not been detected in step 31, the front cover 10 skips step 32 and proceeds to step 33.

[0092] Meanwhile, in the main device 20, the third communication unit 205c first determines whether or not the information about the first other device has been received from the front cover 10 (step 41). If the information about the first other device has been received from the front cover 10 in step 41, the third communication unit 205c stores the information about the first other device in the storage unit 204 (step 42), and the process proceeds to step 43. If the information about the first other device has not been received from the front cover 10 in step 41, the main device 20 skips step 42 and proceeds to step 43.

[0093] Next, the second communication unit 205b determines whether or not it has detected that the second other device has performed heating (step 43). If the second other device has performed heating in step 43, the acquisition unit 206a acquires a notification from the second communication unit 205b that the second other device has performed heating (step 44). Then, the collation unit 206b determines whether or not the information about the first other device stored in the memory unit 204 in step 42 includes information about the second other device related to the notification acquired in step 44 (step 45). If the information about the first other device includes information about the second other device, the notification unit 206c transmits the location information of the second other device to the front cover 10 via the third communication unit 205c (step 46). Alternatively, in this case, the notification unit 206c may output the location information of the second other device to the second communication unit 205b to display on an external device. If the main device 20 does not detect that the second other device has performed heating in step 43, the main device 20 ends the process without executing steps 44 to 46. If the information about the first other device does not include information about the second other device in step 45, the main device 20 ends the process without executing step 46.

[0094] Meanwhile, in the front cover 10, the third communication unit 105c determines whether or not the position information of the second other device has been received from the main device 20 (step 33). If the position information of the second other device has been received from the main device 20 in step 33, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 104 to display the position information of the second other device received by the third communication unit 105c (step 34). Alternatively, in this case, the control unit 106 may output the position information of the second other device to the first communication unit 105a to display it on an external device. If the position information of the second other device has not been received from the main device 20 in step 33, the front cover 10 ends the process without executing step 34.

[0095] In this third operation example, the second communication unit, the storage unit, the acquisition unit, the collating unit, and the notification unit are provided in the main unit 20, and the first communication unit is provided in the front cover 10. However, this is not limited to this. Any one of the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the storage unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit may be provided in the main unit 20, and the others may be provided in the front cover 10.

[0096] As described above, in the third operation example, any one of the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the storage unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit is provided in the main unit 20, and the others are provided in the front cover 10. This makes it possible to make one of the front cover 10 and the main unit 20 have a simpler configuration than the other.

[0097] 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 of the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the claims that various modifications or improvements to the above-described embodiments are also within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (2) In the above-described embodiments, the joint between the front cover 10 and the main device 20 is continuously connected without any steps, forming a unified appearance. However, the joint may have steps or notches, etc., as long as the appearance is unified with the main device 20. (3) In the above-described embodiments, the aerosol source is solid. However, the aerosol source may be liquid. When the aerosol source is liquid, a method is adopted in which the aerosol source is guided into a thin tube called a wick using capillary action and evaporated by heating a coil wrapped around the wick. (4) In the above-described embodiments, an aerosol generator that generates aerosol by heating a solid aerosol source is described. However, an aerosol generator that generates aerosol by separately heating a solid aerosol source and a liquid aerosol source may also be used. This type of aerosol generator is also called a hybrid aerosol generator. (5) In the above-described embodiment, the front cover 10 is provided with the charging circuit 102, but a configuration without the charging circuit 102 may be adopted. In that case, the power supply unit 201B of the main device 20 functions as the charging circuit 102. (6) In the above-described embodiment, a film-type lithium-ion secondary battery or a capacitor is assumed as the secondary battery 101A provided in the front cover 10, but a coin-shaped or chip-shaped battery may also be used.

[0098] <Summary> The present disclosure includes the following configurations: (1) A generation device that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, the generation device including: a first communication unit that communicates using a short-range wireless communication method; a second communication unit that communicates using a wireless communication method that allows communication over distances longer than the communication range of the first communication unit; a storage unit that stores information about a first other device that is another generation device that has been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time, the information being detected via the first communication unit; an acquisition unit that acquires a notification via the second communication unit that the other generation device has performed heating; and a notification unit that, when information about a second other device that is another generation device based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit is included in the information about the first other device stored in the storage unit, outputs location information of the second other device via the first communication unit or the second communication unit or displays it on a display unit. (2) The generator according to (1), comprising: a main body having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source; and a cover that is attached to the main body to allow the main body to heat the heating unit, wherein the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the memory unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit are provided in the main body. (3) The generator according to (1), comprising: a main body having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source; and a cover that is attached to the main body to allow the main body to heat the heating unit, wherein any of the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the memory unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit are provided in the main body and the others are provided in the cover. (4) The generator according to (3), wherein the first communication unit is provided in the cover, and the second communication unit, the memory unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit are provided in the main body.(5) A cover that is attached to a main body having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source, thereby allowing the main body to heat the heating unit, and is equipped with: a first communication unit that communicates using a short-range wireless communication method; a second communication unit that communicates using a wireless communication method that is capable of communication even at distances longer than the communication distance of the first communication unit; a memory unit that stores information about a first other cover that is another cover that has been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time, the information being detected via the first communication unit; an acquisition unit that acquires a notification via the second communication unit that the main body to which the other cover is attached has performed heating; and an alarm unit that outputs position information of the second other cover via the first communication unit or the second communication unit, or displays it on a display unit, when information about a second other cover that is another cover based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit is included in the information about the first other cover stored in the memory unit.

[0099] 1...aerosol generating device, 10...front cover, 10C, 20C...magnet, 20...main body device, 101A, 201A...secondary battery, 20B...button, 21...connector, 22...hole, 30...shutter, 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 generating device that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, comprising: a first communication unit that communicates using a short-range wireless communication method; a second communication unit that communicates using a wireless communication method that allows communication over distances longer than the communication range of the first communication unit; a memory unit that stores information about a first other device, which is another generating device that has been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time, detected via the first communication unit; an acquisition unit that acquires a notification via the second communication unit that the other generating device has performed heating; and a notification unit that, when information about a second other device, which is another generating device based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit, is included in the information about the first other device stored in the memory unit, outputs location information of the second other device via the first communication unit or the second communication unit, or displays it on a display unit.

2. A generating device as described in claim 1, comprising: a main body having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source; and a cover that is attached to the main body to allow the main body to heat the heating unit, wherein the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the memory unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit are provided in the main body.

3. A generating device as described in claim 1, comprising: a main body having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source; and a cover that is attached to the main body to allow the main body to heat the heating unit, wherein any of the first communication unit, the second communication unit, the memory unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit are provided in the main body, and the others are provided in the cover.

4. The generating device according to claim 3, wherein the first communication unit is provided in the cover, and the second communication unit, the memory unit, the acquisition unit, and the notification unit are provided in the main body.

5. A cover that is attached to a main body having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source, thereby allowing the main body to heat the heating unit, comprising: a first communication unit that communicates using a short-range wireless communication method; a second communication unit that communicates using a wireless communication method that is capable of communication over distances longer than the communication range of the first communication unit; a memory unit that stores information about a first other cover that is another cover that has been present within a predetermined distance for more than a predetermined time, the information being detected via the first communication unit; an acquisition unit that acquires a notification via the second communication unit that the main body to which the other cover is attached has performed heating; and a notification unit that, when information about a second other cover that is another cover based on the notification acquired by the acquisition unit is included in the information about the first other cover stored in the memory unit, outputs position information of the second other cover via the first communication unit or the second communication unit, or displays it on a display unit.