Suction device, material, and control method

Abstract

It provides a structure that can further improve the quality of the user experience regarding the suction device. A suction device comprising a power supply unit (111) that supplies power, a heating unit (121) that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit (111), a measuring unit (172) that measures a measurement value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit (121), an operating unit (171) that operates using power supplied from the power supply unit (111) and is different from the heating unit (121), and a control unit (116) that controls the operation of the heating unit (121) so that the temperature of the heating unit (121) corresponding to the measurement value moves in the same way as the target temperature based on a heating setting in which the time series trend of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit (121), is defined, and the control unit (116) performs a correction process to correct the measurement value upon the initiation of power supply from the power supply unit (111) to the operating unit (171).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device, a substrate, and a control method. Background Technology

[0002] Inhalation devices that generate substances inhaled by a user, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely available. For example, an inhalation device generates an aerosol with a flavor component by using a material that includes an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can taste the flavor by inhaling the aerosol with a flavor component generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or puff action.

[0003] In addition to a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, the suction device may be equipped with various other devices. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology in which a vibration motor is installed in the suction device to notify the user of information through vibration. Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-516262 The problem to be solved

[0005] In small devices such as suction devices, if multiple devices operate simultaneously, various inconveniences may arise. However, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 did not examine these inconveniences at all.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problem, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a structure that can further improve the quality of the user experience regarding the suction device. means of solving the problem

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, a suction device is provided comprising: a power supply unit that supplies power; a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit; a measuring unit that measures a measurement value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit; an operating unit different from the heating unit that operates using power supplied from the power supply unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit corresponding to the measurement value moves in the same manner as the target temperature based on a heating setting in which the time series trend of the target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined, and the control unit performs a correction process to correct the measurement value upon the initiation of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit.

[0008] The above correction process may include setting a correction target period upon the commencement of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit, and correcting the measurement value when the measurement value measured by the measurement unit during the correction target period falls within the correction target range.

[0009] The control unit may set the correction target range according to the previously measured value or the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of heating.

[0010] The above correction process may include any one of correcting the above measurement value of the subject to correction to the above measurement value measured before the above measurement value of the subject to correction, correcting by linear supplementation, or correcting by a moving average.

[0011] The above heating settings each include a plurality of periods in which the target temperature is set, and the control unit may select a method for correcting the measured value of the correction target in the correction processing according to the period in the heating settings corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating.

[0012] The control unit may correct the measurement value of the subject to correction to the measurement value measured before the measurement value of the subject to correction during the period in which the target temperature does not change.

[0013] The above control unit may correct the above measurement value of the correction target by linear supplementation or moving average during the period in which the above target temperature changes.

[0014] The control unit may prohibit heating by the heating unit when the number of times the measurement value measured by the measuring unit during the correction target period falls within the correction target range reaches a first predetermined number.

[0015] The control unit prohibits heating by the heating unit when the number of times the measurement value measured by the measuring unit in a period other than the correction target period falls within the error determination range reaches a second predetermined number, and the first predetermined number may be greater than the second predetermined number.

[0016] The above correction target range may include a range greater than or equal to a first threshold value and a range less than or equal to a second threshold value, and the above error judgment range may include a range greater than or equal to a third threshold value lower than the first threshold value and a range less than or equal to a fourth threshold value higher than the second threshold value.

[0017] The above correction target period may be the period from when power supply to the above operating unit is initiated until a predetermined number of the above measurement values ​​are measured.

[0018] The above correction target period may be the period from when power supply to the above operating unit is started until it is stopped.

[0019] The above control unit may perform the correction process as the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source is inhaled.

[0020] The control unit may perform the correction processing when the amount of change in the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit to the heating unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0021] The above correction process may include setting a correction target period based on the change in the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit to the heating unit exceeding a predetermined threshold value, and correcting the measurement value when the measurement value measured by the measurement unit during the correction target period falls within the correction target range.

[0022] In the case where the first correction target period, which is the correction target period set according to the commencement of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit, and the second correction target period, which is the correction target range set according to the change amount of power supplied from the power supply unit to the heating unit exceeding a predetermined threshold value, overlap, the control unit may connect the first correction target period and the second correction target period.

[0023] The above control unit may perform the correction processing according to the operation content of the above operating unit executed by power supply to the above operating unit.

[0024] The above operating part may be a vibration element or a light-emitting element.

[0025] In addition, to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a substrate containing an aerosol source that is heated by a suction device is provided, comprising: a power supply unit that supplies power; a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit; a measuring unit that measures a measurement value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit; an operating unit different from the heating unit that operates using power supplied from the power supply unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit corresponding to the measurement value moves in the same manner as the target temperature based on a heating setting in which the time series trend of the target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined, and the control unit performs a correction process to correct the measurement value upon the initiation of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit.

[0026] In addition, to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for controlling a suction device is provided, wherein the suction device comprises a power supply unit that supplies power, a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit, a measuring unit that measures a measurement value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, and an operating unit different from the heating unit that operates using power supplied from the power supply unit, and the control method comprises performing a correction process to correct the measurement value upon the commencement of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit, and controlling the operation of the heating unit such that the temperature of the heating unit corresponding to the measurement value moves in the same manner as the target temperature based on a heating setting in which the time series trend of the target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined. Effects of the invention

[0027] As explained above, according to the present invention, a structure is provided that makes it possible to further improve the quality of the user experience regarding the suction device. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] [Fig. 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device. [Fig. 2] This is a block diagram showing a partial circuit configuration of a suction device related to the first embodiment. [Fig. 3] This is a graph showing the ideal trend of the resistance value of the heating section when control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. [Fig. 4] This is a graph showing an example of the actual trend of the resistance value of the heating part. [Fig. 5] This is an enlarged graph of the timing near the vibration element (171) being fed in the graph shown in Fig. 4. [Fig. 6] This is an enlarged graph of the timing near which the vibration element (171) is fed in the graph shown in Fig. 4. [Fig. 7] This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by a suction device related to the same embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Suitable embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are given the same reference numerals to avoid redundant descriptions.

[0030] <1. Example of Suction Device Configuration>

[0031] A suction device is a device that generates a substance inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the suction device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device may be a gas.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device. As shown in FIG. 1, the suction device (100) related to the present configuration includes a power supply unit (111), a sensor unit (112), a notification unit (113), a memory unit (114), a communication unit (115), a control unit (116), a heating unit (121), a holding (holding support) unit (140), and an insulation unit (144).

[0033] The power supply unit (111) accumulates power. Then, the power supply unit (111) supplies power to each component of the suction device (100) based on control by the control unit (116). The power supply unit (111) may be composed of a rechargeable battery, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0034] The sensor unit (112) acquires various information regarding the suction device (100). As an example, the sensor unit (112) is composed of a pressure sensor, such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires a value based on suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit (112) is composed of an input device that receives input of information from the user, such as a button or a switch.

[0035] The notification unit (113) notifies the user of information. The notification unit (113) is composed of, for example, a light-emitting device, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibrating device.

[0036] The memory unit (114) stores various information for the operation of the suction device (100). The memory unit (114) is composed of a non-volatile storage medium, such as a flash memory, for example.

[0037] The communication unit (115) is a communication interface capable of performing communication based on any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be adopted.

[0038] The control unit (116) functions as a computational processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation within the suction device (100) according to various programs. The control unit (116) is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor, for example.

[0039] The holding portion (140) has an internal space (141) and holds the stick-type material (150) while accommodating a part of the stick-type material (150) in the internal space (141). The holding portion (140) has an opening (142) that communicates the internal space (141) to the outside and holds the stick-type material (150) inserted into the internal space (141) through the opening (142). For example, the holding portion (140) is a cylindrical body with the opening (142) and the bottom (143) as the bottom surface, and defines a column-shaped internal space (141). The holding portion (140) also has the function of defining the air flow path supplied to the stick-type material (150). An air inlet hole, which is the air inlet to this flow path, is positioned, for example, at the bottom (143). Meanwhile, an air outlet hole, which is the air outlet from this flow path, is an opening (142).

[0040] The stick-type material (150) includes a material portion (151) and an intake portion (152). The material portion (151) includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. The aerosol source may include a flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. If the inhalation device (100) is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a pharmaceutical agent. Furthermore, in the present configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid. When the stick-type material (150) is held in the holding portion (140), at least a portion of the material portion (151) is received in the internal space (141), and at least a portion of the intake portion (152) protrudes from the opening (142). Then, when the user bites and sucks on the suction part (152) protruding from the opening (142), air is drawn into the internal space (141) from an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the base part (151).

[0041] The heating unit (121) generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing it. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit (121) is configured in the form of a film and is arranged to cover the outer circumference of the holding unit (140). Then, when the heating unit (121) generates heat, the base portion (151) of the stick-type base (150) is heated from the outer circumference, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit (121) generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit (111). As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit (112) detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that certain information has been input. Then, power may be stopped when the sensor unit (112) detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or that certain information has been input.

[0042] The insulating part (144) prevents heat transfer from the heating part (121) to other components. For example, the insulating part (144) is composed of vacuum insulating material or aerogel insulating material, etc.

[0043] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device (100). Of course, the configuration of the suction device (100) is not limited to the above and may take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0044] As an example, the heating part (121) may be configured in a blade shape and positioned to protrude from the bottom (143) of the holding part (140) into the internal space (141). In that case, the blade-shaped heating part (121) is inserted into the base part (151) of the stick-shaped base (150) and heats the base part (151) of the stick-shaped base (150) from the inside. As another example, the heating part (121) may be positioned to cover the bottom (143) of the holding part (140). Additionally, the heating part (121) may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating part covering the outer circumference of the holding part (140), a second heating part in the shape of a blade, and a third heating part covering the bottom (143) of the holding part (140).

[0045] As another example, the holding portion (140) may include an opening and closing mechanism, such as a hinge, that opens and closes a part of the outer shell forming the inner space (141). Additionally, the holding portion (140) may clamp a stick-shaped material (150) inserted into the inner space (141) by opening and closing the outer shell. In that case, the heating portion (121) may be installed at the corresponding clamping location in the holding portion (140) and may heat the stick-shaped material (150) while pressing it.

[0046] In addition, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit (121). For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0047] The suction device (100) and the stick-type material (150) cooperate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. Therefore, the combination of the suction device (100) and the stick-type material (150) may be recognized as an aerosol generating system.

[0048] <2. First Embodiment>

[0049] (1) Circuit configuration

[0050] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a partial circuit configuration of a suction device (100) related to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction device (100) related to the present embodiment further includes a vibration element (171) and a measuring unit (172).

[0051] The vibration element (171) is a vibrating device. The vibration element (171) may be, for example, an eccentric motor. The vibration element (171) vibrates when power is supplied. The vibration element (171) is an example of an operating part different from the heating part (121) that operates using power supplied from the power supply unit (111). The vibration element (171) is included in the notification unit (113) and vibrates to notify various information to the user.

[0052] The measuring unit (172) measures a physical quantity corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit (121). Hereinafter, the physical quantity measured by the measuring unit (172) is also referred to as the measured value. The measuring unit (172) outputs the measured value to the control unit (116). An example of the measured value is the resistance value of the heating unit (121). The resistance value of the heating unit (121) (more specifically, the heating resistor constituting the heating unit (121)) changes according to the temperature of the heating resistor. In addition, the resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the voltage drop in the heating resistor. The voltage drop in the heating resistor can be obtained by measuring the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. That is, the measuring unit (172) may measure the voltage drop in the heating unit (121) and measure the resistance value of the heating unit (121) based on the measured voltage drop.

[0053] The power supply unit (111) supplies power to the vibration element (171) and the heating unit (121). The power supply unit (111) also includes a circuit for switching the power supply location. Based on control by the control unit (116), the power supply ON / OFF from the power supply unit (111) to the vibration element (171) and the power supply ON / OFF from the power supply unit (111) to the heating unit (121) are switched.

[0054] The control unit (116) controls the power supply by the power supply unit (111). Specifically, the control unit (116) transmits a control signal to the power supply unit (111) to control the power supply location and the amount of power supplied (e.g., the duty ratio of the power pulse described later). As an example, the control unit (116) controls the power supply to the heating unit (121) based on the measurement value detected by the measurement unit (172). Then, the heating unit (121) uses the power supplied from the power supply unit (111) to heat a stick-type substrate (150) (i.e., an aerosol source) to generate an aerosol.

[0055] (2) Heating profile

[0056] The control unit (116) controls the operation of the heating unit (121) based on the heating setting. The control of the operation of the heating unit (121) is realized by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit (111) to the heating unit (121). The heating setting is information in which the time series trend of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit (121), is defined. Hereinafter, such a heating setting is also referred to as a heating profile.

[0057] The control unit (116) controls the operation of the heating unit (121) so that the temperature of the heating unit (121) corresponding to the measured value measured by the measuring unit (172) (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) moves in the same way as the target temperature specified in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed so that the flavor tasted by the user is optimal when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-type material (150). Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit (121) based on the heating profile, the flavor tasted by the user can be optimized.

[0058] The heating profile includes one or more combinations of information indicating a target temperature and the timing at which the target temperature must be reached. The control unit (116) controls the operation of the heating unit (121) by switching the target temperature according to the elapsed time after heating based on the heating profile has started. Specifically, the control unit (116) controls the operation of the heating unit (121) based on the discrepancy between the current room temperature and the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time after heating based on the heating profile has started. The operation control of the heating unit (121) can be realized, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The control unit (116) can supply power from the power supply unit (111) to the heating unit (121) in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In that case, the control unit (116) can control the operation of the heating unit (121) by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulse 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) performs heating by the heating unit (121) until the room temperature reaches the target temperature. Then, the control unit (116) may stop heating by the heating unit (121) when the room temperature reaches the target temperature, and may resume heating by the heating unit (121) when the room temperature drops below the target temperature.

[0059] The period from the start of the process of generating aerosol using a stick-type substrate (150) until its end is hereinafter also referred to as the heating session. In other words, the heating session is the period during which power supply to the heating unit (121) is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of the heating session is the timing at which heating based on the heating profile begins. The end of the heating session is the timing at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating session includes a preheating period in the first half and a puffing period in the second half. The puffing period is the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated. The preheating period is the period from the start of heating until the start of the puffing period. The heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.

[0060] The heating profile may include multiple periods, each with a set target temperature. The heating profile may be controlled to reach the target temperature set for any period at any timing within that period, or it may be controlled to reach the end of that period. In either case, it is possible to make the actual temperature of the heating unit (121) change in the same way as the trend of the target temperature specified in the heating profile.

[0061] An example of a heating profile is shown in Table 1 below.

[0062]

[0063] With reference to FIG. 3, the ideal trend of the resistance value of the heating unit (121) when the control unit (116) performs control according to the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the ideal trend of the resistance value of the heating unit (121) when control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the resistance value of the heating unit (121). As shown in FIG. 3, the resistance value of the heating unit (121) follows the same trend as the resistance value corresponding to the target temperature specified in the heating profile.

[0064] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes an initial heating period. The initial heating period is the period during which the temperature of the heating unit (121) rises from an initial temperature to a predetermined temperature. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating unit (121) at the start of heating. The predetermined temperature is the temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated at the temperature of the stick-type substrate (150). As shown in FIG. 3, the resistance value of the heating unit (121) rises to 1.35Ω in one go during the initial heating period and then maintains 1.35Ω. Accordingly, the actual temperature of the heating unit (121) rises to 300℃ in one go during the initial heating period and then maintains 300℃. In addition, the period during which the temperature of the heating unit (121) rises is also called the heating period, and the period during which the temperature of the heating unit (121) is maintained is also called the temperature maintenance period. With this configuration, it is possible to end the preheating early and start the puffing period early. In addition, in FIG. 3, the preheating period ends 30 seconds after the start of heating.

[0065] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes an intermediate cooling period following the initial heating period. The intermediate cooling period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit (121) decreases. The intermediate cooling period is composed of a cooling period during which the temperature of the heating unit (121) decreases. As shown in FIG. 3, the resistance value of the heating unit (121) decreases from 1.35Ω to 1.25Ω during the intermediate cooling period. Accordingly, the actual temperature of the heating unit (121) decreases to 250°C during the intermediate cooling period. Even in that case, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated by the residual heat of the heating unit (121) and the stick-type substrate (150). Here, if the heating unit (121) is maintained at a high temperature, the aerosol source contained in the stick-type substrate (150) is rapidly consumed, and deterioration of flavor may occur, such as the flavor tasted by the user becoming too strong. In that respect, by providing an intermediate cooling period, it is possible to avoid such deterioration of flavor and improve the quality of the user's puff experience. Additionally, during the intermediate cooling period, weak power supply to the heating unit (121) may continue to decrease to the extent that the temperature of the heating unit (121) drops. This is for measuring the resistance value during the intermediate cooling period.

[0066] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes a re-heating period following an intermediate cooling period. The re-heating period is a period after the temperature of the heating unit (121) has decreased, during which the temperature of the heating unit (121) rises. As shown in FIG. 3, the resistance value of the heating unit (121) is initially maintained at 1.25Ω, then rises to 1.30Ω, and then maintains at 1.30Ω. Accordingly, the room temperature of the heating unit (121) is also maintained at 250℃, then rises to 280℃, and then maintains at 280℃. In this way, the re-heating period of the heating profile may include an initial temperature maintenance period, then a heating period, and finally a temperature maintenance period. If the heating unit (121) is continuously cooled, the stick-type substrate (150) also cools down, so the amount of aerosol generated decreases, and the flavor tasted by the user may deteriorate. In addition, as the heating profile progresses toward the latter half, the remaining amount of aerosol source contained in the stick-type material (150) decreases, so even if heating is continued at the same temperature, the amount of aerosol generated tends to decrease. In this regard, by raising the temperature again in the latter half of the heating profile to increase the amount of aerosol generated, the decrease in the amount of aerosol generated due to the decrease in the remaining amount of aerosol source can be compensated for. By doing so, it becomes possible to prevent the deterioration of the flavor tasted by the user even in the latter half of the heating profile.

[0067] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes a heating end period at the end. The heating end period is the period following the reheating period and is a period during which no heating occurs. A target temperature does not need to be set. During the heating end period, power supply to the heating unit (121) is terminated, and the temperature of the heating unit (121) decreases. Even in that case, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated for a while by residual heat from the heating unit (121) and the stick-type substrate (150). In the example shown in FIG. 3, the puffable period, i.e., the heating session, ends 340 seconds after the start of heating.

[0068] (3) Notice

[0069] The control unit (116) controls the vibration element (171) to notify the user of various information. For example, the control unit (116) may notify the user of the timing at which the puffing period begins and ends. Additionally, the control unit (116) may notify the user of a timing that is a predetermined time before the puffing period ends (for example, the timing at which power supply to the heating unit (121) ends). In that case, the user may perform a puff during the puffing period by referring to such notification.

[0070] The control unit (116) may control the power supply from the power supply unit (111) to the vibration element (171) based on the elapsed time after heating by the heating unit (121) has started. As an example, the control unit (116) may vibrate the vibration element (171) 30 seconds after the start of heating as a notification of the timing when the puffing period begins. As another example, the control unit (116) may vibrate the vibration element (171) 310 seconds after the start of heating as a notification of the timing before the end of the puffing period. With this configuration, it is possible to easily notify the timing when puffing should be performed.

[0071] The control unit (116) may control the power supply from the power supply unit (111) to the vibration element (171) based on the resistance value measured by the measurement unit (172). As an example, the control unit (116) may vibrate the vibration element (171) 10 seconds after the resistance value reaches 1.35Ω during the initial heating period as a notification of the timing when the puffing period begins. As another example, the control unit (116) may vibrate the vibration element (171) 60 seconds after the resistance value reaches 1.30Ω during the reheating period as a notification of the timing of a predetermined time before the puffing period ends. It is also conceivable that the actual temperature of the heating unit (121) may not change as specified in the heating profile due to the influence of ambient temperature, etc. In this respect, according to this configuration, it is possible to notify that puffing should be performed at an appropriate timing according to the trend of the room temperature of the heating unit (121).

[0072] The control unit (116) may control the supply of power from the power supply unit (111) to the vibration element (171) based on the number of times the aerosol generated by the heating unit (121) heating the aerosol source is inhaled. As an example, the control unit (116) may vibrate the vibration element (171) when the number of puffs since the start of the puffing period reaches a predetermined number as a notification of the timing at which the puffing period ends. As puffing is performed, the aerosol source of the stick-type material (150) is consumed and depleted faster. In this respect, according to this configuration, it is possible to notify the end of the puffing period at an appropriate timing according to the speed of consumption of the aerosol source.

[0073] (4) Technical challenges

[0074] The vibration element (171) and the heating unit (121) share a power supply unit (111). Therefore, depending on the power supply to the vibration element (171), noise may occur in the resistance value of the heating unit (121) measured by the measuring unit (172). This point will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of the actual trend of the resistance value of the heating unit (121). The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the resistance value of the heating unit (121) measured by the measuring unit (172). This graph shows the actual trend of the resistance value of the heating unit (121) measured by the measuring unit (172) when the vibration element (171) vibrates 30 seconds and 310 seconds after the start of heating, in the case where control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The vibration element (171) vibrates 30 seconds and 310 seconds after the start of heating as a notification of the timing when the puffing period begins, and as a notification of the timing before the end of the puffing period.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 4, the resistance value of the heating unit (121) fluctuates slightly up and down while following the same trend as the ideal trend shown in FIG. 3. One factor causing the resistance value of the heating unit (121) to fluctuate slightly is that the measuring unit (172) samples the resistance value at a predetermined sampling period, and the control unit (116) performs power supply control at the corresponding sampling period. However, relatively large fluctuations occur in the timing of power supply to the vibration element (171). This point will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

[0077] FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged graphs of the area near the timing at which the vibration element (171) is supplied with power in the graph shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows the actual trend of the heating section (121) around 30 seconds after the start of heating. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a fluctuation of 0.02Ω occurs immediately after the timing at which the vibration element (171) is supplied with power. FIG. 6 shows the actual trend of the heating section (121) around 310 seconds after the start of heating. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a fluctuation of 0.03Ω occurs immediately after the timing at which the vibration element (171) is supplied with power.

[0078] The cause of such relatively large fluctuations is the generation of noise due to power supply to the vibration element (171). When power supply to the vibration element (171) begins, the current load on the power supply unit (111) increases in a step shape. As a transient response to this current load, fluctuations occur in the resistance value measured by the measurement unit (172). Specifically, at the moment when the current load increases due to power supply to the vibration element (171), a large fluctuation occurs in the voltage of the power supply unit (111). And, according to the instantaneous fluctuation of the voltage, fluctuations (i.e., noise) occur in the resistance value measured by the measurement unit (172). For this reason, immediately after power is supplied to the vibration element (171) that shares the heating unit (121) and the power supply unit (111), noise is generated in the resistance value measured by the measurement unit (172).

[0079] Noise generated in the resistance value has an adverse effect on the operation control of the heating unit (121). In that case, it becomes difficult to realize the temperature trend as designed in the heating profile, and the user experience may deteriorate. In addition, if a function that determines an error based on the resistance value is implemented in the suction device (100), an error may be determined by mistake. In that case, measures such as stopping heating, which would normally be unnecessary, are executed, and the user suffers disadvantages.

[0080] Therefore, in this embodiment, by implementing countermeasures against noise occurring in the resistance value, such inconvenience is prevented, thereby improving the quality of the user experience.

[0081] (5) Noise countermeasures

[0082] The control unit (116) performs a process to correct the resistance value measured by the measurement unit (172) in accordance with the initiation of power supply from the power supply unit (111) to the vibration element (171) (hereinafter also referred to as a correction process). By correcting the resistance value in which noise has occurred, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience caused by noise in the resistance value and to improve the quality of the user experience.

[0083] The correction process includes setting a correction target period upon the commencement of power supply from the power supply unit (111) to the vibration element (171), and correcting the corresponding resistance value when the resistance value measured by the measurement unit (172) during the correction target period falls within the correction target range. The correction target period is a period during which the measured resistance value can be corrected. By limiting the correction target period, it becomes possible to reduce the processing load. The correction target range is a range of resistance values ​​where noise is thought to have occurred. By setting the correction target range, it becomes possible to correct the resistance value where noise is thought to have occurred, thereby eliminating the influence of noise.

[0084] - Setting the correction target period

[0085] The correction target period may be the period from when power supply to the vibration element (171) begins until a predetermined number of resistance values ​​are measured. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a large noise occurs immediately after power supply to the vibration element (171), and thereafter, the fluctuation in the resistance value converges. In this respect, according to this configuration, the correction target period can be limited to the period during which large noise may occur due to power supply to the vibration element (171). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the processing load.

[0086] The correction target period may be the period from when power supply to the vibration element (171) begins until it stops. With this configuration, the entire period during which noise may occur due to power supply to the vibration element (171) can be included in the correction target period. Therefore, it becomes possible to further prevent the occurrence of inconvenience caused by noise in the resistance value.

[0087] - Setting the range to be corrected

[0088] The control unit (116) may set a range to be corrected according to the resistance value measured in the previous step. For example, the control unit (116) sets a range to be corrected in which, at a given sampling time, the difference from the resistance value measured at a sampling time one step prior to it exceeds a predetermined value. That is, the control unit (116) may correct the resistance value measured at a given sampling time when the difference between the resistance value measured at a given sampling time and the resistance value measured at a sampling time one step prior to it exceeds a predetermined value. With this configuration, the occurrence of noise can be monitored while updating the range to be corrected according to the fluctuation of the resistance value. Setting such a range to be corrected is particularly effective during the period in which the resistance value is assumed to change, that is, during the period in which the target temperature in the heating profile changes (i.e., the heating period and the heating period).

[0089] The control unit (116) may set a correction target range according to a target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating. For example, the control unit (116) sets a range as a correction target range in which the difference from the resistance value corresponding to the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating exceeds a predetermined value. With this configuration, the occurrence of noise can be monitored while suppressing the update frequency of the correction target range. This setting of the correction target range is particularly effective during a period in which the resistance value is assumed not to change, that is, a period in which the target temperature in the heating profile does not change (i.e., the temperature maintenance period).

[0090] Additionally, when puffing is performed, the temperature of the heating unit (121) is temporarily lowered. Therefore, the control unit (116) may switch the method of setting the correction target range when puffing is detected. For example, the control unit (116) may set the correction target range according to the previously measured resistance value for a predetermined period after puffing is detected, and set the correction target range according to the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating for the rest of the period.

[0091] The control unit (116) may select a method for setting a correction target range according to a period in the heating profile corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating. With this configuration, it becomes possible to set a correction target range by switching to an effective setting method for each period specified in the heating profile. By doing so, it becomes possible to more effectively eliminate the influence of noise.

[0092] Specifically, the control unit (116) may set a range of correction targets according to the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating during the period when the target temperature does not change, i.e., the temperature maintenance period. With this configuration, it is possible to perform more effective correction during the temperature maintenance period.

[0093] Meanwhile, the control unit (116) may set a range to be corrected according to the previously measured resistance value during the period when the target temperature changes, i.e., the heating period and the cooling period. With this configuration, it becomes possible to perform more effective correction during the heating period and the cooling period.

[0094] - Resistance value correction method

[0095] There are various methods for correcting the resistance value of the object to be corrected. An example thereof is explained below. Furthermore, the resistance value of the object to be corrected refers to the resistance value measured during the period to be corrected, which is a resistance value included within the range to be corrected.

[0096] The control unit (116) may correct the resistance value of the object to be corrected to a resistance value measured prior to the resistance value of the object to be corrected. For example, the control unit (116) corrects the resistance value of the object to be corrected to a previously measured correction value. This correction method is particularly effective during a period in which the resistance value is assumed not to change, that is, during a period in which the target temperature in the heating profile does not change (i.e., the temperature maintenance period).

[0097] The control unit (116) may correct the resistance value of the object to be corrected by linear correction. Alternatively, the control unit (116) may correct the resistance value of the object to be corrected by a moving average. In either case, the control unit (116) may correct the resistance value of the object to be corrected by following the approximate trend of the change in the resistance value. This correction method is particularly effective during the period in which the resistance value is assumed to change, that is, during the period in which the target temperature in the heating profile changes (i.e., the heating period and the heating period).

[0098] The control unit (116) may select a method for correcting the resistance value of the object to be corrected in the correction process according to the period in the heating profile corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating. With this configuration, it becomes possible to correct the resistance value of the object to be measured by switching to an effective correction method at each period specified in the heating profile. By doing so, it becomes possible to more effectively eliminate the influence of noise.

[0099] Specifically, the control unit (116) may correct the resistance value of the object to be corrected to a resistance value measured prior to the resistance value of the object to be corrected during the period when the target temperature does not change, i.e., the temperature maintenance period. With this configuration, it becomes possible to perform a more effective correction during the temperature maintenance period.

[0100] Meanwhile, the control unit (116) may correct the resistance value of the object to be corrected by linear supplementation or moving average during the period when the target temperature changes, i.e., the heating period and the heating period. With this configuration, it becomes possible to perform more effective correction during the heating period and the heating period.

[0101] - Error handling

[0102] The control unit (116) may prohibit heating by the heating unit (121) when the number of times the resistance value measured by the measuring unit (172) during the correction target period is included in the correction target range (simplified, the number of times the resistance value has been corrected) reaches a first predetermined number. Prohibiting heating by the heating unit (121) means stopping heating while heating is in progress, and not performing heating even if a user operation instructing the start of heating is performed in the future. The control unit (116) may prohibit heating by the heating unit (121) when the number of times the resistance value has been corrected during one correction target period reaches a first predetermined number. Alternatively, the control unit (116) may prohibit heating by the heating unit (121) when the sum of the number of times the resistance value has been corrected during a plurality of correction target periods set as being in progress based on one heating profile reaches a first predetermined number. If the number of corrections is too high, it can be assumed that an error has occurred in the heating unit (121) rather than that noise has occurred. In this regard, according to this configuration, it is possible to determine the error in the heating unit (121) and increase user safety.

[0103] In particular, the control unit (116) may prohibit heating by the heating unit (121) when the number of times the resistance value measured by the measuring unit (172) during the correction target period is continuously included in the correction target range reaches a first predetermined number. If the resistance value is continuously included in the correction target range, it can be assumed that there is a high probability that some error has occurred in the heating unit (121). In this respect, according to this configuration, it is possible to further increase user safety.

[0104] Meanwhile, the control unit (116) may prohibit heating by the heating unit (121) when the number of times the resistance value measured by the measuring unit (172) during a period other than the correction target period falls within the error determination range reaches a second predetermined number. The error determination range is a range of resistance values ​​where it is thought that an inconvenience has occurred in the heating unit (121). The error determination range can be set in the same way as the correction target range. With this configuration, it is possible to determine the error of the heating unit (121) and increase user safety even during a period when power supply to the vibration element (171) is not performed.

[0105] Additionally, the control unit (116) may set the error determination range more strictly than the correction target range. Specifically, if the correction target range includes a range greater than or equal to a first threshold value and a range less than a second threshold value, the error determination range includes a range greater than or equal to a third threshold value lower than the first threshold value, and a range less than a fourth threshold value higher than the second threshold value. That is, the control unit (116) corrects the resistance value if the resistance value measured during the correction target period is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, and determines that an error has occurred if the resistance value measured during a period other than the correction target period is greater than or equal to the third threshold value lower than the first threshold value. Additionally, the control unit (116) corrects the resistance value if the resistance value measured during the correction target period is less than the second threshold value, and determines that an error has occurred if the resistance value measured during a period other than the correction target period is less than the fourth threshold value higher than the second threshold value. It can be assumed that during the correction period, the resistance value fluctuates more significantly due to the influence of noise compared to periods outside the correction period. To address this, by setting the correction range looser than the error judgment range, it becomes possible to prevent fluctuations in the resistance value caused by the influence of noise from being misjudged as errors.

[0106] Here, it is preferable that the first predetermined number of times be set to be greater than the second predetermined number of times. This is because noise generated in the resistance value due to power supply to the vibration element (171) is not an error. In this respect, according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation where the user suffers disadvantages by misjudging the generation of noise as an error.

[0107] (6) Flow of processing

[0108] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the suction device (100) related to the present embodiment.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the control unit (116) determines whether a puff request has been detected (step S102). A puff request is a user operation that requests the generation of an aerosol (i.e., instructs the start of heating). An example of a puff request is an operation on the suction device (100), such as operating a switch installed on the suction device (100). Another example of a puff request is inserting a stick-type material (150) into the suction device (100). Additionally, the insertion of the stick-type material (150) into the suction device (100) can be detected by a capacitive proximity sensor that detects the capacitance of the space near the opening (142), or by a pressure sensor that detects the pressure within the internal space (141).

[0110] If it is determined that no puff request is detected (Step S102: NO), the control unit (116) waits until a puff request is detected.

[0111] Meanwhile, if it is determined that a puff request is detected (Step S102: YES), the control unit (116) controls the operation of the heating unit (121) to start heating based on the heating profile (Step S104). For example, the control unit (116) initiates a process to control the power supply from the power supply unit (111) so that the actual temperature of the heating unit (121) corresponding to the resistance value measured by the measuring unit (172) moves in the same way as the target temperature specified in the heating profile.

[0112] Next, the control unit (116) determines whether an error condition is satisfied (step S106). An example of an error condition is that the number of times the resistance value measured by the measuring unit (172) during the correction target period falls within the correction target range reaches a first predetermined number. Another example of an error condition is that the number of times the resistance value measured by the measuring unit (172) falls within the error determination range reaches a second predetermined number.

[0113] If it is determined that the error condition is satisfied (Step S106: YES), the control unit (116) prohibits heating by the heating unit (121) (Step S108). After that, the processing is terminated.

[0114] If it is determined that the error condition is not satisfied (Step S106: NO), the control unit (116) determines whether the termination condition is satisfied (Step S110). An example of the termination condition is that the elapsed time since the start of heating has reached a predetermined time. Another example of the termination condition is that the number of puffs since the start of heating has reached a predetermined number.

[0115] If it is determined that the termination condition is satisfied (Step S110: YES), the control unit (116) terminates heating based on the heating profile (Step S112). After that, the processing is terminated.

[0116] If it is determined that the termination condition is not satisfied (Step S110: NO), the control unit (116) determines whether to start power supply to the vibration element (171) (Step S114). For example, the control unit (116) determines that power supply to the vibration element (171) starts when the timing at which the puffable period begins and the timing at which the puffable period ends arrives.

[0117] If it is determined that power supply to the vibration element (171) will not be initiated (114: NO), the process returns to step S106.

[0118] When it is determined that power supply to the vibration element (171) is to be started (114: YES), the control unit (116) starts power supply to the vibration element (171) and sets a correction target period (step S116). For example, the control unit (116) sets a predetermined period after power supply to the vibration element (171) is started as the correction target period.

[0119] Next, the control unit (116) determines whether the current time is within the correction target period (step S118).

[0120] If the current time is outside the correction period, that is, if it is determined that the correction period has ended (Step S118: NO), the process returns to Step S106.

[0121] If it is determined that the current time is within the correction target period (Step S118: YES), the control unit (116) determines whether the resistance value of the heating unit (121) measured by the measuring unit (172) is included in the correction target range (Step S120).

[0122] If it is determined that the resistance value of the heating unit (121) is not included in the correction target range (Step S120: NO), the process returns to Step S118.

[0123] When it is determined that the resistance value of the heating unit (121) falls within the range to be corrected (Step S120: YES), the control unit (116) corrects the resistance value that falls within the range to be corrected (Step S122). For example, the control unit (116) corrects the resistance value to be corrected by the previously measured resistance value, or corrects it by linear supplementation or moving average.

[0124] Next, the control unit (116) controls the heating based on the heating profile based on the resistance value after correction (step S124). Then, the process returns to step S118.

[0125] <3. Second Embodiment>

[0126] This embodiment is a form in which the resistance value of the heating part (121) is corrected by adding a temperature reduction of the heating part (121) according to the puff.

[0127] The control unit (116) determines that a puff has been performed when a value corresponding to the puff is detected by the sensor unit (112). An example of a value corresponding to the puff is a decrease in the temperature of the air passage, which is detected by a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, placed in the air passage to the holding unit (140). When a deep puff (a puff with a large amount of suction) is performed, the temperature decreases significantly, and when a shallow puff (a puff with a small amount of suction) is performed, the temperature decreases slightly.

[0128] The control unit (116) performs a correction process as the puff is performed. When the puff is performed, the temperature of the heating unit (121) as well as the air passage is lowered, so the resistance value of the heating unit (121) changes. In this respect, according to this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately exclude the influence of noise by adding the change in the resistance value caused by the influence of the puff.

[0129] In detail, the control unit (116) may set a correction target range according to the puffing. For example, the control unit (116) estimates the amount of decrease in the resistance value of the heating unit (121) due to the puffing according to the decrease in the temperature of the air passage. Then, the control unit (116) may reduce the correction target range set according to the start of power supply to the vibration element (171) by the amount of decrease in the resistance value due to the puffing.

[0130] Additionally, the control unit (116) may correct the resistance value of the object to be corrected as the puff is performed. For example, when the control unit (116) corrects the resistance value of the object to be corrected by a moving average, it may apply the moving average by limiting it to the value after the puff is performed.

[0131] <4. Third Embodiment>

[0132] This embodiment is a form in which, when the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit (111) to the heating unit (121) changes significantly, the resistance value of the heating unit (121) is corrected by adding such change.

[0133] The control unit (116) performs a correction process when the amount of change in the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit (111) to the heating unit (121) exceeds a predetermined threshold value. When the amount of power supplied to the heating unit (121) changes significantly, the resistance value of the heating unit (121) also changes significantly. In this respect, according to this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately exclude the influence of noise by adding the change in the resistance value caused by the large change in the amount of power supplied to the heating unit (121).

[0134] An example of a factor that causes a significant change in the amount of power supplied to the heating unit (121) is that deep puffing is performed. When deep puffing is performed, the temperature of the heating unit (121) drops significantly, and the difference from the target temperature increases. Therefore, the duty cycle of the power pulse supplied to the heating unit (121) is controlled to increase. Accordingly, noise may occur in the resistance value of the heating unit (121) measured by the measuring unit (172).

[0135] Therefore, the control unit (116) performs a correction process when the amount of change in the amount of power supplied to the heating unit (121) exceeds a predetermined threshold value. This correction process includes setting a correction target period when the amount of change in the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit (111) to the heating unit (121) exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and correcting the resistance value when the resistance value measured by the measurement unit (172) during the correction target period falls within the correction target range. The setting of the correction target period, the setting of the correction target range, the method of correcting the resistance value, and the error processing may be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately eliminate the influence of noise generated due to a significant change in the amount of power supplied to the heating unit (121).

[0136] The correction target period set according to the initiation of power supply from the power supply unit (111) to the vibration element (171), as described in the first embodiment, is also referred to as the first correction target period. Meanwhile, the correction target range set according to the change amount of power supply from the power supply unit (111) to the heating unit (121), as described in this embodiment, exceeding a predetermined threshold value, is also referred to as the second correction target period. When the first correction target period and the second correction target period overlap, the control unit (116) connects the first correction target period and the second correction target period. For example, a case can be considered in which the vibration element (171) vibrates and the first correction target period is initiated during the period from the start of the second correction target period to the end of the second correction target period when deep puffing is performed. In that case, the control unit (116) performs a correction process by making the period from the start of the second correction target period to the end of the first correction target period a series of correction target periods. According to this configuration, even when a large change in the amount of power supplied to the heating unit (121) and vibration of the vibration element (171) occur simultaneously, it is possible to appropriately exclude the influence of noise.

[0137] <5. Supplement>

[0138] Although suitable embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is evident that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may conceive of various modifications or variations within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims, and these are also naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0139] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the heating profile is information defining the time-series trend of the target temperature, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the heating profile may be information defining the time-series trend of the target value of the resistance value of the heating unit (121). In that case, the control unit (116) controls the operation of the heating unit (121) so that the measured resistance value trends in the same way as the resistance value defined in the heating profile.

[0140] For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the power supply unit (111) is configured by a rechargeable battery has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The power supply unit (111) may include voltage regulating devices such as a step-up / step-down converter and an LDO (Low Drop Out) regulator in addition to the battery. In that case, the power supplied to the heating unit (121), the vibration element (171), and the measuring unit (172) may all be the same battery or voltage regulating device, or at least some of them may be different. Even if a voltage regulating device is included, since the input value is supplied from the battery, voltage bias may occur even if the heating unit (121), the vibration element (171), and the measuring unit (172) receive power from different power sources. That is, even if the power supply unit (111) includes a voltage regulator and the heating unit (121), vibration element (171), and measuring unit (172) receive power from different power sources, voltage bias occurs as long as they are supplied from the same power supply unit (111). Furthermore, when power is supplied via the same voltage regulator, compared to when power is supplied via different voltage regulators, noise in the resistance value measured by the measuring unit (172) due to power supply to the vibration element (171) is likely to occur.

[0141] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which weak power supply to the heating unit (121) continues even during the intermediate cooling period, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. During the intermediate cooling period, power supply to the heating unit (121) may be stopped. In that case, the temperature of the heating unit (121) may be detected by a temperature sensor such as a separate thermistor and used for controlling the heating unit (121). Furthermore, regarding the temperature sensor, it is desirable to implement hardware measures to suppress the generation of noise caused by power supply to the vibration element (171). This is because the correction processing described above is not applied to the temperature of the heating unit (121) detected by the temperature sensor. As an example, the temperature sensor, the heating unit (121), and the vibration element (171) may be supplied through different voltage adjustment devices. As another example, a capacitor may be placed between the power supply unit (111) and the temperature sensor.

[0142] For example, in the third embodiment above, deep puffing was performed as an example of a factor causing a significant change in the amount of power supplied to the heating unit (121), but the present invention is not limited to such examples. As another factor, heating may be started from a state where heating by the heating unit (121) has stopped. For example, if power supply to the heating unit (121) is stopped during a mid-temperature cooling period and then power supply to the heating unit (121) is resumed during a reheating period, the amount of power supplied to the heating unit (121) changes significantly, and noise may occur in the resistance value of the heating unit (121) measured by the measuring unit (172). Therefore, the control unit (116) may perform a correction process by triggering that the amount of change in the amount of power supplied to the heating unit (121) exceeds a predetermined threshold value as a result of switching from heating off to heating on. The details of the correction process are as described in the third embodiment. In addition, when switching from heating off to heating on, the temperature of the heating unit (121) rises significantly. Therefore, when obtaining a resistance value by supplying a weak power to the heating unit (121) just before switching to heating on, it is preferable to use the resistance value obtained just before switching to heating on as the resistance value after correction. Alternatively, it is preferable to use the resistance value measured immediately after switching to heating on, at least before the influence of noise caused by the transient response reaches its peak, as the resistance value after correction. This is because the resistance value measured immediately after switching to heating on, at least before the influence of noise caused by the transient response reaches its peak, can be considered to have a smaller influence of noise caused by the transient response compared to the resistance value measured thereafter.

[0143] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the vibration element (171) vibrates at the timing regarding the start and end of the puffing period, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The vibration element (171) may vibrate at any timing during heating by the heating unit (121).

[0144] For example, in the above embodiment, a vibration element (171) is given as an example of an operating part different from the heating part (121) that operates using power supplied from the power supply unit (111), but the present invention is not limited to such examples. The control unit (116) may control a process of correcting a resistance value in accordance with the initiation of power supply to any operating part that operates using power supplied from the power supply unit (111). An example of an operating part may be a light-emitting element, which is a light-emitting device. In addition, examples of operating parts may include a display device that displays an image and a sound output device that outputs sound.

[0145] For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the correction process is controlled according to the initiation of power supply to the operating unit has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the correction process may be controlled according to the operation of the operating unit executed by power supply to the operating unit. Specifically, the control unit (116) may set the length of the correction target period or select a method for correcting the resistance value according to the vibration pattern (amplitude and vibration interval, etc.) of the vibration element (171). The current load on the power supply unit (111) may differ depending on the vibration pattern. In this respect, by this configuration, it becomes possible to more appropriately exclude the influence of noise.

[0146] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the measured value measured by the measuring unit (172) is the resistance value of the heating unit (121), but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The measured value measured by the measuring unit (172) may be the temperature of the heating unit (121). The measured value measured by the measuring unit (172) may be the voltage drop in the heating unit (121).

[0147] Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using any one of software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. A program constituting the software is stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium installed inside or outside each device (specifically, a non-transient storage medium readable by a computer). Then, each program is read into RAM, for example, at the time of execution by a computer controlling each device described in this specification, and is executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, an optical magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. Additionally, the computer program may be transmitted, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium.

[0148] Furthermore, the processing described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in this specification does not necessarily have to be executed in the order depicted. Several processing steps may be executed in parallel. Additionally, additional processing steps may be employed, or some processing steps may be omitted.

[0149] In addition, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0150] (1)

[0151] A power supply unit that supplies power, and

[0152] A heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit, and

[0153] A measuring unit that measures a measurement value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, and

[0154] An operating part different from the heating part, which operates using power supplied from the power supply unit, and

[0155] A control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit corresponding to the measured value changes in the same manner as the target temperature, based on a heating setting in which the time series trend of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined.

[0156] Equipped with,

[0157] The control unit performs a correction process to correct the measurement value in accordance with the initiation of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit.

[0158] Suction device.

[0159] (2)

[0160] The above correction processing is,

[0161] Setting a correction target period according to the commencement of power supply from the above power supply unit to the above operating unit, and

[0162] Correcting the measurement value when the measurement value measured by the measurement unit during the correction target period falls within the correction target range.

[0163] including,

[0164] The suction device described in (1) above.

[0165] (3)

[0166] The control unit sets the correction target range according to the previously measured value.

[0167] The suction device described in (2) above.

[0168] (4)

[0169] The control unit sets the correction target range according to the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating.

[0170] The suction device described in (2) above.

[0171] (5)

[0172] The above correction process includes correcting the above measurement value of the correction target to the above measurement value measured before the above measurement value of the correction target.

[0173] A suction device described in any one of claims (2) to (4) above.

[0174] (6)

[0175] The above correction process includes correcting the above measurement value of the correction target by linear complementation.

[0176] A suction device described in any one of claims (2) to (4) above.

[0177] (7)

[0178] The above correction process includes correcting the above measurement value of the correction target by a moving average.

[0179] A suction device described in any one of claims (2) to (4) above.

[0180] (8)

[0181] The above heating setting includes a plurality of periods in which the target temperature is set for each, and

[0182] The above control unit selects a method for correcting the measured value of the correction target in the correction process according to the period in the heating setting corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating.

[0183] A suction device described in any one of claims (2) to (4) above.

[0184] (9)

[0185] The control unit corrects the measurement value of the correction target to the measurement value measured before the measurement value of the correction target during the period in which the target temperature does not change.

[0186] The suction device described in (8) above.

[0187] (10)

[0188] The control unit corrects the measurement value of the correction target by linear supplementation or moving average during the period in which the target temperature changes.

[0189] The suction device described in (8) or (9) above.

[0190] (11)

[0191] The control unit prohibits heating by the heating unit when the number of times the measurement value measured by the measuring unit during the correction target period is included in the correction target range reaches a first predetermined number.

[0192] A suction device described in any one of claims (2) to (10) above.

[0193] (12)

[0194] The control unit prohibits heating by the heating unit when the number of times the measurement value measured by the measuring unit during the correction target period is continuously included in the correction target range reaches the first predetermined number.

[0195] The suction device described in (11) above.

[0196] (13)

[0197] The control unit prohibits heating by the heating unit when the number of times the measurement value measured by the measuring unit in a period other than the correction target period falls within the error determination range reaches a second predetermined number.

[0198] The first predetermined number is greater than the second predetermined number,

[0199] The suction device described in (11) or (12) above.

[0200] (14)

[0201] The above correction target range includes a range greater than or equal to a first threshold value and a range less than a second threshold value, and

[0202] The above error determination range includes a range greater than or equal to a third threshold value lower than the first threshold value, and a range less than or equal to a fourth threshold value higher than the second threshold value.

[0203] The suction device described in (13) above.

[0204] (15)

[0205] The above correction target period is the period from when power supply to the above operating unit is initiated until the above measurement value of a predetermined number of samples is measured.

[0206] A suction device described in any one of claims (2) to (14) above.

[0207] (16)

[0208] The above correction target period is the period from when power supply to the above operating unit is started until it is stopped,

[0209] A suction device described in any one of claims (2) to (14) above.

[0210] (17)

[0211] The above control unit performs the correction processing according to the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source being inhaled.

[0212] A suction device described in any one of claims (1) to (16) above.

[0213] (18)

[0214] The control unit performs the correction processing when the amount of change in the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit to the heating unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0215] A suction device described in any one of claims (1) to (17) above.

[0216] (19)

[0217] The above correction processing is,

[0218] Setting a correction target period based on the change in the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit to the heating unit exceeding a predetermined threshold value, and

[0219] Correcting the measurement value when the measurement value measured by the measurement unit during the correction target period falls within the correction target range.

[0220] including,

[0221] The suction device described in (18) above.

[0222] (20)

[0223] The control unit, when the first correction target period, which is the correction target period set according to the commencement of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit, and the second correction target period, which is the correction target range set according to the change amount of power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit exceeding a predetermined threshold value, overlap, connects the first correction target period and the second correction target period.

[0224] The suction device described in (19) above.

[0225] (21)

[0226] The above control unit performs the correction processing according to the operation content of the above operation unit executed by power supply to the above operation unit.

[0227] A suction device described in any one of claims (1) to (20) above.

[0228] (22)

[0229] The above control unit controls the power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit based on the above measurement value.

[0230] A suction device described in any one of claims (1) to (21) above.

[0231] (23)

[0232] The control unit controls the supply of power from the power supply unit to the operating unit based on the elapsed time after heating by the heating unit is initiated, or the number of times the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source is inhaled.

[0233] A suction device described in any one of claims (1) to (22) above.

[0234] (24)

[0235] The above operating part is a vibration element or a light-emitting element,

[0236] A suction device described in any one of claims (1) to (23) above.

[0237] (25)

[0238] A power supply unit that supplies power, and

[0239] A heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit, and

[0240] A measuring unit that measures a measurement value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, and

[0241] An operating part different from the heating part, which operates using power supplied from the power supply unit, and

[0242] A control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit corresponding to the measured value changes in the same manner as the target temperature, based on a heating setting in which the time series trend of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined.

[0243] Equipped with,

[0244] The control unit performs a correction process to correct the measurement value in accordance with the initiation of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit.

[0245] A substrate containing the aerosol source, heated by a suction device.

[0246] (26)

[0247] As a control method for controlling a suction device,

[0248] The above suction device is,

[0249] A power supply unit that supplies power, and

[0250] A heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit, and

[0251] A measuring unit that measures a measurement value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, and

[0252] An operating part different from the heating part, which operates using power supplied from the power supply unit.

[0253] The control method comprises,

[0254] Performing a correction process to correct the measurement value upon the commencement of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit, and

[0255] Controlling the operation of the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit corresponding to the measured value changes in the same manner as the target temperature, based on a heating setting in which the time series trend of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined.

[0256] A control method including Explanation of the symbols

[0257] 100 suction devices 111 Power supply 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification Department 114 Memory Section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 121 Heating part 140 pussy 141 Interior space 142 openings 143 Low 144 Insulation section 150 stick-type materials 151 Ministry of Economy and Finance 152 intake part 171 Vibration element 172 Measurement section

Claims

Claim 1 A suction device comprising: a power supply unit that supplies power; a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit; a measuring unit that measures a measurement value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit; an operating unit different from the heating unit that operates using power supplied from the power supply unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit corresponding to the measurement value moves in the same manner as the target temperature based on a heating setting in which the time series trend of the target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined; wherein the control unit performs a correction process to correct the measurement value upon the commencement of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit, and controls the operation of the heating unit based on the heating setting according to the corrected measurement value; and wherein the operating unit operates to notify information to a user. Claim 2 A suction device according to claim 1, wherein the correction process comprises setting a correction target period according to the commencement of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit, and correcting the measurement value when the measurement value measured by the measuring unit during the correction target period is included in the correction target range. Claim 3 A suction device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit sets the correction target range according to the previously measured value or the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of heating. Claim 4 A suction device according to claim 2, wherein the correction process comprises any one of correcting the measurement value of the subject to correction to the measurement value measured before the measurement value of the subject to correction, correcting by linear complement, or correcting by a moving average. Claim 5 A suction device according to claim 2, wherein the heating setting includes a plurality of periods in which the target temperature is set for each, and the control unit selects a method for correcting a measurement value of a correction target in the correction process according to the period in the heating setting corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating. Claim 6 A suction device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit corrects the measurement value of the subject to correction to the measurement value measured before the measurement value of the subject to correction during the period in which the target temperature does not change. Claim 7 A suction device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit corrects the measurement value of the subject to correction by a linear complement or moving average during the period in which the target temperature changes. Claim 8 A suction device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit prohibits heating by the heating unit when the number of times the measurement value measured by the measuring unit during the correction target period is included in the correction target range reaches a first predetermined number. Claim 9 A suction device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit prohibits heating by the heating unit when the number of times the measurement value measured by the measuring unit in a period other than the correction target period is included in the error determination range reaches a second predetermined number, and the first predetermined number is greater than the second predetermined number. Claim 10 A suction device according to claim 9, wherein the correction target range includes a range greater than or equal to a first threshold value and a range less than a second threshold value, and the error determination range includes a range greater than or equal to a third threshold value lower than the first threshold value and a range less than a fourth threshold value higher than the second threshold value. Claim 11 A suction device according to claim 2, wherein the correction target period is the period from when power supply to the operating part is initiated until a predetermined number of sampling values ​​of the measurement value is measured. Claim 12 A suction device according to claim 2, wherein the correction target period is the period from when power supply to the operating part is initiated until it is stopped. Claim 13 A suction device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the correction treatment as the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source is sucked in. Claim 14 A suction device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the correction processing when the amount of change in the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit to the heating unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Claim 15 A suction device according to claim 14, wherein the correction process comprises setting a correction target period based on the change amount of power supplied from the power supply unit to the heating unit exceeding a predetermined threshold value, and correcting the measurement value when the measurement value measured by the measuring unit during the correction target period is included in the correction target range. Claim 16 A suction device according to claim 15, wherein the control unit connects the first correction target period and the second correction target period when the first correction target period, which is the correction target period set according to the commencement of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit, and the second correction target period, which is the correction target range set according to the change amount of power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit exceeding a predetermined threshold value, overlap. Claim 17 A suction device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the correction processing according to the operation content of the operating unit executed by power supply to the operating unit. Claim 18 In claim 1, the operating part is a suction device, which is a vibration element or a light-emitting element. Claim 19 A substrate containing an aerosol source that is heated by a suction device, comprising: a power supply unit that supplies power; a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit; a measuring unit that measures a measurement value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit; an operating unit different from the heating unit that operates using power supplied from the power supply unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit corresponding to the measurement value moves in the same manner as the target temperature based on a heating setting in which the time series trend of the target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined; wherein the control unit performs a correction process to correct the measurement value upon the commencement of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit, and controls the operation of the heating unit based on the heating setting according to the corrected measurement value; and wherein the operating unit operates to notify information to a user. Claim 20 A control method for controlling a suction device, wherein the suction device comprises a power supply unit that supplies power, a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply unit, a measuring unit that measures a measurement value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit, and an operating unit different from the heating unit that operates using power supplied from the power supply unit, and the control method comprises: performing a correction process to correct the measurement value upon the commencement of power supply from the power supply unit to the operating unit, and controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a heating setting according to the corrected measurement value, and performing the operation of the heating unit such that the temperature of the heating unit corresponding to the measurement value moves in the same manner as the target temperature based on the heating setting in which the time series trend of the target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined, and wherein the operating unit operates to notify information to a user.

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