Electronic device and aerosol generation device

Abstract

An electronic device comprising a simple display unit that performs simple display and a control unit that performs control such that display by the simple display unit is performed when a cover is not attached, wherein when a cover is attached, the control unit determines, in accordance with the cover type, whether or not display is to be performed by the simple display unit.

Description

Electronic devices and aerosol generating devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices and aerosol generating devices.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an aerosol generating device in which, when a notification unit receives an error signal generated by a control unit based on data in response to a malfunction in a power supply unit, the notification unit outputs, for example, light and / or sound in accordance with the error signal. It is also described that the notification unit may be, for example, a light-emitting device such as an LED. Patent Document 2 discloses an aerosol generating device in which a control unit generates an error signal based on the content and cause of an abnormal state and causes the notification unit to issue a notification in response to the error signal. It is also described that the notification unit may be, for example, a light-emitting diode.

[0003] JP 2020-68762 A JP 2020-68690 A

[0004] A cover may be attached to an electronic device having a simple display unit for protection, etc. In such cases, depending on the type of cover, there may be cases where the display on the simple display unit is not necessary, and displaying on the simple display unit in such cases would result in a waste of power.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the waste of power caused by displaying information on a simplified display unit when a cover is attached, regardless of the type of cover.

[0006] To this end, the present disclosure provides an electronic device including a simplified display unit that provides simplified display and a control unit that controls the simplified display unit to provide display when a cover is not attached, and the control unit determines whether or not to provide display on the simplified display unit when a cover is attached, depending on the type of cover. The types of covers may include a first cover having a detailed display unit that provides detailed display and a second cover that does not have a detailed display unit, and the control unit controls the simplified display unit not to provide display when the first cover is attached, and to provide display when the second cover is attached. In this case, the first cover may be a cover that hides the simplified display unit when attached, or a cover that does not hide the simplified display unit even when attached. In this case, the control unit may disable display of the simplified display unit when the first cover is attached. In this case, the first cover may include a third cover that hides the simplified display unit when attached and a fourth cover that does not hide the simplified display unit even when attached, and the control unit may control the simplified display unit to not display when the third cover is attached and to display when the fourth cover is attached. In this case, the control unit may also control the simplified display unit to be in a state where it cannot be displayed when the third cover is attached.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides an aerosol generating device that includes a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source by power supply from a power source, a simple display unit that provides a simple display, and a control unit that controls the simple display unit to display when a cover is not attached, and when a cover is attached, the control unit determines whether or not to display on the simple display unit depending on the type of cover.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the waste of power caused by displaying information on the simplified display unit when a cover is attached, regardless of the type of cover.

[0009] 1 is an overall perspective view of the aerosol generation device according to the present embodiment, viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the aerosol generation device according to the present embodiment, viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of another example of the aerosol generation device according to the present embodiment, viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view of another example of the aerosol generation device according to the present embodiment, viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 5 is an external view of the inner surface of the front cover of the aerosol generation device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an external view of the outer surface of the main body housing of the aerosol generation device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a display of the aerosol generation device when the front cover is not attached. FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a display of the aerosol generation device when a front cover without a liquid crystal display is attached. FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a display of the aerosol generation device when a front cover that does not have a liquid crystal display is attached. FIG. 11 is a view showing a first example of a display of the aerosol generation device when a front cover that does not hide the LED even when attached is attached. FIG. 12 is a view showing a second example of a display of the aerosol generation device when a front cover that does not hide the LED even when attached is attached. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a first example of operation of the control unit of the aerosol generation device according to the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the control unit of the aerosol generating device in the present embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] [Example of the Appearance of the Aerosol Generator] Figures 1A and 1B are overall perspective views of the aerosol generator 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1A shows an overall perspective view from diagonally above, and Figure 1B shows an overall perspective view from diagonally below. As shown, the aerosol generator 1 includes a front cover 10, a main body housing 20 to which the front cover 10 is detachable, and a shutter 50. The front cover 10 and the main body housing 20 are separate components. The front cover 10 includes a display window 60 and a display device 70 on its surface. It is preferable that the outer surface of each type of front cover 10 be designed with different patterns and colors, and made of different materials. Users can select the type of front cover that best suits their preferences. The main body housing 20 houses the main body 30 of the aerosol generator 1. The main body housing 20 also includes an external connection terminal 80, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type C connector.

[0012] The front cover 10 is attached to the main housing 20 to form the outermost housing 40 of the aerosol generation device 1. Attaching a front cover 10 with a design that matches the user's preferences can improve the fashionability of the aerosol generation device 1. Furthermore, by including the front cover 10, the aerosol generation device 1 can buffer heat released to the outside even when the main body 30 generates heat. In other words, the front cover 10 functions to insulate heat generated from the heating section of the main body 30. Furthermore, the front cover 10 is formed so that its surface is approximately curved. When attached to the main housing 20, the front cover 10, together with the surface of the main housing 20, defines an internal space.

[0013] The housing 40 is preferably sized to fit in a user's hand. The user holds the aerosol generation device 1 in one hand with their fingertip in contact with the surface of the front cover 10. When the user presses the surface of the front cover 10 with their fingertip, the front cover 10 deforms to form a recess toward the main body housing 20. As a result of this deformation of the front cover 10, a protrusion on the front cover 10 comes into contact with an operation button on the surface of the main body housing 20, thereby pressing the operation button. In other words, the portion of the surface of the front cover 10 that is pressed with the fingertip forms a button area 15.

[0014] To deform the front cover 10, a user must simultaneously press the button area 15 using multiple fingers. This requires a greater pressing force than, for example, a user pressing a single button protruding from the surface of the housing with a single finger. That is, the aerosol generation device 1 of this embodiment is advantageous in that it can prevent unintended user operation, including accidentally pressing an operation button while in a bag. Furthermore, the button area 15 of the front cover 10 cannot be easily pressed with the pressing force of a child, which is inappropriate for a user of the aerosol generation device 1, and is therefore advantageous in terms of child resistance.

[0015] The main body housing 20 has an opening through which the stick-shaped substrate is inserted, and in Figures 1A and 1B, the shutter 50 is shown closing the opening. The shutter 50 has a sliding mechanism and is movable along the surface of the outer shell between a first position that closes the opening and a second position that opens the opening. The opening and closing of the opening can be detected by providing a sensor (not shown) near the first position and / or the second position. For example, a magnet is provided in the shutter 50, and the opening and closing of the opening are detected by the magnetic sensor.

[0016] The user places their finger on the shutter 50 and slides it along the side, opening the opening. This allows the user to insert the stick-shaped substrate. After inserting the stick-shaped substrate, the user presses their finger against the surface of the front cover 10 and presses the operation button, thereby powering on the aerosol generation device 1.

[0017] The display window 60 is made of a transparent material and, as will be described later, allows light from one or more LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged inside the main body 30 to pass through. The display device 70 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like, and is provided in a position that does not overlap the display window 60. The display device 70 displays status information and the like of the main body 30 in the form of text or images. The display device 70 may be a non-transparent display or a transparent display.

[0018] 2A and 2B are overall perspective views of another example of the aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2A shows an overall perspective view from diagonally above, and FIG. 2B shows an overall perspective view from diagonally below. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the display device 70 is provided in a position on the front cover 10 that does not overlap the display window 60. However, in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the display device 70 is provided in a position on the front cover 10 that overlaps the display window 60. Here, the display device 70 is a non-transparent display. In this case, even if light from the LED passes through the display window 60, the user cannot see the light, so the display window 60 need not be provided. On the other hand, if the display device 70 is a transparent display, the user can see the light from the LED that passes through the display window 60, so the display window 60 may be provided.

[0019] [Examples of Appearance of Front Cover and Main Housing] Figures 3A and 3B are external views of the front cover 10 and main housing 20 of the aerosol generation device 1. Figure 3A shows an external view of the inner surface of the front cover 10, and Figure 3B shows an external view of the outer surface of the main housing 20. When the front cover 10 is attached to the main housing 20, the inner surface of the front cover 10 and the outer surface of the main housing 20 face each other.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3A, magnet 11, protrusion 12, magnet 13, and magnet 14 are arranged along the longitudinal direction on the inner surface of front cover 10. When front cover 10 is attached to main body housing 20, magnet 11 and magnet 14 are attracted to main body housing 20 by their magnetic force (magnetic attraction). This holds front cover 10 to main body housing 20. Protrusion 12 presses operation button 22 provided on the surface of main body housing 20. Magnet 13 is configured as a magnetic field application unit for the sensor unit of main body 30. In other words, the front cover 10 is detected by having magnetic sensor 23 of main body housing 20 detect the magnetic force of the magnetic field applied by magnet 13.

[0021] 3B , the magnet 21, the passage hole 25, the operation button 22, and the magnet 24 are arranged on the outer surface of the main body housing 20 along the longitudinal direction from the shutter 50 side. Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 23 is arranged on the inner surface of the main body housing 20 (more precisely, on a substrate that is substantially zero distance from the inner surface) at a position between the operation button 22 and the magnet 24 along the longitudinal direction. The magnet 21, the operation button 22, the magnetic sensor 23, and the magnet 24 of the main body housing 20 correspond to the magnet 11, the protrusion 12, the magnet 13, and the magnet 14 of the front cover 10, respectively. In other words, when the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the magnet 21, the operation button 22, the magnetic sensor 23, and the magnet 24 are aligned with and face the magnet 11, the protrusion 12, the magnet 13, and the magnet 14, respectively.

[0022] The magnets 21 and 24 of the main body housing 20 are attracted to the magnets 11 and 14 of the front cover 10, respectively, by their magnetic force (magnetic attraction). In other words, the magnets 11 and 21, and the magnets 14 and 24 attract each other, thereby holding the front cover 10 in a mountable state to the main body housing 20. It is preferable that the magnets 11 and 14 of the front cover 10 and the magnets 21 and 24 of the main body housing 20 be made of permanent magnets.

[0023] The operation button 22 is provided on the surface to which the front cover 10 is attached. That is, when the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the operation button 22 is covered by the front cover 10 and is pressed by the protrusion 12 of the front cover 10. This allows, for example, the aerosol generation device 1 to be powered on and off.

[0024] The magnetic sensor 23 detects the magnetic force based on the magnetic field applied from the magnet 13 in the front cover 10. For example, the magnetic sensor 23 is preferably a Hall sensor configured using a Hall element, which makes it possible to detect whether the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20.

[0025] The magnetic sensor 23 of the main body housing 20 is disposed so as to face the magnet 13 of the front cover 10 across the inner surface of the main body housing 20 when the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20. In other words, when the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the distance between the magnetic sensor 23 of the main body housing 20 and the magnet 13 of the front cover 10 is minimized.

[0026] Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 23 of the main housing 20 is configured so as not to detect the magnetic fields generated by the two magnets 21 and 24 of the main housing 20. Specifically, it is preferable to position the magnetic sensor 23 on the inner surface of the main housing 20, at a position separated from the two magnets 21 and 24 on the outer surface of the main housing 20. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of the magnetic fields from the two magnets 21 and 24 on the magnetic sensor 23 to approximately zero.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferable to configure the main body housing 20 so that the distance between the magnetic sensor 23 and the magnet 24 (or magnet 21) is greater than the distance between the magnet 13 and the magnetic sensor 23 when the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20. This allows the magnetic sensor 23 to appropriately consider only the influence of the magnetic field applied from the magnet 13, without considering the influence of the magnetic field of the magnet 24, when detecting the attachment of the front cover 10 to the main body housing 20.

[0028] The through hole 25 is an opening aligned with one or more LEDs arranged in the main body 30, and allows light from the LEDs to pass through to the display window 60 in the front cover 10. This allows the user to see the light from the outer surface of the front cover 10.

[0029] [Example of Internal Configuration of Aerosol Generator] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1. In the aerosol generator 1, for example, a stick-shaped substrate 90 having an aerosol source, which is a source of inhaled components, and a flavor-generating substrate such as a filler containing a flavor source, is inserted. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, but may also be a solid. The inserted stick-shaped substrate 90 is heated from its outer periphery to generate an aerosol containing a flavor.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4 , the front cover 10 includes a notification unit 101 , a storage unit 102 , and a communication unit 103 .

[0031] The notification unit 101 notifies the user of information. In the present embodiment, the notification unit 101 is, for example, a display device 70 such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, but it may also be a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, or the like. The notification unit 101 may notify the information by a notification means different from the notification unit 303 of the main body 30, as long as it notifies the information in more detail than the notification unit 303 of the main body 30. For example, if the notification unit 303 of the main body 30 is an LED, the notification unit 101 may notify the information in more detail than the LED by using a number of vibration patterns. The notification unit 101 is an example of a detailed display unit that displays in detail.

[0032] The memory unit 102 stores information about the front cover 10. The information about the front cover 10 includes information indicating whether the front cover 10 has a display device 70. If the front cover 10 has a display device 70, the information about the front cover 10 includes information indicating the position of the display device 70 on the front cover 10 and information indicating whether the display device 70 is a transparent display or a non-transparent display. If the communication unit 103 uses near field communication (NFC) as the short-range wireless communication standard, the memory unit 102 is realized by the storage function of an NFC tag. An NFC tag is a tag that includes an antenna for communication using NFC and an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip that performs processing for communication using NFC. Alternatively, the memory unit 102 may be realized by a read-only memory (ROM).

[0033] The communication unit 103 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any short-range wireless communication standard. Examples of such short-range wireless communication standards include NFC and Bluetooth (registered trademark). When NFC is used as the short-range wireless communication standard, the communication unit 103 is realized by the communication function of an NFC tag. Alternatively, the communication unit 103 may perform communication by, for example, mechanical contact of electrodes, mechanical contact using spring-loaded electrode pins (pogo pins), or connector coupling.

[0034] The main body 30 also includes a control unit 300 , a power supply unit 301 , a sensor unit 302 , a notification unit 303 , a storage unit 304 , a communication unit 305 , a holding unit 310 , a heating unit 311 , and a heat insulating unit 312 .

[0035] The control unit 300 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1 according to various programs. The control unit 300 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0036] The power supply unit 301 stores electric power and supplies electric power to each component of the aerosol generating device 1 under the control of the control unit 300. The power supply unit 301 may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0037] The sensor unit 302 acquires various information related to the aerosol generating device 1. As an example, the sensor unit 302 is configured with a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with inhalation by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 302 is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0038] The sensor unit 302 also detects the attachment of the front cover 10 to the main body housing 20. For example, the sensor unit 302 is configured with a magnetic sensor 23. The sensor unit 302 then detects that the front cover 10, which includes a magnetic field application unit (for example, a magnet and / or a magnetic material) that applies a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor 23, is in the vicinity of the sensor unit 302.

[0039] The notification unit 303 notifies the user of information. In this embodiment, the notification unit 303 is a display unit made up of light-emitting elements such as LEDs, but it may also be a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, or the like. The notification unit 303 may notify the user of information by a different notification means than the notification unit 101 of the front cover 10, as long as it notifies the user of information more easily than the notification unit 101 of the front cover 10. For example, if the notification unit 101 of the front cover 10 is a liquid crystal display, the notification unit 303 may notify the user of information more easily than the liquid crystal display by using a small number of vibration patterns. The notification unit 303 is an example of a simple display unit that simply displays information.

[0040] For example, the LED emits light in a predetermined light emission mode to notify the user of operation information of the aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the LED emits light to notify the user of whether the aerosol generation device 1 is powered on, the progress of preheating, the suction status (remaining time available for suction, etc.), and the current operation mode of the aerosol generation device 1 (for example, suction mode and / or communication mode, etc.).

[0041] The storage unit 304 stores various information for the operation of the aerosol generation device 1. The storage unit 304 is configured, for example, by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 304 also stores programs such as firmware in addition to computer-executable instructions for operating the aerosol generation device 1.

[0042] The communication unit 305 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. For wireless communication, such communication standards as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be adopted. For wired communication, a data communication cable, for example, is connected via the external connection terminal 80. This allows input / output of data related to the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 to and from an external device.

[0043] The communication unit 305 may activate its communication function when the opening 314 of the shutter 50 is opened, and start communication with an external terminal using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. Also, the communication with the external terminal that is currently communicating may be terminated when the opening 314 of the shutter 50 is closed. The Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection between the communication unit 305 and the external terminal is preferably a connection using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0044] The communication unit 305 is a communication interface that can communicate with the front cover 10 in accordance with any short-range wireless communication standard. Examples of such short-range wireless communication standards include NFC and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Alternatively, the communication unit 305 may communicate by, for example, mechanical contact of electrodes, mechanical contact using spring-loaded electrode pins (pogo pins), or connector coupling.

[0045] The holding part 310 has an internal space 313 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 90 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 90 in the internal space 313. The holding part 310 has an opening 314 that connects the internal space 313 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 90 inserted into the internal space 313 through the opening 314. For example, the holding part 310 is a cylindrical body with the opening 314 and a bottom 315 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 313. In this specification, the direction in which the stick-shaped substrate 90 is inserted into the internal space 313 is referred to as the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0046] The holding part 310 has a pressing part and a non-pressing part (neither of which are shown) along the longitudinal direction on the inner wall of the internal space 313. When the internal space 313 receives the stick-shaped substrate 90, the pressing part presses the stick-shaped substrate 90 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The stick-shaped substrate 90 is then clamped by the holding part 310 while being pressed and deformed by the pressing part. As a result, the stick-shaped substrate 90 is heated from the outer periphery by the heating part 311 while being pressed.

[0047] On the other hand, a gap (not shown) is formed between the non-pressure portion and the stick-shaped substrate 90. As a result, the opening 314 and the bottom 315 communicate with each other through the gap.

[0048] The holding portion 310 also functions to define a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 90. Air inlet hole 316, which is the entrance of air to this flow path, is opening 314. More precisely, air inlet hole 316 is the gap between the non-pressure portion and the stick-shaped substrate 90. Air that flows in from air inlet hole 316 as the user inhales is transported along the dotted arrow through the stick-shaped substrate 90 to air outlet hole 317, which is the exit for air from the flow path.

[0049] The stick-type substrate 90 includes a substrate portion 91 and a mouthpiece portion 92. The substrate portion 91 includes an aerosol source. When the stick-type substrate 90 is held in the holder 310, at least a portion of the substrate portion 91 is contained in the internal space 313, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 92 protrudes from the opening 314. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 92 protruding from the opening 314 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 313 through the air inlet hole 316 and is transported along the dotted arrow to the air outlet hole 317 of the mouthpiece portion 92 via the bottom portion 315, and reaches the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 91. The stick-type substrate 90 is an example of a substrate that includes an aerosol source.

[0050] The heating unit 311 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. The heating unit 311 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 310. When the heating unit 311 generates heat, the substrate unit 91 of the stick-shaped substrate 90 is heated from the outer periphery, generating aerosol. The heating unit 311 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 301. As an example, the heating unit 311 may be supplied with power when the sensor unit 302 detects that the user has started inhaling, that a predetermined user input operation has been received, and / or that predetermined information has been input. The supply of power may be stopped when the sensor unit 302 detects that the user has stopped inhaling, that a predetermined user input operation has been received, and / or that predetermined information has been input. The heating unit 311 is an example of a heating unit that heats the substrate by power supplied from a power source.

[0051] The heat insulating section 312 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 311 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 312 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0052] The above describes an example of the configuration of the aerosol generation device 1. Of course, the configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0053] As one example, the heating unit 311 may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 315 of the holding unit 310 into the internal space 313. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 311 is inserted into the substrate 91 of the stick-shaped substrate 90 and heats the substrate 91 of the stick-shaped substrate 90 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 311 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 315 of the holding unit 310. Furthermore, the heating unit 311 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 310, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 315 of the holding unit 310.

[0054] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 311. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0055] [Outline of Display Control of Aerosol Generating Device] In the aerosol generating device 1 described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 300 performs the following first to third display controls. Note that the following description will be given taking an example of a liquid crystal display as the notification unit 101 of the front cover 10 and an LED as the notification unit 303 of the main body 30.

[0056] As a first display control, the control unit 300 performs display control in which when the front cover 10 is not attached, an LED is displayed, and when the front cover 10 is attached, the control unit 300 determines whether or not to display an LED depending on the type of front cover 10.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 300 performs second display control when there are two types of front covers 10: a first front cover with a liquid crystal display and a second front cover without a liquid crystal display. Specifically, as the second display control, the control unit 300 performs display control such that when the first front cover is attached, no LED display is performed, and when the second front cover is attached, LED display is performed.

[0058] Furthermore, when the first front cover includes a third front cover that hides the LED when attached and a fourth front cover that does not hide the LED even when attached, the control unit 300 performs a third display control. Specifically, the aerosol generation device 1 performs the third display control by not displaying using the LED when the third front cover is attached and by displaying using the LED when the fourth front cover is attached.

[0059] [Specific Example of Display of Aerosol Generator] First, a display example of the aerosol generation device 1 when the front cover 10 is not attached under the first display control will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the aerosol generation device 1 in this case. Similar to FIG. 3B, FIG. 5 shows an external view of the outer surface of the main body housing 20. A through hole 25 is provided on the outer surface of the main body housing 20. The through hole 25 allows light from an LED disposed in the main body 30 to pass through. The aerosol generation device 1 displays information using an LED, as indicated by the dotted hatching within the through hole 25 in the figure. Here, displaying information using an LED includes setting the LED to a displayable state so that when information to be displayed is available, the LED displays information when information to be displayed is available, even if there is no information to be displayed at that time. For example, when the front cover 10 is not attached, the aerosol generation device 1 keeps the LED switch on.

[0060] Next, a display example of the aerosol generation device 1 in the second display control when a front cover 10 without a liquid crystal display is attached will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the aerosol generation device 1 in this case. Similar to FIG. 1A, FIG. 6 shows an overall perspective view of the aerosol generation device 1 from diagonally above. A display window 60 is provided on the outer surface of the front cover 10. The display window 60 allows light from an LED disposed in the main body 30 to pass through. The aerosol generation device 1 displays information using an LED, as indicated by dotted hatching in the display window 60 in the figure. Here, displaying information using an LED includes setting the LED to a displayable state so that, when there is no information to be displayed at that time, the LED displays information when information to be displayed becomes available. For example, the aerosol generation device 1 keeps the LED switch on even when a front cover 10 without a liquid crystal display is attached.

[0061] Next, a display example of the aerosol generation device 1 in the third display control when a front cover 10 that hides the LEDs is attached will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the aerosol generation device 1 in this case. Like FIG. 1A, FIG. 7 also shows an overall perspective view of the aerosol generation device 1 from diagonally above. A display device 70 is provided on the outer surface of the front cover 10 in a position overlapping the display window 60. In this case, the display device 70 is a non-transparent liquid crystal display. That is, the display device 70 hides the display window 60 and also the passage hole 25. The aerosol generation device 1 displays information using the liquid crystal display, as indicated by the diagonal hatching within the display device 70 in the figure. However, because the passage hole 25 is hidden and the light from the LEDs cannot be seen from the outside, the aerosol generation device 1 does not display information using the LEDs. Here, not displaying information using the LEDs includes setting the LEDs to a display-disabled state so that information to be displayed is not displayed even if information to be displayed is generated when there is no information to be displayed at that time. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 switches off the LED when the front cover 10 that hides the LED is attached.

[0062] Here, the display device 70 is provided at a position overlapping the display window 60 of the front cover 10, so that the front cover 10 hides the LED, but this is not limited to this. Even if the display device 70 is not provided at a position overlapping the display window 60 of the front cover 10, the front cover 10 may hide the LED by not providing the display window 60 in the front cover 10.

[0063] Next, a display example of the aerosol generation device 1 in the third display control mode when a front cover 10 that does not hide the LEDs even when attached will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first display example of the aerosol generation device 1 in this case. Like FIG. 1A, FIG. 8 also shows an overall perspective view of the aerosol generation device 1 from diagonally above. A display window 60 is provided on the outer surface of the front cover 10, and a display device 70 is provided in a position that does not overlap the display window 60. The display window 60 transmits light from an LED disposed in the main body 30, and the display device 70 is a non-transparent liquid crystal display in this case. The aerosol generation device 1 displays information using the liquid crystal display, as indicated by the diagonal hatching in the display device 70 in the figure. The aerosol generation device 1 also displays information using the LEDs, as indicated by the dotted hatching in the display window 60 in the figure. Here, displaying information using the LEDs includes setting the LEDs to a displayable state so that when information to be displayed becomes available, the LEDs are displayed when there is no information to be displayed at that time. For example, the aerosol generation device 1 keeps the LED switched on even when the front cover 10 is attached, which does not hide the LED even when attached.

[0064] A second display example can also be considered as a variation of the first display example. FIG. 9 illustrates the second display example of the aerosol generation device 1. As in FIG. 8 , the aerosol generation device 1 displays information using a liquid crystal display (LCD), as indicated by the hatched area in the display device 70 in the figure. Meanwhile, the aerosol generation device 1 does not display information using an LED, as indicated by the absence of dotted hatching in the display window 60 in the figure, though this display control is different from the third display control. Here, not displaying information using an LED includes disabling the LED so that information is not displayed even if information to be displayed is generated when there is no information to be displayed at that time. For example, the aerosol generation device 1 turns off the LED when a front cover 10 that does not hide the LED is attached.

[0065] Here, the display device 70 is provided at a position that does not overlap the display window 60 of the front cover 10 so that the front cover 10 does not hide the LEDs, but this is not limited to this. Even if the display device 70 is provided at a position that overlaps the display window 60 of the front cover 10, the front cover 10 may not hide the LEDs by making the display device 70 a transparent display.

[0066] [Details of Operation of Aerosol Generating Device] The operation of the control unit 300 of the aerosol generating device 1 in this embodiment can be considered as a first operation example and a second operation example. The first operation example is an operation example in which the display of FIG. 8 is performed when a front cover 10 that does not hide the LED even when attached is attached. In other words, the first operation example is an operation example in which all of the first display control, second display control, and third display control are performed. The second operation example is an operation example in which the display of FIG. 9 is performed when a front cover 10 that does not hide the LED even when attached is attached. This second operation example can be considered as an operation example in which, when a front cover 10 having a liquid crystal display is attached, the LED is not displayed regardless of whether the liquid crystal display hides the LED. In other words, the second operation example is an operation example in which the first display control and the second display control are performed, but the third display control is not performed.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the control unit 300 of the aerosol generating device 1 in this embodiment.

[0068] As shown in the figure, first, the control unit 300 determines whether the front cover 10 is attached (step 351). For example, the control unit 300 determines whether the front cover 10 is attached based on whether the magnetic sensor 23 detects the magnetic force from the magnet 13 of the front cover 10. If it is determined that the front cover 10 is not attached, the control unit 300 controls the LED to display (step 354). For example, the control unit 300 turns on the LED switch to enable the LED display.

[0069] If it is determined in step 351 that the front cover 10 is attached, the control unit 300 determines whether the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display (step 352). For example, the control unit 300 receives information indicating whether the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display from the communication unit 103 of the front cover 10 via the communication unit 305, the information being stored in the memory unit 102 of the front cover 10. The control unit 300 then determines whether the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display based on the received information. If it is determined that the front cover 10 does not have a liquid crystal display, the control unit 300 controls the LED to display (step 354). For example, the control unit 300 turns on the LED switch to enable the LED display.

[0070] If it is determined in step 352 that the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display, the control unit 300 determines whether the liquid crystal display hides the LED (step 353). For example, the control unit 300 receives information indicating the position of the liquid crystal display and information indicating whether the liquid crystal display is transparent or opaque, which are stored in the memory unit 102 of the front cover 10, from the communication unit 103 of the front cover 10 via the communication unit 305. The control unit 300 then determines whether the liquid crystal display hides the LED based on this received information. If it is determined that the liquid crystal display does not hide the LED, the control unit 300 controls the LED to be displayed (step 354). For example, the control unit 300 turns on the LED switch so that the LED can be displayed.

[0071] If it is determined in step 353 that the liquid crystal display hides the LED, the control unit 300 controls the LED so that it does not display (step 355). For example, the control unit 300 turns off the LED switch so that display by the LED is disabled. At that time, the control unit 300 controls the liquid crystal display so that it displays.

[0072] In this operation example, if it is determined in step 353 that the liquid crystal display does not hide the LED, the control unit 300 controls the LED to be displayed, but this is not limited to this. Even if it is determined in step 353 that the liquid crystal display does not hide the LED, if it is determined that the front cover 10 hides the LED because the display window 60 is not provided, for example, the control unit 300 may control the LED not to be displayed.

[0073] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the control unit 300 of the aerosol generating device 1 in this embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 11 is obtained by removing step 353 from the flowchart in Fig. 10. However, steps 351, 352, 354, and 355 in Fig. 10 are respectively set as steps 371, 372, 373, and 374 in Fig. 11.

[0074] First, the content of the determination process in step 371 and the process corresponding to the result are the same as the content of the determination process in step 351 in FIG. 10 and the process corresponding to the result. The content of the determination process in step 372 is the same as the content of the determination process in step 352 in FIG. 10. If it is determined in step 372 that the front cover 10 does not have a liquid crystal display, the control unit 300 controls the LED to display (step 373). For example, the control unit 300 turns on the LED switch to enable LED display. If it is determined in step 372 that the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display, the control unit 300 controls the LED not to display (step 374). For example, the control unit 300 turns off the LED switch to disable LED display. At this time, the control unit 300 controls the liquid crystal display to display.

[0075] [Modifications] While the above description has been given of the application of this embodiment to a heated tobacco product, the present invention is not limited to this. This embodiment can be applied to various aerosol generating devices for inhaling aerosol, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers. Furthermore, the generated inhaled components may include gases such as invisible vapors in addition to aerosols. Furthermore, this embodiment may also be applied to general electronic devices other than aerosol generating devices.

[0076] [Effects of the Present Embodiment] In the aerosol generation device 1 of the present embodiment, when the front cover 10 is not attached, an LED display is performed, and when the front cover 10 is attached, whether or not to display an LED display is determined depending on the type of front cover 10. As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce power waste caused by displaying an LED display regardless of the type of front cover 10 when the front cover 10 is attached.

[0077] [Summary] The present disclosure includes the following configurations. (1) An electronic device including a simplified display unit that provides simplified display and a control unit that controls the simplified display unit to provide display when a cover is not attached, wherein the control unit determines whether or not to provide display on the simplified display unit when a cover is attached, depending on the type of cover. (2) The electronic device described in (1), wherein the types of covers include a first cover having a detailed display unit that provides detailed display and a second cover that does not have a detailed display unit, and the control unit controls the simplified display unit not to provide display when the first cover is attached, and to provide display on the simplified display unit when the second cover is attached. (3) The electronic device described in (2), wherein the first cover is a cover that hides the simplified display unit when attached. (4) The electronic device described in (2), wherein the first cover is a cover that does not hide the simplified display unit even when attached. (5) The electronic device described in any one of (2) to (4), wherein the control unit disables display on the simplified display unit when the first cover is attached. (6) The electronic device according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the first cover includes a third cover that hides the simplified display unit when attached and a fourth cover that does not hide the simplified display unit even when attached, and the control unit controls the simplified display unit to not display when the third cover is attached and to display when the fourth cover is attached. (7) The electronic device according to (6), wherein the control unit makes the simplified display unit unable to display when the third cover is attached. (8) An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source by power supply from a power source, a simplified display unit that displays a simple display, and a control unit that controls the simplified display unit to display when no cover is attached, and wherein the control unit determines whether or not to display when the cover is attached depending on the type of cover.

[0078] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Aerosol generating device, 10...Front cover, 20...Main body housing, 30...Main body, 40...Housing, 50...Shutter, 60...Display window, 70...Display device, 80...External connection terminal, 101...Notification unit, 102...Storage unit, 103...Communication unit, 300...Control unit, 301...Power supply unit, 302...Sensor unit, 303...Notification unit, 304...Storage unit, 305...Communication unit, 310...Holding unit, 311...Heating unit, 312...Insulation unit

Claims

1. a simple display unit for simply displaying; a control unit that controls the simplified display unit to display information when the cover is not attached; Equipped with When the cover is attached, the control unit determines whether or not to display on the simplified display unit depending on the type of the cover. electronic equipment.

2. The types of the cover include a first cover having a detail display section that displays details and a second cover that does not have the detail display section, the control unit controls the simplified display unit not to display when the first cover is attached, and controls the simplified display unit to display when the second cover is attached. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. the first cover is a cover that hides the simple display unit when attached; The electronic device according to claim 2 .

4. the first cover is a cover that does not hide the simple display unit even when attached; The electronic device according to claim 2 .

5. the control unit disables the simple display unit from displaying a display when the first cover is attached.

5. The electronic device according to claim 2.

6. the first cover includes a third cover that hides the simplified display unit when attached, and a fourth cover that does not hide the simplified display unit when attached, The control unit controls the simplified display unit not to display when the third cover is attached, and controls the simplified display unit to display when the fourth cover is attached. The electronic device according to claim 2 .

7. the control unit disables the simple display unit when the third cover is attached.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6.

8. a heating unit that heats the substrate including the aerosol source by power supply from a power source; a simple display unit for simply displaying; a control unit that controls the simplified display unit to display information when the cover is not attached; Equipped with When the cover is attached, the control unit determines whether or not to display on the simplified display unit depending on the type of the cover. Aerosol generator.