Inhalation device control method, inhalation device power supply unit, and program for inhalation device

Abstract

Provided is a control method for a power supply unit of an inhalation device that can generate aerosol by heating an aerosol source, the control method comprising: a detection step (504) for detecting another inhalation device on the basis of a first signal received from another inhalation device satisfying a prescribed condition; a transmission step (509) for transmitting, to the another inhalation device, a second signal requesting to establish a communication connection if the number of times the another inhalation device has been detected reaches a prescribed number of times which is two or more; a determination step (510) for determining, on the basis of a response signal to the second signal having been received from the another inhalation device, that the communication connection with the another inhalation device is successful; and a transition step (511) for transitioning, on the basis of it having been determined that the communication connection is successful, to a state in which prescribed data regarding heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received.

Description

Method for controlling a suction device, power supply unit for a suction device, and program for a suction device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control method for a suction device for suctioning aerosols, gases, etc., a power supply unit for the suction device, and a program for the suction device.

[0002] In recent years, technologies for communication between electronic cigarettes have been developed, such as technologies for enabling one electronic cigarette to communicate with another electronic cigarette via P2P (Peer to Peer) communication.

[0003] Patent document 1 (WO 2015 / 149339) discloses that one electronic cigarette transmits request information to request information about the tar flavor of tobacco, and another electronic cigarette that receives the request information generates and returns response information that conveys the tar flavor of tobacco in accordance with the request information.

[0004] International Publication No. 2015 / 149339

[0005] However, when a single electronic cigarette uses P2P, if there are multiple electronic cigarettes in the vicinity, there is a risk that it may connect to an electronic cigarette other than the intended one. If a single electronic cigarette connects to an electronic cigarette other than the intended one, there is a risk that information may be sent to an unintended destination.

[0006] However, although Patent Document 1 discloses technology for communicating between electronic cigarettes and transmitting the tar flavor of tobacco, it does not disclose technology for connecting to a desired electronic cigarette. As a result, the electronic cigarette described in Patent Document 1 may transmit the tar flavor of tobacco to unintended recipients.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a technique that enables desired suction devices to be connected to each other when suction devices are connected via P2P.

[0008] In order to solve the first problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method for a power supply unit of a suction device capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol source is provided, the control method including: a detection step of detecting another suction device based on a first signal received from the other suction device satisfying a predetermined condition; a transmission step of transmitting a second signal to the other suction device requesting the establishment of a communication connection when the number of times the other suction device has been detected reaches a predetermined number of two or more; a determination step of determining that the communication connection with the other suction device has been successful based on receiving a response signal to the second signal from the other suction device; and a transition step of transitioning to a state in which predetermined data regarding the heating of the aerosol source can be sent and received based on determining that the communication connection has been successful.

[0009] In one embodiment, the control method, in the detection step, determines whether each of the multiple first signals received from each of the multiple other suction devices satisfies a predetermined condition, and can detect other suction devices among the multiple other suction devices that have transmitted a first signal that satisfies the predetermined condition.

[0010] In one embodiment, the control method can continue detecting other suction devices in the detection step until one of the plurality of other suction devices is detected the predetermined number of times.

[0011] In one embodiment, the control method can terminate detection of another suction device when the number of times that another suction device has been detected reaches the predetermined number of times among the plurality of other suction devices.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control method further includes a storage step for storing the number of times the other suction device is detected if the other suction device is detected in the detection step, and in the storage step, the number of times the other suction device is detected can be stored for each of multiple other suction devices.

[0013] In one embodiment, the control method stores, in the storage step, information contained in the first signal, which is information regarding the other suction device that has been detected, and in the transmission step, can transmit the second signal to the other suction device based on the stored information regarding the other suction device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control method may further include a determination step of determining the other suction device as the suction device to connect to based on the number of times the other suction device has been detected reaching a predetermined number of times of two or more.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control method further includes a receiving step of starting a scanning process of a first signal from the other inhalation device based on detecting a predetermined action of the user, and even if a predetermined action of the user is detected in the receiving step, the scanning process may not be started while the aerosol source is being heated.

[0016] In one embodiment, the control method further includes a receiving step of starting a scanning process of a first signal from the other suction device based on detection of a specified action of the user, and even if a specified action of the user is detected in the receiving step, the scanning process may not be started if the user terminal of the user of the suction device is communicatively connected to the suction device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first signal is an advertising packet, and the second signal is a connection request signal, and the other suction device is detected based on the advertising packet received from the other suction device satisfying a predetermined condition, and in the transmission step, the connection request signal can be transmitted to another suction device among multiple other suction devices that has been detected the predetermined number of times.

[0018] In order to solve the above problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a power supply unit of a suction device capable of heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol is provided, which includes a communication unit that receives a first signal from another suction device, and a control unit that detects the other suction device based on the received first signal satisfying a predetermined condition, wherein the communication unit sends a second signal to the other suction device requesting the establishment of a communication connection when the number of times the other suction device has been detected reaches a predetermined number of two or more, and the control unit determines that the communication connection with the other suction device has been successful based on receiving a response signal to the second signal from the other suction device, and based on determining that the communication connection has been successful, transitions to a state where predetermined data regarding the heating of the aerosol source can be sent and received.

[0019] In order to solve the above problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a program is provided that causes a computer that controls a power supply unit of a suction device that can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol source to perform predetermined processing, the program causing the computer to execute the following steps: a detection step of detecting another suction device based on a first signal received from the other suction device satisfying a predetermined condition; a transmission step of sending a second signal to the other suction device requesting the establishment of a communication connection when the number of times the other suction device has been detected reaches a predetermined number of two or more; a determination step of determining that the communication connection with the other suction device has been successful based on receiving a response signal to the second signal from the other suction device; and a transition step of transitioning to a state in which predetermined data regarding the heating of the aerosol source can be sent and received based on determining that the communication connection has been successful.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when suction devices are connected via P2P, a technique can be provided that allows desired suction devices to be connected to each other.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a suction device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a suction device. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example for starting a P2P connection. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example when a request to start a P2P connection is not accepted. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example when a P2P connection process is canceled. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing example when a P2P connection process is executed. FIG. 7A is a flowchart showing another processing example (part 1) when a P2P connection process is executed. FIG. 7B is another flowchart showing another processing example (part 1) when a P2P connection process is executed. FIG. 8A is a flowchart showing another processing example (part 2) when a P2P connection process is executed. FIG. 8B is another flowchart showing another processing example (part 2) when a P2P connection process is executed.

[0022] 1. Configuration of the Suction Device An example configuration of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. <<1. Example Configuration of a Suction Device>> The suction device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the suction device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device may be a gas.

[0023] (1) First Configuration Example Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in Fig. 1, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a memory unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid guide unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.

[0024] The power supply unit 111A stores electric power. The power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100A under the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0025] The sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100A. As one example, the sensor unit 112A 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 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0026] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A 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.

[0027] The storage unit 114A stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100 A. The storage unit 114A is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0028] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with 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).

[0029] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0030] The liquid reservoir 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0031] The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123. The liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0032] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0033] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0034] The air flow path 180 is a path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is an entrance for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet 182, which is an exit for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. A liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) of the air flow path 180, and a flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182) of the air flow path 180. Air flowing in through the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A and, as shown by arrow 190, passes through the flavor source 131 and is transported to the air outlet 182. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0035] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth by the user when inhaling. Air outlet holes 182 are arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0036] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0037] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0038] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate additional types of aerosols.

[0039] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0040] (2) Second Configuration Example Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a suction device. As shown in Fig. 2, a suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0041] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0042] 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 100B. 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.

[0043] 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 100B 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.

[0044] 2, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0045] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B 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.

[0046] The above is a description of an example of the configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0047] As one example, the heating unit 121B 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 121B 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 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B 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.

[0048] As another example, the accommodation 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 accommodation unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the accommodation unit 140 and heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0049] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0050] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0051] <<2. Example of suction device operation>>

[0052] 2. Processing performed by the suction device The suction device 100A and the like (hereinafter referred to as the "suction device 100" without distinction) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are configured to control the heating operation using a heating profile.

[0053] An example of the operation of the suction device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Specifically, an example of processing that can be executed by the control unit 116A or the like (hereinafter referred to as the "control unit 116") of the suction device 100 will be described. Note that the example of processing described below may be executed by the suction device 100 by a program. Furthermore, the program can be stored in the memory unit 114A or the like (hereinafter referred to as the "memory unit 114") of the suction device 100.

[0054] 2-1 Example of a Process for Starting a P2P Connection Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for multiple suction devices to start a P2P connection. The example of the process illustrated in Figure 3 shows an example of a process for two suction devices 100 (suction device A and suction device B), including interactions with the users of these suction devices (user A and user B). In Figure 3, when it is not necessary to distinguish between suction device A and suction device B in terms of processing, the term "suction device 100" will be used in the description. In Figure 3, when it is not necessary to distinguish between user A and user B in terms of processing, the term "user" will be used in the description.

[0055] In step 200 (in FIG. 3 , "step" is abbreviated as "S"), the suction device 100 detects a predetermined action by the user. The predetermined action is an action that the user of the suction device 100 performs on the suction device 100. Examples of the predetermined action include the user shaking the suction device 100, tracing a predetermined path or characters using the suction device 100, or tapping the suction device 100. Note that the predetermined action is not limited to these examples.

[0056] The suction device 100 includes a sensor (such as a motion sensor or an acceleration sensor) for detecting the movement of the suction device 100, and uses the sensor to detect a predetermined action on the suction device 100. For example, the motion sensor of the suction device 100 detects the user shaking the suction device 100.

[0057] The predetermined action may be any action that the user can perform on the suction device 100. For example, the predetermined action may be an action in which the user presses a predetermined button provided on the suction device 100.

[0058] In step 201, the suction device 100 transitions to the P2P mode in response to detecting a predetermined action. The suction device 100 transitions to the P2P mode and starts a process for connecting with another suction device 100. The P2P mode is a mode for executing a process for connecting with another suction device 100. The suction device 100 transitions from another mode to the P2P mode in response to detecting a predetermined action.

[0059] The P2P mode may be, for example, a sleep mode of the suction device 100. That is, the sleep mode may include the P2P mode. The sleep mode is a mode in which some functions of the suction device 100 are stopped to save power. The P2P mode may also be a charging mode in which the power supply unit 111 of the suction device 100 is charged, or an active mode in which many functions of the suction device 100 are activated. That is, the charging mode or the active mode may include the P2P mode. The P2P mode is not limited to these modes, and may be included in at least one of the modes that the suction device 100 can be in.

[0060] In step 202, the suction device 100 notifies the user that it has transitioned to the P2P mode. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100, for example, displays a UI (User Interface) indicating that it has transitioned to the P2P mode. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 notifies the user that it has transitioned to the P2P mode, for example, by causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 also notifies the user that it has transitioned to the P2P mode, for example, by vibrating in a predetermined manner. If the suction device 100 includes a display as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 notifies the user that it has transitioned to the P2P mode, for example, by displaying information indicating that it has transitioned to the P2P mode on the display. Note that any method may be used by the suction device 100 to notify the user that it has transitioned to the P2P mode.

[0061] In step 203, the suction device 100 starts transmitting an advertising packet and scanning for advertising packets from other suction devices 100. The transmission of advertising packets and the scanning process will be described later.

[0062] In step 204, the suction device 100 starts a timer for terminating the process for initiating a P2P connection due to a timeout. When the timer times out, the suction device 100 terminates the process for initiating a P2P connection.

[0063] In step 205, the suction device 100 broadcasts an advertisement packet to notify other suction devices 100 that it is waiting for a connection. By transmitting the advertisement packet, the suction device 100 notifies other suction devices 100 that it is available for P2P connection.

[0064] The suction device 100 may store information about itself in the advertising packet. The suction device 100 may, for example, include an identifier that can uniquely identify the suction device 100 in the advertising packet. The suction device 100 may also, for example, include an identifier indicating the manufacturer of the suction device 100 (e.g., a company ID (Identification)) in the advertising packet. The suction device 100 may also, for example, include information indicating the attributes of the suction device 100 in the advertising packet. The information indicating the attributes of the suction device 100 may include, for example, the device type, model number, and version information of the suction device 100.

[0065] In step 206, the suction device 100 scans for advertising packets from other suction devices 100. The suction device 100 receives, for example, an advertising packet from each of a plurality of other suction devices 100 and determines whether the advertising packet satisfies predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions will be described later. Note that in step 206, the suction device 100 may, for example, determine whether the advertising packet satisfies each of a plurality of predetermined conditions.

[0066] In step 207, the suction device 100 detects another suction device 100 (suction device B) that satisfies a predetermined condition. Furthermore, if the number of times that the suction device 100 has been detected as another suction device 100 (suction device B) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the suction device 100 recognizes that the other suction device is present nearby. The predetermined number is, for example, a natural number equal to or greater than two.

[0067] In step 208, the suction device 100 (suction device A) transmits a connection request signal to another suction device 100 (suction device B) whose detection count is equal to or greater than a predetermined count. The suction device 100 transmits the connection request signal to request the establishment of a P2P connection. For example, the suction device 100 (suction device A) requests the establishment of a BLE connection.

[0068] In step 209, the other suction device 100 (suction device B) receives the connection request signal. When the other suction device 100 (suction device B) receives the connection request signal, it executes a process to establish a communication connection with the suction device 100 (suction device A).

[0069] In step 210, when the establishment of a P2P connection between the suction device 100 (suction device A) and another suction device 100 (suction device B) is completed, the other suction device 100 (suction device B) transmits a connection completion signal to the suction device 100 (suction device A). Note that the process of establishing a P2P connection may include, for example, a pairing process.

[0070] In step 211, the suction device 100 transitions to a P2P connection mode. The P2P connection mode is a mode indicating a state in which a plurality of suction devices 100 are connected to each other via P2P and are capable of transmitting and receiving data.

[0071] In P2P connection mode, the inhalation device 100 can transmit and receive predetermined data to and from other inhalation devices 100. The predetermined data is, for example, data related to the heating of the aerosol source. The data related to the heating of the aerosol source is, for example, a heating profile. The heating unit 121 of the inhalation device 100 can control the temperature change of the heating unit 121 using the heating profile. The heating profile may represent a target temperature of the heating unit 121 over time. Alternatively, if the resistance value of the heating unit 121 changes depending on the temperature of the heating unit 121, the heating profile may represent a target resistance value of the heating unit 121 over time. In this way, the heating profile represents a target temperature or target resistance value of the heating unit 121 over time.

[0072] The suction device 100 of the present disclosure can establish a P2P connection with another suction device 100 and transmit and receive data related to the heating of the aerosol source. Specifically, the suction device 100 can transmit and receive a heating profile to the other suction device 100. For example, the suction device 100 can transmit a heating profile stored therein to the other suction device 100. The other suction device 100 can receive the heating profile from the suction device 100 and use the heating profile to control the temperature change of the heating unit 121. In this way, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure can establish a P2P connection with the suction device 100 and transmit and receive heating profiles.

[0073] The predetermined data may be any data that is used or stored by the suction device 100, such as user usage data.

[0074] In step 212, the suction device 100 notifies the user that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (that is, that the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode). The completion of the establishment of the P2P connection may also mean that the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100, for example, displays a UI indicating that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (that the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode). The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 notifies the user that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (that the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode) by, for example, illuminating an LED in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, the notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 notifies the user that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (that the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode) by, for example, vibrating in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, if the suction device 100 is equipped with a display as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 notifies the user of the transition to the P2P mode by, for example, displaying information indicating that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (transition to the P2P connection mode) on the display. Note that any method may be used by the suction device 100 to notify the user of the completion of the establishment of the P2P connection (transition to the P2P connection mode).

[0075] In addition, when the suction device 100 is in P2P mode or P2P connection mode, if it transitions to a predetermined state (predetermined mode), such as when the heating unit 121 is heating or when it is connecting to a user terminal (not shown), it may cancel the P2P mode or P2P connection mode.

[0076] As described above, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure transmits a connection request signal when the number of times that it has been detected as another suction device 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times. Note that the certain period of time may be any period of time, such as 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 1 minute.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each suction device 100 is configured to establish a P2P connection when the user of each suction device 100 performs a predetermined action. For example, when user A and user B wish to connect their suction devices 100A and 100B, user A may perform a predetermined action on suction device 100A while user B may perform a predetermined action on suction device 100B while they are relatively close to each other (e.g., approximately 1 meter). It is highly likely that user A and user B will be in a relatively close proximity for a certain period of time until the communication connection between suction device 100A and suction device 100B is completed. That is, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction devices 100 that wish to connect to each other are likely to be in a relatively close proximity for a certain period of time.

[0078] If a suction device 100 is detected as another suction device 100 only once, for example, and sends a connection request signal, if another suction device 100 that happens to be nearby is in P2P mode, it may immediately send the connection request signal and the two devices may become connected to communicate with each other.

[0079] In contrast, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure transmits a connection request signal when the number of times it has detected another suction device 100 (suction device B) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, assuming that the other suction device is nearby (within a relatively short distance). Each time the suction device 100 receives an advertising packet, it determines whether the advertising packet satisfies a predetermined condition, and if the predetermined condition is met, it detects the other suction device 100. That is, for the number of detections to be equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the suction device 100 must receive advertising packets that satisfy the predetermined condition from the other suction device 100 a predetermined number of times. For the suction device 100 to receive advertising packets that satisfy the predetermined condition from the other suction device 100 a predetermined number of times, the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 must be nearby (within a relatively short distance) for a certain period of time. As described above, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, suction devices 100 that wish to connect to each other are likely to be relatively close to each other for a certain period of time. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the number of times that the suction device 100 is detected as another suction device 100 (suction device B) is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, a connection request signal is transmitted, thereby enabling a communication connection to be established between the suction device 100 and a desired other suction device 100 that has been present within a relatively close distance to the suction device 100 for a certain period of time.

[0080] On the other hand, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure does not transmit a connection request signal to other suction devices 100 that have been detected less than a predetermined number of times, and does not establish a communication connection with the other suction devices 100. Other suction devices 100 that have been detected less than a predetermined number of times are other suction devices 100 that have not been present within a relatively close distance to the suction device 100 for a certain period of time, and are likely to be other suction devices 100 that happened to be present nearby. In other words, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure can prevent the establishment of a communication connection with other suction devices 100 that happened to be present nearby. In this way, when the suction devices of the present disclosure are connected via P2P, a technology can be provided that allows desired suction devices to connect with each other.

[0081] 2-2 Example of Processing When Initiation of P2P Connection is Not Accepted Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when initiation of P2P connection is not accepted by at least one of the multiple suction devices. In Figure 4, differences from Figure 3 will be mainly explained. Also in Figure 4, "step" is abbreviated as "S".

[0082] Step 300 in FIG. 4 is the same as step 200 in FIG. 3, and therefore will be explained briefly.

[0083] In step 300, the suction device 100 detects a predetermined action by the user.

[0084] Step 301 shows a processing block when the start of P2P connection processing is not accepted. In step 302, the suction device 100 checks whether it is in a predetermined state (predetermined mode). In step 303, the suction device 100 does not accept the start of P2P connection processing even if it detects a predetermined action by the user based on the predetermined state (predetermined mode).

[0085] The predetermined state (predetermined mode) is, for example, when the heating unit 121 is heating. In steps 301 to 303, the suction device 100 does not accept the start of P2P connection processing even if it detects a predetermined action by the user based on the fact that the heating unit 121 is heating. When the heating unit 121 is heating, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 disables transition to the P2P connection mode even if it detects a predetermined action by the user.

[0086] Step 304 shows another processing block when the start of P2P connection processing is not accepted. In step 305, the suction device 100 detects that it is connected to a user terminal (not shown). In step 306, the suction device 100 does not accept the start of P2P connection processing even if it detects a predetermined action by the user based on the fact that it is connected to the user terminal (not shown).

[0087] The suction device 100 can be connected to user terminals such as smartphones, tablets, mobile phones, personal computers, and laptops. When the suction device 100 is connected to such a user terminal, it does not accept the start of P2P connection processing even if it detects a predetermined action by the user. When the suction device 100 is connected to a user terminal, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 disables transition to P2P connection mode even if it detects a predetermined action by the user.

[0088] Note that, when the suction device 100 is currently connected to a user terminal, instead of disabling the transition to the P2P connection mode, the suction device 100 may be configured to temporarily disconnect from the user terminal and start a P2P connection process with another suction device 100. In this case, when the suction device 100 detects a predetermined action by the user, the suction device 100 temporarily disconnects from the user terminal and stops or suspends data transmission and reception between the suction device 100 and the user terminal. The suction device 100 then temporarily disconnects from the user terminal. The suction device 100 then accepts the start of a P2P connection process with the other suction device 100. The suction device 100 may also be configured to automatically restore the connection with the user terminal when the P2P connection with the other suction device 100 is completed. The suction device 100 may also be configured to restore the connection with the user terminal in response to a user request (such as a predetermined input) when the P2P connection with the other suction device 100 is completed. When the connection between the suction device 100 and the user terminal is restored, the suspended or suspended data transmission and reception may be resumed.

[0089] In addition, when the suction device 100 is in P2P mode or P2P connection mode, if the suction device 100 transitions to a predetermined state (predetermined mode), such as when the heating unit 121 is heating or when the suction device 100 is connected to a user terminal (not shown), the suction device 100 may cancel the P2P mode or P2P connection mode.

[0090] 2-3 Processing Example When P2P Connection Processing is Cancelled Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example when at least one of a plurality of suction devices cancels P2P connection processing. Note that in Figure 5, the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from Figure 3. Also in Figure 5, "step" is abbreviated as "S".

[0091] Steps 400 to 408 in FIG. 5 are the same as steps 200 to 208 in FIG. 3, and therefore will be explained briefly.

[0092] In step 400, the suction device 100 detects a predetermined action by the user.

[0093] In step 401, the suction device 100 transitions to the P2P mode in response to detecting a predetermined action. The suction device 100 transitions to the P2P mode and starts a process of connecting with another suction device 100.

[0094] In step 402, the suction device 100 notifies the user that it has transitioned to the P2P mode. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 displays, for example, a UI indicating that it has transitioned to the P2P mode.

[0095] In step 403, the suction device 100 starts transmitting an advertising packet and scanning for advertising packets from other suction devices 100. The transmission of advertising packets and the scanning process will be described later.

[0096] In step 404, the suction device 100 starts a timer for terminating the process for initiating a P2P connection due to a timeout. When the timer times out, the suction device 100 terminates the process for initiating a P2P connection.

[0097] In step 405, the suction device 100 broadcasts an advertisement packet to notify other suction devices 100 that it is waiting for a connection. By transmitting the advertisement packet, the suction device 100 notifies other suction devices 100 that it is available for P2P connection.

[0098] In step 406, the suction device 100 scans for advertising packets from other suction devices 100. The suction device 100 receives the advertising packets from the other suction devices 100 and recognizes that there are other suction devices 100 around the suction device 100 that can be connected via P2P.

[0099] In step 407, the suction device 100 detects another suction device 100 (suction device B) that satisfies a predetermined condition. Furthermore, if the number of times that the suction device 100 has been detected as another suction device 100 (suction device B) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the suction device 100 recognizes that the other suction device is present nearby. The predetermined number is, for example, a natural number equal to or greater than two.

[0100] In step 408, the suction device 100 (suction device A) transmits a connection request signal to another suction device 100 (suction device B) that satisfies a predetermined condition. The suction device 100 transmits the connection request signal to request the establishment of a P2P connection. The other suction devices 100 that satisfy the predetermined condition will be described later.

[0101] Step 409 indicates a processing block in which the suction device 100 (suction device A) stops the P2P connection processing if another suction device 100 (suction device B) that satisfies the predetermined conditions is not found in step 408.

[0102] In step 410, the suction device 100 (suction device A) recognizes that the timer for terminating the process for starting a P2P connection due to a timeout has timed out. The time until the timeout is, for example, 120 seconds or 5 minutes. Note that the time until the timeout is not limited to these times and can be set arbitrarily.

[0103] In step 411, the suction device 100 (suction device A) stops transmitting advertising packets and scanning for advertising packets from other suction devices 100. That is, the suction device 100 stops the P2P connection process. Note that the transmission of advertising packets may be continued, for example, for the purpose of connecting with a user terminal (not shown).

[0104] In step 412, the suction device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection process has been stopped. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100, for example, displays a UI indicating that the P2P connection process has been stopped. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection process has been stopped, for example, by causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 also notifies the user that the P2P connection process has been stopped, for example, by vibrating in a predetermined manner. If the suction device 100 includes a display as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113, for example, displays information indicating that the P2P connection process has been stopped on the display, thereby notifying the user that the P2P connection process has been stopped. Note that any method may be used by the suction device 100 to notify the user that the P2P connection process has been stopped.

[0105] Step 413 shows another processing block in which the suction device 100 cancels the P2P connection processing when a user cancels the P2P connection processing at any timing. Note that the example in Fig. 5 shows a processing block in which user B cancels the P2P connection processing and the suction device 100B cancels the P2P connection processing.

[0106] In step 414, the suction device 100 detects a user's operation to cancel the P2P connection process. The operation to cancel the P2P connection process is an action that the user of the suction device 100 performs on the suction device 100. Examples of the action for the cancellation operation include the user opening the slider of the suction device 100, shaking the suction device 100, tracing a predetermined path or characters using the suction device 100, or tapping the suction device 100. Note that the action for the cancellation operation is not limited to these examples.

[0107] The action for the cancellation operation may be any action that the user can perform on the suction device 100. For example, the action may be an action in which the user presses a predetermined button provided on the suction device 100.

[0108] In step 415, the suction device 100 (suction device A) stops transmitting advertising packets and scanning for advertising packets from other suction devices 100. That is, the suction device 100 stops the P2P connection process. Note that the transmission of advertising packets may be continued for the purpose of connecting with a user terminal (not shown).

[0109] In step 416, the suction device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection process has been stopped. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100, for example, displays a UI indicating that the P2P connection process has been stopped. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection process has been stopped, for example, by causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 also notifies the user that the P2P connection process has been stopped, for example, by vibrating in a predetermined manner. If the suction device 100 includes a display as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113, for example, displays information indicating that the P2P connection process has been stopped on the display, thereby notifying the user that the P2P connection process has been stopped. Note that any method may be used by the suction device 100 to notify the user that the P2P connection process has been stopped.

[0110] In addition, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure may cancel the P2P mode or P2P connection mode if, during P2P mode or P2P connection mode, it transitions to a predetermined state (predetermined mode), such as the heating unit 121 being heated or being connected to a user terminal (not shown).

[0111] 2-4 Example of Processing When the Suction Device 100 Executes P2P Connection Processing FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when at least one of the plurality of suction devices executes P2P connection processing.

[0112] In step 500, the suction device 100 checks whether a predetermined action by the user has been detected. The suction device 100 detects the predetermined action by the user, for example, using the control unit 116 and / or the sensor unit 112. The predetermined action may be, for example, but is not limited to, the user shaking the suction device 100. If the suction device 100 detects the predetermined action (YES in step 500), the suction device 100 proceeds to step 601. On the other hand, if the suction device 100 does not detect the predetermined action (NO in step 500), the suction device 100 repeats the check in step 500, for example, at predetermined intervals. The suction device 100 may be configured to execute the process of detecting the predetermined action by the user only when the predetermined action by the user has been detected.

[0113] In step 501, control unit 116 of suction device 100 checks whether or not a predetermined state is in effect. The predetermined state is, for example, a state in which heating unit 121 is heating. If suction device 100 is in the predetermined state (YES in step 501), the process proceeds to step 502. On the other hand, if suction device 100 is not in the predetermined state (NO in step 501), the process proceeds to step 503.

[0114] In step 502, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 cancels the P2P connection process. For example, the suction device 100 does not accept the start of the P2P connection process.

[0115] In step 503, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 starts P2P connection processing. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 transitions to P2P mode, for example, in response to detecting a predetermined action. The suction device 100 may notify the user that it has transitioned to P2P mode. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 displays, for example, a UI indicating that it has transitioned to P2P mode.

[0116] In step 504, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the first signal received from another suction device 100 satisfies a predetermined condition. If the first signal satisfies the predetermined condition (YES in step 504), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 proceeds to step 505. On the other hand, if the first signal does not satisfy the predetermined condition (NO in step 504), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 returns to step 504. The first signal may be, for example, an advertising packet. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may check whether each of the multiple first signals received from each of the multiple other suction devices satisfies a predetermined condition. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may also check whether each of the first signals satisfies a plurality of predetermined conditions. The cycle at which the suction device 100 executes step 504 can be set arbitrarily.

[0117] The predetermined condition may be that, if the first signal includes an identifier capable of identifying the manufacturer of the other suction device, the identifier included in the first signal is a predetermined identifier indicating the predetermined manufacturer. Furthermore, if the first signal includes a first address indicating the destination of the other suction device, the predetermined condition may be that the first address is smaller than the value of a second address indicating the destination of the suction device itself. If the value of the second address indicating the destination of the suction device 100 is greater than the value of the first address indicating the destination of the other suction device 100, the suction device 100 may be set as a central and the other suction device 100 as a peripheral in the communication connection. Furthermore, the predetermined condition may be that the reception strength of the first signal is greater than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be set based on the reception strength of the first signal when the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 are a predetermined distance apart. The predetermined condition may be some or all of multiple conditions. Furthermore, the predetermined condition may be a combination of multiple conditions.

[0118] The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 continues to detect other suction devices 100 that have transmitted first signals that satisfy the predetermined condition until one of the other suction devices 100 has been detected a predetermined number of times, which is equal to or greater than 2. When one of the other suction devices 100 has been detected a predetermined number of times, which is equal to or greater than 2, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 ends detection of the other suction device.

[0119] In step 505, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 detects another suction device 100 and stores predetermined information about the other suction device 100 in the storage unit 114 of the suction device 100. The predetermined information about the other suction device 100 is, for example, an identifier that can uniquely identify the other suction device 100, or information indicating the device attributes of the other suction device 100. For example, an identifier that can uniquely identify the other suction device 100 is, for example, the address of the other suction device 100. The suction device 100 can uniquely identify the other suction device 100 based on the address of the other suction device 100. Furthermore, the suction device 100 can identify the device attributes, type, version, etc. of the other suction device 100 based on the information indicating the device attributes.

[0120] In step 506, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 counts the number of times (detection count) that the other suction device 100 has been detected for each of the other suction devices 100 that stored the predetermined information in step 505.

[0121] In step 507, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the number of detections counted in step 506 has reached a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, two or more, such as three. The predetermined number is not limited to three and can be set arbitrarily. In step 507, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may check whether the number of detections counted in step 506 is greater than the predetermined number.

[0122] If the number of detections of any of the other suction devices 100 reaches the predetermined number (YES in step 507), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 proceeds to step 508. On the other hand, if the number of detections of any of the other suction devices 100 does not reach the predetermined number (NO in step 507), the suction device 100 returns to step 504.

[0123] In step 508, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines another suction device 100 whose number of detections has reached a predetermined number as the connection destination suction device 100. For example, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines another suction device 100 whose number of detections has reached three as the connection destination suction device 100.

[0124] In step 509, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 transmits a second signal. The second signal is, for example, a connection request signal. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 transmits the connection request signal as the second signal to request the establishment of a P2P connection. Note that when the establishment of a P2P connection between the suction device 100 and another suction device 100 is completed, the other suction device 100 transmits a connection completion signal to the suction device 100. Note that the process of establishing a P2P connection may include a pairing process.

[0125] In step 510, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the P2P connection is successful. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether a connection completion signal is received from the other suction device 100. If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 receives a connection completion signal from the other suction device 100, it determines that the P2P connection is successful.

[0126] If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 confirms that the P2P connection has been successful (YES in step 510), the control unit 116 proceeds to step 511. On the other hand, if the suction device 100 cannot confirm that the P2P connection has been successful, for example, within a predetermined time (NO in step 510), the control unit 116 proceeds to step 502 and cancels the P2P connection process.

[0127] In step 511, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 transitions to the P2P connection mode. The P2P connection mode is, for example, a state in which predetermined data can be transmitted and received between the inhalation device 100 and another inhalation device 100. The predetermined data is, for example, data related to the heating of the aerosol source, including a heating profile. Note that the predetermined data may be any data used or stored by the inhalation device 100, such as user usage data. Note that the inhalation device 100 may notify the user that it has transitioned to the P2P connection mode. The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100, for example, displays a UI indicating that it has transitioned to the P2P connection mode.

[0128] In addition, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure may cancel the P2P mode or P2P connection mode if, during P2P mode or P2P connection mode, it transitions to a predetermined state (predetermined mode), such as the heating unit 121 being heated or being connected to a user terminal (not shown).

[0129] As described above, when the number of times that the suction device 100 of the present disclosure is detected as another suction device 100 (suction device B) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the suction device 100 recognizes the presence of the other suction device nearby and transmits a connection request signal. When the number of times that the suction device 100 is detected as another suction device 100 (suction device B) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the suction device 100 is configured to recognize the presence of the other suction device nearby, making it possible to transmit a connection request signal to another suction device 100 that has been present in the vicinity of the suction device 100 for a certain period of time. Therefore, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure can establish a communication connection with a desired other suction device 100. In other words, when the suction device of the present disclosure is connected via P2P, a technology can be provided that allows desired suction devices to connect to each other.

[0130] Furthermore, as described above, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure may detect another suction device (suction device B) based on whether the first signal received from the other suction device (suction device B) satisfies each of a plurality of predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions include conditions for the other suction device 100 to which the suction device 100 wishes to connect. By checking whether the plurality of predetermined conditions are satisfied, the suction device 100 can check from multiple perspectives whether the other suction device 100 is a desired suction device to connect to. Then, when each of the plurality of predetermined conditions is satisfied, the suction device 100 can send a connection request signal to the other suction device 100. In other words, when the suction device of the present disclosure performs a P2P connection, a technology can be provided that enables desired suction devices to connect to each other.

[0131] 2-5 Another Processing Example (Part 1) When the Suction Device 100 Executes P2P Connection Processing FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts showing another processing example (Part 1) when at least one of the plurality of suction devices executes P2P connection processing.

[0132] In step 600, the suction device 100 checks whether a predetermined action by the user has been detected. The suction device 100 detects the predetermined action by the user, for example, using the control unit 116 and / or the sensor unit 112. The predetermined action may be, for example, but is not limited to, the user shaking the suction device 100. If the suction device 100 detects the predetermined action (YES in step 600), the suction device 100 proceeds to step 601. On the other hand, if the suction device 100 does not detect the predetermined action (NO in step 600), the suction device 100 repeats the check in step 600, for example, at predetermined intervals. The suction device 100 may be configured to execute the process of detecting the predetermined action by the user only when the predetermined action by the user has been detected.

[0133] In step 601, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the device is in a predetermined state. Examples of the predetermined state include when the heating unit 121 is heating or when the device is connected to a user terminal. If the device is in the predetermined state (YES in step 601), the device proceeds to step 602. On the other hand, if the device is not in the predetermined state (NO in step 601), the device proceeds to step 603.

[0134] In step 602, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 cancels the P2P connection process. For example, the suction device 100 does not accept the start of the P2P connection process.

[0135] In step 603, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 starts the P2P connection process. The suction device 100 may notify the user that the mode has been changed to the P2P mode. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 displays a UI indicating that the mode has been changed to the P2P mode, for example.

[0136] In step 604, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 starts a timer for terminating the process for starting a P2P connection due to a timeout.

[0137] In step 605, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether or not an advertising packet has been received from another suction device 100. If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 has received an advertising packet from another suction device 100 (YES in step 605), the control unit 116 proceeds to step 606. If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 has not received an advertising packet from another suction device 100 (NO in step 605), the control unit 116 returns to step 605.

[0138] In step 606, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether a predetermined identifier is included in the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100. The predetermined identifier may be an identifier (e.g., a company ID) indicating the manufacturer of the suction device 100. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks, for example, whether a predetermined company ID is included in the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100.

[0139] A suction device 100 manufactured by a specific manufacturer may be configured to transmit an advertising packet including a company ID identifying the specific manufacturer. In this case, all suction devices 100 manufactured by the same manufacturer will include the same company ID in the advertising packets they transmit. Suction devices 100 manufactured by the same manufacturer can, for example, establish a P2P connection with each other and transmit and receive specific data. The control unit 116 of a suction device 100 can recognize that another suction device 100 is capable of P2P connection with the suction device 100 based on the inclusion of a specific company ID in an advertising packet received from the other suction device 100. Note that the identifier identifying the specific manufacturer is not limited to a company ID and may be any identifier that can identify the specific manufacturer.

[0140] Furthermore, the predetermined identifier may be, for example, an identifier indicating the attributes of the suction device 100. The information indicating the attributes of the suction device 100 may include, for example, the device type, model number, and version information of the suction device 100. If the device type, model number, and version information of the suction device 100 can be recognized, it can be recognized whether a P2P connection with the suction device 100 is possible. In other words, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 can recognize whether another suction device 100 is capable of a P2P connection with the suction device 100 based on an identifier indicating the attributes of the other suction device 100 that is included in an advertising packet received from the other suction device 100.

[0141] Furthermore, the predetermined identifier may be, for example, an identifier that can uniquely identify the suction device 100. If the device of the suction device 100 can be uniquely identified, the type, model number, version information, etc. of the suction device 100 can be specified. An identifier that can uniquely identify the suction device 100 is, for example, the address of the suction device 100, but is not limited to this. As a result, the suction device 100 can recognize whether another suction device 100 is capable of P2P connection with the suction device 100. In other words, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 can recognize whether another suction device 100 is capable of P2P connection with the suction device 100 based on an identifier that can uniquely identify the other suction device 100, which is included in an advertisement packet received from the other suction device 100.

[0142] In step 606, if the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100 contains a predetermined identifier (YES in step 606), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 proceeds to step 607. On the other hand, if the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100 does not contain a predetermined identifier (NO in step 606), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 returns to step 605.

[0143] In step 607, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the address number (value) of the other suction device 100 included in the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100 is smaller than the address number (value) of the suction device 100 itself. If the address number (value) of the other suction device 100 is smaller than the address number (value) of the suction device 100 itself (YES in step 607), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 proceeds to step 608. On the other hand, if the address number (value) of the other suction device 100 is not smaller (greater) than the address number (value) of the suction device 100 itself (NO in step 607), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 returns to step 605.

[0144] In a P2P connection, one of the suction device 100 and another suction device 100 is set as a central (master) and the other as a peripheral (slave). The suction device 100 set as the central (master) transmits a connection request signal to the other suction device 100 set as a peripheral (slave). In a P2P connection, it is necessary to determine the suction device 100 that transmits the connection request signal, that is, to determine the central (master) suction device 100. In this embodiment, the suction device 100 with a larger address number (value) is configured to be the central (master) suction device 100. Therefore, in step 607, the suction device 100 checks whether the address number (value) of the other suction device 100 included in the advertisement packet received from the other suction device 100 is smaller than the address number (value) of its own device. Then, if the address number (value) of the other suction device 100 is smaller than the address number (value) of the own device (i.e., if the address number (value) of the own device is greater than the address number (value) of the other suction device 100), the own device becomes the central (master).

[0145] In step 608, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the reception strength of the advertising packet received from another suction device 100 is greater than a predetermined value. If the reception strength is greater than the predetermined value (YES in step 608), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 proceeds to step 609. On the other hand, if the reception strength is less than the predetermined value (NO in step 608), the suction device 100 returns to step 605.

[0146] The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 can recognize the distance between its own device and another suction device 100 based on the reception strength of the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100. If the reception strength is high, the distance between the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 is short. On the other hand, if the reception strength is low, the distance between the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 is far. The closer the distance between the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 is, the greater the reception strength of the advertising packet received by the suction device 100 from the other suction device 100.

[0147] In step 608, the predetermined value that the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 compares with the reception strength of the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100 can be set to any value. For example, the predetermined value may be the value of the reception strength when the distance between the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 is a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance can be set to any distance, such as 50 cm or 1 m. For example, if the reception strength when the distance between the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 is 1 m is set as the predetermined value, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 can recognize in step 608 whether the distance between the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 is within 1 m.

[0148] In step 609, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 detects another suction device 100 and stores predetermined information about the other suction device 100 in the storage unit 114 of the suction device 100. The predetermined information about the other suction device 100 is, for example, information about the other suction device 100 included in the advertising packet, which is the first signal. The predetermined information about the other suction device 100 is, for example, an identifier that can uniquely identify the other suction device 100 or information indicating the device attributes of the other suction device 100. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may temporarily store the predetermined information about the other suction device 100 in the storage unit 114 of the suction device 100. The predetermined information temporarily stored in the storage unit 114 may be erased, for example, when the suction device 100 transitions to a P2P connection mode in step 615, which will be described later, or when the P2P connection process is canceled in step 602. The timing for erasing the predetermined information temporarily stored in the storage unit 114 is not limited to these examples. This may be the case in any case, such as when the suction device 100 to be connected to is determined in step 612 described below.

[0149] In step 610, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 counts the number of times (detection count) that the other suction device 100 has been detected for each other suction device 100 that saved the predetermined information in step 609. Specifically, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 increments the detection count stored for each other suction device 100 that saved the predetermined information in step 609. For example, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 increments the detection count from "0" to "1" for the other suction device 100 that saved the predetermined information for the first time in step 609. Furthermore, for example, if the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 has already saved the predetermined information once in step 610, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 increments the detection count from "1" to "2."

[0150] In step 611, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the number of detections counted in step 610 has reached a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, three. The predetermined number is not limited to three and can be set arbitrarily. In step 611, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may check whether the number of detections counted in step 610 is greater than the predetermined number.

[0151] If the number of detections of any of the other suction devices 100 reaches the predetermined number (YES in step 611), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 proceeds to step 612. On the other hand, if the number of detections of any of the other suction devices 100 does not reach the predetermined number (NO in step 611), the suction device 100 returns to step 605.

[0152] In step 612, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines another suction device 100 whose number of detections has reached a predetermined number as the connection destination suction device 100. For example, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines another suction device 100 whose number of detections has reached three as the connection destination suction device 100.

[0153] In step 613, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 transmits a connection request signal. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 transmits the connection request signal to request the establishment of a P2P connection. When the establishment of a P2P connection between the suction device 100 and another suction device 100 is completed, the other suction device 100 transmits a connection completion signal to the suction device 100. The process of establishing a P2P connection may include a pairing process.

[0154] In step 614, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the P2P connection has been successful. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether a connection completion signal has been received from the other suction device 100. If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 receives a connection completion signal from the other suction device 100, it determines that the P2P connection has been successful.

[0155] If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 confirms that the P2P connection has been successful (YES in step 614), the control unit 116 proceeds to step 615. On the other hand, if the suction device 100 does not confirm that the P2P connection has been successful within the time of the timer started in step 604 (NO in step 614), the control unit 116 proceeds to step 602 and cancels the P2P connection process.

[0156] In step 615, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 transitions to the P2P connection mode. The P2P connection mode is, for example, a state in which predetermined data can be transmitted and received between the suction device 100 and another suction device 100. The predetermined data is, for example, data related to the heating of the aerosol source, including a heating profile. Note that the predetermined data may be any data used or stored by the suction device 100, such as user usage data. Note that the suction device 100 may notify the user that it has transitioned to the P2P connection mode. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100, for example, displays a UI indicating that it has transitioned to the P2P connection mode.

[0157] In addition, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure may cancel the P2P mode or P2P connection mode if, during P2P mode or P2P connection mode, it transitions to a predetermined state (predetermined mode), such as the heating unit 121 being heated or being connected to a user terminal (not shown).

[0158] As described above, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure recognizes the presence of another suction device 100 (suction device B) nearby and transmits a connection request signal when the number of times it is detected as another suction device 100 (suction device B) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, as in steps 610 to 613. When configured to recognize the presence of another suction device nearby when the number of times it is detected as another suction device 100 (suction device B) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it becomes possible to transmit a connection request signal to another suction device 100 that has been present nearby for a certain period of time. Therefore, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure can establish a communication connection with a desired other suction device 100. In other words, when the suction devices of the present disclosure are connected via P2P, a technology can be provided that enables desired suction devices to connect to each other.

[0159] Furthermore, as in steps 606 to 608, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure may detect another suction device (suction device B) based on whether the first signal received from the other suction device (suction device B) satisfies each of a plurality of predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions include conditions for the other suction device 100 to which the suction device 100 wishes to connect. By checking whether the plurality of predetermined conditions are satisfied, the suction device 100 can confirm from multiple perspectives whether the other suction device 100 is a desired suction device to connect to. Then, when each of the plurality of predetermined conditions is satisfied, the suction device 100 can send a connection request signal to the other suction device 100. In other words, when the suction device of the present disclosure performs a P2P connection, a technology can be provided that enables desired suction devices to connect to each other.

[0160] 2-6 Another Processing Example (Part 2) When the Suction Device 100 Executes the P2P Connection Processing FIGS. 8A and 8B are flowcharts showing another processing example (Part 2) when at least one of the plurality of suction devices executes the P2P connection processing.

[0161] In step 700, the suction device 100 checks whether a predetermined action by the user has been detected. The suction device 100 detects the predetermined action by the user, for example, using the control unit 116 and / or the sensor unit 112. The predetermined action may be, for example, but is not limited to, the user shaking the suction device 100. If the suction device 100 detects the predetermined action (YES in step 700), the suction device 100 proceeds to step 701. On the other hand, if the suction device 100 does not detect the predetermined action (NO in step 700), the suction device 100 repeats the check in step 700, for example, at predetermined intervals. The suction device 100 may be configured to execute the process of detecting the predetermined action by the user only when the predetermined action by the user has been detected.

[0162] In step 701, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the device is in a predetermined state. Examples of the predetermined state include when the heating unit 121 is heating or when the device is connected to a user terminal. If the device is in the predetermined state (YES in step 701), the device proceeds to step 702. On the other hand, if the device is not in the predetermined state (NO in step 701), the device proceeds to step 703.

[0163] In step 702, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 cancels the P2P connection process. For example, the suction device 100 does not accept the start of the P2P connection process.

[0164] In step 703, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 starts the P2P connection process. The suction device 100 may notify the user that it has transitioned to the P2P mode. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100, for example, displays a UI indicating that it has transitioned to the P2P mode.

[0165] In step 704, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 starts a timer for terminating the process for starting a P2P connection due to a timeout.

[0166] In step 705, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 checks whether the device itself holds predetermined data. The predetermined data is, for example, data related to the heating of the aerosol source, including a heating profile. The predetermined data may be any data used or stored by the inhalation device 100, such as user usage data. If the inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data (YES in step 705), the process proceeds to step 706. On the other hand, if the inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data (NO in step 705), the process proceeds to step 707.

[0167] In step 706, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 includes information indicating that predetermined data is held in the advertising packet to be sent to the other suction device 100, and sends the advertising packet to the other suction device 100. For example, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 stores information indicating that predetermined data is held in a predetermined area of ​​the advertising packet to be sent to the other suction device 100. The predetermined area is an area for storing a flag (predetermined information) indicating whether the predetermined data is held. Storing information "1" in the predetermined area indicates that the suction device 100 holds the predetermined data. On the other hand, storing information other than "1" (e.g., information "0") in the predetermined area indicates that the suction device 100 does not hold the predetermined data. In step 706, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 stores information "1" in a predetermined area of ​​the advertising packet to be sent to the other suction device 100. The suction device 100 includes information indicating that the device itself holds specific data in the advertising packet, and can therefore notify other suction devices 100 that the device itself holds specific data. For example, if the information "1" is stored in a specific area of ​​the received advertising packet, the other suction devices 100 can determine that the suction device 100 that sent the advertising packet holds the specific data.

[0168] In step 707, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 does not include information indicating that predetermined data is held in the advertising packet to be sent to the other suction device 100, and sends the advertising packet to the other suction device 100. For example, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 does not store information indicating that predetermined data is held in a predetermined field of the advertising packet to be sent to the other suction device 100. For example, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 does not store the information "1" in a predetermined field of the advertising packet to be sent to the other suction device 100. In this way, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 can notify the other suction device 100 that its own device does not hold the predetermined data by not including information indicating that predetermined data is held (for example, the information "1") in a predetermined field of the advertising packet to be sent to the other suction device 100. In this case, the predetermined area of ​​the advertising packet may not store any information, or may store information other than information indicating that the predetermined data is held (for example, the information "1"). For example, if the information "1" is not stored in the predetermined area of ​​the received advertising packet, the other suction device 100 can determine that the suction device 100 that sent the advertising packet does not hold the predetermined data.

[0169] In step 707, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may include information indicating that the suction device 100 does not hold specific data in the advertising packet sent to the other suction devices 100. For example, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 stores "0" in a specific field of the advertising packet sent to the other suction devices 100, indicating that the specific data is not held. Since the suction device 100 includes information indicating that the suction device 100 does not hold specific data in the advertising packet, the other suction devices 100 can notify the other suction devices 100 that the suction device 100 does not hold the specific data. For example, if "0" is stored in a specific field of the received advertising packet, the other suction devices 100 can determine that the suction device 100 that sent the advertising packet does not hold the specific data.

[0170] In step 708, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether or not an advertising packet has been received from another suction device 100. If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 has received an advertising packet from another suction device 100 (YES in step 708), the control unit 116 proceeds to step 709. If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 has not received an advertising packet from another suction device 100 (NO in step 708), the control unit 116 returns to step 708.

[0171] In step 709, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether a predetermined identifier is included in the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100. The predetermined identifier may be an identifier (e.g., a company ID) indicating the manufacturer of the suction device 100. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks, for example, whether a predetermined company ID is included in the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100.

[0172] In step 710, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the device itself holds predetermined data. For example, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the predetermined data is stored in the memory or the like of the device itself. If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 holds the predetermined data (YES in step 710), the control unit 116 proceeds to step 712. If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 does not hold the predetermined data (NO in step 710), the control unit 116 proceeds to step 711.

[0173] In step 711, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the other suction device 100 holds the specified data. If the other suction device 100 holds the specified data (YES in step 711), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 proceeds to step 712. For example, if the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100 contains information indicating that the specified data is held, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines that the other suction device 100 holds the specified data. For example, if the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100 contains information "1" in a specified field, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines that the other suction device 100 holds the specified data. On the other hand, if the other suction device 100 does not hold the specified data (NO in step 711), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 returns to step 708. For example, if an advertising packet received from another suction device 100 contains information indicating that the other suction device 100 does not hold the specified data, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines that the other suction device 100 does not hold the specified data. For example, if a predetermined field in an advertising packet received from another suction device 100 contains information "0," the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines that the other suction device 100 does not hold the specified data. Note that the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may determine that the other suction device 100 does not hold the specified data if a predetermined field in an advertising packet sent to the other suction device 100 does not contain information indicating that the specified data is held (e.g., information "1"). In this case, the predetermined field in the advertising packet may not store information, or may store information other than information indicating that the specified data is held (e.g., information "1").

[0174] If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines in step 710 or step 711 that at least one of the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 holds the predetermined data, the control unit 116 proceeds to the next step (step 712) in the connection process with the other suction device 100. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines in step 710 or step 711 that neither the suction device 100 nor the other suction device 100 holds the predetermined data, the control unit 116 returns to step 708 and does not proceed to the next step (step 712). Therefore, if either the suction device 100 or the other suction device 100 holds the predetermined data, the suction device 100 can allow a P2P connection with the other suction device 100. In other words, if neither the suction device 100 nor the other suction device 100 holds the predetermined data, the suction device 100 does not allow a P2P connection with the other suction device 100, thereby preventing an unnecessary P2P connection from being established.

[0175] 8A and 8B, the order of step 710 and step 711 may be reversed. That is, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may check whether another suction device 100 holds predetermined data, and if the other suction device 100 does not hold the predetermined data, may check whether the suction device 100 itself holds the predetermined data.

[0176] In step 712, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the address number (value) of the other suction device 100 included in the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100 is smaller than the address number (value) of the suction device 100 itself. If the address number (value) of the other suction device 100 is smaller than the address number (value) of the suction device 100 itself (YES in step 712), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 proceeds to step 713. On the other hand, if the address number (value) of the other suction device 100 is not smaller (greater) than the address number (value) of the suction device 100 itself (NO in step 712), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 returns to step 708.

[0177] In a P2P connection, one of the suction device 100 and another suction device 100 is set as a central (master) and the other as a peripheral (slave). The suction device 100 set as the central (master) transmits a connection request signal to the other suction device 100 set as a peripheral (slave). In a P2P connection, it is necessary to determine the suction device 100 that transmits the connection request signal, that is, to determine the central (master) suction device 100. In this embodiment, the suction device 100 with a larger address number (value) is configured to be the central (master) suction device 100. Therefore, in step 712, the suction device 100 checks whether the address number (value) of the other suction device 100 included in the advertisement packet received from the other suction device 100 is smaller than the address number (value) of its own device. Then, if the address number (value) of the other suction device 100 is smaller than the address number (value) of the own device (i.e., if the address number (value) of the own device is greater than the address number (value) of the other suction device 100), the own device becomes the central (master).

[0178] In step 713, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the reception strength of the advertising packet received from another suction device 100 is greater than a predetermined value. If the reception strength is greater than the predetermined value (YES in step 713), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 proceeds to step 714. On the other hand, if the reception strength is less than the predetermined value (NO in step 713), the suction device 100 returns to step 708.

[0179] The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 can recognize the distance between its own device and another suction device 100 based on the reception strength of the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100. If the reception strength is high, the distance between the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 is short. On the other hand, if the reception strength is low, the distance between the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 is far. The closer the distance between the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 is, the greater the reception strength of the advertising packet received by the suction device 100 from the other suction device 100.

[0180] In step 713, the predetermined value that the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 compares with the reception strength of the advertising packet received from the other suction device 100 can be set to any value. For example, the predetermined value may be the value of the reception strength when the distance between the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 is a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance can be set to any distance, such as 50 cm or 1 m. For example, if the reception strength when the distance between the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 is 1 m is set as the predetermined value, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 can recognize in step 713 whether the distance between the suction device 100 and the other suction device 100 is within 1 m.

[0181] In step 714, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 detects another suction device 100 and stores predetermined information about the other suction device 100 in the storage unit 114 of the suction device 100. The predetermined information about the other suction device 100 is, for example, information about the other suction device 100 included in the advertising packet, which is the first signal. The predetermined information about the other suction device 100 is, for example, an identifier that can uniquely identify the other suction device 100 or information indicating the device attributes of the other suction device 100. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may temporarily store the predetermined information about the other suction device 100 in the storage unit 114 of the suction device 100. The predetermined information temporarily stored in the storage unit 114 may be erased, for example, when the device transitions to a P2P connection mode in step 720, which will be described later, or when the P2P connection process is canceled in step 702. The timing for erasing the predetermined information temporarily stored in the storage unit 114 is not limited to these examples. This may be the case in any case, such as when the suction device 100 to be connected to is determined in step 717 described later.

[0182] In step 715, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 counts the number of times (detection count) that the other suction device 100 has been detected for each other suction device 100 that saved the predetermined information in step 714. Specifically, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 increments the detection count stored for each other suction device 100 that saved the predetermined information in step 714. For example, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 increments the detection count from "0" to "1" for the other suction device 100 that saved the predetermined information for the first time in step 714. Furthermore, for example, if the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 has already saved the predetermined information once in step 714, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 increments the detection count from "1" to "2."

[0183] In step 716, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the number of detections counted in step 715 has reached a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, three. The predetermined number is not limited to three and can be set arbitrarily. In step 716, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 may check whether the number of detections counted in step 715 is greater than the predetermined number.

[0184] If the number of detections of any of the other suction devices 100 reaches the predetermined number (YES in step 716), the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 proceeds to step 717. On the other hand, if the number of detections of none of the other suction devices 100 reaches the predetermined number (NO in step 716), the suction device 100 returns to step 708.

[0185] In step 717, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines another suction device 100 whose number of detections has reached a predetermined number as the connection destination suction device 100. For example, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines another suction device 100 whose number of detections has reached three as the connection destination suction device 100.

[0186] In step 718, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 transmits a connection request signal. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 transmits the connection request signal to request the establishment of a P2P connection. When the establishment of a P2P connection between the suction device 100 and another suction device 100 is completed, the other suction device 100 transmits a connection completion signal to the suction device 100. The process of establishing a P2P connection may include a pairing process.

[0187] In step 719, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether the P2P connection has been successful. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 checks whether a connection completion signal has been received from the other suction device 100. If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 receives a connection completion signal from the other suction device 100, it determines that the P2P connection has been successful.

[0188] If the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 confirms that the P2P connection has been successful (YES in step 719), the control unit 116 proceeds to step 720. On the other hand, if the suction device 100 does not confirm that the P2P connection has been successful within the time period of the timer started in step 704 (NO in step 719), the control unit 116 proceeds to step 702 and cancels the P2P connection process.

[0189] In step 720, the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 transitions to the P2P connection mode. The P2P connection mode is, for example, a state in which predetermined data can be transmitted and received between the suction device 100 and another suction device 100. The predetermined data is, for example, data related to the heating of the aerosol source, including a heating profile. The predetermined data may be any data used or stored by the suction device 100, such as user usage data. The suction device 100 may notify the user that it has transitioned to the P2P connection mode. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100, for example, displays a UI indicating that it has transitioned to the P2P connection mode.

[0190] In addition, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure may cancel the P2P mode or P2P connection mode if, during P2P mode or P2P connection mode, it transitions to a predetermined state (predetermined mode), such as the heating unit 121 being heated or being connected to a user terminal (not shown).

[0191] As described above, the suction device 100 of the present disclosure proceeds to the next step in the connection process with the other suction device 100 if at least one of the suction device 100 itself or the other suction device 100 holds predetermined data, as in step 710 or 711. On the other hand, if neither the suction device 100 nor the other suction device 100 holds the predetermined data in step 710 or 711, the suction device 100 does not proceed to the next step in the connection process with the other suction device 100. Therefore, if either the suction device 100 itself or the other suction device 100 holds the predetermined data, the suction device 100 can allow a P2P connection with the other suction device 100. In other words, if neither the suction device 100 nor the other suction device 100 holds the predetermined data, the suction device 100 does not allow a P2P connection with the other suction device 100, thereby preventing unnecessary P2P connections from being established.

[0192] While one embodiment of the power supply unit, control method, and control program for the suction device of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0193] For example, the specific numerical values ​​described in the above-described embodiment are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0194] The control method described in the above-described embodiment can be realized by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer (processor). The program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The program may be provided in a form stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes the program may be, for example, a computer included in the suction device 100 (e.g., a CPU included in the suction device 100), but is not limited thereto and may also be a computer included in another device that can communicate with the suction device 100 (e.g., a smartphone or a server).

[0195] This specification and the like describes at least the following: In parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-described embodiments are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0196] [Feature 1] A control method for a power supply unit of a suction device capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, the control method including: a detection step of detecting another suction device based on a first signal received from the other suction device satisfying a predetermined condition; a transmission step of transmitting a second signal to the other suction device requesting the establishment of a communication connection when the number of times the other suction device has been detected reaches a predetermined number of times equal to or greater than two; a determination step of determining that the communication connection with the other suction device has been successful based on receiving a response signal to the second signal from the other suction device; and a transition step of transitioning to a state in which predetermined data related to heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received based on the determination that the communication connection has been successful.

[0197] [Feature 2] The control method according to Feature 1, wherein in the detection step, it is determined whether each of the plurality of first signals received from each of the plurality of other suction devices satisfies a predetermined condition, and other suction devices that have transmitted first signals that satisfy the predetermined condition are detected from the plurality of other suction devices.

[0198] [Feature 3] The control method according to Feature 2, wherein in the detecting step, detection of another suction device is continued until one of the plurality of other suction devices is detected the predetermined number of times.

[0199] [Feature 4] The control method according to Feature 2 or 3, wherein, in the detection step, when one of the plurality of other suction devices has been detected a predetermined number of times, detection of the other suction device is terminated.

[0200] [Feature 5] The control method according to any one of Features 1 to 4, further comprising a storage step of storing, when the other suction device is detected in the detection step, the number of times the other suction device has been detected, wherein the storage step stores the number of times the other suction device has been detected for each of a plurality of other suction devices.

[0201] [Feature 6] The control method according to any one of Features 5, wherein, in the storing step, information included in the first signal, which is information relating to the detected other suction device, is stored; and, in the transmitting step, the second signal is transmitted to the other suction device based on the stored information about the other suction device.

[0202] [Feature 7] The control method according to Features 1 to 6, further comprising a determination step of determining the other suction device as a suction device to connect to based on the number of times the other suction device has been detected reaching a predetermined number of times equal to or greater than two.

[0203] [Feature 8] A control method described in any of Features 1 to 7, further comprising a receiving step of starting a scanning process of a first signal from the other inhalation device based on detection of a predetermined action of the user, wherein even if a predetermined action of the user is detected in the receiving step, the scanning process is not started while the aerosol source is being heated.

[0204] [Feature 9] A control method according to Features 1 to 8, further comprising a receiving step of starting a scan process of a first signal from the other suction device based on detection of a predetermined action of a user, wherein even if the predetermined action of the user is detected in the receiving step, the scan process is not started if a user terminal of a user of the suction device is connected to the suction device for communication.

[0205] [Feature 10] The control method according to any one of Features 1 to 9, wherein the first signal is an advertising packet, the second signal is a connection request signal, the other suction device is detected based on the advertising packet received from the other suction device satisfying a predetermined condition, and in the transmitting step, the connection request signal is transmitted to another suction device among a plurality of other suction devices that has been detected the predetermined number of times.

[0206] [Feature 11] A control method according to any one of Features 1 to 10, further comprising a confirmation step of confirming whether at least one of the device itself and the other suction device holds the specified data, and in the detection step, if at least one of the device itself and the other suction device holds the specified data, detecting the other suction device based on the first signal received from the other suction device satisfying the specified condition.

[0207] [Feature 12] A power supply unit for a suction device capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, the power supply unit including: a communication unit that receives a first signal from another suction device; and a control unit that detects the other suction device based on the received first signal satisfying a predetermined condition, wherein the communication unit transmits a second signal to the other suction device requesting establishment of a communication connection when the number of times the other suction device has been detected reaches a predetermined number of times equal to or greater than two, and the control unit determines that the communication connection with the other suction device has been successful based on receiving a response signal to the second signal from the other suction device, and transitions to a state where predetermined data can be transmitted and received based on the determination that the communication connection has been successful.

[0208] [Feature 13] A program that causes a computer that controls a power supply unit of a suction device that can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol source to perform predetermined processing, the program causing the computer to execute the following steps: a detection step of detecting another suction device based on a first signal received from the other suction device satisfying a predetermined condition; a transmission step of transmitting a second signal to the other suction device requesting the establishment of a communication connection when the number of times the other suction device has been detected reaches a predetermined number of times equal to or greater than two; a determination step of determining that the communication connection with the other suction device has been successful based on receiving a response signal to the second signal from the other suction device; and a transition step of transitioning to a state where predetermined data can be transmitted and received based on the determination that the communication connection has been successful.

[0209] 100 Inhalation device 110 Power supply unit, 111 Power supply section (power source), 112 Sensor section 113 Notification section, 114 Memory section, 115 Communication section 116 Control section (computer) 120 Cartridge, 121 Heating section, 122 Liquid guide section, 123 Liquid storage section 124 Mouthpiece 130 Flavoring cartridge, 131 Flavor source 140 Storage section, 141 Internal space, 142 Opening, 143 Bottom section 150 Stick-shaped substrate, 151 Substrate section, 152 Mouthpiece section 180 Air flow path

Claims

1. 1. A method for controlling a power supply unit of an inhalation device capable of heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, comprising: a detecting step of detecting the other suction device based on whether a first signal received from the other suction device satisfies a predetermined condition; a transmitting step of transmitting a second signal to the other suction device requesting establishment of a communication connection when the number of times the other suction device has been detected reaches a predetermined number of times equal to or greater than two; a determining step of determining that a communication connection with the other suction device has been successful based on receiving a response signal from the other suction device in response to the second signal; a transition step of transitioning to a state in which predetermined data related to heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received based on the determination that the communication connection has been successful; A control method comprising:

2. In the detection step, it is determined whether a predetermined condition is satisfied for each of the plurality of first signals received from each of the plurality of other suction devices, and another suction device that has transmitted a first signal that satisfies the predetermined condition is detected from the plurality of other suction devices. The control method according to claim 1 .

3. In the detecting step, detection of the other suction devices is continued until the number of times that the other suction devices have been detected reaches the predetermined number of times. The control method according to claim 2 .

4. In the detection step, when one of the plurality of other suction devices has been detected the predetermined number of times, the detection of the other suction device is terminated. The control method according to claim 2 .

5. a storage step of storing the number of times the other suction device has been detected when the other suction device has been detected in the detection step; In the storing step, the number of detection times is stored for each of a plurality of other suction devices. The control method according to claim 1 .

6. In the storing step, information included in the first signal and information regarding the detected other suction device is stored; In the transmitting step, the second signal is transmitted to the other suction device based on the stored information about the other suction device. The control method according to claim 5.

7. a determining step of determining the other suction device as a suction device to be connected based on the number of times that the other suction device has been detected reaching a predetermined number of times that is equal to or greater than two, The control method according to claim 1 .

8. The method further includes a receiving step of starting a scanning process of a first signal from the other suction device based on detection of a predetermined action of a user; In the receiving step, even if a predetermined action of the user is detected, the scanning process is not started while the aerosol source is being heated. The control method according to claim 1 .

9. The method further includes a receiving step of starting a scanning process of a first signal from the other suction device based on detection of a predetermined action of a user; In the receiving step, even if a predetermined action of the user is detected, the scanning process is not started if a user terminal of the user of the suction device is connected to the suction device for communication.

9. The control method according to claim 1.

10. the first signal is an advertisement packet; the second signal is a connection request signal; Detecting the other suction device based on whether the advertisement packet received from the other suction device satisfies a predetermined condition; In the transmitting step, the connection request signal is transmitted to another suction device among the plurality of other suction devices for which the number of times of detection has reached the predetermined number of times. The control method according to claim 1 .

11. The method further includes a confirmation step of confirming whether or not at least one of the device itself and the other suction device holds the predetermined data, In the detection step, when at least one of the device itself and the other suction device holds the predetermined data, the other suction device is detected based on the first signal received from the other suction device satisfying the predetermined condition. A control method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A power supply unit for an inhalation device capable of heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, comprising: a communication unit that receives a first signal from another suction device; a control unit that detects the other suction device based on the received first signal satisfying a predetermined condition, The communication unit When the number of times that the other suction device has been detected reaches a predetermined number of times that is equal to or greater than two, transmitting a second signal to the other suction device requesting establishment of a communication connection; The control unit determining that a communication connection with the other suction device has been established successfully based on receiving a response signal from the other suction device in response to the second signal; transitioning to a state in which predetermined data related to heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received based on the determination that the communication connection has been successful; Power supply unit.

13. A program for causing a computer to perform predetermined processing, the program controlling a power supply unit of an inhalation device capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, The computer, a detecting step of detecting the other suction device based on whether a first signal received from the other suction device satisfies a predetermined condition; a transmitting step of transmitting a second signal to the other suction device requesting establishment of a communication connection when the number of times the other suction device has been detected reaches a predetermined number of times equal to or greater than two; a determining step of determining that a communication connection with the other suction device has been successful based on receiving a response signal from the other suction device in response to the second signal; a transition step of transitioning to a state in which predetermined data related to heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received based on the determination that the communication connection has been successful; A program that executes the following.