Aerosol generation device

Abstract

This aerosol generation device comprises: a heating unit that heats an aerosol source; a contact sensor that detects an operation on a predetermined part of a housing surface; a function for controlling heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit; and a processor whereby a function for controlling operations that can be received by the contact sensor is executed in accordance with the operation mode.

Description

Aerosol Generator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

[0002] Some aerosol generating devices, which are portable electronic devices, are equipped with push buttons or slide switches. These controls are displaced by user operation, making it easy to feel the sensation of operation.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 123796

[0004] It is expected that future aerosol generators will incorporate contact sensors. The adoption of contact sensors will enable new ways of using aerosol generators to be proposed to users. However, contact sensors are devices that do not involve mechanical displacement when operating. Therefore, a mechanism is needed to prevent unintended operations from being performed without the user's knowledge.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure provides a technology for preventing unintended operation of an aerosol generating device that employs a contact sensor.

[0006] As one form of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided that has a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, a contact sensor that detects operations on a predetermined portion of the surface of a housing, a function to control the heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit, and a processor that executes a function to control operations that can be accepted by the contact sensor depending on the operating mode.

[0007] In addition, the processor may control the operation so that a first input operation can be accepted when the operating mode is a heating mode of the aerosol source, and may control the operation so that a second input operation different from the first input operation can be accepted when the operating mode is a non-heating mode of the aerosol source.

[0008] When the operating mode is the aerosol source heating mode, the processor here may limit the acceptance of input operations to operations on a specific portion.

[0009] The specific portion may be at least one surface of the housing.

[0010] The first input operation may be an operation related to at least one of stopping heating of the aerosol source and confirming the physical quantity.

[0011] The physical quantity here may be at least one of the remaining charge of the battery which is the power source, the number of aerosol sources that can be inhaled with the remaining charge, the remaining charge of the aerosol source in use, the remaining number of inhalations or remaining inhalation time that can be inhaled using the aerosol source in use, and the cumulative number of inhalations to date.

[0012] The second input operation may be an operation for changing the control sequence used to heat the aerosol source.

[0013] The second input operation here is a first directional operation that increases the maximum temperature compared to the current control sequence, and a second directional operation that decreases the maximum temperature compared to the current control sequence, and the operation directions of the first directional operation and the second directional operation may be different.

[0014] When the operation mode is the heating mode, the processor here may allow the acceptance of an operation by the contact sensor on the condition that a predetermined operation is detected by the acceleration sensor.

[0015] When the operation mode is the non-heating mode, the processor may allow the acceptance of an operation by the contact sensor on the condition that a predetermined operation is detected by the acceleration sensor.

[0016] The processor may also permit acceptance of an operation by the contact sensor only for a predetermined time period after the detection of a predetermined operation by the acceleration sensor.

[0017] The non-heating mode may be at least one of an active mode, a sleep mode, a charging mode, and a pairing mode.

[0018] The number of types of the first input operations may be fewer than the number of types of the second input operations.

[0019] The processor may include a first processor that controls heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit, and a second processor that controls operations that can be accepted by the contact sensor depending on the operation mode.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, unintended operation of an aerosol generating device employing a contact sensor can be prevented.

[0021] 1 is a diagram of the front side of the aerosol generating device assumed in embodiment 1, observed from diagonally above. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an opening is exposed by sliding a slide cover. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of a main body. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between a touch sensor and a vibration motor in embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the mounting positions of a touch sensor and a vibration motor. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating operation modes prepared in the aerosol generating device used in embodiment 1 and transitions between operation modes. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating example 1 of a combination of input operations and haptic feedback. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating example 2 of a combination of input operations and haptic feedback. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating example 3 of a combination of input operations and haptic feedback. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating example 4 of a combination of input operations and haptic feedback. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating other feedback. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the difference in input-enabled areas between a heating mode and a non-heating mode. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating other relationships between input operations and haptic feedback. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the processing for accepting an input operation assumed in embodiment 4. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the processing for accepting an input operation assumed in embodiment 5. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between nine touch sensors and a vibration motor in embodiment 6. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the arrangement of touch sensors and input operations in embodiment 6. 13 is a diagram illustrating valid and invalid areas for input operations during sleep mode. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the difference between input-enabled areas in heating mode and non-heating mode. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the touch sensor and the vibration motor in embodiment 7. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a downward swipe operation. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an upward swipe operation. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combination of input operations and haptic feedback in embodiment 7. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating another positional relationship between the touch sensor and the vibration motor in embodiment 7. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the aerosol generation device assumed in embodiment 8, observed from diagonally above. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another positional relationship between the touch sensor and the vibration motor in embodiment 20. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the aerosol generation device assumed in embodiment 9, observed from diagonally above. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the mounting positions of the touch sensor and the vibration motor in embodiment 21.1 is a diagram illustrating differences in input operations of an aerosol generating device depending on the type of aerosol source and the heating temperature.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0023] <Terminology> The aerosol generating device according to each embodiment is a form of electronic cigarette. In the following description, the substance generated by the aerosol generating device is called aerosol. Aerosol refers to a mixture of air or other gases and tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in gas. Each embodiment describes an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion.

[0024] Inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device is also called "puffing." In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device to which a solid aerosol source can be attached will be described. The container that stores the solid aerosol source is called either a "capsule" or a "stick-type substrate" depending on the product form. Capsules and stick-type substrates are consumables. For this reason, replacement guidelines are set for capsules and stick-type substrates.

[0025] First Embodiment In the first embodiment, an aerosol generating device will be described that heats a stick-shaped substrate containing a solid aerosol source at a high temperature (for example, 200° C. or higher).

[0026] <External Appearance Example> First, an external appearance example of the aerosol generation device used in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the first embodiment, observed from diagonally above. The aerosol generation device 1 used in the present embodiment has a size that can be held in one hand by a user. The aerosol generation device 1 has a main body 10 and a sliding cover 20. The main body 10 is a substantially hexahedron. Specifically, each face of the main body 10 is connected to the adjacent faces by curved surfaces. An opening 10A (see FIG. 2), not shown, is provided on the top face of the main body 10, through which a cylindrical stick-shaped substrate 30 (see FIG. 3) can be attached and detached.

[0027] The appearance of the main body 10 is determined by the surface of the housing. The housing divides the main body 10 into an internal space and an external space. In this embodiment, the entire surface of the main body 10 is also referred to as the "housing surface." Furthermore, a portion of the surface of the main body 10 is also referred to as the "housing surface." The sliding cover 20 is a component that can slide along the top surface of the main body 10. In the case of FIG. 1, the opening 10A is covered by the sliding cover 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the state in which the opening 10A is covered by the sliding cover 20 is referred to as the "closed state." Furthermore, the sliding position of the sliding cover 20 in this state is referred to as the "closed position."

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the opening 10A is exposed by sliding the slide cover 20. In FIG. 2, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 2, the state in which the opening 10A is exposed is referred to as the "open state." The slid position of the slide cover 20 in this state is referred to as the "open position." The opening 10A forms the open end of the roughly cylindrical holding portion 109 (see FIG. 3) that holds the stick-shaped substrate 30. Therefore, the opening 10A is roughly circular. The slide cover 20 shown in FIG. 2 slides along a guide groove (not shown) formed on the top surface or back side of the main body 10. Hereinafter, the surface on which the thumb is positioned when the main body 10 is held in the right hand with the slide cover 20 positioned on top is referred to as the "front." In other words, the surface facing the user when the opening 10A is located on the left side of the main body 10 as viewed from the user is referred to as the "front."

[0029] <Internal Configuration> Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the main body 10. A stick-shaped substrate 30 is attached to the opening 10A of the main body 10 shown in Fig. 3. The internal configuration shown in Fig. 3 is intended to explain the components provided in the main body 10 and their positional relationships. For this reason, the appearance of the components, etc. shown in Fig. 3 does not necessarily match the appearance diagram described above.

[0030] The main body 10 is composed of a power supply unit 101, a sensor unit 102, a notification unit 103, a memory unit 104, a communication unit 105, a control unit 106, a heating unit 107, a heat insulating unit 108, and a holding unit 109. The stick-shaped substrate 30 shown in FIG. 3 is held in the holding unit 109. The user inhales the aerosol with the stick-shaped substrate 30 attached to the holding unit 109.

[0031] The power supply unit 101 is a unit that supplies power to each component. The power supply unit 101 uses a secondary battery to store the power required by the main body unit 10. For example, a lithium-ion secondary battery is used as the secondary battery. The secondary battery can be charged from an external power source. In the first embodiment, the external power source is connected via a USB connector (not shown). The USB connector is provided, for example, on the bottom surface of the main body unit 10.

[0032] The sensor unit 102 is an electronic component that detects various pieces of information related to the main body 10. The sensor unit 102 includes, for example, a magnetic sensor used to detect the slide position of the sliding cover 20 (see FIG. 1). The magnetic sensor is disposed within the movable range of the sliding cover 20 and detects the strength of a magnetic field corresponding to the slide position of the sliding cover 20. The magnetic field to be detected is generated by a magnet attached to the sliding cover 20. The control unit 106 detects whether the slide position of the sliding cover 20 is in the open position or the closed position based on the magnetic field strength information notified by the magnetic sensor.

[0033] The sensor unit 102 includes, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor and a flow sensor. The flow sensor notifies the control unit 106 of information indicating, for example, changes in air pressure and air flow due to suction. The sensor unit 102 includes, for example, a contact sensor that detects user operation input. In this embodiment, a touch sensor 102A (see FIG. 4) is used as the contact sensor. The touch sensor 102A is provided at a predetermined location on the surface of the housing used for operation input. In this embodiment, the touch sensor 102A is a sensor that detects contact by the user's hand, finger, etc. as a change in capacitance and is disposed on the back side of the housing corresponding to the predetermined location. The control unit 106 detects the user operation input based on the information on the change in capacitance notified by the touch sensor 102A. The information on the change in capacitance includes not only the coordinate position where the contact was detected, but also the transition (or movement trajectory), movement speed, contact duration, etc.

[0034] In addition, the sensor unit 102 includes, for example, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 107. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 107 based on, for example, changes in the electrical resistance of the conductive track of the heating unit 107. The temperature sensor outputs a voltage corresponding to the current electrical resistance value. The control unit 106 calculates the temperature of the heating unit 107 from the output voltage of the temperature sensor. This temperature sensor is used for the purpose of changing the temperature of the heating unit 107 in accordance with a heating profile. Other temperature sensors include a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the heating unit 107 and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature near the surface of the main body unit 10. These two temperature sensors are used to detect unexpected temperature increases. In other words, the temperature sensors here are provided from a safety perspective.

[0035] The notification unit 103 is an electronic component that notifies the user of various pieces of information related to the main body 10. The notification unit 103 includes, for example, a vibration device that vibrates the main body 10. The vibration device includes, for example, a vibration motor 103A (see FIG. 4 ). In this embodiment, an LRA (= Linear Resonant Actuator) is used as the vibration motor 103A. The LRA is a linear resonant actuator. The LRA generates vibrations that can be perceived by the user by driving a voice coil at the resonant frequency of a spring. The user perceives these vibrations through the skin. In this respect, the vibration motor 103A is an example of a haptic device. Other notification units 103 include, for example, LEDs or other light-emitting devices, display devices that display text, images, or other information, and sound output devices that output sound.

[0036] The light-emitting device expresses information by, for example, turning on and off one or more light-emitting sources individually, by combining the light intensity (i.e., brightness), the lighting pattern or blinking pattern, and the light emission color. The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, and displays characters and images on the display surface. The display device notifies, for example, the remaining amount of the aerosol source, the remaining battery amount, the operating mode, a charging error, an operation abnormality, an abnormal temperature, and other information. The sound output device is, for example, composed of a speaker and an amplifier, and notifies information by, for example, voice, volume, sound frequency, and output pattern (i.e., melody).

[0037] 4 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A in the first embodiment. The touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A are both provided in the internal space of the housing of the main body 10. For this reason, the attachment positions of the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A are indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the touch sensor 102A is approximately square. The touch sensor 102A shown in FIG. 4 is disposed near the center of the front surface of the main body 10.

[0038] The touch sensor 102A is arranged in a range where tapping and swiping with the thumb is possible when the main body 10 is held in the right hand. For this reason, the touch sensor 102A shown in FIG. 4 is arranged closer to the upper surface than the center in the height direction of the main body 10. However, fingers other than the thumb may be used for input operations. The dimensions of the touch sensor 102A are set according to the thumb movement expected for operation input. For example, the dimensions of the touch sensor 102A required when only tapping operations are expected can be smaller than the dimensions of the touch sensor 102A required when swipe operations are expected.

[0039] Note that when a swipe operation in the left-right direction (X direction in FIG. 4 ) is assumed as the operation input, the dimension in the X direction may be longer than the dimension in the Z direction, and when a swipe operation in the up-down direction (Z direction in FIG. 4 ) is assumed, the dimension in the Z direction may be longer than the dimension in the X direction. In this embodiment, in addition to a tap operation, horizontal and up-down swipe operations are also assumed. For this reason, a roughly square touch sensor 102A is employed. In this embodiment, the vibration motor 103A is disposed near the touch sensor 102A. Incidentally, FIG. 4 shows a state in which the vibration motor 103A is disposed near the center of the touch sensor 102A.

[0040] However, the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A cannot be physically arranged in the same space. Therefore, the vibration motor 103A is actually arranged behind the touch sensor 102A when viewed from the front of the main body 10. Figure 5 is a diagram explaining the relationship between the mounting positions of the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A. Figure 5 shows the positional relationship when viewing the inside of the main body 10 from the right side.

[0041] 5, the vibration motor 103A is located behind the touch sensor 102A. In other words, the vibration motor 103A is located on the back side of the touch sensor 102A. In this embodiment, by shortening the distance between the vibration motor 103A and the touch sensor 102A, it becomes easier to convey the difference in vibration intensity to the user.

[0042] The storage unit 104 is an electronic component that stores various information related to the operation of the main body 10. The storage unit 104 is configured, for example, with a non-volatile semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory. The information stored in the storage unit 104 includes, for example, an OS (Operating System), FW (Firmware), and other programs. The information stored in the storage unit 104 also includes, for example, information related to the control of the electronic components. The control information includes information related to suction by the user, such as the number of suctions, the suction time, and the cumulative suction time. This information is also called an operation log.

[0043] The communication unit 105 is a communication interface for realizing communication between the main body 10 and other devices. The communication unit 105 communicates with other devices in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), USB, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the communication unit 105 transmits information about the user's inhalation to a smartphone. The communication unit 105 also downloads update programs and a heating profile that defines the temperature change of the heating unit 107 in heating mode from a server.

[0044] The control unit 106 functions as an arithmetic processing unit or a control device, and controls the operation of each unit constituting the main body unit 10 according to various programs. Control signals are transmitted via a signal line different from the power line. For example, communication within the main body unit 10 uses a serial communication method such as the I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication method, the SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication method, or the UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication method.

[0045] The control unit 106 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The control unit 106 is an example of a processor. The control unit 106 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate.

[0046] The control unit 106 executes various processes and controls through the execution of programs. The processes and controls here include, for example, power supply by the power supply unit 101, charging of the power supply unit 101, detection of information by the sensor unit 102, notification of information using the notification unit 103, writing of information to the storage unit 104 or reading of information from the storage unit 104, and transmission and reception of information using the communication unit 105. In addition, the control unit 106 also controls input of information to electronic components, processing based on information output from electronic components, and the like.

[0047] The holding part 109 is a roughly cylindrical container. In this embodiment, the space inside the holding part 109, defined by the inner wall and the bottom surface, is referred to as the internal space 109A. The internal space 109A is roughly columnar. The open end of the holding part 109 corresponds to the opening 10A that is exposed by sliding the slide cover 20. The stick-shaped substrate 30 is inserted into the internal space 109A from the opening 10A. The stick-shaped substrate 30 can be inserted until its tip hits the bottom 109B. Only a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 30 is accommodated in the internal space 109A. A state in which the stick-shaped substrate 30 is accommodated in the internal space 109A is referred to as the stick-shaped substrate 30 being held in the internal space 109A.

[0048] The inner diameter of the roughly cylindrical holding part 109 is roughly the same as the outer diameter of the stick-shaped substrate 30. However, the inner diameter of the holding part 109 is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped substrate 30 in at least a portion of its axial direction. At this position, the outer peripheral surface of the stick-shaped substrate 30 is compressed by the inner wall of the holding part 109. This compression causes the stick-shaped substrate 30 to deform and be held in the internal space 109A. The holding part 109 also functions to define the flow path of air passing through the stick-shaped substrate 30. An air inlet, which is the entrance of air to the flow path, is located, for example, in the bottom part 109B. The opening 10A corresponds to an air outlet, which is the air exit.

[0049] In the present embodiment, only a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 30 is held in the internal space 109A, with the remainder protruding from the housing. Hereinafter, the portion of the stick-shaped substrate 30 held in the internal space 109A will be referred to as the substrate portion 30A, and the portion protruding from the housing will be referred to as the mouthpiece portion 30B. At least the substrate portion 30A contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source is a substance that is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. Aerosol sources include shredded tobacco, as well as processed products in which tobacco raw materials are formed into granules, sheets, or powder, and other tobacco-derived substances.

[0050] Furthermore, the aerosol source may include non-tobacco-derived substances made from plants other than tobacco, such as mint or herbs. For example, the aerosol source may include a flavoring component such as menthol. If the main body 10 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may include a medication for inhalation by the patient. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to solids and may be, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water.

[0051] At least a portion of the suction mouth portion 30B is held in the user's mouth when inhaling. When the user holds the suction mouth portion 30B in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 109A through the air inlet hole. The inflowing air passes through the internal space 109A and the base portion 30A and reaches the user's mouth. The air that reaches the user's mouth contains aerosol generated in the base portion 30A.

[0052] The heating unit 107 is composed of a heater or other heating element. The heating unit 107 is composed of any material, such as metal or polyimide. The heating unit 107 is, for example, in the form of a film, and is attached to the inner wall surface of the holding unit 109, which defines the internal space 109A. The aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 30 is heated and atomized by the heat generated by the heating unit 107. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air or the like to generate an aerosol. In the case of Figure 3, the area near the periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 30 is heated first, and the heated range gradually moves toward the center.

[0053] For this reason, atomization of the aerosol source begins near the periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 30 and gradually moves toward the center. The heating unit 107 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 101. For example, when a predetermined user operation is detected by the sensor unit 102, power supply to the heating unit 107 is permitted. The predetermined user operation here includes opening and closing the slide cover 20 (see FIG. 1) and operating a contact sensor (for example, the touch sensor 102A).

[0054] When the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 30 heated by the heating unit 107 reaches a predetermined temperature, the user can inhale the substrate. The change in the target temperature over time from the start of heating to the end of heating is stored in the storage unit 104 as a heating profile. The heating profile is an example of a control sequence. The inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected by a flow rate sensor or the like of the sensor unit 102 and stored in the storage unit 104. When a predetermined time has passed since the start of heating, or when a predetermined operation by the user is detected, power supply to the heating unit 107 is stopped. The predetermined operation is, for example, removing the stick-shaped substrate 30.

[0055] In the example of FIG. 3 , the heating unit 107 is disposed on the outer periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 30, but the heating unit 107 may be a blade-shaped metal piece inserted into the stick-shaped substrate 30. Alternatively, an induction heating method, for example, may be used to atomize the aerosol source. In this type of heating method, the heating unit 107 has at least an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil that generates a magnetic field. In this case, a susceptor is disposed at a position overlapping with the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction source. The susceptor generates heat in response to the generation of the magnetic field and heats the aerosol source. The susceptor may be a metal piece embedded in the stick-shaped substrate 30. When a metal piece acting as the heating unit 107 is embedded in the stick-shaped substrate 30, a coil that induction heats the metal piece is disposed around the holder 109. Alternatively, a susceptor may be disposed on the outer periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 30 within the main body 10, and a coil serving as an electromagnetic induction source may be wound around the outer periphery.

[0056] The heat insulating section 108 is a member that reduces the propagation of heat generated in the heating section 107 to the surrounding area. For this reason, the heat insulating section 108 is arranged so as to cover at least the outer peripheral surface of the heating section 107. The heat insulating section 108 is made of, for example, a vacuum insulation material, an aerogel insulation material, or the like. A vacuum insulation material is an insulation material in which, for example, glass wool and silica (silicon powder) are wrapped in a resin film to create a high vacuum state, thereby reducing the thermal conduction of gases to as close to zero as possible.

[0057] <Operation Modes> Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation modes available in the aerosol generation device 1 (see Figure 1) used in embodiment 1 and the transitions between the operation modes. The aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 1 has nine operation modes: charging mode M1, sleep mode M2, error modes M3 and M4, pairing mode M5, active mode M6, initialization mode M7, heating mode M8, and heating end mode M9. Note that charging mode M1, sleep mode M2, error modes M3 and M4, pairing mode M5, and active mode M6 are examples of non-heating modes. Also, initialization mode M7, heating mode M8, and heating end mode M9 are examples of heating modes.

[0058] Each operation mode will be explained in turn below. Charging mode M1 Charging mode M1 is a mode in which the secondary battery is charged using a USB cable. In charging mode M1, deep discharge and over-discharge of the secondary battery are also detected.

[0059] Sleep Mode M2 ​​Sleep mode M2 ​​is a mode in which most functions are stopped. In other words, sleep mode M2 ​​consumes less power than other modes. However, it is possible to detect whether the slide cover 20 (see FIG. 1) is closed, monitor the state of the secondary battery, and detect transition to other operating modes. Incidentally, a dedicated processor (hereinafter referred to as the "fuel gauge IC") is used to monitor the state of the secondary battery. The fuel gauge IC is a separate processor from the MCU.

[0060] The transition from charging mode M1 to sleep mode M2 ​​is executed, for example, when the USB cable is removed during charging. However, if a function is provided to warn the user by vibration, sound, or the like when the USB cable is removed during charging, it is possible to operate the device without immediately switching to sleep mode M2. The transition from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2 ​​is executed, for example, when the slide cover 20 is moved from the open position to the closed position, when a predetermined operation is detected via the touch sensor 102A (see FIG. 4), or when no operation continues for a predetermined period of time. The transition from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6 is executed, for example, when the slide cover 20 is moved from the closed position to the open position or when a startup operation is detected via the touch sensor 102A. The transition from sleep mode M2 ​​to charging mode M1 is executed, for example, when a USB cable is connected.

[0061] Error Mode M3 Error Mode M3 is a mode that appears temporarily when a recoverable error, such as a temperature abnormality, occurs. When the device enters Error Mode M3, an error notification is output, and the device returns to Sleep Mode M2 ​​after a certain period of time has passed or after a predetermined condition for clearing the error is met. The error notification is, for example, a vibration of a certain strength. The device can also enter Error Mode M3 from Charging Mode M1, Active Mode M6, Initialization Mode M7, and Heating Mode M8.

[0062] Error Mode M4 Error mode M4 is a mode that appears when an unrecoverable error occurs, such as deep discharge, end of secondary battery life, or short circuit. Transition from error mode M4 to other modes is prohibited. Pairing Mode M5 Pairing mode M5 is a mode in which pairing with an external device is performed, for example. Bluetooth is used for pairing. The transition from sleep mode M2 ​​to pairing mode M5 is performed, for example, when a pairing operation is detected via touch sensor 102A.

[0063] Active Mode M6 Active mode M6 is a mode in which most functions except for heating are available. For example, it is possible to send a heating profile to an external device, receive a heating profile from an external device, change the heating profile used to heat the stick-shaped substrate 30 (change the heating temperature), change the brand of the stick-shaped substrate 30 to be heated, and check various information. The transition from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6 is performed, for example, when the slide cover 20 moves from the closed position to the open position or when a startup operation is detected via the touch sensor 102A.

[0064] The transition from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2 ​​is executed when the sliding cover 20 is moved from the open position to the closed position, when a predetermined operation is detected via the touch sensor 102A (see FIG. 4), or when no operation is performed for a predetermined period of time in active mode M6. The transition from active mode M6 to initialization mode M7 is executed when an operation to start heating is detected via the touch sensor 102A while the sliding cover 20 is in the open position. In addition, the transition from active mode M6 to charging mode M1 or pairing mode M5 is also possible.

[0065] Initialization Mode M7 Initialization mode M7 is a mode executed before starting heating of the stick-shaped substrate 30. In initialization mode M7, initial settings, preheating, etc. are performed. In the initial settings, for example, the heating profile used to heat the stick-shaped substrate 30 is loaded. Preheating refers to preheating the stick-shaped substrate 30 in order to generate a certain amount of aerosol immediately after starting heating mode M8. If an error occurs during initialization, the system transitions from initialization mode M7 to error mode M3. Errors during initialization include, for example, failure to read the heating profile or removal of the stick-shaped substrate 30.

[0066] Heating Mode M8 Heating Mode M8 is a mode in which the stick-shaped substrate 30 is heated to generate an aerosol. The stick-shaped substrate 30 is heated based on a heating profile. The heating profile defines the relationship between the elapsed time from the start of heating and the target temperature at each time point. The control unit 106 controls the heating unit 107 on and off so that the measured temperature at each elapsed time matches the target temperature. When the heating unit 107 is turned on (power is applied to the heater), heat is generated, and when the heating unit 107 is turned off (power is stopped to the heater), heat generation stops. The transition from Initialization Mode M7 to Heating Mode M8 is performed upon completion of initial settings. Note that if an error occurs during heating, the mode transitions from Heating Mode M8 to Error Mode M3. Errors during heating include, for example, the detection of an abnormal temperature exceeding the target temperature or the removal of the stick-shaped substrate 30.

[0067] Heating End Mode M9 Heating end mode M9 is a mode in which heating end processing is executed. Heating end processing includes, for example, updating of management data. Management data includes, for example, the current number of suctions, the cumulative number of suctions, and the cumulative number of stick-shaped substrates 30. The transition from heating mode M8 to heating end mode M9 is executed, for example, when a predetermined time defined in the heating profile has elapsed, or when a heating end operation is performed via the touch sensor 102A. The transition from heating end mode M9 to active mode M6 is executed when the end processing is completed.

[0068] <Combination of Input Operation and Haptic Feedback> Below, we will explain examples of combinations of input operations on the touch sensor 102A (see FIG. 4) and haptic feedback from the vibration motor 103A (see FIG. 4). Below, we will explain four combination examples based on the type of input operation. Needless to say, each combination example is merely an example and is not intended to exclude other combination examples. However, in one operation mode, only one instruction can be assigned to one input operation. Therefore, when multiple instruction contents are illustrated for one input operation in one operation mode, this is merely an example, and when implemented in an actual device, only one of the multiple instruction contents will be adopted.

[0069] <Combination Example 1: Tapping and Swipe Operations> FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating combination example 1 of input operations and haptic feedback. In combination example 1, tapping and swiping operations are assumed as input operations. Note that in combination example 1, linear movements are assumed as swipe operations. For example, finger movements in the up, down, left, and right directions are assumed. However, it is also possible to combine diagonally upward and diagonally downward movements.

[0070] When assuming a swipe operation involving finger movements up, down, left, or right, only four types of instructions can be assigned to one operation mode. However, by combining diagonally upward and diagonally downward movements, it becomes possible to assign eight types of instructions to one operation mode. Different vibration patterns are used for haptic feedback. In a broad sense, vibration patterns include differences in the number of vibrations resulting from a single vibration intensity (including differences in the timing at which vibrations are output) and differences in vibration intensity resulting from a single vibration frequency. The differences in vibration patterns allow the user to perceive the acceptance of their operation.

[0071] Furthermore, the vibration pattern that is fed back allows the user to predict the content of the control that will be executed by the control unit 106 (see FIG. 3). In addition, the vibration intensity that is fed back allows the user to confirm the content of the control that will be executed by the control unit 106 (see FIG. 3) and the content of the response from the control unit 106. The above is for the case where the user intentionally performs an input operation, but vibration feedback also has the effect of making the user aware that an unconscious finger movement has been accepted as an input operation. As a result, the user can cancel the execution of an unintended operation.

[0072] <Upward Swipe Operation> The first line L1 from the top of the chart illustrates two instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with an "upward swipe operation." Example 1 (L1-A) For example, if an "upward swipe operation" occurs during sleep mode M2, the control unit 106 (see FIG. 3) transitions from a sleep state to an active state. That is, the operating mode transitions from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back increases as the distance the finger moves upward increases. The response speed of the LRA used as the vibration motor 103A is fast, approximately 20 ms to 30 ms. Therefore, the vibration strength gradually increases in proportion to the distance the finger moves, making it easier for the user to realize that their operation is being accepted.

[0073] Example 2 (L1-B) For example, if an "upward swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, a "heating profile transmission" is executed. This operation is possible only if the aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1) supports the function of transmitting a heating profile to an external device. In this case, too, the longer the distance the finger moves upward, the greater the strength of the vibration fed back. Note that if an upward swipe operation is performed on an aerosol generation device 1 that does not support the heating profile transmission function, the swipe operation is treated as invalid, the operating mode is transitioned to error mode M3, an error vibration (e.g., high-intensity continuous vibration, special vibration pattern) is fed back, or an error sound is fed back. In the case of FIG. 7, an upward swipe operation is used in both sleep mode M2 ​​and active mode M6. However, since the operating modes are different, the operations executed through the upward swipe operation are different.

[0074] <Downward swipe operation> The second line L2 from the top of the chart illustrates two instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with a "downward swipe operation." Example 1 (L2-A) For example, when a "downward swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, the control unit 106 changes from the active state to the sleep state. That is, the operation mode is shifted from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back decreases as the distance the finger moves downward increases.

[0075] Example 2 (L2-B) For example, if a "downward swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, "receive heating profile" is executed. This operation is only possible if the aerosol generation device 1 supports changing or adding heating profiles. In this case, too, the strength of the vibration fed back decreases as the distance the finger moves downward increases. Note that if a downward swipe operation is performed on an aerosol generation device 1 that does not support the heating profile reception function, the swipe operation is treated as invalid, the operating mode is switched to error mode M3, an error vibration is fed back, or an error sound is fed back.

[0076] <Swiping in both directions> The third line L3 from the top of the chart illustrates two instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with "swiping in both directions." Example 1 (L3-A) For example, if a "swipe to the right" or a "swipe to the left" occurs during active mode M6, a "change in heating temperature" is executed. In the case of FIG. 7, a swipe to the right is accepted as an operation to increase the heating temperature from the current temperature. On the other hand, a swipe to the left is accepted as an operation to decrease the heating temperature from the current temperature. The heating temperature is changed at predetermined intervals each time a swipe is detected.

[0077] In this embodiment, changing the heating temperature means changing the maximum temperature specified in the heating profile. Incidentally, the higher the maximum temperature, the greater the maximum amount of aerosol generated. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the changed temperature is associated with the vibration intensity. Therefore, the higher the changed temperature, the greater the vibration intensity that is fed back, and the lower the changed temperature, the smaller the vibration intensity that is fed back.

[0078] Note that, although the example in FIG. 7 describes an example in which only the maximum temperature of the heating profile is changed, left and right swiping operations may be associated with switching the heating profile. For example, if the control unit 106 supports five types of heating profiles and each heating profile is assigned a reference number from "1" to "5," the reference number may be updated depending on the direction of the swipe operation. For example, a single rightward swipe operation may increase the reference number by one. For example, if the reference number before the swipe operation was "3," a single rightward swipe operation changes the reference number to "4." Furthermore, a single leftward swipe operation may decrease the reference number by one. For example, if the reference number before the swipe operation was "3," a single leftward swipe operation changes the reference number to "2."

[0079] Incidentally, when a rightward swipe operation is performed when the control number is at its maximum value, the control number may be changed to its minimum value, or the current control number may be maintained. Similarly, when a leftward swipe operation is performed when the control number is at its minimum value, the control number may be changed to its maximum value, or the current control number may be maintained. Note that when a leftward or rightward swipe operation is performed on an aerosol generation device 1 that does not support the temperature change function, the swipe operation is treated as invalid, the operating mode is switched to error mode M3, an error vibration is fed back, or an error sound is fed back.

[0080] Example 2 (L3-B) For example, when a "rightward or leftward swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, a "brand selection" of the stick-shaped substrate 30 is executed. In the case of FIG. 7 , the brands of the stick-shaped substrate 30 that the control unit 106 supports are three types: "brand A," "brand B," and "brand C." For example, a rightward swipe operation may be associated with a "change from brand A to brand B" or a "change from brand B to brand C," and a leftward swipe operation may be associated with a "change from brand C to brand B" or a "change from brand B to brand A."

[0081] This brand change function may be limited to cases where a heating profile corresponding to the brand of the stick-shaped substrate 30 is prepared. In FIG. 7 , if the new brand is "Brand A," vibrations of a specific intensity are fed back once; if the new brand is "Brand B," vibrations of a specific intensity are fed back twice; and if the new brand is "Brand C," vibrations of a specific intensity are fed back three times. Since the number of vibrations fed back differs depending on the brand, the user can confirm not only that the brand change has been accepted but also the new brand. Note that if a left or right swipe operation is performed on an aerosol generation device 1 that does not support the brand change function, the swipe operation is treated as invalid, the operating mode is switched to error mode M3, an error vibration is fed back, or an error sound is fed back.

[0082] <Tap Operation (Long Press)> In the fourth line L4 from the top of the chart, two instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with a "tap operation (long press)" are illustrated. In this embodiment, a case where the detection time of the tap exceeds a threshold is considered a "long press operation," and a case where the detection time of the tap does not exceed the threshold is considered a "short press operation." Note that a "tap operation" refers to an operation in which the position of the finger detected by the touch sensor 102A is stationary or barely changes, and a "swipe operation" refers to an operation in which the position of the finger detected by the touch sensor 102A moves or changes. Incidentally, a double tap operation or the like may be used instead of a tap operation (long press).

[0083] Example 1 (L4-A) For example, if a "tap operation (long press)" is performed during active mode M6, the control unit 106 accepts this as a "start heating" operation. In this case, the control unit 106 transitions from active mode M6 to initialization mode M7. The control unit 106 continues vibration of a certain intensity for a certain period of time. Here, the completion of acceptance of the operation is notified by feedback. The feedback vibration continues for a certain period of time, but the output of the vibration is started after at least a threshold time has elapsed since the completion of acceptance of the tap operation, or after the tap operation has ended.

[0084] Example 2 (L4-B) For example, if a "tap operation (long press)" is performed during heating mode M8, the control unit 106 accepts it as an operation to "stop heating." In this case, the control unit 106 transitions from heating mode M8 to heating end mode M9. In this case, the control unit 106 continues vibration of a certain intensity for a certain period of time. Here, feedback is used to notify the completion of acceptance of the operation. In the case of FIG. 7, the tap operation (long press) is used not only in heating mode M8 but also in active mode M6, which is one of the non-heating modes. However, since the operating modes are different, the operation executed through the tap operation (long press) is different.

[0085] <Tap Operation (Short Press)> The fifth line L5 from the top of the chart shows examples of instructions and vibration patterns associated with "tap operation (short press)." Example 1 (L5-A) For example, if a "tap operation (short press)" is performed during active mode M6, the control unit 106 accepts it as an operation to "check the remaining battery level." In this case, the control unit 106 feeds back a vibration pattern according to the remaining battery level obtained from the fuel gauge IC. The vibration pattern here has a constant vibration intensity, but differs only in the number of vibrations.

[0086] For example, if the battery level is 10% or less, vibration feedback is not performed. For example, if the battery level is more than 10% and less than or equal to 60%, one vibration is fed back. For example, if the battery level is more than 60% and less than or equal to 90%, two vibrations are fed back. For example, if the battery level is more than 90%, three vibrations are fed back. Note that the battery level may be fed back using different vibration intensities instead of the number of vibrations. For example, if the battery level is 10% or less, vibration feedback is not performed. For example, if the battery level is more than 10% and less than or equal to 60%, vibration of a first intensity may be fed back, if the battery level is more than 60% and less than or equal to 90%, vibration of a second intensity (> first intensity) may be fed back, and if the battery level is more than 90%, vibration of a third intensity (> second intensity) may be fed back.

[0087] In the example shown in FIG. 7 , when the operation mode is sleep mode M2, only an upward swipe operation is controlled to be accepted. Therefore, even if a downward swipe operation, a left / right swipe operation, or a tap operation is detected during sleep mode M2, the control unit 106 (see FIG. 3 ) disables these input operations. In other words, unless the user intentionally inputs an input operation that is acceptable during sleep mode M2, unintended user operations are prevented. Furthermore, when the operation mode is heating mode M8, only a tap operation (long press) is accepted. Therefore, even if an input operation other than a tap operation (long press) is detected during heating mode M8, the control unit 106 does not treat it as a valid input operation. As a result, unless a tap operation (long press) is detected, the heating mode M8 is not forcibly stopped.

[0088] Note that when the operating mode is active mode M6, an upward swipe operation, a downward swipe operation, a left-right swipe operation, and a tap operation are assigned. As mentioned above, active mode M6 is a mode in which most functions are available except for heating. Therefore, various instructions are assigned to three types of swipe operations and two types of tap operations. However, only one instruction can be assigned to one input operation. Therefore, for a "downward swipe operation," only one of the two examples shown in FIG. 7 is assigned. For example, only sleep is assigned to a "downward swipe operation" in active mode M6. The same is true for left-right swipe operations. For example, only changing the heating temperature is assigned to a "left-right swipe operation" in active mode M6.

[0089] <Combination Example 2: Rotational Swipe Operation> FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating combination example 2 of input operations and haptic feedback. Unlike combination example 1, combination example 2 assumes only swipe operations as input operations. However, the swipe operation in combination example 2 is not a linear movement but an approximately circular movement. For example, assume that a finger is moved in a clockwise or counterclockwise circular motion from the initial tap position (starting point). In the case of FIG. 8, if an arc-shaped movement of approximately half a circle (180°) or more and a rotation direction are detected, it is considered to be a rotational swipe operation.

[0090] Note that the rotational swipe operation requires an arc-shaped movement. Therefore, it is less likely to be performed unconsciously than the swipe operation and tap operation described in combination example 1. As a result, the combination of the operation mode and the rotational swipe operation reduces the possibility that an operation unintended by the user will be performed on the aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1 ) compared to combination example 1. Incidentally, although not illustrated in FIG. 8 , it is also possible to include a tap operation as an input operation.

[0091] <Clockwise swipe operation> The first line L1 from the top of the chart illustrates two instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with a "clockwise swipe operation." Example 1 (L1-A) For example, if a "clockwise swipe operation" is performed during sleep mode M2, the control unit 106 (see FIG. 3) changes from a sleep state to an active state. That is, the operating mode is transitioned from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back increases as the distance the finger moves clockwise increases.

[0092] Example 2 (L1-B) For example, if a "clockwise swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, the control unit 106 accepts this as a "start heating" operation. In this case, the control unit 106 transitions from active mode M6 to initialization mode M7. In this case, too, the strength of the vibration fed back increases as the distance the finger moves clockwise increases.

[0093] <Counterclockwise swipe operation> The second line L2 from the top of the chart illustrates two instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with a "counterclockwise swipe operation." Example 1 (L2-A) For example, if a "counterclockwise swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, the control unit 106 transitions from the active state to the sleep state. That is, the operation mode transitions from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back decreases as the distance the finger moves counterclockwise increases.

[0094] Example 2 (L2-B) For example, if a "counterclockwise swipe operation" is performed during heating mode M8, the control unit 106 accepts this as a "stop heating" operation. In this case, the control unit 106 transitions from heating mode M8 to heating end mode M9. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back decreases as the distance the finger moves counterclockwise increases. In the case of FIG. 8 , the "counterclockwise swipe operation" is used not only in heating mode M8 but also in active mode M6, which is one of the non-heating modes. However, since the operating modes are different, the operation performed through the counterclockwise swipe operation is different.

[0095] <Clockwise or counterclockwise swipe operation> The third line L3 from the top of the chart shows examples of instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with a "clockwise swipe operation" and a "counterclockwise swipe operation." This swipe operation corresponds to the "both left and right swipe operation" in FIG. 7.

[0096] Example 1 (L3-A) For example, if a "rightward swipe operation" or a "leftward swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, a "change in heating temperature" is executed. In the case of FIG. 8, a clockwise swipe operation is accepted as an operation to increase the heating temperature from the current temperature. On the other hand, a counterclockwise swipe operation is accepted as an operation to decrease the heating temperature from the current temperature. The heating temperature is changed at predetermined intervals each time a swipe operation is detected.

[0097] However, swiping in both directions alone is indistinguishable from the "right swipe" and "left swipe" described above. Therefore, if swiping in both directions is used, the activation and sleep modes described above cannot be used. In this case, too, the higher the changed temperature, the stronger the strength of the vibration feedback, and the lower the changed temperature, the weaker the strength of the vibration feedback.

[0098] <Combination Example 3: Arc Swipe Operation> Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating combination example 3 of input operation and haptic feedback. Combination example 3 also assumes only a swipe operation as the input operation. However, the swipe operation in combination example 3 is not a linear or approximately circular movement, but an approximately arc movement. For example, assume that the finger is moved clockwise or counterclockwise approximately halfway around or approximately one-quarter of a circle from the initial tap position (starting point).

[0099] In the case of FIG. 9 , if an arc-shaped movement and rotation direction of less than approximately half a circle (180°) is detected, it is considered to be an arc swipe operation. This arc swipe operation also requires an arc-shaped movement. Therefore, compared to the swipe operation and tap operation described in combination example 1, it is less likely to be performed unintentionally. As a result, the combination of the operation mode and the arc swipe operation reduces the possibility that an operation unintended by the user will be performed on the aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1 ) compared to combination example 1. Incidentally, although not illustrated in FIG. 9 , a tap operation may also be included in the input operation.

[0100] <Lower semicircular swipe operation> The first line L1 from the top of the chart shows two examples of instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with a "lower semicircular swipe operation." A lower semicircular swipe operation refers to a movement that draws a roughly semicircle counterclockwise from the initial tap position (starting point). In this case, the position where the swipe operation ends (ending point) will be roughly the same height as the starting point.

[0101] Example 1 (L1-A): For example, if a "lower semicircular swipe operation" is performed during sleep mode M2, the control unit 106 (see FIG. 3) transitions from the sleep state to the active state. That is, the operation mode transitions from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back increases as the distance of the finger moving counterclockwise increases.

[0102] Example 2 (L1-B) For example, if a "lower semicircular swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, the control unit 106 accepts this as a "start heating" operation. In this case, the control unit 106 transitions from active mode M6 to initialization mode M7. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back increases as the distance the finger moves counterclockwise increases. Note that while both examples 1 and 2 describe the case where the lower semicircle is drawn counterclockwise, the lower semicircle may also be drawn clockwise.

[0103] <Upper semicircular swipe operation> The second line from the top of the chart, L2, shows two examples of instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with an "upper semicircular swipe operation." An upper semicircular swipe operation is a movement that draws a roughly semicircular motion clockwise from the initial tap position (starting point). In this case, the position where the swipe operation ends (ending point) will be roughly the same height as the starting point.

[0104] Example 1 (L2-A): For example, if an "upper semicircular swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, the control unit 106 transitions from the active state to the sleep state. That is, the operation mode transitions from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back decreases as the distance the finger moves clockwise increases.

[0105] Example 2 (L2-B) For example, if an "upper semicircular swipe operation" is performed during heating mode M8, the control unit 106 accepts this as an "upper semicircular swipe operation" to "stop heating." In this case, the control unit 106 transitions from heating mode M8 to heating end mode M9. In this case, too, the strength of the vibration fed back decreases as the distance the finger moves clockwise increases. Note that while both examples 1 and 2 describe the case where an upper semicircle is drawn clockwise, the upper semicircle may also be drawn counterclockwise.

[0106] <Clockwise or counterclockwise quarter-circle swipe operation> The third line L3 from the top of the chart illustrates examples of instructions and vibration patterns associated with a "clockwise quarter-circle swipe operation" and a "counterclockwise quarter-circle swipe operation." This swipe operation also corresponds to the "both left and right swipe operation" in Fig. 7. Note that the arc in Fig. 9 is a part of the lower semicircle.

[0107] Example 1 (L3-A) For example, if a "counterclockwise quarter-circle swipe" or a "clockwise quarter-circle swipe" occurs during active mode M6, a "change in heating temperature" is executed. In the example of FIG. 9 , a counterclockwise quarter-circle swipe is accepted as an operation to increase the heating temperature from the current temperature. On the other hand, a clockwise quarter-circle swipe is accepted as an operation to decrease the heating temperature from the current temperature. In this case, too, the higher the changed temperature, the greater the strength of the vibration fed back, and the lower the changed temperature, the smaller the strength of the vibration fed back.

[0108] <Combination Example 4: Other Swipe Operations> Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating combination example 4 of input operations and haptic feedback. Combination example 4 also assumes only swipe operations as input operations. However, the swipe operations in combination example 4 assume linear movements and the drawing of characters, figures, and other patterns in a single stroke. Note that, although not illustrated in Figure 10, tap operations may also be included in the input operations.

[0109] <Z-shaped swipe operation> The first line L1 from the top of the diagram illustrates two instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with a "Z-shaped swipe operation." A Z-shaped swipe operation is effective in ensuring a finger movement distance within a limited dimension. Other possible characters include "C," "J," "L," "M," "N," "S," "U," "V," "W," "2," "3," "6," "7," "8," and "9." The likelihood of these patterns being drawn unconsciously is lower than with linear movements or tap operations.

[0110] Example 1 (L1-A): For example, if a "Z-shaped swipe operation" is performed during sleep mode M2, the control unit 106 (see FIG. 3) transitions from the sleep state to the active state. That is, the operating mode transitions from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back increases as the distance traveled by the finger drawing the Z-shape increases.

[0111] Example 2 (L1-B): For example, if a "Z-shaped swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, the control unit 106 accepts this as a "start heating" operation. In this case, the control unit 106 transitions from active mode M6 to initialization mode M7. In this case, too, the strength of the vibration fed back increases as the distance traveled by the finger drawing the Z-shape increases.

[0112] <Downward swipe operation> The second line L2 from the top of the chart illustrates two instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with a "downward swipe operation." Example 1 (L2-A) For example, when a "downward swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, the control unit 106 changes from the active state to the sleep state. That is, the operation mode is shifted from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back decreases as the distance the finger moves downward increases.

[0113] Example 2 (L2-B) For example, if a "downward swipe operation" is performed during heating mode M8, the control unit 106 accepts it as a "stop heating" operation. In this case, the control unit 106 transitions from heating mode M8 to heating end mode M9. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back decreases as the distance of the downward finger movement increases. In the example of FIG. 10, a downward swipe operation is used in both active mode M6 and heating mode M8. However, since the operating modes are different, the operation performed through the downward swipe operation is different.

[0114] <Diagonal Swipe Operation> The third line L3 from the top of the chart illustrates two examples of instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with a "diagonal upper right swipe operation" and a "diagonal lower left swipe operation." Example 1 (L3-A) For example, if a "diagonal upper right swipe operation" or a "diagonal lower left swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, a "change in heating temperature" is executed. In the case of FIG. 10, a diagonal upper right swipe operation is accepted as an operation to increase the heating temperature from the current temperature. On the other hand, a diagonal lower left swipe operation is accepted as an operation to decrease the heating temperature from the current temperature. In the case of FIG. 10, the changed temperature is also associated with the intensity of the vibration. Therefore, the higher the changed temperature, the greater the intensity of the vibration that is fed back, and the lower the changed temperature, the smaller the intensity of the vibration that is fed back.

[0115] <Other Feedback> The above-described operation examples assume feedback during input operations and feedback for operation results, but here we will explain feedback for other purposes. FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining other feedback. FIG. 11 shows two types of notification as examples. The first notification is a notification of "detection of start of operation." The first notification is effective when there is a time lag between the timing of operation input and the output of the corresponding vibration feedback, such as "changing the heating temperature," "selecting a brand," or "checking the remaining battery level."

[0116] When the position of the touch sensor 102A is unknown, the user may feel unsure whether their operation has been detected. However, if vibration feedback is provided at the time when the start of an operation is detected, such as when the user touches a predetermined position with their finger, the user can continue inputting the operation with peace of mind. This vibration feedback is also provided when the user's finger accidentally touches the touch sensor 102A. This feedback allows the user to realize that an unconscious finger movement has been detected as the start of an operation, and can prevent the user from performing an unintended operation, such as removing their finger from the touch sensor 102A.

[0117] The vibration intensity used for the notification of "detection of operation start" is ST1. Because this vibration intensity ST1 is intended only to notify detection, it may be smaller than the vibration intensity used for other feedback. However, since the vibration motor 103A, which is the vibration source, is close to the fingertip, vibration feedback can be transmitted to the user even with a low vibration intensity. Incidentally, the first notification may be combined with the other operation input described above. The second notification is a notification of "operation acceptance completion." The above description assumes that the user's finger movement and operation time are correctly recognized as the example input operation. However, in reality, the user's finger movement and operation time may not be recognized as the above input operation. For example, if the finger movement distance is extremely short, if the tap time is extremely short, or if the finger movement cannot be distinguished from other operation inputs. In these cases, the user's perception may not match the actual operation. For example, heating may not start, heating may not stop, or the heating temperature may not change.

[0118] Therefore, a function is provided to provide feedback by vibration indicating "operation acceptance completion" as a second notification. The vibration intensity used for this notification is ST2. As shown in FIG. 11, this vibration intensity ST2 is greater than vibration intensity ST1, making it possible to distinguish it from vibration intensity ST1. Meanwhile, feedback by vibration intensity ST2 is output when operation acceptance is complete. Therefore, a user who perceives vibration intensity ST2 can know that their operation has been accepted as a specific input operation even if they have not finished the operation. As a result, the user can stop the input operation without hesitation. Without this notification, the user would have to continue inputting operations without being sure. Furthermore, by adopting the second notification, if the user realizes from the first notification that their unconscious finger movement has been accepted as the start of an input operation, the absence of the second notification allows them to confirm that an unintended action will not be performed.

[0119] <Effects> In the aerosol generation device 1 according to this embodiment (see FIG. 1 ), acceptable input operations are predetermined for each operation mode. Therefore, unless the user intentionally performs a specific input operation corresponding to the current operation mode, the user's operation is not accepted as a valid input operation. As a result, unintended operation of the aerosol generation device 1 can be prevented. Furthermore, in the case of an upward swipe operation or a downward swipe operation in FIG. 7 , vibrations linked to the movement of the finger are fed back. Therefore, in the case of an intentional input operation, the user can realize that their operation has been accepted as a valid input operation. On the other hand, when an unintentional finger movement is accepted as an input operation, the vibration feedback can make the user aware that the unintentional finger movement has been accepted as an input operation. As a result, unintended operation of the aerosol generation device 1 can be prevented.

[0120] Furthermore, in the case of a left-right swipe operation, etc., as shown in FIG. 7 , the result of the accepted instruction is fed back by vibration. Therefore, in the case of an intentional input operation, the user can realize that their operation has been accepted as a valid input operation. On the other hand, in the case of an unintentional finger movement being accepted as an input operation, the vibration feedback can make the user aware that the unintentional finger movement has been accepted as an input operation. As a result, it becomes possible to take measures such as canceling an unintentionally performed operation or returning to a state before the operation.

[0121] Furthermore, the aerosol generation device 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a function of providing feedback of the detection of the start of an operation by vibration. Therefore, in the case of an intentional input operation, the user can realize that the current finger movement has been detected as the start of an operation. On the other hand, in the case of an unconscious finger movement being accepted as an input operation, the detection of the start of the operation is provided as feedback by vibration, thereby making the user aware that the unconscious finger movement has been detected as the start of an operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent unintended operation of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0122] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a function of providing feedback of the completion of operation acceptance by vibration. Therefore, in the case of an intentional input operation, the user can be made aware of the completion of the current input operation as soon as it is detected. As a result, the user does not need to continue an unnecessary operation without realizing that the input operation has been completed. On the other hand, even if an unconscious finger movement is detected as the start of an operation, the user can be made aware that an unintended operation will not be performed as long as the completion of operation acceptance is not yet provided as feedback by vibration. Furthermore, when the completion of operation acceptance is provided as feedback by vibration, the execution of an unintended operation can be prevented by, for example, canceling the performed operation.

[0123] <Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the areas of the touch sensor 102A that can accept input operations are limited depending on the operation mode. In this embodiment, the areas that can accept input operations are limited in the heating mode. Fig. 12 is a diagram that explains the difference between the areas that can accept input operations in the heating mode and the non-heating mode. In Fig. 12, areas of the touch sensor 102A that can accept input operations (i.e., valid areas) are shown in white, and areas that cannot be used to accept input operations (i.e., invalid areas) are shown in shaded areas.

[0124] In Fig. 12 , the tap operation (long press) shown in Fig. 7 is assumed as an input operation that can be accepted in the heating mode. Therefore, in the heating mode shown in Fig. 12 , only the area near the center of the touch sensor 102A is set as an area that can accept input operations. In Fig. 12 , the area that can accept input operations in the heating mode (white area) is approximately square. The approximately square area here is an example of a specific area.

[0125] However, as long as it is a partial area of ​​the touch sensor 102A, the area where input operations are valid may be the upper left corner, the upper right corner, the lower right corner, or the lower left corner of the touch sensor 102A. In this case, by setting the area where input operations are valid to a location that is difficult for the thumb to reach when holding the main body 10 in the hand, the possibility of an erroneous operation being accepted as an input operation can be reduced. For example, when holding the main body 10 with the right hand, the area where input operations are valid may be provided on the left side of the touch sensor 102A, where the thumb cannot unintentionally reach. Furthermore, the shape of the area that can accept input operations is not limited to a square, and may be a rectangle or an approximately circle.

[0126] Tapping is an operation that is more likely to be performed unconsciously than swiping or the like, but by limiting the area that can be accepted as a valid input operation to a portion of the touch sensor 102A, it is possible to avoid unintended stopping of heating. In other words, unless the user intentionally operates a specific area, unintended operation (stopping of heating in this example) can be prevented. On the other hand, in the non-heating mode, in this embodiment, there is no restriction on the area that can accept input operations. In other words, the entire touch sensor 102A is used as an area that can accept input operations.

[0127] However, even in the non-heating mode, the areas that can accept input operations may be separately determined. For example, the outer edge or outer periphery of the touch sensor 102A may be excluded from the areas that can accept input operations, or conversely, only the outer edge or outer periphery of the touch sensor 102A may be set as the areas that can accept input operations. Note that the areas that are valid for input operations may be set by the user themselves. For example, the areas that are valid for input operations may be set while looking at the operation screen of a smartphone paired via Bluetooth.

[0128] In the above description, the area capable of accepting input operations is set to a substantially square shape in consideration of the assumed tap operation (long press) in the heating mode. However, if the assumed input operation is a swipe operation, the shape of the area used to accept the input operation may be determined depending on the direction of the swipe operation. For example, for an operation mode assuming an upward swipe operation or a downward swipe operation, the area capable of accepting input operations may be set to a rectangular area whose height is longer than its width. Similarly, for an operation mode assuming a leftward swipe operation or a rightward swipe operation, the area capable of accepting input operations may be set to a rectangular area whose width is longer than its height.

[0129] <Effects> In the aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment (see FIG. 1), the area that accepts input operations in the heating mode is limited to a portion of the touch sensor 102A. Therefore, compared to when the entire touch sensor 102A is used to accept input operations, it is less likely that an unintended operation will be performed by the user. For example, in the case of FIG. 12, even if a user unintentionally taps (long presses) near the outer periphery of the touch sensor 102A, the operation is not treated as a valid input operation. Therefore, an unintended operation (here, stopping heating) is not performed. Incidentally, even if a tap operation (long presses) near the outer periphery of the touch sensor 102A is performed, the vibration feedback that notifies the user of the detection of the start of the operation, as illustrated in FIG. 11, is not performed.

[0130] Third Embodiment In this embodiment, another example of input operations that can be accepted in the heating mode and the non-heating mode will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another relationship between input operations and haptic feedback. In FIG. 13, the same reference numerals are used to denote parts corresponding to those in FIG. 7. In the case of FIG. 13, the instruction to "start heating" is changed from a tap operation (long press) in active mode M6 to an upward swipe operation. In addition, "change heating profile" is added to left-right swipe operations in active mode M6. Note that the change in heating profile corresponds to a change in heating temperature.

[0131] Incidentally, the rightward swipe operation in FIG. 13 is an example of a first-directional operation for increasing the maximum heating temperature from the current temperature. On the other hand, the leftward swipe operation in FIG. 13 is an example of a second-directional operation for decreasing the maximum heating temperature from the current temperature. The upward swipe operation, the downward swipe operation, and the left-right swipe operation are examples of second input operations associated with the non-heating mode. Furthermore, in the case of FIG. 13 , a tap operation (long press) and a tap operation (short press) are assigned to the heating mode. The tap operation (long press) and the tap operation (short press) here are examples of first input operations assigned to the heating mode M8. In the present embodiment, the input operation assigned to the heating mode M8 and the input operation assigned to the non-heating mode are different from each other.

[0132] The example of FIG. 13 differs from that of FIG. 7 in that a tap operation (short press) is set as the "check remaining battery level" operation during heating mode. The remaining battery level here is an example of a physical quantity. Physical quantities to be checked include, in addition to the remaining battery level, the number of stick-shaped substrates 30 (i.e., aerosol sources) that can be inhaled with the current remaining battery level, the remaining amount of the aerosol source in use (provided that the consumption or remaining amount of the aerosol source can be calculated based on the elapsed time since heating began or the number of inhalations), the remaining number of inhalations possible with the aerosol source in use (provided that the number of inhalations possible per stick-shaped substrate 30 is specified), the remaining inhalation time (e.g., 30 seconds), and the cumulative number of inhalations to date. In this embodiment, only checking the remaining battery level is assigned to the tap operation (short press). However, other input operations (e.g., double tapping, the direction of a flick operation, etc.) may also be associated with the physical quantities described above. Of course, one physical quantity is assigned to one input operation.

[0133] <Effects> In the aerosol generation device 1 according to this embodiment (see FIG. 1 ), in addition to stopping heating in heating mode M8, it is possible to check physical quantities such as the remaining battery level. This allows the user to immediately check physical quantities of concern even while inhaling aerosol. Furthermore, in the non-heating mode (specifically, active mode M6), it is possible to change the heating profile and maximum heating temperature used to heat the stick-shaped substrate 30.

[0134] Fourth Embodiment In this embodiment, a case will be described in which detection of a predetermined operation by an acceleration sensor is requested on the premise that an input operation on the touch sensor 102A, which is a contact sensor, is validated. Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the input operation acceptance process assumed in the fourth embodiment. The symbol S shown in the figure represents a step. The processing operations shown in Fig. 14 are executed by the control unit 106 (see Fig. 3).

[0135] First, the control unit 106 determines whether the current operating mode is the heating mode (step 1). If the current operating mode is the non-heating mode, a negative result is obtained in step 1. In this case, the control unit 106 determines whether the touch sensor 102A has detected an input operation (step 2). The input operation here refers to the input operation assigned to the current operating mode. If an input operation has not been detected, a negative result is obtained in step 2. In this case, the control unit 106 repeats the determination in step 2. On the other hand, if an input operation is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 2. In this case, the control unit 106 executes control according to the input operation assigned to the current operating mode in the non-heating mode (step 3). In the case of FIG. 14 , after executing the control, the control unit 106 ends the processing and returns to the determination in step 1.

[0136] On the other hand, if the current operating mode is the heating mode, a positive result is obtained in step 1. In this case, the control unit 106 determines whether the acceleration sensor has detected a predetermined operation (step 4). Examples of the predetermined operation include shaking the main body 10 (see FIG. 1) vertically, shaking the main body 10 horizontally, and double-tapping a part of the main body 10 other than the touch sensor 102A (for example, the back surface). If no predetermined operation is detected, a negative result is obtained in step 4. In this case, the control unit 106 repeats the determination in step 4.

[0137] On the other hand, if a predetermined operation is detected, the control unit 106 permits the touch sensor 102A to accept an operation only within a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) from the detection of the predetermined operation by the acceleration sensor (step 5). The predetermined time here is an example. Note that if the predetermined time is set too short, the input operation will not be completed within the predetermined time. As a result, it becomes difficult to accept the input operation. On the other hand, if the predetermined time is set too long, there is a possibility that an unintentional operation will be mistaken for an input operation. Note that the predetermined time may be adjustable by the user. The predetermined time can be adjusted, for example, on the operation screen of a smartphone paired via Bluetooth.

[0138] After executing step 5, the control unit 106 determines whether the current time is within a predetermined time (step 6). If the current time is not within the predetermined time, a negative result is obtained in step 6. In this case, the control unit 106 ends the process. On the other hand, if the current time is within the predetermined time, a positive result is obtained in step 6. In this case, the control unit 106 determines whether the touch sensor 102A has detected an input operation (step 7). The input operation here refers to an input operation assigned to the heating mode.

[0139] If no input operation is detected, a negative result is obtained in step 7. In this case, the control unit 106 returns to step 6 and repeats the above-described process. If an input operation is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 7. In this case, the control unit 106 executes control in response to the input operation during the heating mode (step 8). For example, the control unit 106 may notify the user by vibration that heating has been stopped or that a physical quantity to be checked has been confirmed. In the case of FIG. 14, after executing the control, the control unit 106 ends the process and returns to the determination in step 1.

[0140] <Effects> The aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment (see FIG. 1 ) requires the detection of a predetermined operation by the acceleration sensor as a prerequisite for accepting an input operation assumed in the heating mode. That is, during the heating mode, the touch sensor 102A is allowed to accept an input operation only if an intentional predetermined operation accompanied by a change in acceleration is detected. This makes it more difficult to perform an unintended operation than when the detection of a predetermined operation by the acceleration sensor is not required. In other words, it is possible to eliminate any input operation other than an intentional input operation combined with the detection by the acceleration sensor. Furthermore, by limiting the acceptance of an input operation by the touch sensor 102A to within a predetermined time from the detection of a predetermined operation by the acceleration sensor, it is possible to make it more difficult to perform an unintended operation.

[0141] Fifth Embodiment In this embodiment, another example will be described in which a request is made to detect a predetermined operation by an acceleration sensor, assuming that an input operation on touch sensor 102A, which is a contact sensor, is valid. Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the input operation acceptance process assumed in the fifth embodiment. In Fig. 15, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 14 are assigned the same reference numerals. First, control unit 106 determines whether the current operation mode is the non-heating mode (step 11). This is a difference from the fourth embodiment.

[0142] In the heating mode, a negative result is obtained in step 11. In this case, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the touch sensor 102A has detected an input operation (step 2). Incidentally, the input operation here refers to an input operation assigned to the heating mode. If an input operation has not been detected, a negative result is obtained in step 2. In this case, the control unit 106 repeats the determination in step 2. On the other hand, if an input operation is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 2. In this case, the control unit 106 executes control according to the input operation during the heating mode (step 12). In the case of FIG. 15, after executing the control, the control unit 106 ends the processing and returns to the determination in step 11.

[0143] On the other hand, if the current operating mode is the non-heating mode, a positive result is obtained in step 11. In this case, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the acceleration sensor has detected a predetermined operation (step 4). If the predetermined operation is not detected, a negative result is obtained in step 4. In this case, the control unit 106 repeats the determination in step 4.

[0144] On the other hand, if a predetermined operation is detected, the control unit 106 allows the touch sensor 102A to accept an operation only within a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) from the detection of the predetermined operation by the acceleration sensor (step 5). After performing step 5, the control unit 106 determines whether the current time is within the predetermined time (step 6). If the current time is not within the predetermined time, a negative result is obtained in step 6. In this case, the control unit 106 terminates the processing. On the other hand, if the current time is within the predetermined time, a positive result is obtained in step 6. In this case, the control unit 106 determines whether the touch sensor 102A has detected an input operation (step 7). The input operation here refers to an input operation assigned to the current operating mode, which is the non-heating mode.

[0145] If no input operation is detected, a negative result is obtained in step 7. In this case, the control unit 106 returns to step 6 and repeats the above-described processing.

[0146] If an input operation is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 7. In this case, the control unit 106 executes control according to the input operation assigned to the current operation mode in the non-heating mode (step 13). For example, if the current operation mode is sleep mode M2, switching to active mode M6 is executed. Also, if the current operation mode is active mode, notification of the remaining battery level is issued. In the case of FIG. 15, after executing the control, the control unit 106 ends the processing and returns to the determination in step 1.

[0147] <Effects> The aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment (see FIG. 1) requires the detection of a predetermined operation by the acceleration sensor as a prerequisite for accepting input operations assumed in non-heating mode. That is, during non-heating mode, the touch sensor 102A is only able to accept input operations if an intentional predetermined operation accompanied by a change in acceleration is detected. This makes it more difficult to perform unintended actions than when the detection of a predetermined operation by the acceleration sensor is not a prerequisite. In other words, it is possible to eliminate any input operations other than those intended in combination with the detection by the acceleration sensor. Furthermore, by limiting the acceptance of input operations by the touch sensor 102A to within a predetermined time from the detection of a predetermined operation by the acceleration sensor, it is possible to make it more difficult to perform unintended actions.

[0148] Sixth Embodiment In this embodiment, another example of a contact sensor will be described. Therefore, except for the parts related to the contact sensor, the external appearance and other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the contact sensor is composed of nine touch sensors 102A.

[0149] Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between nine touch sensors 102A and a vibration motor 103A in embodiment 6. In Fig. 16, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals. This embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in that nine roughly circular touch sensors 102A are arranged in 3 rows and 3 columns. Incidentally, the arrangement of the vibration motor 103A is roughly the same as in embodiment 1.

[0150] The nine touch sensors 102A are arranged on the back side of the front housing, and the vibration motor 103A is arranged further back than the nine touch sensors 102A. In this embodiment, each of the nine touch sensors 102A detects finger contact. Therefore, even if a finger touches a gap between the nine touch sensors 102A, the finger contact is not detected. Therefore, in this embodiment, a tap operation is executed by detecting contact with any one of the nine touch sensors 102A. Furthermore, a pattern input operation is detected as a pattern formed by sequentially connecting the coordinate positions of the touch sensors 102A that detected finger contact.

[0151] 17 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the arrangement of touch sensors 102A and input operations in embodiment 6. In Fig. 17, the positions of touch sensors 102A located in the first row from the top are represented by P1n (n = 1, 2, 3), the positions of touch sensors 102A located in the second row from the top are represented by P2n (n = 1, 2, 3), and the positions of touch sensors 102A located in the third row from the top are represented by P3n (n = 1, 2, 3). Note that n = 1 means the left end, n = 2 means the middle, and n = 3 means the right end.

[0152] For example, when finger contact is detected in the order of P31 → P21 → P11, an upward swipe operation is detected. The same applies when finger contact is detected in the order of P32 → P22 → P12 or when finger contact is detected in the order of P33 → P23 → P13. On the other hand, when finger contact is detected in the order of P11 → P21 → P31, a downward swipe operation is detected. Note that the same applies when finger contact is detected in the order of P12 → P22 → P32 or when finger contact is detected in the order of P13 → P23 → P33. In other words, when three touch sensors 102A located on the same column detect finger contact in the arranged order, it is determined to be an upward swipe operation or a downward swipe operation.

[0153] Similarly, when three touch sensors 102A located on the same row detect finger contact in the arranged order, it is determined to be a rightward swipe operation or a leftward swipe operation. Incidentally, when finger contact is detected in the order of P31 → P22 → P13 or when finger contact is detected in the order of P33 → P22 → P11, it is detected as a diagonally upward swipe operation. Furthermore, when finger contact is detected in the order of P11 → P22 → P33 or when finger contact is detected in the order of P13 → P22 → P31, it is detected as a diagonally downward swipe operation.

[0154] <Other Example 1> In the above description, all nine touch sensors 102A are always in operation, but during sleep mode M2, only the three touch sensors 102A located in the second row may be in operation. That is, only the second row may be enabled as an input area, and the first and third rows may be disabled areas. In this case, only three touch sensors 102A are in operation, thereby achieving power saving. Figure 18 is a diagram explaining areas where input operations are enabled and areas where input operations are disabled during sleep mode M2. In Figure 18, the same symbols are used to indicate parts corresponding to those in Figure 16.

[0155] 18, the touch sensors 102A in the first and third rows that correspond to the disabled areas are shown shaded. Incidentally, since only the three touch sensors 102A located in the second row are valid, for example, a tap operation, a right swipe operation, or a left swipe operation is assigned as the activation input operation.

[0156] <Other Example 2> Fig. 18 describes a case where only a portion of the nine touch sensors 102A are enabled as input areas in sleep mode M2, which is a non-heating mode. However, as illustrated in Fig. 12, only a portion of the nine touch sensors 102A may be enabled as active areas in heating mode. Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating the difference in input-enabled areas between the heating mode and the non-heating mode. In Fig. 19, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 17 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0157] 19, in the non-heating mode, all nine touch sensors 102A are controlled as valid areas, but in the heating mode, only the touch sensor 102A located at P22 is in the valid area, and the other eight touch sensors 102A are controlled as invalid areas. Therefore, a tap operation in the heating mode is not accepted as a valid input operation unless it is performed on the touch sensor 102A located at P22.

[0158] <Other Example 3> In the above description, an input operation is considered to have occurred when finger contact is detected in sequence on three linearly arranged touch sensors 102A, but an input operation may also be considered to have occurred when finger contact is detected in sequence on two linearly arranged touch sensors 102A. For example, an upward swipe operation may be considered to have occurred when finger contact is detected in the order P31 → P21 or when finger contact is detected in the order P21 → P11. The same applies to other input operations.

[0159] <Other Example 4> In the above description, an input operation is considered to have occurred when finger contact is detected in sequence on three touch sensors 102A arranged in a line. However, an input operation may also be considered to have occurred when finger contact is detected in sequence on three touch sensors 102A spanning three rows. For example, even if finger contact is detected in the order of P31 → P21 → P12, it may also be considered to have occurred as an upward swipe operation. The same applies to other input operations.

[0160] <Other Example 5> In the above explanation, nine touch sensors 102A are arranged in three rows and three columns, but the arrangement of the touch sensors 102A may be changed in number and arrangement, such as two rows and two columns, four rows and four columns, two rows and three columns, or three rows and four columns, etc.

[0161] Seventh Embodiment In this embodiment, another example of the arrangement of the contact sensor will be described. Therefore, except for the parts related to the arrangement of the contact sensor, the appearance and other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the contact sensor is provided in an area spanning from the top surface to the side surface of the main body 10 (see FIG. 1). FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A in the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 20, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0162] In the case of FIG. 20 , the touch sensor 102A is arranged to straddle the right side of the top surface as viewed from the front of the main body 10. This arrangement assumes that the surface opposite the front of the main body 10 (i.e., the back surface) is grasped with the right hand and operated with the right thumb. However, the two surfaces straddled by the touch sensor 102A are not limited to the top and right surfaces, and may be any surface, such as the top and left surfaces, the top and front surfaces, or the top and back surfaces. In this embodiment, two types of swipe operations and one type of tap operation on the touch sensor 102A are assumed. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a downward swipe operation. In FIG. 21 , parts corresponding to those in FIG. 20 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The arrow in the figure indicates a downward swipe operation. In the case of FIG. 21 , the downward swipe operation is assumed to be a swipe operation spanning from the top surface to the right surface.

[0163] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of an upward swipe operation. In FIG. 22, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 20 are assigned the same reference numerals. The arrow in the diagram represents an upward swipe operation. In the case of FIG. 22, the upward swipe operation is assumed to be a swipe operation spanning from the right side to the top side. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combination of input operations and haptic feedback in the seventh embodiment. As described above, in this embodiment, the input operations assumed are a downward swipe operation, an upward swipe operation, a tap operation (short press), and a tap operation (long press).

[0164] <Downward swipe operation> The first line L1 from the top of the chart illustrates two instruction contents and vibration patterns associated with a "downward swipe operation." Example 1 (L1-A) For example, if a "downward swipe operation" occurs during sleep mode M2, the control unit 106 (see FIG. 3) changes from a sleep state to an active state. That is, the operating mode is transitioned from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back increases as the distance the finger moves downward increases.

[0165] Example 2 (L1-B) For example, if a "downward swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, the control unit 106 accepts this as a "start heating" operation. In this case, the control unit 106 transitions from active mode M6 to initialization mode M7. In this case, too, the strength of the vibration fed back increases as the distance the finger moves downward increases.

[0166] <Upward swipe operation> The second line L2 from the top of the chart illustrates one instruction content and vibration pattern associated with an "upward swipe operation." Example 1 (L2-A) For example, when an "upward swipe operation" is performed during active mode M6, the control unit 106 changes from the active state to the sleep state. That is, the operation mode is transitioned from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2. In this case, the strength of the vibration fed back decreases as the distance of movement of the finger in the upward direction increases. Note that downward swipe operations and upward swipe operations are examples of second input operations.

[0167] <Tap Operation (Long Press)>. The third line L3 from the top of the chart shows examples of instructions and vibration patterns associated with "tap operation (long press)." Example 1 (L3-A) For example, if a "tap operation (long press)" is performed during heating mode M8, the control unit 106 accepts it as an operation to "stop heating." In this case, the control unit 106 transitions from heating mode M8 to heating end mode M9.

[0168] <Tap Operation (Short Press)> In the fourth line L4 from the top of the chart, examples of instructions and vibration patterns associated with a "tap operation (short press)" are shown. Example 1 (L4-A) For example, if a "tap operation (short press)" is performed during heating mode M8, the control unit 106 accepts it as an operation to "check the remaining battery level." In this case, the control unit 106 feeds back a vibration pattern corresponding to the remaining battery level obtained from the fuel gauge IC. Note that a tap operation (long press) and a tap operation (short press) are examples of a first input operation.

[0169] <Other Configurations> Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating another positional relationship between the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A in embodiment 7. In Figure 24, parts corresponding to those in Figure 20 are assigned the same reference numerals. In the case of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in Figure 24, the touch sensor 102A is provided on the upper right side as viewed from the front. In this arrangement, operation with the thumb of the right hand holding the main body 10 is also assumed. In addition, in the case of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in Figure 24, up and down swipe operations and two types of tap operations are also assumed.

[0170] Eighth Embodiment In this embodiment, another example of the appearance of the aerosol generation device 1 will be described. However, except for the arrangement of the contact sensors and tactile devices, which are related to the difference in appearance, the other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment. Fig. 25 is a view of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the eighth embodiment, observed from diagonally above. In Fig. 25, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals. The appearance of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in this embodiment is roughly cylindrical, and an opening 10A into which a stick-shaped substrate 30 (see Fig. 3) is inserted is disposed on the upper surface. In the case of Fig. 25, a slide cover 20 (see Fig. 1) for opening and closing the opening 10A is not provided.

[0171] 25, the touch sensor 102A is arranged around the entire periphery on the rear side of the housing on the upper side of the main body 10. In the present embodiment, the user can hold the main body 10 without worrying about the orientation and perform input operations with their thumb. Incidentally, a heating unit 107 (see FIG. 3) and a heat insulating unit 108 (see FIG. 3), not shown, are arranged on the outer periphery of the internal space 109A, and the touch sensor 102A is located outside them.

[0172] In the case of Figure 25, the vibration motor 103A is arranged near the center of the main body 10. This is because there is a space restriction on the upper side of the main body 10 for arranging the vibration motor 103A. The location of the vibration motor 103A is arbitrary as long as the user can perceive the difference in vibration intensity. In the case of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in Figure 25, as in embodiment 1, input operations can be performed by swiping up, down, left, and right, or by tapping. Note that swiping diagonally upward or diagonally downward may also be used as an input operation.

[0173] <Other Configurations> Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating another positional relationship between the touch sensor 102A and the vibration motor 103A in embodiment 8. In Figure 26, parts corresponding to those in Figure 25 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the aerosol generation device 1 shown in Figure 26, the touch sensor 102A is provided so as to straddle the top surface and the side surface of the main body 10. Note that the touch sensor 102A is limited to a partial arc section rather than the entire circumference of the main body 10. In this arrangement, too, operation with the thumb of the right hand holding the main body 10 is assumed. Furthermore, in the case of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in Figure 26, up and down swipe operations and tap operations are also assumed.

[0174] <Ninth Embodiment> Fig. 27 is a view of the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the ninth embodiment, observed from diagonally above. In Fig. 27, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 1 and Fig. 20 are assigned reference numerals corresponding to those in Fig. 20. As shown in Fig. 27, two touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 are arranged in the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the ninth embodiment. In the case of Fig. 27, the touch sensor 102A1 is provided on the front surface of the main body 10, and the touch sensor 102A2 is provided across from the top surface to the right side surface of the main body 10. This arrangement corresponds to a combination of the first embodiment and the seventh embodiment.

[0175] When two touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 are provided in this manner, one instruction may be assigned to both of the two touch sensors 102 A, or one instruction may be assigned to only one of the touch sensors 102 A. For example, activation and sleep may be assigned to the touch sensor 102A2 arranged across the top and right side surfaces of the main body 10, and transmission and reception of a heating profile may be assigned to the touch sensor 102A1 arranged on the front surface of the main body 10.

[0176] The vibration motor 103A is disposed, for example, near the middle between the two touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2. In the case of FIG. 27, the vibration motor 103A is disposed near the front right corner of the main body 10. Therefore, regardless of whether the touch sensor 102A1 or the touch sensor 102A2 is used for input operation, vibration feedback during operation can be easily transmitted to the user. In this embodiment, the touch sensor 102A1 is dedicated to inputting the non-heating mode, and the touch sensor 102A2 is dedicated to inputting the heating mode M8. As a result, the user must intentionally use different input areas. As a result, it is possible to prevent operations unintended by the user from being performed.

[0177] <Tenth Embodiment> Figure 28 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the mounting positions of touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 and a vibration motor 103A in a tenth embodiment. In Figure 28, parts corresponding to those in Figure 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Similar to Figure 5, Figure 28 also transparently illustrates the interior of the main body 10 from the right side. That is, Figure 28 transparently illustrates the positional relationship between the touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 arranged on the main body 10 and the vibration motor 103A. As shown in Figure 28, the aerosol generation device 1 assumed in the tenth embodiment has two touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 arranged on the front side of the main body 10, and the other touch sensor 102A2 arranged on the back side of the main body 10.

[0178] In this embodiment, the touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 are both approximately square. When the touch sensors 102A1 and 102A2 are arranged on both sides of the main body 10, the control unit 106 may disable input from the side with the largest contact area with the fingers or palm and control the opposite side (i.e., the side that the thumb contacts) as the input surface. In this case, the user can start input operations without changing their grip, whether the back surface is in contact with the right thumb or the left thumb. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 28 , the touch sensor 102A1 may be dedicated to input in the non-heating mode, and the touch sensor 102A2 may be dedicated to input in the heating mode M8. This requires the user to intentionally use different input areas. As a result, it is possible to prevent unintended operations from being performed.

[0179] <Other Embodiments> (1) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope described in the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the claims that various modifications or improvements to the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0180] (2) In the above-described embodiment, an LRA was used as an example of a vibration motor, but an ERM (Eccentric Rotating Mass) may also be used. An ERM has a structure in which a weight with an uneven shape is attached to the rotating shaft of a motor, and is also called an eccentric motor. In the case of an ERM, a larger mass of the weight can generate larger vibrations than a weight with a smaller mass. Furthermore, in the case of an ERM, a larger vibration can be generated as the rotation speed of the rotating shaft increases compared to a lower rotation speed.

[0181] (3) In the above-described embodiment, a vibration motor was used as an example of a haptic device, but a piezoelectric element may also be used. A piezoelectric element can freely control vibrations in the 50 to 500 Hz range, at which haptic changes are perceived. Furthermore, the response time of a piezoelectric element is approximately 1 ms, which is shorter than that of an LRA.

[0182] (4) In the above-described embodiment, vibration was used as an example of haptic feedback, but electrostatic tactile feedback using electrostatic force may also be used. Electrostatic tactile feedback includes, for example, electrical stimulation and electrostatic adhesion. Electrical stimulation can be provided by a haptic device configured with an electrode to which a high voltage is applied and an electrode connected to GND. Electrostatic adhesion can be provided by a haptic device configured with an electrode charged by the application of a voltage, an electrode connected to GND, and an insulator disposed between these two electrodes.

[0183] (5) In the above-described embodiment, tactile feedback is used to provide feedback on the reception of input operations to the contact sensor. However, visual feedback using an LCD display or other display device, an LED or other light-emitting device, or auditory feedback using a buzzer or other sound output device may also be used.

[0184] (6) In the above-described embodiment, tactile feedback is used to provide feedback on the reception of an input operation to the contact sensor. However, an aerosol generating device that does not provide feedback on the input operation is also possible.

[0185] (7) In the above-described embodiment, the single control unit 106 controls two functions: heating of the stick-shaped substrate 30 (see FIG. 3) by the heating unit 107 and haptic feedback. However, it is also possible to provide a dedicated processor for controlling the heating of the stick-shaped substrate 30 (see FIG. 3) by the heating unit 107 and a dedicated processor for controlling the output of the haptic device. The dedicated processor for controlling heating here is an example of a first processor, and the dedicated processor for controlling the output of the haptic device is an example of a second processor.

[0186] (8) In the above-described embodiment, tapping and swiping operations are given as examples of input operations. However, some of these operations may be replaced with flicking operations, or these operations may be combined with flicking operations.

[0187] (9) In the above embodiment, the aerosol source is described as being solid. However, the aerosol source may be liquid. When the aerosol source is liquid, a method is adopted in which the aerosol source is guided to a thin tube called a wick using capillary action, and the aerosol source is evaporated by heating a coil wrapped around the wick. Note that when the aerosol source is liquid, the aerosol source is heated in conjunction with inhalation by the user. A container that stores a liquid aerosol source is also called a cartridge.

[0188] (10) In the above embodiment, the aerosol generator generates an aerosol by heating a solid aerosol source. However, the aerosol generator may generate an aerosol by separately heating a solid aerosol source and a liquid aerosol source. This type of aerosol generator is also called a hybrid aerosol generator.

[0189] (11) There are input operations specific to the aerosol generator 1 that heats a solid aerosol source at a high temperature (e.g., 200°C or higher), input operations specific to the aerosol generator 1 that heats a solid aerosol source at a low temperature (e.g., less than 200°C) or the aerosol generator 1 that heats a liquid aerosol source, and input operations common to both types. Figure 29 is a diagram illustrating the differences in input operations of the aerosol generator 1 depending on the type of aerosol source and the heating temperature.

[0190] In Figure 29, input operations are classified into combinations of four types of input operations, two types of aerosol sources, and three types of heating methods. The four types of input operations are "basic operation system," "switching system," "communication system," and "confirmation system." The two types of aerosol sources are solid aerosol sources and liquid aerosol sources. Note that solid aerosol sources can be classified into aerosol sources for high-temperature heating and aerosol sources for low-temperature heating.

[0191] The three heating methods are a method of heating a solid aerosol source at a high temperature, a method of heating a solid aerosol source at a low temperature, and a method of heating a liquid aerosol source. The input operations shown in FIG. 29 are associated with the aforementioned tapping and swiping operations, and different vibration patterns are associated with each input operation. For example, in the case of switching or confirmation input operations, vibration patterns (e.g., vibration frequency, vibration intensity, and vibration timing) representing information to be notified (e.g., brand, heating profile, heating temperature, suction detection sensitivity, display mode, and charging status), quantity (e.g., remaining battery life (lifetime), remaining suction time, remaining liquid amount, remaining capsule amount), or number (e.g., number of suctions, remaining number of suctions, remaining number of suctions, and cumulative number of suctions) are assigned. This allows for the realization of an aerosol generation device 1 that employs a contact device and haptic feedback as a user interface.

[0192] <Summary> The present disclosure includes the following configurations: (1) An aerosol generating device having a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, a contact sensor that detects an operation on a predetermined portion of a housing surface, and a processor that executes a function of controlling heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit and a function of controlling an operation that can be accepted by the contact sensor depending on the operating mode. This aerosol generating device can prevent unintended operation of an aerosol generating device that employs a contact sensor. (2) The aerosol generating device described in (1), in which the processor controls the device to accept a first input operation when the operating mode is a heating mode for the aerosol source, and controls the device to accept a second input operation different from the first input operation when the operating mode is a non-heating mode for the aerosol source. This aerosol generating device can request the user to use different input operations depending on the operating mode. (3) The aerosol generating device described in (1) or (2), in which the processor limits acceptance of input operations to operations on a specific portion when the operating mode is a heating mode for the aerosol source. According to this aerosol generating device, the user can be requested to operate a specific part during heating mode. (4) The aerosol generating device according to (3), wherein the specific part is at least one surface of the housing. According to this aerosol generating device, the surface of the housing can be used as an input unit. (5) The aerosol generating device according to (2), wherein the first input operation is an operation related to at least one of stopping heating of the aerosol source and checking a physical quantity. According to this aerosol generating device, the physical quantity can be checked even during heating mode. (6) The aerosol generating device according to (5), wherein the physical quantity is at least one of the remaining charge of a battery serving as a power source, the number of aerosol sources capable of being inhaled with the remaining charge, the remaining charge of the aerosol source currently in use, the remaining number of inhalations possible or the remaining inhalation time using the aerosol source currently in use, and the cumulative number of inhalations to date. According to this aerosol generating device, the physical quantity can be checked even during heating mode. (7) The aerosol generating device according to (2), wherein the second input operation is an operation to change a control sequence used to heat the aerosol source. According to this aerosol generating device, it is possible to accept an operation to change the control sequence in the non-heating mode.(8) The aerosol generating device according to (7), wherein the second input operation is a first directional operation for increasing the maximum temperature compared to the current control sequence and a second directional operation for decreasing the maximum temperature compared to the current control sequence, and the first directional operation and the second directional operation have different operation directions. This aerosol generating device can request different operations from the user when increasing and decreasing the maximum temperature. (9) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the processor, when the operating mode is the heating mode, allows acceptance of an operation via the contact sensor on the condition that a predetermined operation is detected by the acceleration sensor. This aerosol generating device can request an intentional operation involving a change in acceleration to accept the input operation in the heating mode. (10) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the processor, when the operating mode is the non-heating mode, allows acceptance of an operation via the contact sensor on the condition that a predetermined operation is detected by the acceleration sensor. This aerosol generating device can request an intentional operation involving a change in acceleration to accept the input operation in the non-heating mode. (11) The aerosol generating device according to (9) or (10), wherein the processor permits acceptance of an operation via the contact sensor only within a predetermined time period after the detection of a predetermined operation via the acceleration sensor. This aerosol generating device allows acceptance of only intentional operations by the user. (12) The aerosol generating device according to (2), wherein the non-heating mode is at least one of an active mode, a sleep mode, a charging mode, and a pairing mode. This aerosol generating device allows the user to be prompted to perform an input operation specific to the non-heating mode. (13) The aerosol generating device according to (2), wherein the types of first input operations are fewer than the types of second input operations. This aerosol generating device allows the types of input operations that can be accepted during the heating mode to be limited. (14) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the processor includes a first processor that controls heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit, and a second processor that controls operations that can be accepted via the contact sensor depending on the operating mode. This aerosol generating device eliminates the need to develop a new processor capable of controlling both the heating unit and the tactile sensor.

[0193] 1... aerosol generating device, 10... main body, 10A... opening, 20... slide cover, 30... stick-shaped substrate, 30A... substrate, 30B... suction port, 101... power supply unit, 102... sensor unit, 102A... touch sensor, 103... notification unit, 103A... vibration motor, 104... memory unit, 105... communication unit, 106... control unit, 107... heating unit, 108... heat insulation unit, 109... holding unit, 109A... internal space, 109B... bottom

Claims

1. A heating section for heating the aerosol source, A contact sensor that detects operation on a predetermined part of the housing surface, A processor that performs a function to control the heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit and a function to control operations that can be accepted by the contact sensor according to the operating mode. An aerosol generating device having the following features.

2. The aforementioned processor, When the operating mode is in the heating mode of the aerosol source, the system is controlled to accept the first input operation. When the operating mode is in the non-heating mode of the aerosol source, the system is controlled to accept a second input operation different from the first input operation. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, When the operating mode is the heating mode for the aerosol source, the acceptance of input operations is limited to operations on a specific part. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned specific part is at least one housing surface. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The first input operation is an operation relating to at least one of stopping the heating of the aerosol source and confirming the physical quantity. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned physical quantity is at least one of the following: the remaining charge of the battery which is the power source; the number of aerosol sources that can be inhaled with the remaining charge; the remaining charge of the aerosol source currently in use; the remaining number of inhalations or remaining inhalation time using the aerosol source currently in use; and the cumulative value of the number of inhalations to date. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The second input operation is an operation to change the control sequence used for heating the aerosol source. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2.

8. The second input operation is a first-direction operation that raises the maximum temperature above the current control sequence and a second-direction operation that lowers the maximum temperature above the current control sequence, wherein the operating directions of the first-direction operation and the second-direction operation are different. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned processor, When the operating mode is the heating mode, the contact sensor is permitted to accept an operation, provided that a predetermined operation is detected by the acceleration sensor. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned processor, When the aforementioned operating mode is the non-heating mode, the contact sensor is permitted to accept an operation, provided that a predetermined operation is detected by the acceleration sensor. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1.

11. The aforementioned processor, The acceptance of the operation by the contact sensor is permitted only for a predetermined period of time from the detection of the predetermined operation by the acceleration sensor. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The non-heating mode is at least one of the following: active mode, sleep mode, charging mode, and pairing mode. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2.

13. The number of types of the first input operation is less than the number of types of the second input operation. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2.

14. The aforementioned processor, A first processor that controls the heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit, A second processor that controls operations that can be accepted by the contact sensor, An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, having the following features.