Aerosol generation system and information processing method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience. [Solution] This aerosol generation system comprises: an accommodation unit that has an internal space and an opening through which the internal space is connected with the outside; a first state detection unit and a second state detection unit that each detect the state of the internal space; and a control unit that, when a detection value detected by the first state detection unit satisfies a first condition, performs control so as to switch the mode of the first state detection unit from an operation mode, in which the detection of the state of the internal space takes place, to a suspension mode, in which the detection of the state of the internal space is suspended, and to switch the mode of the second state detection unit from the suspension mode to the operation mode.

Description

Aerosol generating system and information processing method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system and an information processing method.

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

[0003] Various technologies have been developed with the aim of further improving the quality of the user experience when using such suction devices. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology that emits light, detects the phosphorescence characteristics of the reflected light, and controls the operation of the suction device based on the detection results.

[0004] Special table 2019-528710 publication

[0005] As disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, temperature control when heating the substrate can contribute to improving the flavor. In addition, cleaning the suction device also contributes to improving the flavor. However, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not mention anything about cleaning the suction device.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of, for example, the above-mentioned problems, and one of the purposes of the present disclosure may be to provide a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising: a storage unit having an internal space and an opening connecting the internal space to the outside; a first state detection unit and a second state detection unit that detect the state of the internal space; and a control unit that, when the detection value detected by the first state detection unit satisfies a first condition, switches the mode of the first state detection unit from an operation mode that detects the state of the internal space to a stop mode that stops detection of the state of the internal space, and controls the mode of the second state detection unit to switch from the stop mode to the operation mode.

[0008] The aerosol generation system may further include a heating unit that heats the substrate contained in the container, and the control unit may control the heating by the heating unit based on the detection value obtained by the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit.

[0009] The control unit may start heating by the heating unit when the detection value obtained by the second state detection unit satisfies the first condition.

[0010] The control unit may control the second state detection unit to switch its mode from the stop mode to the operation mode, and then start heating by the heating unit if the detection value detected by the second state detection unit satisfies the first condition within a predetermined time.

[0011] The control unit may control one of the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit to the operation mode and the other to the stop mode during heating by the heating unit.

[0012] The control unit may control the heating unit to stop heating when a detection value detected by the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit satisfies a second condition during heating by the heating unit.

[0013] When the detection value detected by the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit satisfies a second condition during heating by the heating unit, the control unit may further switch the mode of the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit, which is the operation mode, to the stop mode, and may switch the mode of the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit, which is the stop mode, to the operation mode.

[0014] The control unit may be configured to control the first state detection unit to switch its mode from the stop mode to the operation mode and the second state detection unit to switch its mode from the operation mode to the stop mode if the second state detection unit does not detect a detection value that satisfies the first condition within a predetermined time after switching the mode of the second state detection unit from the stop mode to the operation mode.

[0015] The control unit may execute switching control for switching the modes of the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit multiple times so that the modes of the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit are switched, determine whether a first condition is satisfied each time switching control is executed, and control heating by the heating unit based on multiple determination results.

[0016] The control unit may execute the replacement control when a detection value that satisfies the first condition is obtained by either the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit, or when a predetermined time has elapsed after controlling the second state detection unit to switch its mode from the stop mode to the operation mode.

[0017] The control unit may control the start of heating by the heating unit only when the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit obtain detection values ​​that satisfy the first condition a predetermined number of times in succession.

[0018] The control unit may prohibit heating by the heating unit when the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit do not obtain detection values ​​that satisfy the first condition a predetermined number of times in succession.

[0019] The first state detection unit and the second state detection unit may detect the state of the internal space by emitting light into the internal space and detecting received reflected light.

[0020] The aerosol generating system may further include a substrate contained in the container.

[0021] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure to solve the above problem, there is provided an information processing method executed by a computer, which includes controlling a first state detection unit that detects the state of an internal space of a storage unit having an internal space and an opening that connects the internal space to the outside to switch the mode of the first state detection unit from an operation mode in which the state of the internal space is detected to a stop mode in which detection of the state of the internal space is stopped, and to switch the mode of a second state detection unit that detects the state of the internal space from the stop mode to the operation mode, when detection detected by the first state detection unit satisfies a first condition.

[0022] As described above, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience.

[0023] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a suction device; FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a suction device 100 according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of a suction device 100 according to the present embodiment in a state in which a stick-shaped substrate 150 is held; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration in the vicinity of a storage unit 140 of a suction device 100 according to the present embodiment; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing in detail the configuration in the vicinity of an optical sensor unit 170 of a suction device 100 according to the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the storage unit 140 of a suction device 100 according to the present embodiment, as viewed from the opening 142 side (i.e., above); FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an optical sensor unit 170 in a suction device 100 according to the present embodiment; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific example in which a detection control unit 179 transmits an interrupt notification; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cleaning item 190 according to the present embodiment; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the storage unit 140 with a stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted, as viewed from the opening 142 side (i.e., above). 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the storage section 140 with a cleaning item 190 inserted, viewed from the opening 142 side (i.e., from above). FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a control process for automatic heating executed by the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process for determining an inserted item based on multiple replacement controls, executed by the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a control process for automatic heating in accordance with the detection result of the sensor unit 112, executed by the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a control process for resetting the automatic heating control flow, executed by the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0025] Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different letters after the same reference numeral. For example, multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished as necessary, such as optical sensor unit 170A and optical sensor unit 170B. However, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral may be used. For example, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between optical sensor unit 170A and optical sensor unit 170B, they will simply be referred to as optical sensor unit 170.

[0026] 1. Configuration Example of Suction Device (1) Internal Configuration Example Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration example of a suction device. As shown in Fig. 1, a suction device 100 according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0027] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power and supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100 under the control of the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0028] The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100. As one example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0029] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured by, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0030] The storage unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0031] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0032] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0033] The storage unit 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the storage unit 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the storage unit 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0034] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicament. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0035] The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0036] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0037] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0038] As one example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0039] As another example, the storage unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to hold and store the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the holding location in the storage unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0040] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0041] The inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be considered to cooperate with each other to form an aerosol generating system that generates an aerosol. Alternatively, the inhalation device 100 may be considered to include the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0042] (2) Exterior Configuration Example Fig. 2 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment in a state in which a stick-shaped substrate 150 is held.

[0043] 2 and 3 , the inhalation device 100 includes a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, a lid portion 14, a vent 15, and a cap 16. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other to form the outermost housing 11 of the inhalation device 100. The outer housing 11 is sized to fit in a user's hand. When using the inhalation device 100, the user can hold the inhalation device 100 in their hand and inhale the flavor.

[0044] The top housing 11A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 12 is coupled to the top housing 11A to close the opening. As shown in Fig. 3, the cover 12 has an opening 142 into which the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be inserted. The lid portion 14 is configured to open and close the opening 142 of the cover 12.

[0045] The switch 13 is used to switch the operation of the inhalation device 100 on and off. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , a user can insert the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the internal space 141 through the opening 142 and operate the switch 13 to supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121, thereby heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 without burning it. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150, and the flavor of the flavor source is absorbed into the aerosol. The user can inhale the aerosol containing the flavor by sucking on the portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 protruding from the inhalation device 100 (the portion shown in FIG. 3 , i.e., the mouthpiece portion 152).

[0046] The vent 15 is a vent for introducing air into the internal space 141. The air taken into the interior of the suction device 100 through the vent 15 is introduced into the internal space 141, for example, from the bottom 143 of the storage section 140. The cap 16 is configured to be detachable from the bottom housing 11B. By attaching the cap 16 to the bottom housing 11B, the vent 15 is formed between the bottom housing 11B and the cap 16. The cap 16 may have, for example, a through-hole or a notch (not shown).

[0047] 2. Technical Features (1) Detailed Configuration Near the Storage Unit 140 Figure 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration near the storage unit 140 of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 schematically illustrates a state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is stored in the storage unit 140. As shown in Figure 4, the suction device 100 includes a lid 14, a lower stick storage unit 140A, a guide unit 140B, an opening 142, a bottom 143, an optical sensor unit 170, and a circuit board 172. The direction in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into or removed from the suction device 100 is also referred to as the up-down direction. The insertion direction of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is referred to as the down direction, and the removal direction of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is referred to as the up direction.

[0048] The stick lower storage section 140A is a cylindrical body with a bottom that constitutes a part of the bottom 143 side of the storage section 140. The stick lower storage section 140A stores a part of the bottom 143 side of the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142.

[0049] The guide part 140B is a cylindrical body with openings on both ends that constitutes a portion of the accommodation part 140 on the opening 142 side. The guide part 140B accommodates the portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 that is inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142 and that is accommodated in the accommodation part 140, but that is not accommodated in the lower stick accommodation part 140A. Furthermore, the guide part 140B functions as a guide to facilitate the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the lower stick accommodation part 140A. For example, the guide part 140B may be configured with a larger diameter than the lower stick accommodation part 140A, or may be configured in a funnel shape with a diameter that gradually decreases from top to bottom.

[0050] The optical sensor unit 170 emits light into the internal space 141 and detects the received reflected light. The optical sensor unit 170 is an example of a detection unit in this embodiment and is included in the sensor unit 112. The optical sensor unit 170 is, for example, an integrated circuit (IC) equipped with an infrared proximity sensor. In this case, the optical sensor unit 170 emits infrared light into the internal space 141 and detects the infrared light reflected by a detected object such as an item stored in the internal space 141 or the inner wall of the storage unit 140.

[0051] The optical sensor unit 170 is disposed in a location where it can emit light into the internal space 141. For example, the optical sensor unit 170 is disposed in the guide unit 140B. Specifically, the optical sensor unit 170 is embedded in the guide unit 140B. The optical sensor unit 170 detects light reflected by an object to be detected, such as an article contained in the internal space 141 or the inner wall of the guide unit 140B.

[0052] Here, the heating unit 121 is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the lower stick housing portion 140A. On the other hand, the heating unit 121 is not arranged on the outer periphery of the guide portion 140B. Furthermore, the guide portion 140B may be made of a material with lower thermal conductivity than the material making up the lower stick housing portion 140A. Therefore, the optical sensor unit 170 can perform optical detection without being affected by the heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0053] The inner wall of the guide portion 140B may be black. By making the inner wall of the guide portion 140B black, it is possible to suppress reflection of the light emitted by the optical sensor portion 170. Considering that the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be configured in a color that reflects light relatively easily, such as white, it is possible to make a large difference in the intensity of the reflected light between when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted and when it is not.

[0054] The circuit board 172 is a board on which the optical sensor unit 170 is mounted. The circuit board 172 is, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) circuit. The circuit board 172 is connected to the control unit 116 by, for example, a connector or solder.

[0055] 5 is a schematic diagram showing in detail the configuration of the vicinity of the optical sensor unit 170 of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the suction device 100 further includes a light transmission filter 173 and a reinforcing plate 174.

[0056] The light-transmitting filter 173 transmits light emitted by the optical sensor unit 170. For example, if the optical sensor unit 170 is an infrared proximity sensor, the light-transmitting filter 173 is an infrared-transmitting filter. The material of the light-transmitting filter 173 is not particularly limited and may be resin or glass, or a transparent resin coated with a light-transmitting coating. The light-transmitting filter 173 may be colored. By coloring the light-transmitting filter 173, it is possible to conceal the optical sensor unit 170 from the outside. A hole 140Bb is formed in the inner wall 140Ba of the guide unit 140B, and the optical sensor unit 170 is disposed so as to be embedded in the hole 140Bb. The light-transmitting filter 173 is disposed so as to close the hole 140Bb, forming the inner wall 140Ba of the guide unit 140B. This configuration allows the inner wall 140Ba of the guide unit 140B to be smooth. Furthermore, the light transmitting filter 173 can maintain airtightness so that sidestream smoke and the like flowing in from outside the stick does not come into contact with the optical sensor section 170 .

[0057] The clearance 175 is a gap provided between the stick-shaped substrate 150 accommodated in the accommodation section 140 and the inner wall 140Ba of the guide section 140B. The clearance 175 may be provided so that the distance between the stick-shaped substrate 150 and the inner wall 140Ba of the guide section 140B is 1 to 2 mm.

[0058] The reinforcing plate 174 is a plate-like member having a predetermined rigidity. The reinforcing plate 174 is disposed so as to cover the back side of the circuit board 172 on the front side of which the optical sensor unit 170 is disposed, and reinforces the optical sensor unit 170 and the circuit board 172.

[0059] 6 is a schematic diagram of the accommodation unit 140 of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment, viewed from the opening 142 side (i.e., from above). As shown in FIG. 6, the suction device 100 may have two optical sensor units 170 (170A and 170B). The optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B are examples of a first detection unit, a first state detection unit, and a second state detection unit. The optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B are disposed apart from each other, and the distance between them is L Ｄ The direction 171A in which the optical sensor unit 170A emits light (hereinafter also referred to as the radiation direction 171A) and the direction 171B in which the optical sensor unit 170B emits light (hereinafter also referred to as the radiation direction 171B) form an angle θ on a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. By having a plurality of optical sensor units 170, the suction device 100 can further determine an appropriate distance L Ｄ By setting an appropriate angle θ, it becomes possible to more accurately determine the article inserted into the storage unit 140. The determination process using the optical sensor unit 170 will be described in detail later.

[0060] (2) Configuration of Optical Sensor Unit 170 Next, the configuration of the optical sensor unit 170 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the optical sensor unit 170 in the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0061] 7, the optical sensor unit 170 includes a light emitting unit 176, a light receiving unit 177, a detection storage unit 178, and a detection control unit 179. The optical sensor unit 170 is connected to the control unit 116. The optical sensor unit 170 operates under the control of the control unit 116.

[0062] The light-emitting unit 176 emits light into the internal space 141. The light-emitting unit 176 is configured with a light-emitting element such as an LD (Laser Diode) or an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 176 is an infrared LD and emits infrared light. The light-receiving unit 177 detects reflected light of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 176. The infrared light emitted by the light-emitting unit 176 may be a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser). The operation of the light-emitting unit 176 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8 .

[0063] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the optical sensor unit 170 on a time axis. The horizontal axis of FIG. 8 represents time, with time flowing from left to right. The vertical axis of FIG. 8 represents the intensity of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 176. As shown in FIG. 8, the light-emitting unit 176 emits pulsed light at a predetermined cycle. This cycle is also referred to as the operation cycle. After emitting pulsed light three times, the light-emitting unit 176 stops emitting light during a processing time and an intermittent operation time. The processing time is the time during which processing is performed based on the reflected light detected by the light-receiving unit 177. The intermittent operation time is the time until the next pulsed light is emitted. The light-emitting unit 176 repeatedly performs a series of operations, including pulsed light emission and the cessation of light emission, described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0064] The detection control unit 179 controls the operation of each component of the optical sensor unit 170. An example of the processing executed by the detection control unit 179 will be described below. These processing steps are basically executed during the processing time described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0065] As an example, the detection control unit 179 calculates a value indicating the intensity of the reflected light detected by the light receiving unit 177. The calculated value indicating the intensity of the reflected light is also referred to as a detection value hereinafter. The detection control unit 179 calculates a larger detection value as the detected intensity of the reflected light increases. The relationship between the intensity of the reflected light and the detection value may be linear.

[0066] As another example, the detection control unit 179 may calculate, based on the detection value, the distance to the detected object that reflects the light emitted from the optical sensor unit 170, i.e., the distance between the detected object and the optical sensor unit 170. Specifically, the detection control unit 179 calculates a shorter distance as the detection value is larger, i.e., the intensity of the reflected light is stronger. On the other hand, the detection control unit 179 calculates a longer distance as the detection value is smaller, i.e., the intensity of the reflected light is weaker.

[0067] As another example, the detection control unit 179 controls the operation of the light-emitting unit 176. Specifically, the detection control unit 179 may control at least one of the number of pulsed emissions, the operation cycle, and the intermittent operation time shown in Fig. 8. Furthermore, the detection control unit 179 may control the intensity of infrared light emitted by the light-emitting unit 176 by controlling the current value applied to the light-emitting unit 176 (hereinafter also referred to as the LD current value).

[0068] As another example, the detection control unit 179 notifies the control unit 116 of information. For example, the detection control unit 179 may store the calculated detection value in the detection storage unit 178. Then, when the detection value exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold, the detection control unit 179 may notify the control unit 116 of that fact. Such a notification is also referred to as an interrupt notification hereinafter. In this case, the control unit 116 may read out the detection value stored in the detection storage unit 178, triggered by receiving the interrupt notification. Alternatively, the detection control unit 179 may notify the control unit 116 of the calculated detection value by including it in the interrupt notification. Such processing regarding the detection value may also be performed regarding the distance to the detected object. That is, the detection control unit 179 may notify the control unit 116 of the calculated distance. Alternatively, the detection control unit 179 may store the calculated distance in the detection storage unit 178, and when the calculated distance exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold, notify the control unit 116 of that fact.

[0069] The interrupt notification may be a notification indicating that an item has been inserted into or removed from the storage unit 140. In this case, the control unit 116 may execute a predetermined process in response to the reception of the interrupt notification. An example of the predetermined process may include determining whether or not a stick determination condition, which will be described later, is satisfied, and controlling heating based on the determination result. With this configuration, the predetermined process is executed only when an interrupt notification is received, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 116.

[0070] As a more specific example, the detection control unit 179 may transmit an interrupt notification indicating that an item has been inserted into the storage unit 140 when the calculated detection value exceeds a predetermined threshold, which is an insertion threshold. Such an interrupt notification is hereinafter also referred to as a detection interrupt notification. The detection control unit 179 may also transmit an interrupt notification when the calculated detection value falls below a predetermined threshold, which is a removal threshold. Such an interrupt notification is hereinafter also referred to as a detection release interrupt notification.

[0071] Here, the detection interrupt notification may be transmitted when a detection value exceeding the insertion threshold is calculated for the first time after a detection value below the removal threshold is calculated by the detection control unit 179. Furthermore, the detection release interrupt notification may be transmitted when a detection value below the removal threshold is calculated for the first time after a detection value exceeding the insertion threshold is calculated by the detection control unit 179.

[0072] Furthermore, the detection control unit 179 may update the insertion status managed (i.e., stored) in the detection memory unit 178 at the same time as sending the interrupt notification. The insertion status indicates whether an item is inserted in the storage unit 140. The detection control unit 179 may update the insertion status to indicate that an item is inserted at the same time as sending the detection interrupt notification. Furthermore, the detection control unit 179 may update the insertion status to indicate that an item is not inserted at the same time as sending the detection release interrupt notification. When the insertion status is managed in the detection memory unit 178, the detection control unit 179 may send the interrupt notification without distinguishing between a detection interrupt notification and a detection release interrupt notification. Then, the control unit 116 may read out the insertion status stored in the detection memory unit 178 when triggered by receiving the interrupt notification.

[0073] A specific example of transmission of an interrupt notification by the detection control unit 179 will now be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific example of transmission of an interrupt notification by the detection control unit 179. The horizontal axis of FIG. 9 represents time, with time flowing from left to right. The vertical axis of FIG. 9 represents the detection value calculated by the detection control unit 179. In other words, FIG. 9 shows the change in the detection value over time. After detecting a detection value below the removal threshold, the detection control unit 179 detects a detection value above the insertion threshold at detection point P1. Therefore, the detection control unit 179 transmits an interrupt notification at detection point P1 and updates the insertion status to indicate that an item has been inserted.

[0074] The detection control unit 179 then detects a detection value below the removal threshold at detection point P2. Therefore, the detection control unit 179 sends an interrupt notification at detection point P2 and updates the insertion status to "no item inserted." Subsequently, the detection control unit 179 again detects a detection value above the insertion threshold at detection point P3. Therefore, the detection control unit 179 sends an interrupt notification at detection point P3 and updates the insertion status to "item inserted."

[0075] The use of two thresholds (insertion threshold and removal threshold) enables more accurate determination of insertion status. Specifically, the detection value may fluctuate up and down due to factors such as disturbances, noise in the power supply supplied to the optical sensor unit 170, variations in the shape of the insertion item, variations in the distance between the insertion item and the light-emitting unit 176 and the light-receiving unit 177 due to contact between the user and the insertion item or the user holding the insertion item in their mouth, temperature drift of the detection value of the detection control unit 179 due to changes in environmental temperature, or fluctuations in the winding diameter of the stick-shaped substrate 150 (insertion item) due to puffing during smoking. Even in such cases, the insertion status can be prevented from changing unless large vibrations occur that exceed or fall below both the insertion threshold and the removal threshold. This prevents frequent changes in the insertion status determination result, thereby enabling accurate determination of insertion status.

[0076] As another example, the detection control unit 179 may perform calibration. Specifically, the detection control unit 179 may adjust the relationship between the intensity of reflected light detected by the light receiving unit 177 and the calculated detection value so that the same detection value is calculated under predetermined conditions. By performing calibration, it becomes possible to eliminate deviations in the detection value due to temperature or vibration, and to eliminate the effects of aging deterioration of the light emitting unit 176 or the light receiving unit 177, etc.

[0077] 8 shows an example in which the light-emitting unit 176 emits pulsed light three times, but the number of pulsed light emissions is not particularly limited. Furthermore, if the light-emitting unit 176 emits pulsed light multiple times, the detection control unit 179 may perform processing using the detection results from the light-receiving unit 177 multiple times, or may perform processing using some of the detection results from the light-receiving unit 177 multiple times.

[0078] The detection storage unit 178 stores programs executed by the detection control unit 179, various data, etc. The detection storage unit 178 is realized by, for example, a register. The detection storage unit 178 stores various setting values ​​used during control by the detection control unit 179, such as an operation cycle of infrared pulse emission, an intermittent operation time, an insertion threshold, a removal threshold, and an LD current value.

[0079] The control unit 116 and the detection control unit 179 communicate with each other via a serial communication interface such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication. The control unit 116 controls the operation of each component of the optical sensor unit 170 via the detection control unit 179.

[0080] For example, the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor unit 170 to switch between an operation mode in which reflected light is detected and a sleep mode in which reflected light detection is stopped. Specifically, in the sleep mode, the control unit 116 may control the light-emitting unit 176 to stop emitting light, or the light-receiving unit 177 to stop detecting reflected light. Furthermore, in the operation mode, the control unit 116 controls the light-emitting unit 176 to emit light and the light-receiving unit 177 to detect reflected light. By controlling the switching of the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 by the control unit 116, it is possible to reduce power consumption compared to when the optical sensor unit 170 constantly detects reflected light.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 116 stores various setting values ​​used during control by the detection control unit 179 in the detection storage unit 178. Furthermore, the control unit 116 receives various information such as interrupt notifications from the detection control unit 179 and reads out information stored in the detection storage unit 178.

[0082] Here, the detection storage unit 178 may be configured with a volatile storage medium or a non-volatile storage medium. If the detection storage unit 178 is configured with a non-volatile storage medium, when power supply to the optical sensor unit 170 is interrupted and then resumed, the various setting values ​​stored in the detection storage unit 178 are initialized. When the various setting values ​​are initialized, the control unit 116 may store the various setting values ​​before initialization in the detection storage unit 178 again.

[0083] Instead of the sleep mode, the control unit 116 may control the optical sensor unit 170 to enter a power-off mode in which power supply to the optical sensor unit 170 is stopped. When the detection storage unit 178 is configured as a volatile storage medium and this control is performed, the control unit 116 stores various pre-initialization setting values ​​in the detection storage unit 178 again when switching the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 from the power-off mode to the operating mode. Furthermore, in the sleep mode, the control unit 116 may control the optical sensor unit 170 to maintain power supply to the detection storage unit 178 included in the optical sensor unit 170. This eliminates the need to store various pre-initialization setting values ​​in the detection storage unit 178 again each time the mode is switched from the sleep mode to the operating mode when the detection storage unit 178 is configured as a volatile storage medium. Furthermore, in the sleep mode, the control unit 116 may control the optical sensor unit 170 to maintain power supply only to a portion of the memory in the detection storage unit 178 included in the optical sensor unit 170. In this specification, the sleep mode and the power-off mode may be collectively referred to as a stop mode, which refers to a mode in which detection is stopped.

[0084] When the optical sensor unit 170 returns to the operating mode from the sleep mode, the insertion status managed by the optical sensor unit 170 does not need to maintain the insertion status before switching to the sleep mode, and may always be managed as non-insertion. Furthermore, the conditions for transmitting an interrupt notification may include an exception to the case where the optical sensor unit 170 returns to the operating mode from the sleep mode. For example, as described above, a detection interrupt notification may be transmitted when the detection control unit 179 detects a detection value below the removal threshold and then detects a detection value exceeding the insertion threshold for the first time. As an exception to this, a detection interrupt notification may be transmitted when a detection value exceeding the insertion threshold is detected even if a detection value below the removal threshold is not detected after the optical sensor unit 170 returns to the operating mode from the sleep mode. Similarly, a detection release interrupt notification may be transmitted when a detection value below the removal threshold is detected even if the detection control unit 179 does not detect a detection value above the insertion threshold after the optical sensor unit 170 returns to the operating mode from the sleep mode.

[0085] When one of the optical sensor units 170A and 170B is in the operating mode, the control unit 116 may set the other to the stopped mode. This configuration makes it possible to prevent crosstalk. Crosstalk is a phenomenon in which light emitted from one of the optical sensor units 170A and 170B is erroneously detected by the other.

[0086] (3) Determination of Inserted Item Adherents such as dirt or foreign matter may remain in the internal space 141. As an example, the contents may spill from the tip of the stick-shaped substrate 150 after heating and remain in the internal space 141 as adherents. If adherents remain, it becomes difficult to properly heat the stick-shaped substrate 150, and as a result, it becomes difficult to provide a good flavor to the user. For this reason, it is preferable that the storage section 140 be cleaned regularly. Removing adherents through cleaning makes it possible to properly heat the stick-shaped substrate 150, and as a result, it becomes possible to provide a good flavor to the user. An example of a cleaning item used to clean the storage section 140 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 .

[0087] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cleaning item 190 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the cleaning item 190 has a shaft 191 and a cleaning part 192.

[0088] The shaft portion 191 is a member configured in a longitudinal shape. For example, the shaft portion 191 is configured by winding a paper sheet.

[0089] The cleaning part 192 may be formed by wrapping and adhering fibers around one end of the shaft part 191. The cleaning part 192 may have any shape, such as a teardrop shape, a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, a shape with random irregularities, or a brush shape. Examples of fibers that may be used for the cleaning part 192 include various natural fibers (such as cotton, silk, or wool), regenerated fibers (such as rayon or cupra), and synthetic fibers (such as polyester or polypropylene). The cleaning part 192 may contain a liquid such as alcohol. The cleaning part 192 may be disposed at one end of the shaft part 191 as shown in FIG. 10 , or at both ends of the shaft part 191.

[0090] Cleaning item 190 may be, for example, a cotton swab. The user grasps shaft 191 and inserts cleaning part 192 into interior space 141 through opening 142. The user then moves cleaning part 192, rubbing it against storage part 140. As a result, any deposits remaining in storage part 140 adhere to cleaning part 192 and are removed. In this manner, storage part 140 is cleaned.

[0091] The cleaning article 190 is configured to be thinner than the stick-shaped substrate 150. In particular, the diameter L of the cleaning article 190 (more specifically, the diameter of the cleaning portion 192, which is the thickest part) Ｃ is the diameter of the stick-shaped substrate 150 (more specifically, the diameter of the thinnest part) L Ｓ As an example, the diameter L of the cleaning article 190 Ｃ is the diameter L of the stick-shaped substrate 150 Ｓ The distance between the cleaning member 192 and the inner wall 140Ba of the guide member 140B may be equal to or less than half, and preferably equal to or less than a quarter of the distance between the cleaning member 190 and the inner wall 140Ba of the guide member 140B when the cleaning member 190 is inserted into the storage member 140. As a result, the cleaning member 192 can be moved freely within the internal space 141, improving cleaning efficiency.

[0092] The cleaning item 190 is an example of an item other than the stick-shaped substrate 150 that is expected to be inserted into the storage section 140. The suction device 100 and the cleaning item 190 may be considered to constitute an aerosol generating system. Alternatively, the suction device 100 may be considered to include the cleaning item 190.

[0093] Diameter L of cleaning item 190 Ｃ and the diameter L of the stick-shaped substrate 150 Ｓ This difference can also be used to identify the item inserted into the storage unit 140 (hereinafter also referred to as the inserted item). This is because the detection values ​​detected by the optical sensor units 170A and 170B differ greatly when the inserted item is the stick-shaped substrate 150 and when it is the cleaning item 190. This point will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0094] 11 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the container 140 with the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted, as viewed from the opening 142 side (i.e., from above). As shown in FIG. 11, the diameter L Ｓ is the distance L between the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B. Ｄ 5, the distance between the stick-shaped substrate 150 and the inner wall 140Ba of the guide portion 140B is approximately 1 to 2 mm. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage portion 140, all parts of the inner wall 140Ba of the guide portion 140B are located at a close distance from the stick-shaped substrate 150. As a result, the light emitted by both the optical sensor portion 170A and the optical sensor portion 170B is reflected by the stick-shaped substrate 150, which is located at a close distance. Therefore, the detection value detected by the optical sensor portion 170A and the detection value detected by the optical sensor portion 170B are large and equivalent to each other.

[0095] 12 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the storage section 140 with the cleaning item 190 inserted, as viewed from the opening 142 side (i.e., from above). As shown in FIG. 12, the diameter L Ｃ is the distance L between the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B. Ｄ 12 , when the cleaning item 190 is inserted into the storage section 140, the distance between the inner wall 140Ba of the guide section 140B and the cleaning item 190 varies greatly depending on the position of the inner wall 140Ba. As a result, the detection value of at least one of the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B is significantly smaller than when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage section 140. This is because the position of at least one of the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B is far from the cleaning item 190 or is in a position where the emitted light is not reflected by the cleaning item 190. In the example shown in FIG. 12 , the detection value of the optical sensor unit 170B is the same as when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted, while the detection value of the optical sensor unit 170A is significantly smaller.

[0096] Here, optical sensor unit 170A and optical sensor unit 170B are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction, i.e., on the same circumference. By arranging optical sensor unit 170 in this manner, even if the length of guide unit 140B in the vertical direction is designed to be short enough that multiple optical sensors 170 cannot be arranged at different positions in the vertical direction, detection by multiple optical sensors 170 is possible. In other words, with this configuration, the length of guide unit 140B in the vertical direction can be shortened, thereby achieving a miniaturized suction device 100. However, optical sensor unit 170A and optical sensor unit 170B are not limited to being arranged at the same position in the vertical direction, and may be arranged at different positions in the vertical direction.

[0097] If the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction, there is a high possibility that light emitted from one optical sensor unit 170 will be erroneously detected by the other optical sensor unit 170. Therefore, it is desirable that only one of the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B be in the operating mode. This makes it possible to prevent crosstalk from occurring.

[0098] Therefore, the control unit 116 according to this embodiment determines whether the insertion article is the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the detection values ​​detected by the optical sensor units 170A and 170B. More specifically, the control unit 116 determines whether the insertion article is the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on an interrupt notification sent in response to the detection values ​​detected by the optical sensor units 170A and 170B. As an example, the control unit 116 determines that the insertion article is the stick-shaped substrate 150 when a stick determination condition is satisfied.

[0099] The stick determination condition may be, for example, that a detection interrupt notification is received by either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B, and then a detection interrupt notification is received by the other optical sensor unit 170 within a predetermined time. The insertion threshold and removal threshold used when transmitting the interrupt notification may be arbitrarily set as values ​​that satisfy the stick determination condition when the inserted item is the stick-shaped substrate 150, and that do not satisfy the stick determination condition in at least one of the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B when the inserted item is the cleaning item 190. However, the diameter of the stick-shaped substrate 150 may vary depending on the brand or production lot, or may have an irregular shape. Therefore, it is desirable to set the insertion threshold to a value with some leeway (i.e., a low value). The insertion threshold is an example of a first threshold. From here on, an example will be mainly described in which the control unit 116 determines whether or not a detection interrupt notification is received by the optical sensor unit 170B within a predetermined time after the detection interrupt notification is received by the optical sensor unit 170A.

[0100] As described above, the detection value of at least one of optical sensor unit 170A or optical sensor unit 170B when the cleaning item 190 is inserted into storage unit 140 tends to be significantly smaller than when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into storage unit 140. In other words, when the cleaning item 190 is inserted into storage unit 140, optical sensor unit 170B often does not transmit a detection interrupt notification immediately (within a predetermined time) after the detection interrupt notification is transmitted by optical sensor unit 170A. Therefore, this configuration can prevent the cleaning item 190 from being erroneously determined to be the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0101] On the other hand, if the stick determination condition is not met, the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is not the stick-shaped substrate 150. That is, if the control unit 116 does not receive a detection interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170B within a predetermined time after receiving a detection interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170A, the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is not the stick-shaped substrate 150. If the stick determination condition is not met, the control unit 116 may determine that the inserted article is the cleaning article 190.

[0102] Here, whether or not the stick determination condition is satisfied may be determined by the control unit 116 comparing the detection value read from the optical sensor unit 170 with the insertion threshold and the removal threshold. That is, the control unit 116 may read the detection value from the optical sensor unit 170 at any timing and determine whether or not the stick determination condition is satisfied, without receiving an interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170. In this case, for example, the stick determination condition may be that the optical sensor unit 170B also obtains a detection value equal to or greater than the insertion threshold within a predetermined time after the optical sensor unit 170A obtains a detection value equal to or greater than the insertion threshold.

[0103] An example of the stick determination condition has been described above. When determining whether the stick determination condition is satisfied, if the detection value from one of the optical sensor units 170A and 170B, which is currently operating, satisfies a predetermined condition (also referred to as a first condition), the control unit 116 suspends the stop mode of the other and switches it to an operating mode. Furthermore, the control unit 116 suspends the operating mode of the optical sensor unit 170A or 170B that detected the detection value that satisfies the first condition and switches it to the stop mode. The first condition is, for example, a part of the stick determination condition. Here, the stick determination condition may be that a detection interrupt notification is received by either the optical sensor unit 170A or 170B within a predetermined time after the other optical sensor unit 170A or 170B receives a detection interrupt notification. In this case, the first condition may be that a detection interrupt notification is received by either the optical sensor unit 170A or 170B. That is, in this case, the first condition is that either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B detects a detection value equal to or greater than the insertion threshold.

[0104] In this way, by controlling the optical sensor unit 170 so that only one of the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B is in the operating mode, it is possible to determine the inserted article based on the stick determination conditions while preventing the occurrence of crosstalk. Furthermore, power consumption can be reduced compared to when both the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B are in the operating mode.

[0105] The control unit 116 may perform switching control of the modes of the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B multiple times to switch the modes of the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B and determine whether the stick determination condition is met. In the switching control, the control unit 116 controls, for example, the optical sensor unit 170A, which is in the operating mode, to switch to the stopped mode, and the optical sensor unit 170B, which is in the stopped mode, to switch to the operating mode. The switching control may be performed every time a detection interrupt notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170. Alternatively, the switching control may be performed when a detection interrupt notification is not received from the optical sensor unit 170 within a predetermined time.

[0106] The stick determination condition when multiple replacement control is performed may be, for example, receiving a detection interrupt notification a predetermined number of times in succession from both optical sensor units 170. If the condition is that a detection interrupt notification is received once each from optical sensor unit 170A and optical sensor unit 170B, it is conceivable that when a user moves the cleaning item 190 in the storage unit 140, both optical sensor units 170 may transmit a detection interrupt notification depending on the detection timing. Therefore, by setting the condition that a detection interrupt notification is received multiple times in succession from both optical sensor units 170, it is possible to more reliably prevent the cleaning item 190 from being erroneously determined to be the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0107] When replacement control is performed multiple times and the stick determination conditions include a condition related to an interrupt notification, the conditions for transmitting an interrupt notification include the above-mentioned exception of when the optical sensor unit 170 returns from sleep mode to operating mode. More specifically, after the optical sensor unit 170 returns from sleep mode to operating mode, even if a detection value below the removal threshold is not detected, a detection interrupt notification is transmitted if a detection value above the insertion threshold is detected. By providing this exception, even if the stick-shaped substrate 150 continues to be inserted before and after replacement control is performed, the control unit 116 receives a detection interrupt notification after replacement control is performed. Therefore, even when replacement control is performed multiple times, the control unit 116 can determine the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the presence or absence of a detection interrupt notification.

[0108] Furthermore, when replacement control is performed multiple times, the stick determination condition may be determined by the control unit 116 receiving a detection interrupt notification once and then each time replacement control is performed, reading out the detection value by the optical sensor unit 170. For example, the control unit 116 may perform replacement control after receiving a detection interrupt notification once, and determine that the stick determination condition is satisfied if the detection value read out by the optical sensor unit 170 after replacement control is equal to or greater than the insertion threshold value a predetermined number of times in succession.

[0109] When replacement control is performed multiple times, the stick determination condition may include receiving a detection interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170 within a predetermined time after replacement control is performed. The predetermined time when a detection interrupt notification is received at least once from both optical sensor units 170 may be set shorter than the predetermined time used to determine whether a detection interrupt notification is received after the first replacement control is performed. When replacement control is performed for the first time, the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be in the middle of being inserted into the storage unit 140. In this case, if the predetermined time is set short, it is possible that one of the optical sensor units 170 will not obtain a detection value equal to or greater than the stick determination threshold, depending on the insertion direction of the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the detection timing. However, if a detection interrupt notification is received at least once from both optical sensor units 170, it is considered that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has already been inserted into the storage unit 140. Therefore, by setting the predetermined time in this case shorter than the predetermined time used to determine whether a detection interrupt notification is received after the first replacement control is performed, it is possible to more quickly determine whether the stick determination condition is satisfied.

[0110] Furthermore, when replacement control is performed multiple times, the stick determination condition may be, for example, a condition based on the detection results detected by the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B after a predetermined number of replacement controls have been performed. For example, the stick determination condition may be that replacement control is performed a first predetermined number of times (e.g., 10 times), and the cumulative total of detection interrupt notifications received from the optical sensor unit 170A and the optical sensor unit 170B is equal to or greater than a second predetermined number of times (e.g., 8 times). As another example, the stick determination condition may be that replacement control is performed a first predetermined number of times (e.g., 10 times), and a detection interrupt notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B every time after a third predetermined number of replacement controls (e.g., the last five replacement controls) counting from the last replacement control.

[0111] Note that, when the control unit 116 determines whether the stick determination condition is satisfied by comparing the detection value read from the optical sensor unit 170 with the insertion threshold and the removal threshold, the stick determination condition may include a condition related to the number of detections performed by the optical sensor unit 170 instead of time. For example, the stick determination condition may include a condition that the optical sensor unit 170 obtains a detection value equal to or greater than the insertion threshold within a predetermined number of detections after the replacement control is performed. Here, if both optical sensor units 170 have detected a detection value equal to or greater than the insertion threshold at least once, the stick determination condition may include a condition that the optical sensor unit 170 detects a detection value equal to or greater than the insertion threshold immediately after the replacement control is performed.

[0112] On the other hand, if the control unit 116 does not receive a detection interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170 within a predetermined time after performing the replacement control, i.e., if the control unit 116 does not receive a detection interrupt notification a predetermined number of times in succession, it determines that the inserted item is not a stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0113] Furthermore, the control unit 116 according to this embodiment determines whether the inserted stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed, based on the detection value detected by the optical sensor unit 170. As an example, the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed when a stick removal determination condition (also referred to as a second condition) is satisfied after the stick determination condition is satisfied. The stick removal determination condition may be, for example, that a detection cancellation interrupt notification has been received from either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B. In other words, the stick removal determination condition in this case can also be said to be that a detection value equal to or less than the removal threshold is obtained by either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B.

[0114] The control unit 116 may also perform the swap control multiple times to determine whether the stick removal determination condition is met. The stick removal determination condition when the swap control is performed multiple times may be, for example, receiving a detection cancellation interrupt notification from both optical sensor units 170 a predetermined number of times in succession.

[0115] As a more specific example, the control unit 116 first receives a detection release interrupt notification from one of the optical sensor units 170, and then performs replacement control. Then, if the control unit 116 receives a detection release interrupt notification from the other optical sensor unit 170 after the replacement control, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick removal determination condition is met. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 does not receive a detection release interrupt notification from the other optical sensor unit 170 after performing replacement control, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick removal determination condition is not met. That is, in this case, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 remains inserted.

[0116] Depending on the circumstances in which the suction device 100 is placed, it is conceivable that the detection value will fluctuate up and down due to the influence of external disturbances, etc., causing the optical sensor unit 170 to send a detection release interrupt notification even though the stick-shaped substrate 150 has not been removed. In such a case, if the stick removal determination condition is determined by receiving a detection release interrupt from either the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B, it is conceivable that the removal of the stick-shaped substrate 150 will be erroneously determined. Therefore, by determining the stick removal determination condition based on detection values ​​obtained by performing replacement control multiple times, it is possible to prevent such erroneous determinations and increase the accuracy of the determination of the removal of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0117] When replacement control is performed multiple times and the stick removal determination conditions include a condition related to an interrupt notification, the conditions for sending the interrupt notification include an exception to the above-mentioned case where the optical sensor unit 170 returns from sleep mode to operating mode. Also, when replacement control is performed multiple times, the stick removal determination conditions may be determined by the control unit 116 reading the detection value by the optical sensor unit 170 each time replacement control is performed after receiving a detection release interrupt notification once.

[0118] Note that the control unit 116 may determine whether the stick determination condition and the stick removal determination condition are satisfied by using the reception of an interrupt notification that is sent without distinguishing between a detection interrupt notification and a detection release interrupt notification as a trigger to read out the insertion status stored in the detection memory unit 178. For example, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick removal determination condition is satisfied when an interrupt notification is sent from the optical sensor unit 170 and the read-out insertion status is not inserted.

[0119] Here, the switching of the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 by the control unit 116 when determining whether an inserted article has been inserted or whether the inserted article has been removed will be summarized. As an example, the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor unit 170A to be in the operating mode and the optical sensor unit 170B to be in the stopped mode, and waits for the insertion of an article. Subsequently, when a detection interrupt notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170A, the control unit 116 suspends the operating mode of the optical sensor unit 170A and switches it to the stopped mode. Furthermore, the control unit 116 suspends the stop mode of the optical sensor unit 170B and switches it to the operating mode. Here, if a detection interrupt notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170B within a predetermined time, the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is the stick-shaped substrate 150, and continues the state in which detection is performed only by the optical sensor unit 170B without switching the modes of the optical sensor units 170.

[0120] Subsequently, when a detection release interrupt notification is received from optical sensor unit 170B, control unit 116 may determine that stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed, and may switch the mode of optical sensor unit 170B from the operating mode to the stopped mode. Furthermore, control unit 116 may control optical sensor unit 170A to switch its mode to the operating mode. Similarly, when control unit 116 determines that the inserted item is cleaning item 190, control unit 116 may switch the operating mode of optical sensor unit 170B to the stopped mode, and switch the stopped mode of optical sensor unit 170A to the operating mode. By controlling in this manner, the optical sensor unit 170 that operates when waiting for an item to be inserted and the optical sensor unit 170 that operates when waiting for the stick-shaped substrate 150 to be removed are always the same optical sensor unit 170. Here, optical sensor unit 170A is always in the operating mode when waiting for an item to be inserted. Furthermore, optical sensor unit 170B is always in the operating mode when waiting to remove stick-shaped substrate 150. By controlling the mode of each optical sensor unit 170 in this way, the role of each optical sensor unit 170 is limited, and therefore the control of each optical sensor unit 170 can be simplified.

[0121] (4) Heating Control According to the Determination Result of the Insertion Article The control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the detection value obtained by the optical sensor unit 170A or the optical sensor unit 170B. For example, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the determination result of whether or not the insertion article is the stick-shaped substrate 150. In particular, the control unit 116 causes the operation of the heating unit 121 to differ depending on whether the insertion article is the stick-shaped substrate 150 or not. This configuration can further improve usability.

[0122] As an example, the control unit 116 may start heating by the heating unit 121 when it determines that the insertion article is the stick-shaped substrate 150. The determination result may be determined, for example, based on whether or not a stick determination condition, including the first condition, is satisfied. Here, heating by the heating unit 121 that is started in response to the determination result of the insertion article is referred to as automatic heating. On the other hand, when the control unit 116 determines that the insertion article is not the stick-shaped substrate 150, it does not start automatic heating by the heating unit 121. In other words, the control unit 116 may perform automatic heating only when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted. With this configuration, automatic heating is achieved simply by inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140, without requiring a separate user operation to instruct the start of heating, such as pressing a button, thereby improving usability.

[0123] As another example, the control unit 116 may stop heating by the heating unit 121 based on the determination result of whether the inserted stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed. For example, during heating by the heating unit 121, the control unit 116 controls one of the optical sensor units 170A and 170B to an operating mode, and controls the other to a stopped mode. Then, if the detection value detected by the optical sensor unit 170A or 170B during heating by the heating unit 121 satisfies the stick removal determination condition, the control unit 116 controls heating by the heating unit 121 to stop. The more accurately the control unit 116 determines whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed, the more likely it is that automatic heating will stop at a timing contrary to the user's expectations.

[0124] As another example, the control unit 116 may permit heating by the heating unit 121 when it determines that the inserted article is a stick-shaped substrate 150, and may prohibit heating by the heating unit 121 when it determines that the inserted article is not a stick-shaped substrate 150. When heating is permitted, the suction device 100 starts heating when a user operation to start heating is performed, such as pressing a button. On the other hand, when heating is prohibited, the suction device 100 does not start heating even when a user operation to start heating is performed, such as pressing a button. With this configuration, heating does not start even if a button is pressed incorrectly during cleaning, thereby improving user safety.

[0125] (5) Flow of control process for determining inserted article and automatic heating Next, the control process for automatic heating executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the control process for automatic heating executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 13 , first, the control unit 116 determines whether a detection interrupt notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170A (first optical sensor unit) (S104). The control unit 116 continues to control the optical sensor unit 170 so that the optical sensor unit 170A is in the operating mode and the optical sensor unit 170B (second optical sensor unit) is in the stopped mode until the detection interrupt notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170A (S104 / NO). If the control unit 116 receives the detection interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170A (S104 / YES), the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor unit 170 to switch its mode (S108). That is, the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor unit 170A to switch its mode to the stopped mode and the optical sensor unit 170B to switch its mode to the operating mode.

[0127] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a detection interrupt notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170B within a predetermined time (S112). If the control unit 116 receives a detection interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170B within the predetermined time (S112 / YES), the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is the stick-shaped substrate 150, and proceeds to S116. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 does not receive a detection interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170B within the predetermined time (S112 / NO), the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is not the stick-shaped substrate 150, and proceeds to S136.

[0128] If the control unit 116 determines that the insertion article is a stick-shaped substrate 150, it determines whether heating is being performed by the heating unit 121 (S116). If heating is being performed by the heating unit 121 (S116 / YES), the control unit 116 proceeds to S124. If heating is not being performed by the heating unit 121 (S116 / NO), the control unit 116 starts automatic heating by the heating unit 121 (S120).

[0129] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a detection cancellation interrupt notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170B (S124). If the control unit 116 has received a detection cancellation interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170B, it determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed, and proceeds to S128 (S124 / YES). The control unit 116 continues to control the optical sensor unit 170B to the operating mode until it receives a detection cancellation interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170B (S124 / NO).

[0130] When the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed, it determines whether heating is being performed by the heating unit 121 (S128). If heating is not being performed by the heating unit 121 (S128 / NO), the control unit 116 proceeds to S136. If heating is being performed by the heating unit 121 (S128 / YES), the control unit 116 stops heating by the heating unit 121 (S132). Then, the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor unit 170 to switch modes and terminates processing (S136). That is, the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor unit 170A to switch to the operating mode and the optical sensor unit 170B to the stop mode. The flow of automatic heating and heating stop after determining the inserted article based on the detection value detected by the optical sensor unit 170, as described above with reference to FIG. 13, is referred to as the automatic heating control flow.

[0131] (6) Flow of Insertion Item Determination Process Based on Multiple Replacement Controls Next, the insertion item determination process based on multiple replacement controls, which is executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG. 14. This determination process can be applied in place of S104 to S112 of the automatic heating control flow described with reference to FIG. 13. When applied in this manner, the process proceeds to S136 in FIG. 13 after S216 in FIG. 14. Furthermore, the process proceeds to S116 in FIG. 13 after S224 in FIG. 14.

[0132] 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the insertion article determination process based on multiple exchange controls, executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. First, the control unit 116 determines whether a detection interrupt notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170A (S204). The control unit 116 continues to control the optical sensor unit 170 so that the optical sensor unit 170A is in the operating mode and the optical sensor unit 170B is in the stopped mode until the detection interrupt notification is received from the optical sensor unit 170A (S204 / NO). When the control unit 116 receives the detection interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170A (S204 / YES), it controls the optical sensor unit 170 to exchange modes (S208). That is, the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor unit 170A to switch to the stopped mode and the optical sensor unit 170B to switch to the operating mode.

[0133] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a detection interrupt notification has been received from the optical sensor unit 170 within a predetermined time (S212). If the control unit 116 has not received a detection interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170 within the predetermined time (S212 / NO), the control unit 116 determines that the inserted item is the cleaning item 190 and terminates the process (S216). Here, if the optical sensor unit 170A is in the stop mode and the optical sensor unit 170B is in the operation mode, the control unit 116 may control the switching so that the optical sensor unit 170A is in the operation mode and the optical sensor unit 170B is in the stop mode. This returns each mode of the optical sensor unit 170 to its initial state.

[0134] On the other hand, if the control unit 116 receives a detection interrupt notification from the optical sensor unit 170 within the predetermined time (S212 / YES), the control unit 116 determines whether the detection interrupt notification has been received a predetermined number of times in succession (S220). If the control unit 116 has not received the detection interrupt notification a predetermined number of times in succession (S220 / NO), the control unit 116 repeats the processes of S208 to S212. If the control unit 116 has received the detection interrupt notification a predetermined number of times in succession (S220 / YES), the control unit 116 determines that the inserted article is the stick-shaped substrate 150 and ends the process (S224).

[0135] (7) Control According to Detection Results by Sensor Unit 112 Next, a description will be given of control by control unit 116 according to detection results obtained by sensor unit 112. Sensor unit 112 is an example of a second detection unit in this embodiment that detects information related to the state of suction device 100.

[0136] An example of information about the state of the suction device 100 detected by the sensor unit 112 is a user's instruction regarding the operation of the suction device 100. The sensor unit 112 can detect, for example, instructions to start and stop heating by the heating unit 121. The sensor unit 112 can also detect instructions to start prohibiting the use of various functions and instructions to lift the prohibition. The sensor unit 112 can also detect an instruction to transition the heating unit 121 to a state in which heating is prohibited or an instruction to lift the heating prohibition. The input of an instruction to transition the heating unit 121 to a state in which heating is prohibited may be, for example, an input of an instruction to transition the heating unit 121 to a locked state in which a predetermined control associated with the input is not performed even if an input other than a predetermined operation input is received. The locked state is a state in which heating control is not performed even if, for example, an instruction to start heating by the heating unit 121 (an input other than a predetermined operation input) is input. Even in the locked state, the suction device 100 accepts a predetermined operation input, such as an operation to release the locked state or an input to set an operation pattern for transitioning to the locked state, and executes the corresponding control.

[0137] Furthermore, the sensor unit 112 can detect an instruction to start the prohibition of detection by the optical sensor unit 170 and an instruction to lift the prohibition of detection. Note that the instruction to start the prohibition of detection by the optical sensor unit 170 and an instruction to lift the prohibition of detection may be accepted only when the opening 142 is closed by the lid unit 14. This configuration can prevent automatic heating from being performed unexpectedly by the user when an instruction to lift the prohibition of detection by the optical sensor unit 170 is received. Furthermore, if the optical sensor unit 170 performs calibration when the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 switches from the stop mode to the operation mode, it is possible to perform the calibration while eliminating deviations in the detection value due to the influence of external light.

[0138] Furthermore, sensor unit 112 may detect an instruction to put suction device 100 to sleep or to resume sleep. When suction device 100 is put to sleep, some of the functions of suction device 100, such as heating by heater 121, are stopped until sensor unit 112 detects an instruction to resume sleep. Note that the instruction to put suction device 100 to sleep does not have to be input by the user, and may be input by control unit 116, for example, based on the elapsed time since the user last operated suction device 100.

[0139] The instruction detected by the sensor unit 112 may be detected by pressing a button included in the sensor unit 112. The sensor unit 112 may detect the instruction based on the length of time the button is pressed, the number of times the button is pressed, or the like. For example, the sensor unit 112 may detect a short press of the button as an instruction to put the suction device 100 into sleep mode or to wake it up. The sensor unit 112 may also detect a long press of the button as an instruction to start or stop heating the heating unit 121.

[0140] The sensor unit 112 may also include a motion sensor. The sensor unit 112 may detect movement using the motion sensor, and detect a preset instruction for an operation in accordance with the movement detected by the motion sensor. The instruction detected by the sensor unit 112 may also be received by the communication unit 115 from a communication terminal such as a smartphone used by the user.

[0141] Another example of information about the state of the suction device 100 detected by the sensor unit 112 is the occurrence of an error in the suction device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 may detect the onset and resolution of an automatically recoverable error state, which is a state in which an error that can be automatically recovered from by control by the control unit 116 has occurred. An automatically recoverable error is, for example, an error indicating that the internal or external temperature of the suction device 100, such as the power supply unit 111, is abnormal. To recover from such an error state, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to stop heating or the power supply unit 111 to stop charging until the temperature reaches a normal temperature within a predetermined temperature range. In this way, when an automatically recoverable error has occurred, the control unit 116 can automatically recover from the automatically recoverable error state without user operation. As another example, the sensor unit 112 may detect the onset and resolution of an automatically unrecoverable error state from which the control unit 116 cannot automatically recover. An automatically unrecoverable error may, for example, be an error that requires a hardware reset to recover from.

[0142] Another example of the information about the state of the suction device 100 detected by the sensor unit 112 is the user connecting and disconnecting charging to the power supply unit 111. In addition, the information about the state of the suction device 100 may be the opening and closing of the opening 142 by the lid unit 14.

[0143] Another example of information about the state of the suction device 100 detected by the sensor unit 112 is the start and end of switching of the heating profile by the control unit 116. The heating profile indicates the time series progression of heating by the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 performs heating in accordance with the heating profile. The heating profile may be switched by the user operating a button included in the sensor unit 112, or may be switched by the communication unit 115 based on setting information received from a communication terminal such as a smartphone used by the user.

[0144] So far, we have described information about the state of the suction device 100 detected by the sensor unit 112. The control unit 116 controls the mode switching of the optical sensor unit 170 in accordance with the detection result obtained by the sensor unit 112. Here, if there are multiple optical sensor units 170, the control unit 116 controls the mode switching for each of the multiple optical sensor units 170.

[0145] Furthermore, when the control unit 116 switches the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 to the operation mode, it determines whether or not to control the operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with the detection value detected by the optical sensor unit 170. The control of the operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with the detection value detected by the optical sensor unit 170 may be, for example, the control of heating in accordance with the determination result of the inserted article, as described above. As another example, the control of the operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with the detection value detected by the optical sensor unit 170 may be the control of sending a notification to the user urging them to clean the storage unit 140, which is notified in accordance with the detection value detected by the optical sensor unit 170. From here on, an example will be mainly described in which the control of the operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with the detection value detected by the optical sensor unit 170 is the control of heating in accordance with the determination result of the inserted article (control of automatic heating).

[0146] First, a case will be described in which the sensor unit 112 detects whether the opening 142 is opened or closed by the lid unit 14. When the opening 142 is opened by the lid unit 14, there is a high possibility that the suction device 100 will be used by a user. Therefore, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the opening 142 is opened by the lid unit 14, the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor unit 170 to switch from the stop mode to the operation mode. Here, if there are multiple optical sensor units 170, the control unit 116 may control the mode switching so that the mode of one of the multiple optical sensor units 170 becomes the operation mode.

[0147] On the other hand, when the opening 142 is closed by the lid 14, the suction device 100 is not being used by the user. Therefore, when the sensor 112 detects that the opening 142 is closed by the lid 14, the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor 170 to switch from the operating mode to the stopped mode. Here, if there are multiple optical sensors 170, the control unit 116 may control the mode switching so that all of the multiple optical sensors 170 are in the stopped mode. With this configuration, the optical sensor 170 performs detection only when the user uses the suction device 100, making it possible to efficiently reduce power consumption.

[0148] When sensor unit 112 detects an instruction to start prohibiting detection by optical sensor unit 170 or an instruction to release the prohibition of detection, control unit 116 follows the instruction to control the switching of the mode of optical sensor unit 170. Specifically, when sensor unit 112 detects an instruction to start prohibiting detection by optical sensor unit 170, control unit 116 controls the mode of optical sensor unit 170 to switch from the operating mode to the stop mode. Here, when there are multiple optical sensor units 170, control unit 116 may control the switching of the mode so that the mode of one of the multiple optical sensor units 170 becomes the operating mode.

[0149] Furthermore, when the sensor unit 112 detects an instruction to lift the prohibition on detection by the optical sensor unit 170, the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor unit 170 to switch from the stop mode to the operation mode. Here, if there are multiple optical sensor units 170, the control unit 116 may control the mode switching so that all of the multiple optical sensor units 170 are in the stop mode.

[0150] When the sensor unit 112 detects an error state from which the suction device 100 cannot be automatically restored, the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor unit 170 to switch the mode from the operation mode to the stop mode upon detecting that the suction device 100 is in an error state from which the suction device 100 cannot be automatically restored. Here, if there are multiple optical sensor units 170, the control unit 116 may control the mode switching so that the mode of one of the multiple optical sensor units 170 becomes the operation mode.

[0151] Furthermore, when the control unit 116 detects that the automatic recovery impossible error state of the suction device 100 has been resolved, the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor unit 170 to switch from the stop mode to the operation mode. Here, if there are multiple optical sensor units 170, the control unit 116 may control the mode switching so that all of the multiple optical sensor units 170 are in the stop mode.

[0152] When sensor unit 112 detects that lid unit 14 has opened opening 142, an instruction to start prohibiting detection by optical sensor unit 170 has been issued, or the automatic recovery impossible error state has been resolved, control unit 116 determines to control automatic heating. For example, when sensor unit 112 detects that lid unit 14 has opened opening 142, control unit 116 controls automatic heating after optical sensor unit 170 is switched to the operating mode.

[0153] Next, a case where sensor unit 112 detects the first operation or the second operation will be described. The first operation includes connecting a charge to power supply unit 111, inputting an instruction to transition to a state in which heating by heating unit 121 is prohibited, starting switching of heating profiles by control unit 116, starting an automatically recoverable error state, or an instruction to put suction device 100 to sleep. The second operation includes disconnecting charging to power supply unit 111, inputting an instruction to transition to a state in which heating by heating unit 121 is executable, ending switching of heating profiles by control unit 116, resolving the automatically recoverable error state, or an instruction to release suction device 100 from sleep.

[0154] When the first operation is detected, the control unit 116 controls the optical sensor unit 170 so that the mode of the optical sensor unit 170 becomes the operation mode. Note that if the optical sensor unit 170 is in the operation mode before the first operation is detected, the operation mode may be maintained. Here, when there are multiple optical sensor units 170, the control unit 116 may control the multiple optical sensor units 170 so that the mode of only one of the multiple optical sensor units 170 becomes the operation mode.

[0155] Furthermore, when the sensor unit 112 detects a first action, the control unit 116 determines not to control automatic heating until a second action corresponding to the detected first action is detected. The period until the second action corresponding to the detected first action is detected is referred to as a second action standby period. For example, when the control unit 116 detects a connection to a charger for the power supply unit 111, the control unit 116 determines not to control automatic heating until it detects that charging from the power supply unit 111 is disconnected. The control unit 116 controls the state of the suction device 100 during the second action standby period to an automatic heating prohibited state in which automatic heating is not controlled. This configuration prevents automatic heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 at times when inhalation by the user is not expected, thereby improving safety and convenience for the user. Note that when the sensor unit 112 detects the first action and heating is being performed by the heating unit 121, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to stop heating.

[0156] Here, suppose that the sensor unit 112 detects a first action after it has been determined that the inserted article is a stick-shaped substrate 150 and before it has been determined that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed. In this case, the control unit 116 continues the automatic heating prohibited state until it determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed. In other words, the control unit 116 decides not to control automatic heating until it determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed. This prevents the stick-shaped substrate 150 that was inserted into the storage unit 140 before the first action was detected from being suddenly heated, contrary to the user's expectations, after the second action is detected.

[0157] Furthermore, suppose that the inserted article is determined to be a stick-shaped substrate 150 during the period from when the first action is detected by the sensor unit 112 until when the second action is detected by the sensor unit 112, i.e., during the automatic heating prohibited state. In this case, the control unit 116 continues the automatic heating prohibited state until it determines that the inserted article has been removed. In other words, the control unit 116 decides not to control automatic heating until it determines that the inserted article has been removed. This makes it possible to prevent the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted during the automatic heating prohibited state from being suddenly heated contrary to the user's expectations after the second action is detected.

[0158] To prevent heating contrary to the user's expectations, the control unit 116 may reset the automatic heating control flow when the first action is detected, or when it determines that the inserted article is a stick-shaped substrate 150 or that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed during the second action standby period. That is, the control unit 116 may reset the automatic heating control flow when the first action is detected or when an interrupt notification is received during the second action standby period. Resetting the automatic heating control flow means terminating the automatic heating control flow currently being processed and restarting the automatic heating control flow. Note that when terminating the automatic heating control flow, if heating is being performed by the heating unit 121, the control unit 116 controls the heating to stop. Resetting the automatic heating control flow can prevent heating contrary to the user's expectations when the inserted article is determined to be a stick-shaped substrate 150 before the first action is detected, or when it is determined that the inserted article is a stick-shaped substrate 150 while the automatic heating is prohibited.

[0159] (8) Control Process of Automatic Heating According to Detection Results of Sensor Unit 112 Next, a description will be given of control process of automatic heating according to detection results of sensor unit 112, which is executed by suction device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of control process of automatic heating according to detection results of sensor unit 112, which is executed by suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0160] 15 , first, the control unit 116 determines whether the state of the suction device 100, determined based on the detection result of the sensor unit 112, is in the automatic heating prohibited state (S304). If the state of the suction device 100 is in the automatic heating prohibited state (S304 / YES), the control unit 116 prohibits automatic heating by the heating unit 121 and ends the process (S308). On the other hand, if the state of the suction device 100 is not in the automatic heating prohibited state (S304 / NO), the control unit 116 allows automatic heating by the heating unit 121 and ends the process (S312).

[0161] (9) Control Process for Resetting the Automatic Heating Control Flow Next, a control process for resetting the automatic heating control flow executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the control process for resetting the automatic heating control flow executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 16 , first, the control unit 116 determines whether the first operation has been detected or whether an interrupt notification has been received during the second operation standby period (S404). The control unit 116 continues to cause the sensor unit 112 and the optical sensor unit 170 to detect until the first operation has been detected or an interrupt notification has been received during the second operation standby period (S404 / NO). On the other hand, if the control unit 116 detects the first operation or receives an interrupt notification during the second operation standby period (S404 / YES), the control unit 116 terminates the ongoing automatic heating control flow (S412). Next, the control unit 116 determines whether heating by the heating unit 121 is currently being performed (S416).

[0163] If the heating unit 121 is not performing heating (S416 / NO), the control unit 116 proceeds to S424. If the heating unit 121 is performing heating (S416 / YES), the heating unit 121 stops heating (S420). The control unit 116 then controls the optical sensor unit 170B so that the mode of the optical sensor unit 170B changes to the stop mode (S424). The control unit 116 also controls the optical sensor unit 170A so that the mode of the optical sensor unit 170A changes to the operation mode (S428). Next, the control unit 116 restarts the automatic heating control flow (S432).

[0164] 3. Supplementary Information Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0165] In the above embodiment, an example in which the suction device 100 has two optical sensor units 170 has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example, and the suction device 100 may have three or more optical sensor units 170. In this case, the control unit 116 controls only one of the three or more optical sensor units 170 to the operating mode and waits for the insertion of an object. When the control unit 116 receives a detection interrupt notification from an optical sensor unit 170 in the operating mode, the control unit 116 controls one of the other optical sensor units 170 to enter the operating mode. The control unit 116 repeats this control until it receives detection interrupt notifications from all of the optical sensor units 170.

[0166] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the state of the internal space 141 is detected by the optical sensor unit 170, but the example of the state detection unit that detects the state of the internal space 141 is not limited to this. For example, the internal space 141 may be detected by a capacitance type sensor instead of the optical sensor unit 170.

[0167] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The software programs may be stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) internal or external to each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU when executed by a computer controlling each device described herein. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium. The computer may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing. The series of processes performed by each device described herein may also be distributed among multiple computers.

[0168] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some process steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0169] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) An aerosol generation system comprising: a storage unit having an internal space and an opening connecting the internal space to the outside; a first state detection unit and a second state detection unit that detect the state of the internal space; and a control unit that controls the first state detection unit to switch from an operation mode in which the state of the internal space is detected to a stop mode in which detection of the state of the internal space is stopped, and to switch the mode of the second state detection unit from the stop mode to the operation mode, when a detection value detected by the first state detection unit satisfies a first condition. (2) The aerosol generation system according to (1), further comprising a heating unit that heats a substrate stored in the storage unit, and the control unit controls heating by the heating unit based on a detection value obtained by the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit. (3) The aerosol generation system according to (2), wherein the control unit starts heating by the heating unit, when a detection value obtained by the second state detection unit satisfies the first condition. (4) The aerosol generation system according to (3), wherein the control unit starts heating by the heating unit when a detection value detected by the second state detection unit satisfies the first condition within a predetermined time after controlling the second state detection unit to switch from the stop mode to the operation mode. (5) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the control unit controls the mode of one of the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit to the operation mode and controls the other mode to the stop mode during heating by the heating unit. (6) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the control unit controls the heating unit to stop heating when a detection value detected by the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit satisfies a second condition during heating by the heating unit.(7) The aerosol generation system according to (6), wherein, when a detection value detected by the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit satisfies a second condition during heating by the heating unit, the control unit further switches the mode of the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit, which is the operation mode, to the stop mode, and switches the mode of the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit, which is the stop mode, to the operation mode. (8) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (2) to (7), wherein, when a detection value that satisfies the first condition is not detected by the second state detection unit within a predetermined time after switching the mode of the second state detection unit from the stop mode to the operation mode, the control unit controls to switch the mode of the first state detection unit from the stop mode to the operation mode and switch the mode of the second state detection unit from the operation mode to the stop mode. (9) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (2) to (8), wherein the control unit executes switching control of the modes of the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit multiple times so that the modes of the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit are interchanged, determines whether a first condition is satisfied each time the switching control is executed, and controls heating by the heating unit based on the multiple determination results. (10) The aerosol generation system according to (9), wherein the control unit executes the switching control when a detection value satisfying the first condition is obtained by either the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit, or when a predetermined time has elapsed after controlling to switch the mode of the second state detection unit from the stop mode to the operation mode. (11) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (2) to (10), wherein the control unit controls start of heating by the heating unit only when detection values ​​satisfying the first condition are obtained a predetermined number of times consecutively by the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit.(12) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (2) to (10), wherein the control unit prohibits heating by the heating unit when the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit do not obtain detection values ​​that satisfy the first condition a predetermined number of times in succession. (13) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit detect the state of the internal space by emitting light into the internal space and detecting received reflected light. (14) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the aerosol generation system further includes a substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit. (15) An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: when a detection made by a first state detection unit that detects a state of an internal space of a storage unit having an internal space and an opening that connects the internal space to the outside satisfies a first condition, controlling the first state detection unit to switch a mode from an operation mode in which the detection of the state of the internal space is performed to a stop mode in which detection of the state of the internal space is stopped, and to switch a mode of a second state detection unit that detects the state of the internal space from the stop mode to the operation mode.

[0170] 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Memory unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 121 Heating unit 140 Storage unit 140A Stick lower storage unit 140B Guide unit 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 144 Heat insulation unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate 170 Optical sensor unit 172 Circuit board 173 Light transmission filter 174 Reinforcing plate 175 Clearance 176 Light-emitting unit 177 Light-receiving unit 178 Detection memory unit 179 Detection control unit 190 Cleaning item 191 Shaft unit 192 Cleaning unit

Claims

1. a storage section having an internal space and an opening communicating the internal space with the outside; a first state detection unit and a second state detection unit that detect a state of the internal space; a control unit that, when a detection value detected by the first state detection unit satisfies a first condition, switches a mode of the first state detection unit from an operation mode in which the state of the internal space is detected to a stop mode in which detection of the state of the internal space is stopped, and controls to switch a mode of the second state detection unit from the stop mode to the operation mode; An aerosol generating system comprising:

2. the aerosol generation system further includes a heating unit that heats the substrate contained in the container unit; the control unit controls heating by the heating unit based on a detection value obtained by the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

3. the control unit starts heating by the heating unit when the detection value obtained by the second state detection unit satisfies the first condition.

3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2.

4. the control unit controls the second state detection unit to switch its mode from the stop mode to the operation mode, and then starts heating by the heating unit if a detection value detected by the second state detection unit satisfies the first condition within a predetermined time. The aerosol generating system according to claim 3 .

5. the control unit controls one of the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit to the operation mode and the other to the stop mode during heating by the heating unit.

3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2.

6. the control unit controls the heating unit to stop heating when a detection value detected by the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit satisfies a second condition during heating by the heating unit. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. when a detection value detected by the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit satisfies a second condition during heating by the heating unit, the control unit further switches the mode of the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit, which is the operation mode, to the stop mode, and switches the mode of the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit, which is the stop mode, to the operation mode.

7. The aerosol generating system according to claim 6.

8. when the second state detection unit does not detect a detection value that satisfies the first condition within a predetermined time after switching the mode of the second state detection unit from the stop mode to the operation mode, the control unit controls to switch the mode of the first state detection unit from the stop mode to the operation mode and switch the mode of the second state detection unit from the operation mode to the stop mode.

3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2.

9. the control unit executes switching control of the modes of the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit a plurality of times so that the modes of the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit are switched, determines whether a first condition is satisfied each time switching control is executed, and controls heating by the heating unit based on a plurality of determination results.

3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2.

10. the control unit executes the replacement control when a detection value satisfying the first condition is obtained by either the first state detection unit or the second state detection unit, or when a predetermined time has elapsed after controlling the second state detection unit to switch its mode from the stop mode to the operation mode.

10. The aerosol generating system according to claim 9.

11. the control unit controls the start of heating by the heating unit only when the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit have consecutively obtained detection values that satisfy the first condition a predetermined number of times.

3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2.

12. the control unit prohibits heating by the heating unit when the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit do not obtain detection values that satisfy the first condition a predetermined number of times in succession.

3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2.

13. the first state detection unit and the second state detection unit detect the state of the internal space by emitting light into the internal space and detecting received reflected light; 10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

14. The aerosol generating system further includes a substrate contained in the container.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

15. when a detection value detected by a first state detection unit that detects a state of an internal space of a storage unit having an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside satisfies a first condition, control is performed so that a mode of the first state detection unit is switched from an operation mode in which the state of the internal space is detected to a stop mode in which detection of the state of the internal space is stopped, and a mode of a second state detection unit that detects the state of the internal space is switched from the stop mode to the operation mode; 2. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: