Inhalation device, control method, and program

Abstract

An inhalation device (100B) comprises: a heating unit (121B) that heats a stick-type base material (150) containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a control unit (116B) that controls the operation of the heating unit on the basis of a first heating profile indicating a target temperature or a target resistance value over time when the heating unit (121B) heats the stick-type base material (150); and a communication unit (115B) that communicates and connects with a user terminal. The communication unit (115B) receives, from the user terminal, a second heating profile that has a higher temperature rising rate than the first heating profile for a predetermined period and is used for evaluation of the flavor of the aerosol by a user. The control unit (116B) controls the operation of the heating unit (121B) using the second heating profile.

Description

Suction device, control method, and program

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

[0002] In recent years, there has been widespread development of technology related to inhalation devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users. For example, inhalation devices generate aerosols using a substrate containing an aerosol source, a flavor source, etc., and users can then inhale the aerosol to enjoy the flavor.

[0003] In order to further improve the smoking taste experienced by users, it is conceivable to evaluate the smoking taste of the aerosol generated by the inhalation device. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 6839181) discloses evaluating the smoking taste of aerosols generated by a plurality of base materials each containing a different amount of acid.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 6839181

[0005] The factors that change the aerosol taste experienced by the user are not limited to the amount of acid contained in the base material. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is limited to evaluating the taste of aerosols caused by different amounts of acid, and the difference in the taste of aerosols generated by each of the multiple base materials is small, which may make it difficult for the user to evaluate the taste.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a technology that can further improve the quality of user experience with a suction device.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an inhalation device is provided, comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a first heating profile that indicates a target temperature or target resistance value over time when the heating unit heats the substrate; and a communication unit that communicates with a user terminal, wherein the communication unit receives from the user terminal a second heating profile that has a faster temperature rise rate than the first heating profile over a predetermined period of time and is used by a user to evaluate the taste of the aerosol, and the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile.

[0008] In one embodiment, the control unit may not repeatedly use the second heating profile to control the operation of the heating unit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the suction device further includes a memory unit that stores the second heating profile, the memory unit temporarily stores the second heating profile, and the control unit can delete the second heating profile from the memory unit after controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first and second heating profiles include a first temperature rise period in which the temperature of the heating section is increased from the start of heating, a temperature fall period in which the temperature of the heating section is decreased after the first temperature rise period, and a second temperature rise period in which the temperature of the heating section is increased again after the temperature fall period, and the second heating profile can have a faster temperature rise rate than the first heating profile during the second temperature rise period, which is the predetermined period.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second heating profile may have a second temperature rise period, which is the predetermined period, that is shorter than the second temperature rise period of the first heating profile.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second heating profile can be such that, when the operation of the heating unit is controlled to generate an aerosol from the substrate, the change in the smoking taste of the aerosol is greater than that of the first heating profile.

[0013] In one embodiment, the suction device further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of the timing at which suction is recommended, and the second heating profile has multiple timings at which suction is recommended to the user, and the notification unit can notify each of the multiple timings while controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile.

[0014] In one embodiment, the communication unit can transmit correction data regarding characteristics of the heating unit to the user terminal, and receive a second heating profile corrected based on the correction data from the user terminal.

[0015] In order to solve the above problem, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a control method executed by an inhalation device comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a first heating profile that indicates a target temperature or target resistance value over time when the heating unit heats the substrate; and a communication unit that communicates with a user terminal, the control method including the steps of receiving from the user terminal a second heating profile that has a faster temperature rise rate than the first heating profile over a predetermined period of time and is used by a user to evaluate the smoking taste of the aerosol; and controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile.

[0016] In one embodiment, the suction device further includes a memory unit that stores the second heating profile, and may further include a step of temporarily storing the second heating profile in the memory unit, and a step of deleting the second heating profile from the memory unit after controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first and second heating profiles include a first temperature rise period in which the temperature of the heating section is increased from the start of heating, a temperature fall period in which the temperature of the heating section is decreased after the first temperature rise period, and a second temperature rise period in which the temperature of the heating section is increased again after the temperature fall period, and the second heating profile can have a faster temperature rise rate than the first heating profile during the second temperature rise period, which is the predetermined period.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second heating profile may have a second temperature rise period, which is the predetermined period, that is shorter than the second temperature rise period of the first heating profile.

[0019] In one embodiment, the suction device further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of the timing at which suction is recommended, and the second heating profile has multiple timings at which suction is recommended to the user, and the device can further include a step of notifying each of the multiple timings while controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method further includes a step of transmitting correction data regarding the characteristics of the heating section to the user terminal, and in the step of receiving the second heating profile, the second heating profile corrected based on the correction data can be received from the user terminal.

[0021] In order to solve the above problem, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a program is provided for a computer that controls an inhalation device, the computer comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a first heating profile that indicates a target temperature or target resistance value over time when the heating unit heats the substrate; and a communication unit that communicates with a user terminal, to execute the following steps: receiving from the user terminal a second heating profile that has a faster temperature rise rate than the first heating profile over a predetermined period of time and is used by the user to evaluate the smoking taste of the aerosol; and controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a technology can be provided that can further improve the quality of the user experience with a suction device.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of an inhalation device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of an inhalation device. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a user terminal. FIG. 4 is a graph showing a schematic example of a heating profile. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example of a control system including an inhalation device 100 and a user terminal 200. FIG. 6 is a graph showing a schematic example of a dedicated heating profile used for evaluation. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen display of a user terminal. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an evaluation screen on a user terminal. FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of a predetermined heating profile. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example of a preparation stage. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example of a smoking stage. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example of an evaluation stage.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an inhalation device controls the heating of a substrate using predetermined data referred to as a heating profile to generate an aerosol. A user of the inhalation device can evaluate the aerosol's flavor, smoke volume, temperature, and other characteristics using a user terminal or the like. The inhalation device can also receive a heating profile provided based on the user's evaluation results from an external device and use the heating profile to control the heating of a substrate (hereinafter also referred to as an aerosol source). Therefore, the inhalation device can control the heating of the substrate and generate an aerosol based on the heating profile provided based on the user's evaluation results. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inhalation device can generate an aerosol with a flavor, smoke volume, temperature, and other characteristics preferred by the user, thereby further improving the quality of the user experience.

[0025] <<1. Configuration of Suction Device>> An example configuration of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The suction device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the suction device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device may be a gas.

[0026] (1) First Configuration Example Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in Fig. 1, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a memory unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid guide unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0033] The liquid reservoir 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0034] The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123. The liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0035] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0036] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0037] The air flow path 180 is a path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is an entrance for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet 182, which is an exit for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. A liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) of the air flow path 180, and a flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air flowing in through the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A and, as shown by arrow 190, is transported through the flavor source 131 to the air outlet 182. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0038] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth by the user when inhaling. Air outlet holes 182 are arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0039] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0040] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0041] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate additional types of aerosols.

[0042] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0043] (2) Second Configuration Example Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a suction device. As shown in Fig. 2, a suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0044] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0045] The storage unit 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the storage unit 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the storage unit 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100B. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0046] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicament. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0047] 2, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0048] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0049] The above is a description of an example of the configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0050] As one example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0051] As another example, the accommodation unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The accommodation unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the accommodation unit 140 and heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0052] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0053] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0054] In the following description, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B will be referred to as the "suction device 100" without distinction. Similarly, the power supply unit 111A and the power supply unit 111B will be referred to as the "power supply unit 111," the sensor unit 112A and the sensor unit 112B as the "sensor unit 112," the notification unit 113A and the notification unit 113B as the "notification unit 113," the memory unit 114A and the memory unit 114B as the "memory unit 114," the communication unit 115A and the communication unit 115B as the "communication unit 115," the control unit 116A and the control unit 116B as the "control unit 116," and the heating unit 121A and the heating unit 121B as the "heating unit 121."

[0055] <<2. Configuration of User Terminal>> An example configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a user terminal 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the user terminal 200 includes an input unit 210, an output unit 220, a detection unit 230, a communication unit 240, a storage unit 250, and a control unit 260.

[0056] The input unit 210 has a function of accepting input of various information. The input unit 210 may include an input device that accepts input of information from a user. Examples of the input device include a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone. The input unit 210 may also include various sensors such as an image sensor.

[0057] The output unit 220 has a function of outputting information. The output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to a user. Examples of the output device include a display device that displays information, a light-emitting device that emits light, a vibration device that vibrates, and a sound output device that outputs sound. An example of a display device is a display. An example of a light-emitting device is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). An example of a vibration device is an eccentric motor. An example of a sound output device is a speaker. The output unit 220 notifies the user of the information by outputting information input from the control unit 260.

[0058] The detection unit 230 has a function of detecting information related to the user terminal 200. The detection unit 230 may detect position information of the user terminal 200. For example, the detection unit 230 receives GNSS signals from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites (e.g., GPS signals from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites) to detect position information consisting of the latitude and longitude of the device. The detection unit 230 may detect the movement of the user terminal 200. For example, the detection unit 230 includes a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor to detect angular velocity and acceleration.

[0059] The communication unit 240 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the user terminal 200 and other devices. The communication unit 240 performs communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such a communication standard include standards using USB (Universal Serial Bus), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0060] The storage unit 250 stores various types of information and is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0061] The control unit 260 functions as a processing unit or control device and controls the overall operation of the user terminal 200 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 260 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. The control unit 260 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs and calculation parameters to be used, as well as a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as needed. The user terminal 200 executes various processes under the control of the control unit 260. Examples of processes controlled by the control unit 260 include processing of information input by the input unit 210, output of information by the output unit 220, detection of information by the detection unit 230, transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 240, and storage and reading of information by the memory unit 250. Other processes executed by the user terminal 200, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 260.

[0062] The functions of the control unit 260 may be realized using an application. The application may be pre-installed or may be downloaded. The functions of the control unit 260 may also be realized by PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

[0063] <<3. Configuration of Heating Profile>> The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. Control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 using, for example, the power supplied from the power supply unit 111.

[0064] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile defines parameters related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. An example of the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated is the temperature of the heating unit 121. An example of the parameter related to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated is the target temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled to change according to the elapsed time since the start of heating. In this case, the heating profile includes information defining the time series progression of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) defining the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the feedback control method to be adopted. The ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0065] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user experiences when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user experiences can be optimized.

[0066] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential (PID) control. The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses generated by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 may control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple ON / OFF control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches a target temperature, suspend heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature drops below the target temperature.

[0067] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0068] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating session below. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile starts. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period in the first half and a recommended puffing period in the second half. The recommended puffing period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the recommended puffing period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

[0069] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which preheating will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of preheating before the end of preheating, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating at the timing at which preheating ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting an LED or vibrating a vibration device. The user can refer to such a notification and start puffing immediately after the end of preheating.

[0070] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the recommended puffing period will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of the recommended puffing period before the end of the recommended puffing period, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of the recommended puffing period at the timing when the recommended puffing period ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting an LED or vibrating a vibration device. The user can refer to such notification and continue puffing until the recommended puffing period ends.

[0071] An example of a heating profile will be described with reference to FIG. 4 . FIG. 4 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of a heating profile. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time. The vertical axis of the graph represents temperature. As shown in FIG. 4 , a heating session may include, in order, a first temperature rise period, a temperature fall period (depicted as an "intermediate temperature fall period"), and a second temperature rise period. The first temperature rise period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rapidly rises and is maintained at a high temperature after heating begins. The temperature fall period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 falls after the first temperature rise period. The second temperature rise period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises again after the temperature fall period. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the target temperature rapidly rises to approximately 330°C during the first temperature rise period, then falls to approximately 230°C during the temperature fall period, and then gradually rises to approximately 300°C during the second temperature rise period. During the temperature fall period, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be interrupted, and heating may be turned off. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the pre-heating period is from the start of heating to the middle of the first temperature rise period, and the recommended puff period is from the middle of the first temperature rise period to the end of the second temperature rise period.

[0072] <<4. Operational Example>> In one embodiment of the present disclosure, suction device 100 is configured to generate an aerosol for a user to evaluate. Furthermore, user terminal 200 is configured to be able to accept an evaluation from the user. Furthermore, user terminal 200 is capable of transmitting a heating profile provided based on the user's evaluation results to suction device 100. Additionally, suction device 100 is configured to be able to control heating using the heating profile provided based on the user's evaluation results.

[0073] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a processing example of a system including the suction device 100 and the user terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0074] In the following, the inhalation of the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 by the user will also be referred to simply as "inhalation" or "puffing." In addition, the inhalation action of the user will also be referred to hereinafter as a "puffing action."

[0075] When a user of the inhalation device 100 performs a series of puffing actions, the user typically performs about 12 puffing actions. The period of such a series of puffing actions is also referred to as an "inhalation session" or a "smoking session." In the control unit 116, the heating action of the heating unit 121 (121A, 121B) in response to the series of puffing actions by the user is pre-designed as an "inhalation session." In other words, the control unit 116 operates the inhalation device 100 according to a pre-defined inhalation session.

[0076] An "inhalation session" or "smoking session" may also be referred to as a "heating session." In other words, the period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 corresponds to a heating session. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile begins, that is, when heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 begins. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period and a recommended puff period following the pre-heating period.

[0077] 4-1 Overall Processing Example FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example of a control system including an inhalation device 100 and a user terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This control system is an example of a control system according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, steps S101 to S105 are a preparation stage for evaluation. In the preparation stage, the inhalation device 100 downloads a dedicated heating profile to be used for evaluation from the user terminal 200. Next, steps S106 to S112 are an inhalation stage for evaluation. In the inhalation stage, the inhalation device 100 performs heating control using the dedicated heating profile, and the user terminal 200 displays a UI (User Interface) that prompts the user to puff. Finally, steps S113 to S118 are an evaluation stage. In the evaluation stage, the user terminal 200 displays an evaluation UI for evaluation and prompts the user to evaluate. Then, the inhalation device 100 downloads a heating profile provided based on the user's evaluation results from the user terminal 200.

[0078] In step S101, the suction device 100 receives a predetermined action from the user to start the evaluation. The predetermined action is, for example, an action in which the user selects an icon for starting the evaluation displayed on the user terminal 200. The predetermined action may be, for example, a tap action on the screen of the user terminal 200. Note that the predetermined action may be any action as long as it is an action in which the user receives a request to start the evaluation. The predetermined action may be, for example, an action in which the user presses a predetermined button provided on the user terminal 200.

[0079] In step S102, after receiving a predetermined action from the user, the user terminal 200 transmits a dedicated heating profile to be used for evaluation to the suction device 100. The suction device 100 receives the dedicated heating profile to be used for evaluation from the user terminal 200.

[0080] The dedicated heating profile used for the evaluation is a heating profile for causing a change in the aerosol's taste. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user actually uses the inhalation device 100 and evaluates the taste of the puffed aerosol. In order for the user to evaluate the aerosol's taste for each puff, it is desirable for the aerosol's taste to change for each puff. Therefore, the dedicated heating profile used for the evaluation is a heating profile that is more likely to cause a change in the aerosol's taste than the heating profile used for normal heating control shown in FIG. 4.

[0081] The dedicated heating profile is, for example, a heating profile with a faster temperature rise rate than a heating profile used for normal heating. The inhalation device 100 heats the heater according to the heating profile, and a fast temperature rise rate of the heating profile allows the heating temperature of the aerosol source to be increased in a short time. It is known that different heating temperatures of the aerosol source result in different smoking experiences of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source. That is, because the dedicated heating profile has a faster temperature rise rate than a heating profile used for normal heating, the heating temperature of the aerosol source can be increased in a short time, and the smoking experience of the generated aerosol can be changed accordingly in a short time.

[0082] FIG. 6 is a graph schematically illustrating an example of a dedicated heating profile used for evaluation. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time. The vertical axis of the graph represents temperature. As shown in FIG. 6 , the dedicated heating profile used for evaluation has a faster temperature rise rate during the second temperature rise period than, for example, the heating profile used for normal heating shown in FIG. 4 . In the normal heating profile shown in FIG. 4 , the temperature rises from approximately 230° C. to approximately 300° C. over approximately 260 seconds during the second temperature rise period. In contrast, the dedicated heating profile shown in FIG. 6 rises from approximately 230° C. to approximately 330° C. over approximately 80 seconds during the second temperature rise period. In other words, the dedicated heating profile shown in FIG. 6 has a faster temperature rise rate during the second temperature rise period than, for example, the heating profile used for normal heating shown in FIG. 4 .

[0083] The inhalation device 100 changes the taste of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source in a short time by using the dedicated heating profile shown in Fig. 6 for heating control. Therefore, when heating is controlled using the dedicated heating profile, the user is more likely to notice a change in the taste of the aerosol being inhaled compared to when heating is controlled using a normal heating profile.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 6 , a user puffs multiple times when controlling heating using a dedicated heating profile. In the example of FIG. 6 , the timing of seven puffs is set during the second temperature rise period of the dedicated heating profile, and it is assumed that the user will puff seven times. Here, by using the dedicated heating profile for heating control, the inhalation device 100 can also change the taste of the generated aerosol in a short period of time. Therefore, the user can feel the change in the taste of the aerosol with each puff and can evaluate the taste of the aerosol with each puff. In the example of FIG. 6 , the user can experience a change in the taste of the aerosol they inhale with each of the seven puffs.

[0085] The timing of the user's puffs may be set at regular intervals as shown in Figure 6, or may be set at any interval. The timing of the user's puffs does not need to be set in advance, and the user may puff at any timing. Furthermore, the number of puffs may be seven as shown in Figure 6, or may be any number of times.

[0086] Furthermore, the dedicated heating profile is not limited to a heating profile having a faster temperature rise rate than the heating profile used for normal heating, as shown in Figure 6. For example, the dedicated heating profile may be a heating profile that increases the temperature stepwise for each puff, compared to the heating profile used for normal heating. Note that the dedicated heating profile used for evaluation is not limited to these examples, and may be any heating profile as long as it is a heating profile that is likely to cause a change in the smoking taste of the aerosol.

[0087] In step S103, the suction device 100 temporarily stores the dedicated heating profile to be used for evaluation received from the user terminal 200. The suction device 100 temporarily stores the dedicated heating profile in, for example, a volatile memory. Note that the suction device 100 may temporarily store the dedicated heating profile in a non-volatile memory.

[0088] The dedicated heating profile used for evaluation is a heating profile that is more likely to cause changes in the aerosol's smoking taste than a heating profile used for normal heating control. Therefore, the dedicated heating profile used for evaluation is not intended for repeated use. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can be configured to temporarily store the dedicated heating profile and use it only for heating control for evaluation. Then, the inhalation device 100 may delete the dedicated heating profile when the heating control for evaluation is completed. Note that the inhalation device 100 does not necessarily need to delete the dedicated heating profile, and may be configured to continue storing the dedicated heating profile while prohibiting repeated use. Note that the inhalation device 100 may be configured to allow the dedicated heating profile to be used repeatedly several times (e.g., two or three times) as needed.

[0089] In step S104, when the preparation for heating control for evaluation is completed, the suction device 100 transmits a preparation completion notification to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 receives the preparation completion notification from the suction device 100.

[0090] In step S105, when the user terminal 200 receives a preparation completion notification from the suction device 100, the user terminal 200 notifies the user that preparation for evaluation is complete. The output unit 220 of the user terminal 200, for example, displays a UI indicating that preparation for evaluation is complete. For example, if the user terminal 200 has a display as the output unit 220, the output unit 220 displays, for example, information indicating that preparation for evaluation is complete on the display. Note that any method may be used by the user terminal 200 to notify the user that preparation for evaluation is complete.

[0091] In step S106, the suction device 100 receives a predetermined action for starting heating from the user. The predetermined action for starting heating is, for example, an action that the user of the suction device 100 performs on the suction device 100. The predetermined action for starting heating is, for example, an action in which the user presses a predetermined button on the suction device 100. The predetermined action for starting heating is, for example, an action in which the user presses a predetermined button on the suction device 100 a predetermined number of times and / or for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined number of times may be one or more times. The predetermined period of time can be set to any time, for example, two seconds.

[0092] The predetermined action for starting heating may be any action that the user performs on the suction device 100. The predetermined action for starting heating may be, for example, an action by the user of shaking the suction device 100, an action of tracing a predetermined path or characters using the suction device 100, or an action of tapping the suction device 100. Note that the predetermined action for starting heating is not limited to these and may be any action.

[0093] The suction device 100 includes a sensor (such as a motion sensor or an acceleration sensor) for detecting the movement of the suction device 100, and uses the sensor to detect a third action on the suction device 100. For example, the motion sensor of the suction device 100 detects the user shaking the suction device 100.

[0094] Furthermore, the predetermined action for starting heating may be the user inserting the stick-type substrate 150 into the suction device 100. For example, the user inserts the stick-type substrate 150 into the internal space 141 of the suction device 100. The suction device 100 can detect that the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the internal space 141. The insertion of the stick-type substrate 150 into the internal space 141 of the suction device 100 can be detected by a change in the temperature or resistance value of the heating unit 121. The stick-type substrate 150 can also be detected by detecting a change in capacitance due to the insertion of the stick-type substrate 150, or by a change in magnetic field or magnetism due to the insertion of the stick-type substrate 150. The stick-type substrate 150 can also be detected by detecting the presence or absence of the stick-type substrate 150 using an infrared sensor. The detection of the stick-type substrate 150 is not limited to these examples and can be detected by any method.

[0095] In step S107, when the suction device 100 receives a predetermined action to start heating, the suction device 100 starts heating control based on the dedicated heating profile temporarily stored. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 starts controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on, for example, the dedicated heating profile temporarily stored in step S103.

[0096] In step S108, the suction device 100 notifies the user terminal 200 of the heating status. The heating status includes the progress of the heating process. The suction device 100 notifies the user terminal 200 of the heating status, for example, at a predetermined cycle. For example, the suction device 100 may notify the user terminal 200 of the end of each period in the heating profile, indicating that the period has ended. Each period in the heating profile is, for example, a first temperature rise period, a temperature fall period, and a second temperature rise period. Note that the suction device 100 may notify the user terminal 200 of the start of each period in the heating profile, indicating that the period has started, for example.

[0097] The inhalation device 100 may notify the user terminal 200 of the puff timing as a notification of the heating state. As shown in FIG. 6 , a dedicated heating profile includes, for example, seven puff timings. The inhalation device 100 may notify the user terminal 200 of the seven puff timings exemplified in FIG. 6 as a notification of the heating state. Note that the inhalation device 100 may notify the user terminal 200 of the puff timing in addition to the notification of the heating state. In this case, the notification of the heating state and the notification of the puff timing are different notifications.

[0098] In step S109, the user terminal 200 notifies the user of the puff timing. As shown in FIG. 6 , the dedicated heating profile includes, for example, seven puff timings. The output unit 220 of the user terminal 200 displays, for example, a UI indicating the puff timings. For example, if the user terminal 200 includes a display as the output unit 220, the output unit 220 displays, for example, information indicating the puff timings on the display.

[0099] Any method may be used by the user terminal 200 to notify the user of the puff timing. Alternatively, the inhaler 100 may notify the user of the puff timing. In this case, at least one of the user terminal 200 and the inhaler 100 may notify the user of the puff timing. The notification unit 113 of the inhaler 100, for example, displays a UI indicating the puff timing. The notification unit 113 of the inhaler 100 may notify the user of the puff timing by, for example, causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. The notification unit 113 of the inhaler 100 may notify the user of the puff timing by, for example, vibrating a vibration device in a predetermined manner. If the inhaler 100 includes a display as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of the puff timing by, for example, displaying the puff timing on the display. Any method may be used by the inhaler 100 to notify the user of the puff timing.

[0100] 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen display of a user terminal 200. The screen display of the user terminal 200 shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a screen display when information indicating puff timing is displayed on a display.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 7, the screen display showing the puff timing includes information 221 indicating the number of puffs. The information indicating the number of puffs includes information indicating the current number of puffs and information indicating the total number of puffs. In the example of Fig. 7, the current number of puffs is "3rd" and the total number of puffs is "7 puffs."

[0102] The screen display indicating the puff timing also includes a substantially oval icon 222 indicating each puff. The icon 222 moves from right to left on the screen as time passes. The screen display indicating the puff timing also includes a vertical bar 223 indicating the "current time" displayed in the center of the screen. The user can recognize that it is time to puff when the icon 222 intersects with the bar 223. The screen display indicating the puff timing also includes text 224. The text 224 may include, for example, a message such as "Inhale when the vibrator sounds." The "vibrate" included in the text 224 illustrated in FIG. 7 refers to vibration by the vibrator of the inhalation device 100. The content of the text 224 may be any content as long as it is a message that encourages the user to puff.

[0103] 7 , a screen indicating the puff timing is displayed on the user terminal 200. Therefore, the user of the inhalation device 100 can perform a puff while referring to the screen display indicating the puff timing displayed on the user terminal 200.

[0104] In step S110, the suction device 100 ends the heating control based on the dedicated heating profile.

[0105] In step S111, when the suction device 100 has finished the heating control, the suction device 100 transmits a completion notification indicating that the heating control has finished to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 receives the completion notification from the suction device 100.

[0106] In step S112, when the user terminal 200 receives the end notification indicating that the heating control has ended, the user terminal 200 notifies the user that the heating has ended. The output unit 220 of the user terminal 200 displays, for example, a UI indicating that the heating control has ended. For example, if the user terminal 200 has a display as the output unit 220, the output unit 220 displays, for example, information indicating that the heating control has ended on the display.

[0107] In step S113, the user terminal 200 displays an evaluation UI for the user to evaluate the smoking taste of the inhaled aerosol. For example, if the user terminal 200 includes a display as the output unit 220, the output unit 220 displays, for example, an evaluation UI for evaluating the smoking taste of the inhaled aerosol on the display. The user terminal 200 displays an evaluation UI that allows the user to select one of multiple puffs based on the aerosol's smoking taste. For example, the user can select the puff from the multiple puffs that the user felt provided the most delicious aerosol. Also, for example, the user can select the puff from the multiple puffs that the user felt provided the best overall aerosol smoking taste. Furthermore, for example, the user can select the puff from the multiple puffs that the user felt provided the greatest amount of aerosol vapor. In addition, for example, the user can select the puff from the multiple puffs that the user felt provided the highest aerosol temperature. In this way, the user can select one of the multiple puffs based on various evaluation indices.

[0108] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an evaluation screen on a user terminal. The screen display of the user terminal 200 shown in Fig. 8 shows an example of an evaluation UI that allows the user to select one puff from multiple puffs based on the aerosol's smoking taste.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 8 , the evaluation UI for evaluating the taste of the inhaled aerosol includes icons 225 corresponding to each inhaled puff. The number of icons 225 corresponds to the number of puffs performed by the user during heating control using a dedicated heating profile. In the example of FIG. 8 , the number of icons 225 corresponds to "7," which is the total number of puffs. Each icon 225 can accept a user selection. The user can select one of the multiple icons 225, for example, by tapping on the screen of the user terminal 200. Note that the user's selection of an icon 225 can be accepted by any method as long as the icon 225 can be selected. In the example of FIG. 8 , the icon 225 corresponding to the fourth puff is selected by the user. The color of the icon 225 selected by the user may be changed. For example, the color of the icon 225 selected by the user may be changed to a color different from that of other icons that were not selected. This allows the user to distinguish the selected icon 225 from the others. Furthermore, once one icon 225 is selected by the user, other icons may not be selectable. This prevents the user from accidentally selecting multiple icons.

[0110] 8 , the evaluation UI for evaluating the taste of the inhaled aerosol may include text 226. The text 226 may include, for example, a message such as "Please select a delicious puff." Note that the content of the text 226 may be any content as long as it is a message that prompts the user to select an icon 225.

[0111] 8, an evaluation UI for evaluating the taste of the inhaled aerosol is displayed on the user terminal 200. Therefore, the user of the inhalation device 100 can select one puff from among multiple puffs performed by the user based on the taste of the inhaled aerosol.

[0112] In step S114, the user terminal 200 accepts the user's evaluation result. The user terminal 200 accepts the user's evaluation result and identifies a puff selected from among the multiple puffs by the user based on the aerosol's smoking taste. In the example of Fig. 8, the user terminal 200 identifies the icon 225 selected by the user from among the multiple icons 225, and identifies the puff corresponding to the identified icon 225. In the example of Fig. 8, the icon 225 corresponding to the fourth puff has been selected by the user, and therefore the user terminal 200 identifies this as the fourth puff.

[0113] In step S115, the user terminal 200 transmits a predetermined heating profile corresponding to the identified puff to the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 receives the predetermined heating profile from the user terminal 200.

[0114] In step S116, the inhalation device 100 stores the predetermined heating profile received from the user terminal 200. Unlike the inhalation device 100 that temporarily stores a dedicated heating profile, the inhalation device 100 stores the predetermined heating profile received from the user terminal 200 in a manner that continues to store the profile unless a deletion or overwrite request is received. The inhalation device 100 stores the predetermined heating profile received from the user terminal 200 in, for example, non-volatile memory. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can control heating using the predetermined heating profile in a new smoking session.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a predetermined heating profile is associated with each of the multiple puffs. For example, seven puffs are each associated with a different predetermined heating profile. For example, the first puff is associated with a first heating profile. The second puff is associated with a second heating profile. The third puff is associated with a third heating profile. The fourth puff is associated with a fourth heating profile. In this manner, the Nth puff is associated with the Nth heating profile. The user terminal 200 transmits the predetermined heating profile associated with the puff selected by the user to the inhalation device 100. In the example of FIG. 8 , the fourth heating profile associated with the fourth puff selected by the user is transmitted to the inhalation device 100.

[0116] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined heating profile associated with each of the plurality of puffs is a heating profile capable of reproducing a smoking taste similar to the smoking taste of the aerosol in each of the plurality of puffs in the dedicated heating profile. For example, the first heating profile associated with the first puff is a heating profile capable of reproducing a smoking taste similar to the smoking taste of the aerosol in the first puff in the dedicated heating profile. Similarly, the second heating profile associated with the second puff is a heating profile capable of reproducing a smoking taste similar to the smoking taste of the aerosol in the second puff in the dedicated heating profile. Similarly, the Nth heating profile associated with the Nth puff is a heating profile capable of reproducing a smoking taste similar to the smoking taste of the aerosol in the Nth puff in the dedicated heating profile.

[0117] Here, the user selects one puff from the plurality of puffs that produces a delicious aerosol. Therefore, the predetermined heating profile is a heating profile that can reproduce a smoking taste similar to the aerosol that the user found delicious. The user terminal 200 transmits the predetermined heating profile corresponding to the puff selected by the user to the inhalation device 100. Therefore, the predetermined heating profile received by the inhalation device 100 is a heating profile that can reproduce a smoking taste similar to the aerosol that the user found delicious.

[0118] Note that different heating profiles do not necessarily have to be associated with each of the multiple puffs. One heating profile may be associated with at least two of the multiple puffs. For example, if heating profile A is associated with the first puff, the same heating profile A may also be associated with the second puff. In this case, a heating profile B different from heating profile A may be associated with the third puff. For example, in the example of FIG. 8 , the same heating profile A may be associated with the first and second puffs. In this case, heating profile B may be associated with the third puff, heating profile C may be associated with the fourth puff, and heating profile D may be associated with the fifth puff. The same heating profile E may also be associated with the sixth and seventh puffs. Note that heating profiles A, B, C, D, and E are each different from one another. In the example of FIG. 8 , the user terminal 200 transmits heating profile C associated with the fourth puff selected by the user to the inhalation device 100.

[0119] In this case, the predetermined heating profile associated with the plurality of puffs may be a heating profile capable of reproducing an average aerosol taste in each of the plurality of puffs in the dedicated heating profile, or may be a heating profile capable of reproducing a similar aerosol taste to that in any one of the plurality of puffs in the dedicated heating profile.

[0120] FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of a predetermined heating profile. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time. The vertical axis of the graph represents temperature. The heating profile illustrated in FIG. 9 is a heating profile that maintains a constant temperature during the second heating period. The constant temperature maintained in the predetermined heating profile corresponds to the heating temperature during puffing in the dedicated heating profile. For example, in the fourth puff selected by the user as illustrated in FIG. 8, the heating temperature in the dedicated heating profile illustrated in FIG. 6 is 280°C. In this case, the predetermined heating profile maintains 280°C, which is the heating temperature during puffing in the dedicated heating profile, during the second heating period. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can maintain heating of the aerosol source at 280°C, which is the heating temperature during puffing selected by the user. In other words, the inhalation device 100 can continue generating aerosol during the second heating period at 280°C, which is the heating temperature during puffing selected by the user.

[0121] It is known that the taste of the generated aerosol changes depending on the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and the likelihood that the taste of the generated aerosol will be the same increases when the aerosol source is heated to the same temperature. Therefore, in a new smoking session, the inhalation device 100 maintains the heating of the aerosol source at 280°C, which is the heating temperature for the puff selected by the user, thereby increasing the likelihood that the user will be able to enjoy the taste of the aerosol generated at 280°C for a long period of time.

[0122] The predetermined heating profile may be any heating profile that can reproduce a smoking taste similar to that of the aerosol in the puff selected by the user, or may be a heating profile that reproduces a smoking taste similar to that of the aerosol in the puff selected by the user for a certain period of time.

[0123] In step S117, when the setting based on the predetermined heating profile is completed, the suction device 100 transmits a setting completion notification to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 receives the setting completion notification from the suction device 100.

[0124] In step S118, when the user terminal 200 receives a setting completion notification from the suction device 100, the user terminal 200 notifies the user that the setting is complete. The output unit 220 of the user terminal 200, for example, displays a UI indicating that the setting is complete. For example, if the user terminal 200 has a display as the output unit 220, the output unit 220 displays, for example, information indicating that the setting is complete on the display. Note that any method may be used by the user terminal 200 to notify the user that the setting is complete.

[0125] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction device 100 downloads a dedicated heating profile used for evaluation from the user terminal 200. Therefore, the suction device 100 can perform heating control based on the dedicated heating profile used for evaluation. Furthermore, the suction device 100 temporarily stores the dedicated heating profile, thereby preventing the dedicated heating profile from being repeatedly used for heating control.

[0126] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inhalation device 100 controls heating using a dedicated heating profile. The dedicated heating profile changes the taste of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source in a short period of time. This allows the user to easily sense the change in the taste of the aerosol being inhaled, facilitating the user's subsequent evaluation of puffs. Furthermore, the user terminal 200 notifies the user of the puff timing. Therefore, the user of the inhalation device 100 can perform puffing while referring to the screen display indicating the puff timing displayed on the user terminal 200.

[0127] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user terminal 200 displays an evaluation UI for evaluating the smoking taste of the inhaled aerosol. Therefore, the user of the inhalation device 100 can select one of multiple puffs performed by the user based on the smoking taste of the aerosol. The user terminal 200 also transmits a predetermined heating profile corresponding to the identified puff to the inhalation device 100. Therefore, the user of the inhalation device 100 can execute new heating control using the predetermined heating profile associated with the puff selected by the user. Here, the predetermined heating profile is a heating profile that can reproduce a smoking taste similar to the aerosol smoking taste of the puff selected by the user. Therefore, the user of the inhalation device 100 can enjoy a smoking taste similar to the aerosol smoking taste of the selected puff in a new smoking session.

[0128] 10 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example of the preparation stage among processing examples of the control system including the suction device 100 and the user terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The processing example of the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 10 corresponds to the processing example shown in steps S101 to S105 in Fig. 5.

[0129] In step S201, the suction device 100 receives a predetermined action from the user to start the evaluation. The predetermined action is, for example, an action in which the user selects an icon for starting the evaluation displayed on the user terminal 200. The predetermined action may be, for example, a tap action on the screen of the user terminal 200. Note that the predetermined action may be any action as long as it receives a request to start the evaluation from the user. The predetermined action may be, for example, an action in which the user presses a predetermined button provided on the user terminal 200.

[0130] In step S202, the user terminal 200 requests the number of the downloaded heating profile from the suction device 100. The downloaded heating profile is, for example, a heating profile that the user terminal 200 previously transmitted to the suction device 100. The user terminal 200 requests the number of the previously transmitted heating profile from the suction device 100. The heating profile number is an identifier that can uniquely identify the heating profile.

[0131] In step S203, when the number of the downloaded heating profile is requested, the suction device 100 checks whether a previously downloaded heating profile exists. If a previously downloaded heating profile exists, the suction device 100 transmits an identifier (in other words, a number) that can uniquely identify the downloaded heating profile to the user terminal 200. On the other hand, if a previously downloaded heating profile does not exist, the suction device 100 notifies the user terminal 200 that a downloaded heating profile does not exist.

[0132] In step S204, user terminal 200 requests the number of the heating profile set as the heating profile to be used for heating control from inhalation device 100. The heating profile to be used for heating control is the heating profile to be used for heating the aerosol source when a predetermined action to start heating is received from the user. By setting the heating profile to be used for heating control, inhalation device 100 can perform heating control using the set heating profile even when multiple heating profiles are stored.

[0133] In step S205, when the number of the set heating profile is requested, the suction device 100 transmits to the user terminal 200 the identifier (in other words, the number) of the heating profile set as the heating profile to be used for heating control.

[0134] In step S206, when the user terminal 200 receives the identifier of the set heating profile from the suction device 100, it notifies the user of information related to the heating profile used for the set heating control. The output unit 220 of the user terminal 200 displays, for example, a UI showing information related to the heating profile used for the set heating control. For example, if the user terminal 200 includes a display as the output unit 220, the output unit 220 displays, for example, information related to the heating profile used for the set heating control on the display. Note that any method may be used by the user terminal 200 to notify the user of information related to the heating profile used for the set heating control.

[0135] In step S207, the user terminal 200 accepts a predetermined action from the user for actually starting the evaluation processing. The predetermined action is, for example, an action in which the user selects an icon displayed on the user terminal 200 for actually starting the evaluation processing from the user. The predetermined action may be, for example, a tap action on the screen of the user terminal 200. Note that the predetermined action may be any action as long as it accepts an action from the user for actually starting the evaluation processing from the user. The predetermined action may be, for example, an action in which the user presses a predetermined button provided on the user terminal 200.

[0136] In step S208, the user terminal 200 requests correction value data from the suction device 100. The correction value data is data related to the characteristics of the heating units 121 of the suction device 100. Each heating unit 121 of the suction device 100 includes different characteristics. Therefore, even when heating control is performed using the same heating profile, the heating temperature will differ for each heating unit 121 depending on the characteristics of the heating unit 121. For this reason, the heating profile used by the suction device 100 needs to be adjusted to an appropriate heating temperature based on data related to the characteristics of the heating unit 121 of the suction device 100 being used. Therefore, the user terminal 200 requests correction value data related to the heating profile from the suction device 100, and adjusts the heating profile to be sent to the suction device 100 based on the data related to the characteristics of the heating unit 121 of the suction device 100.

[0137] In step S209, when the correction value data is requested, the suction device 100 transmits the correction value data to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 adjusts the dedicated heating profile to be transmitted to the suction device 100 based on the correction value data received from the suction device 100.

[0138] In step S210, the user terminal 200 transmits a dedicated heating profile to be used for evaluation to the inhalation device 100. The dedicated heating profile may be transmitted and received in one transmission, or may be transmitted and received in multiple transmissions. For example, the user terminal 200 may divide the dedicated heating profile into multiple pieces of data and transmit the data in multiple transmissions. The dedicated heating profile used for evaluation is a heating profile for causing a change in the smoking taste of the aerosol, as exemplified in FIG. 6. The dedicated heating profile used for evaluation is a heating profile that is more likely to cause a change in the smoking taste of the aerosol than the heating profile used for normal heating control, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0139] In step S211, the suction device 100 temporarily stores the dedicated heating profile to be used for evaluation received from the user terminal 200. The suction device 100 temporarily stores the dedicated heating profile in, for example, a volatile memory. Note that the suction device 100 may also temporarily store the dedicated heating profile in a non-volatile memory. In this way, the suction device 100 can be configured to temporarily store the dedicated heating profile and use it only for heating control for evaluation.

[0140] In step S212, the user terminal 200 requests the suction device 100 to change the heating profile set as the heating profile used for heating control to a dedicated heating profile. The suction device 100 changes the heating profile used for heating control to the dedicated heating profile. This allows the suction device 100 to perform heating control using the dedicated heating profile.

[0141] In step S213, the suction device 100 notifies the user terminal 200 that the heating profile set as the heating profile used for heating control has been changed to the dedicated heating profile.

[0142] In step S214, the suction device 100 sets an evaluation flag, which indicates that the suction device 100 is executing a process for evaluating the heating profile.

[0143] In step S215, when the preparation for heating control for evaluation is completed, the suction device 100 transmits a preparation completion notification to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 receives the preparation completion notification from the suction device 100.

[0144] In step S216, when the user terminal 200 receives a notification of completion of preparation from the suction device 100, the user terminal 200 notifies the user that preparation for evaluation is complete. The output unit 220 of the user terminal 200, for example, displays a UI indicating that preparation for evaluation is complete. For example, if the user terminal 200 has a display as the output unit 220, the output unit 220 displays, for example, information indicating that preparation for evaluation is complete on the display. Note that any method may be used by the user terminal 200 to notify the user that preparation for evaluation is complete.

[0145] In step S217, the suction device 100 notifies the user that preparation for evaluation is complete. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100, for example, displays a UI indicating that preparation for evaluation is complete. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 notifies the user that preparation for evaluation is complete, for example, by causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 also notifies the user that preparation for evaluation is complete, for example, by vibrating a vibration device in a predetermined manner. If the suction device 100 includes a display as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 notifies the user that preparation for evaluation is complete by, for example, displaying information indicating that preparation for evaluation is complete on the display. Note that any method may be used by the suction device 100 to notify the user that preparation for evaluation is complete.

[0146] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction device 100 downloads a dedicated heating profile used for evaluation from the user terminal 200. Therefore, the suction device 100 can perform heating control based on the dedicated heating profile used for evaluation. Furthermore, the suction device 100 temporarily stores the dedicated heating profile, thereby preventing the dedicated heating profile from being repeatedly used for heating control.

[0147] 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process in the inhalation stage among examples of a process in the control system including the inhalation device 100 and the user terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The example of the process in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the example of the process shown in steps S106 to S112 in FIG. 5.

[0148] In step S301, the suction device 100 receives a predetermined action for starting heating from the user. The predetermined action for starting heating is, for example, an action that the user of the suction device 100 performs on the suction device 100. The predetermined action for starting heating may also be the user inserting the stick-type substrate 150 into the suction device 100.

[0149] In step S302, when the suction device 100 receives a predetermined action to start heating, the suction device 100 starts heating control based on a dedicated heating profile that has been temporarily stored. The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 starts controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on, for example, the dedicated heating profile that has been temporarily stored.

[0150] In step S303, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user terminal 200 that the heating state is a pre-heating state. The pre-heating period is the period from when heating starts to when the recommended puffing period starts. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

[0151] In step S304, when the user terminal 200 receives notification from the suction device 100 that the device is in the preheating state, the user terminal 200 notifies the user that the device is in the preheating state. The output unit 220 of the user terminal 200 displays, for example, a UI indicating that the device is in the preheating state. For example, if the user terminal 200 includes a display as the output unit 220, the output unit 220 displays, for example, information indicating that the device is in the preheating state on the display. Note that any method may be used by the user terminal 200 to notify the user that the device is in the preheating state.

[0152] In step S305, the inhalation device 100 ends the heating control as preheating. The inhalation device 100 ends the heating control as preheating and transitions to a puff recommended period.

[0153] In step S306, the suction device 100 notifies the user terminal 200 of the heating status after preheating. The heating status includes the progress of heating control. The suction device 100 notifies the user terminal 200 of the heating status after preheating, for example, at a predetermined cycle. For example, the suction device 100 may notify the user terminal 200 of the end of each period in the heating profile, indicating that the period has ended. Each period in the heating profile is, for example, a first heating period, a temperature decrease period, and a second heating period. Note that the suction device 100 may notify the user terminal 200 of the start of each period in the heating profile, indicating that the period has started, for example.

[0154] In step S307, when the user terminal 200 receives the heating status notification from the inhalation device 100, the user terminal 200 notifies the user of information prompting the user to start puffing. The output unit 220 of the user terminal 200 displays, for example, a puff start UI prompting the user to start puffing. For example, if the user terminal 200 includes a display as the output unit 220, the output unit 220 displays, for example, the puff start UI prompting the user to start puffing on the display. Note that any method may be used by the user terminal 200 to notify the user of the puff start UI prompting the user to start puffing.

[0155] In step S308, the user terminal 200 requests the inhalation device 100 to notify the puff timing.

[0156] In steps S309, S311, and S313, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that it is time to puff based on a dedicated heating profile. As shown in FIG. 6 , the dedicated heating profile includes, for example, seven puff timings. The inhalation device 100 notifies the user that it is time to puff each time a puff timing occurs. The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI indicating that it is time to puff, for example, each time a puff timing occurs. The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that it is time to puff, for example, by causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. The notification unit 113 of the inhalation device 100 also notifies the user that it is time to puff, for example, by vibrating a vibration device in a predetermined manner. If the inhalation device 100 includes a display as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 notifies the user that it is time to puff, for example, by displaying information indicating that it is time to puff on the display. Note that the inhalation device 100 may use any method to notify the user that it is time to puff.

[0157] In steps S310, S312, and S314, the user terminal 200 notifies the user of the puff timing. As shown in FIG. 6 , the dedicated heating profile includes, for example, seven puff timings. The user terminal 200 notifies the user that it is puff timing each time a puff timing arrives. The output unit 220 of the user terminal 200 displays a UI indicating the puff timing, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 7 . For example, if the user terminal 200 includes a display as the output unit 220, the output unit 220 displays information indicating the puff timing on the display, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 7 .

[0158] In step S315, the suction device 100 ends the heating control based on the dedicated heating profile.

[0159] In step S316, when the suction device 100 has finished the heating control, the suction device 100 transmits a completion notification indicating that the heating control has finished to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 receives the completion notification from the suction device 100.

[0160] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inhalation device 100 controls heating using a dedicated heating profile. The dedicated heating profile changes the taste of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source in a short period of time. This allows the user to easily sense the change in the taste of the aerosol being inhaled, facilitating subsequent evaluation of the user's puffs. Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 and the user terminal 200 notify the user of the puff timing. Therefore, the user of the inhalation device 100 can puff while checking the puff timing notification from the inhalation device 100 and referring to the screen display indicating the puff timing displayed on the user terminal 200.

[0161] 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process in the evaluation stage among examples of processes performed by a control system including the suction device 100 and the user terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The example of the process in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the example of the process shown in steps S113 to S118 in FIG. 5.

[0162] In step S401, the user terminal 200 displays an evaluation UI for the user to evaluate the smoking taste of the inhaled aerosol. For example, if the user terminal 200 includes a display as the output unit 220, the output unit 220 displays, for example, an evaluation UI for evaluating the smoking taste of the inhaled aerosol on the display. The user terminal 200 displays an evaluation UI (in other words, a selection screen) that allows the user to select one of multiple puffs, as illustrated in FIG. 8. For example, the user can select the puff that, from the multiple puffs, provided the user felt that the aerosol had the most delicious smoking taste.

[0163] In step S402, the user terminal 200 accepts the user's evaluation result. The user terminal 200 accepts the user's evaluation result and identifies a puff selected from the multiple puffs by the user based on the aerosol's smoking taste. The user's evaluation, for example, is selecting a preferred puff from the multiple puffs by the user. The user's evaluation result is, for example, the selected preferred puff. In the example of FIG. 8 , the user terminal 200 identifies the icon 225 selected by the user from the multiple icons 225 and identifies the puff corresponding to the identified icon 225. In the example of FIG. 8 , the icon 225 corresponding to the fourth puff has been selected by the user, so the user terminal 200 identifies it as the fourth puff.

[0164] In step S403, the user terminal 200 receives a predetermined operation from the user to start downloading the predetermined heating profile. The predetermined operation to start downloading the predetermined heating profile is, for example, an operation in which the user selects an icon displayed on the user terminal 200 for starting downloading the predetermined heating profile. The predetermined operation may be, for example, a tap operation on the screen of the user terminal 200. Note that the predetermined operation may be any action as long as it starts downloading the predetermined heating profile. The predetermined operation may be, for example, an operation in which the user presses a predetermined button on the user terminal 200.

[0165] In step S404, the user terminal 200 notifies the server 300 of information related to the selected puff. For example, if the user selects the fourth puff, the user terminal 200 notifies the server 300 of information related to the puff that can be identified as the fourth puff. Note that the notification of information related to the selected puff may include a request for a predetermined heating profile.

[0166] In step S405, server 300 identifies a predetermined heating profile corresponding to information related to the selected puff. Server 300 is an external device that stores predetermined heating profiles associated with each of a plurality of puffs. When server 300 receives information related to the selected puffs from user terminal 200, it can identify the predetermined heating profile associated with the selected puff. For example, server 300 can receive information related to a puff that can be identified as the fourth puff from user terminal 200 and identify a fourth heating profile associated with the fourth puff. Note that different predetermined heating profiles may be associated with each of the plurality of puffs, or one predetermined heating profile may be associated with at least two puffs.

[0167] In step S406, server 300 transmits the predetermined heating profile identified based on information about the puff selected by the user to user terminal 200. The predetermined heating profile may be transmitted and received in one transmission or multiple transmissions. For example, server 300 may divide the predetermined heating profile into multiple pieces of data and transmit the divided data multiple times.

[0168] The server 300 transmits, for example, the predetermined heating profile identified in step S403 to the user terminal 200. The predetermined heating profile transmitted by the server 300 to the user terminal 200 is a heating profile associated with the puff selected by the user. The predetermined heating profile is, for example, a heating profile capable of reproducing a smoking taste similar to the smoking taste of the aerosol in the puff selected by the user. Therefore, the server 300 can transmit, to the user terminal 200, a heating profile capable of reproducing a smoking taste similar to the smoking taste of the aerosol in the puff selected by the user.

[0169] In step S407, the user terminal 200 requests correction value data from the suction device 100. The correction value data is data related to the characteristics of the heating units 121 of the suction device 100. Each heating unit 121 of the suction device 100 includes different characteristics. Therefore, even when heating control is performed using the same heating profile, the heating temperature will differ for each heating unit 121 depending on the characteristics of the heating unit 121. For this reason, the heating profile used by the suction device 100 needs to be adjusted to an appropriate heating temperature based on data related to the characteristics of the heating unit 121 of the suction device 100 being used. Therefore, the user terminal 200 requests correction value data related to the heating profile from the suction device 100, and adjusts the heating profile to be sent to the suction device 100 based on the data related to the characteristics of the heating unit 121 of the suction device 100.

[0170] In step S408 , if the correction value data is requested, the suction device 100 transmits the correction value data to the user terminal 200 .

[0171] In step S409, the user terminal 200 adjusts the predetermined heating profile to be transmitted to the suction device 100 based on the correction value data received from the suction device 100.

[0172] In step S410, the user terminal 200 transmits a predetermined heating profile to the suction device 100. The predetermined heating profile may be transmitted and received in one go, or may be divided into multiple transmissions. For example, the user terminal 200 may divide the predetermined heating profile into multiple pieces of data and transmit the divided data multiple times.

[0173] In step S411, the inhalation device 100 stores the predetermined heating profile received from the user terminal 200. Unlike the inhalation device 100 that temporarily stores a dedicated heating profile, the inhalation device 100 stores the predetermined heating profile received from the user terminal 200 in a manner that continues to store the profile unless a deletion or overwrite request is received. The inhalation device 100 stores the predetermined heating profile received from the user terminal 200 in, for example, non-volatile memory. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can control heating using the predetermined heating profile in a new smoking session.

[0174] In step S412, when the suction device 100 has completed receiving the predetermined heating profile, the suction device 100 transmits a notification of completion of reception of the predetermined heating profile to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 receives the notification of completion of reception of the predetermined heating profile from the suction device 100.

[0175] In step S413, the user terminal 200 requests the suction device 100 to change the heating profile set as the heating profile used for heating control to a predetermined heating profile. The suction device 100 changes the heating profile used for heating control to the predetermined heating profile. This allows the suction device 100 to perform heating control using the predetermined heating profile.

[0176] In step S414, the suction device 100 transmits a notification of completion of the change in the setting of the heating profile to the user terminal 200. For example, the suction device 100 notifies the user terminal 200 that the change in the heating profile set as the heating profile used for heating control to a predetermined heating profile has been completed.

[0177] In step S415, the suction device 100 clears the evaluation flag, which indicates that the suction device 100 is executing a process for evaluating the heating profile.

[0178] In step S416, if the evaluation flag is cleared, the suction device 100 notifies the user that the evaluation process is complete. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100, for example, displays a UI indicating that the evaluation process is complete. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 notifies the user that the evaluation process is complete, for example, by causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. The notification unit 113 of the suction device 100 also notifies the user that the evaluation process is complete, for example, by vibrating a vibration device in a predetermined manner. If the suction device 100 includes a display as the notification unit 113, the notification unit 113 notifies the user that the evaluation process is complete by, for example, displaying information on the display indicating that the evaluation process is complete. Note that any method may be used by the suction device 100 to notify the user that the evaluation process is complete.

[0179] In step S417, when the user terminal 200 receives the notification that the heating profile setting change has been completed, the user terminal 200 notifies the user that the evaluation process has been completed. The output unit 220 of the user terminal 200, for example, displays a UI indicating that the evaluation process has been completed. For example, if the user terminal 200 has a display as the output unit 220, the output unit 220 displays, for example, information indicating that the evaluation process has been completed on the display. Note that the user terminal 200 may notify the user that the evaluation process has been completed by any method.

[0180] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user terminal 200 displays an evaluation UI for evaluating the smoking taste of the inhaled aerosol. Therefore, the user of the inhalation device 100 can select one of multiple puffs performed by the user based on the smoking taste of the aerosol. The user terminal 200 also receives a predetermined heating profile corresponding to the identified puff from the server 300 and then transmits the predetermined heating profile to the inhalation device 100. Therefore, the user of the inhalation device 100 can execute new heating control using the predetermined heating profile associated with the puff selected by the user. Here, the predetermined heating profile is a heating profile that can reproduce a smoking taste similar to the aerosol smoking taste of the puff selected by the user. Therefore, the user of the inhalation device 100 can enjoy a smoking taste similar to the aerosol smoking taste of the selected puff in a new smoking session.

[0181] While one embodiment of the suction device, control method, and program of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0182] For example, the specific numerical values ​​described in the above-described embodiment are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0183] The control method described in the above-described embodiment can be realized by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer (processor). The program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The program may be provided in a form stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes the program may be, for example, a computer included in the suction device 100 (e.g., a CPU included in the suction device 100), but is not limited thereto and may also be a computer included in another device that can communicate with the suction device 100 (e.g., a smartphone or a server).

[0184] This specification etc. describes at least the following items. In parentheses, components etc. corresponding to the above-mentioned embodiment are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0185] [Feature 1] An inhalation device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) comprising: a heating unit (heating unit 121, 121A, 121B) that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate (cartridge 120, stick-shaped substrate 150) containing an aerosol source; a control unit (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a first heating profile that indicates a target temperature or target resistance value over time when the heating unit heats the substrate; and a communication unit (communication unit 115, 115A, 115B) that communicates with a user terminal (user terminal 200), wherein the communication unit receives from the user terminal a second heating profile that has a faster temperature rise rate than the first heating profile over a predetermined period of time and is used by a user to evaluate the smoking taste of the aerosol; and the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile.

[0186] [Feature 2] The suction device according to Feature 1, wherein the control unit does not repeatedly use the second heating profile to control the operation of the heating unit.

[0187] [Feature 3] The suction device according to Feature 1 or 2, further comprising a memory unit (memory unit 114, 114A, 114B) that stores the second heating profile, wherein the memory unit temporarily stores the second heating profile, and the control unit deletes the second heating profile from the memory unit after controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile.

[0188] [Feature 4] The suction device according to any one of Features 1 to 3, wherein the first and second heating profiles include a first temperature rise period in which the temperature of the heating unit is increased from the start of heating, a temperature fall period in which the temperature of the heating unit is decreased after the first temperature rise period, and a second temperature rise period in which the temperature of the heating unit is increased again after the temperature fall period, and wherein the second heating profile has a faster temperature rise rate than the first heating profile during the second temperature rise period, which is the predetermined period.

[0189] [Feature 5] The suction device according to Feature 4, wherein the second heating profile has a second temperature rise period that is the predetermined period shorter than the second temperature rise period of the first heating profile.

[0190] [Feature 6] The inhalation device according to any one of Features 1 to 5, wherein the second heating profile, when controlling the operation of the heating unit to generate an aerosol from the base material, causes a greater change in the smoking taste of the aerosol than the first heating profile.

[0191] [Feature 7] The suction device according to any one of Features 1 to 6, further comprising a notification unit (notification units 113, 113A, 113B) that notifies the user of a timing at which suction is recommended, wherein the second heating profile is set to include a plurality of timings at which suction is recommended to the user, and the notification unit notifies each of the plurality of timings while controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile.

[0192] [Feature 8] The suction device according to any one of Features 1 to 7, wherein the communication unit transmits correction data regarding characteristics of the heating unit to the user terminal, and receives a second heating profile corrected based on the correction data from the user terminal.

[0193] [Feature 9] A control method executed by an inhalation device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) including: a heating unit (heating unit 121, 121A, 121B) that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate (cartridge 120, stick-shaped substrate 150) containing an aerosol source; a control unit (control unit 116, 116A, 116B) that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a first heating profile that indicates a target temperature or target resistance value over time when the heating unit heats the substrate; and a communication unit (communication unit 115, 115A, 115B) that communicates with a user terminal (user terminal 200), the control method including: receiving from the user terminal (step S102) a second heating profile that has a faster temperature rise rate than the first heating profile over a predetermined period and is used by a user to evaluate the smoking taste of the aerosol; and controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile (steps S107 and S302).

[0194] [Feature 10] The suction device further includes a memory unit (memory unit 114, 114A, 114B) that stores the second heating profile, and the control method according to Feature 9 further includes: a step of temporarily storing the second heating profile in the memory unit (step S103); and a step of deleting the second heating profile from the memory unit after controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile.

[0195] [Feature 11] The control method according to Feature 9 or 10, wherein the first and second heating profiles include a first temperature rise period in which the temperature of the heating unit is increased from the start of heating, a temperature fall period in which the temperature of the heating unit is decreased after the first temperature rise period, and a second temperature rise period in which the temperature of the heating unit is increased again after the temperature fall period, and the second heating profile has a faster temperature rise rate than the first heating profile during the second temperature rise period, which is the predetermined period.

[0196] [Feature 12] The control method according to Feature 11, wherein the second heating profile has a second temperature rise period that is the predetermined period shorter than the second temperature rise period of the first heating profile.

[0197] [Feature 13] The suction device further includes a notification unit (notification units 113, 113A, 113B) that notifies the user of a timing when suction is recommended, the second heating profile includes a plurality of timings when suction is recommended to the user, and the control method according to any one of Features 9 to 12 further includes a step (step S309, step S311, step S313) of notifying each of the plurality of timings while controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile.

[0198] [Feature 14] The control method according to any one of Features 1 to 13, further comprising a step of transmitting correction data relating to characteristics of the heating unit to the user terminal, wherein in the step of receiving the second heating profile, the second heating profile corrected based on the correction data is received from the user terminal.

[0199] [Feature 15] A computer (controllers 116, 116A, 116B) for controlling an inhalation device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) includes a heating unit (heating unit 121, 121A, 121B) that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate (cartridge 120, stick-shaped substrate 150) containing an aerosol source, a controller (controllers 116, 116A, 116B) that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a first heating profile that indicates a target temperature or target resistance value over time when the heating unit heats the substrate, and a communication unit (communication unit 115, 115A, 115B) that communicates with a user terminal (user terminal 200), the computer receiving, from the user terminal (step S102), a second heating profile that has a faster temperature rise rate than the first heating profile over a predetermined period and that is used by a user to evaluate the smoking taste of the aerosol; a step of controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile (step S107, step S302);

[0200] 100 Inhalation device 110 Power supply unit, 111 Power supply section, 112 Sensor section 113 Notification section, 114 Memory section, 115 Communication section 116 Control section (computer) 120 Cartridge (substrate), 121 Heating section, 122 Liquid guide section, 123 Liquid storage section 124 Mouthpiece 130 Flavoring cartridge, 131 Flavor source 140 Storage section, 141 Internal space, 142 Opening, 143 Bottom section 150 Stick-shaped substrate (substrate), 151 Substrate section, 152 Mouthpiece section 180 Air flow path 200 User terminal 210 Input section 220 Output section, 221 Information indicating the number of puffs, 222 Icon, 223 Bar, 224 Text, 225 Icon 230 Detection section 240 Communication section 250 Memory section 260 Control unit 300 Server

Claims

1. A heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, A control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on a first heating profile that indicates a target temperature or target resistance value over time when the heating unit heats the substrate, It comprises a communication unit that establishes a communication connection with the user terminal, The communication unit receives from the user terminal a second heating profile, which has a faster heating rate than the first heating profile over a predetermined period and is used by the user to evaluate the taste of the aerosol. The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile. Suction device.

2. The control unit shall not repeatedly use the second heating profile to control the operation of the heating unit. The suction device according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a storage unit for storing the second heating profile, The storage unit temporarily stores the second heating profile, The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile, and then deletes the second heating profile from the storage unit. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first and second heating profiles include a first heating period in which the temperature of the heating section is raised from the start of heating, a cooling period in which the temperature of the heating section is lowered after the first heating period, and a second heating period in which the temperature of the heating section is raised again after the cooling period. The second heating profile has a faster heating rate than the first heating profile during the second heating period, which is the predetermined period. The suction device according to claim 1.

5. The second heating profile is characterized in that the second heating period, which is the predetermined period, is shorter than the second heating period of the first heating profile. The suction device according to claim 4.

6. The second heating profile, when controlling the operation of the heating unit to generate an aerosol from the substrate, exhibits a greater change in the taste of the aerosol compared to the first heating profile. The suction device according to claim 1.

7. It also includes a notification unit that informs the user of the timing when it is recommended to use suction. The second heating profile includes multiple timings that recommend suction to the user. The notification unit notifies each of the plurality of timings while controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile. The suction device according to claim 1.

8. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits correction data relating to the characteristics of the heating unit to the user terminal, and receives a second heating profile corrected based on the correction data from the user terminal.

9. A control method performed by a suction device comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a first heating profile indicating a target temperature or target resistance value over time when the heating unit heats the substrate; and a communication unit that communicates with a user terminal, The steps include receiving a second heating profile from the user terminal, which has a faster heating rate than the first heating profile over a predetermined period and is used for the user to evaluate the taste of the aerosol, The process includes the step of controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile, Control method.

10. The suction device further comprises a storage unit for storing the second heating profile, The steps include temporarily storing the second heating profile in the storage unit, The process further includes the step of controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile, and then deleting the second heating profile from the storage unit. The control method according to claim 9.

11. The first and second heating profiles include a first heating period in which the temperature of the heating section is raised from the start of heating, a cooling period in which the temperature of the heating section is lowered after the first heating period, and a second heating period in which the temperature of the heating section is raised again after the cooling period. The second heating profile has a faster heating rate than the first heating profile during the second heating period, which is the predetermined period. The control method according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The second heating profile is characterized in that the second heating period, which is the predetermined period, is shorter than the second heating period of the first heating profile. The control method according to claim 11.

13. The suction device further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of the timing at which suction is recommended. The second heating profile includes multiple timings that recommend suction to the user. The process further includes the step of notifying each of the plurality of timings while controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile, The control method according to claim 9.

14. The method further includes the step of transmitting correction data relating to the characteristics of the heating element to the user terminal, In the step of receiving the second heating profile, the second heating profile corrected based on the correction data is received from the user terminal. The control method according to claim 9.

15. A computer controls a suction device comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a first heating profile indicating a target temperature or target resistance value over time when the heating unit heats the substrate; and a communication unit that communicates with a user terminal. A step of receiving from the user terminal a second heating profile, which has a faster heating rate than the first heating profile over a predetermined period and is used for the user to evaluate the taste of the aerosol, A step of controlling the operation of the heating unit using the second heating profile, A program that executes the command.