Suction device and method

Abstract

Provided is a suction device which makes it possible to improve the quality of user's experience with the suction device that is provided to the user. The suction device comprises: a storage unit that stores a heating profile that defines the time-series transition of a target temperature of a heating unit over one suction session; and a control unit that successively executes a plurality of suction sessions on the basis of the temperature of the heating unit and the target temperature. A prohibition section in which execution of the suction session is prohibited is provided between the successive suction sessions.

Description

Suction device and method

[0001] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to a suction device and a method of operating the same.

[0002] Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices can generate aerosols imparted with flavor components by heating an inhalation component source (substrate) that includes an aerosol source for generating aerosols and a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavor-imparted aerosol generated by the inhalation device.

[0003] The inhalation device generates an aerosol by heating the substrate according to a heating profile during a single inhalation session, during which the user can perform multiple successive puffs to achieve the desired user experience.

[0004] A user may use a suction device in rapid succession, i.e., perform multiple suction sessions in succession, with the suction device. In this case, an earlier suction session may affect a subsequent suction session, which may affect the user's experience with the subsequent suction session.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, when smoking processes are performed consecutively in an aerosol generating device, the target temperature in the subsequent second smoking process (smoking the second cigarette) is set relatively lower than the target temperature in the first smoking process (smoking the first cigarette).

[0006] International Publication No. 2020 / 101205

[0007] It would be desirable to further improve the quality of the experience using the suction device.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a mechanism capable of improving the quality of the experience provided to a user with a suction device (hereinafter also referred to as "suction experience"), particularly to provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of the suction experience by adapting to the operating status of the suction device even when suction sessions are performed consecutively.

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a suction device including a heating unit that heats a suction object source, a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit, a memory unit that stores a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over one suction session, and a control unit that executes multiple suction sessions consecutively based on the temperature of the heating unit and the target temperature, wherein a prohibited section that prohibits execution of a suction session is provided between consecutive suction sessions.

[0010] The heating profile may specify a pre-heating operation to be performed after the start of the heating operation, and the control unit may be configured to acquire operation information regarding the pre-heating operation in the preceding suction session, determine whether the operation information satisfies a predetermined first condition, and if it is determined that the first condition is satisfied, prohibit the start of the heating operation for the subsequent suction session in the prohibited section.

[0011] The operation information may include a temperature rise rate of the heating unit in the preheating operation, and the first condition may include the temperature rise rate being less than a predetermined first threshold value.

[0012] The control unit may be further configured to set the subsequent suction session, the execution of which has been prohibited, to be executable in response to a second condition.

[0013] The second condition may include a predetermined period of time having elapsed since the end of the previous suction session.

[0014] The length of the predetermined period may be dynamically determined depending on the motion information.

[0015] The second condition may include that the temperature of the heating unit in the prohibited section is less than a predetermined second threshold value.

[0016] The control unit may be further configured to disable user interaction for a subsequent suction session until a second condition is met.

[0017] The control unit may further be configured to automatically start a heating operation for the subsequent suction session in response to the second condition being satisfied, if a user operation for the subsequent suction session is accepted before the second condition is satisfied.

[0018] The device may further include a notification unit, and the control unit may further cause the notification unit to issue a predetermined notification regarding the prohibited section during the prohibited section.

[0019] To solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for operating a suction device, the suction device including a heating unit that heats a suction object source, a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit, and a memory unit that stores a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit. The method includes the steps of: executing a first suction session based on the temperature of the heating unit and the target temperature; prohibiting execution of a second suction session subsequent to the first suction session during a predetermined prohibited section in accordance with a predetermined first condition; and setting the prohibited second suction session to be executable in accordance with a predetermined second condition.

[0020] The heating profile may specify a pre-heating operation to be performed after the start of the heating operation, and the step of prohibiting the execution of the second suction session may include a step of acquiring operation information regarding the pre-heating operation in the first suction session, a step of determining whether a first condition is satisfied based on the operation information, and a step of prohibiting the start of the heating operation for the second suction session if it is determined that the first condition is satisfied.

[0021] The operation information may include a temperature rise rate of the heating unit in the preheating operation, and if the temperature rise rate is less than a predetermined threshold, the start of the heating operation for the second suction session may be prohibited.

[0022] The second condition may include a predetermined period of time having elapsed since the end of the first suction session.

[0023] The method may include a step of automatically starting a heating operation for the second suction session in response to the second condition being satisfied, when a user operation for the second suction session is accepted before the second condition is satisfied.

[0024] As described above, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the experience of using a suction device, particularly by adapting the operation of the suction device to the user's suction environment, even when consecutive suction sessions are performed.

[0025] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a suction device; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a suction device; FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of time series progression of the actual temperature of the heating unit for one suction session; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow in one suction session; FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of time series progression of the actual temperature of the heating unit for consecutive suction sessions; FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an example implemented in a control unit; FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an overall processing flow in consecutive suction sessions; FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of a processing flow associated with the execution of a first suction session; FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of a processing flow associated with a prohibited section between suction sessions;

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present technology will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0027] <<1. Configuration Example of Inhalation Device>> The inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. A suction component source (substrate) is detachably housed in the inhalation device. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device by heating the substrate is described as an aerosol generated by heating the aerosol source. In other words, the inhalation device here is an aerosol generating device. Note that the substance generated by the inhalation device may also be a gas.

[0028] (1) First Configuration Example Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in Fig. 1, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guide section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.

[0029] The power supply unit 111A stores electric power. Then, the power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to the heating unit 121A and other components of the suction device 100A under the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0030] The sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100A. As one example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. For example, the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 121A. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0031] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A is configured by, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0032] The storage unit 114A stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100A. The storage unit 114A is configured, for example, with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. In one example, the storage unit 114A may store a heating profile that defines the time series transition of the target temperature of the heating unit 121A over one suction session. The storage unit 114A may also store various types of flag information.

[0033] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0034] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. In one example, the control unit 116A executes the heating operation of the heating unit 121A over successive suction sessions based on the temperature of the heating unit and a target temperature defined in a heating profile. The control unit 116A may start the heating operation in response to the sensor unit 112A receiving information input from a user using a button, switch, or the like.

[0035] The control unit 116A includes a built-in timer (not shown) that measures the time elapsed from a predetermined timing.

[0036] The liquid reservoir 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0037] The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123. The liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0038] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0039] Flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. Flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0040] The air flow path 180 is a path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is an entrance for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet 182, which is an exit for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. A liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) of the air flow path 180, and a flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air flowing in through the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A and, as shown by arrow 190, is transported through the flavor source 131 to the air outlet 182. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0041] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth by the user when inhaling. Air outlet holes 182 are arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0042] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0043] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0044] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate additional types of aerosols.

[0045] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0046] (2) Second Configuration Example Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a suction device. As shown in Fig. 2, a suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0047] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0048] The storage unit 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the storage unit 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the storage unit 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100B. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0049] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicament. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the housing portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0050] 2, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0051] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0052] The above is a description of an example of the configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0053] As one example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0054] As another example, the accommodation unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The accommodation unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the accommodation unit 140 and heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0055] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0056] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0057] <<2. Technical Features>> (1) Introduction An example of the operation of the suction devices 100A and 100B according to this embodiment will be described below. The process for such control is executed by the control unit 116 (116A, 116B) configured by implementing various functions in an MCU.

[0058] In the following example, an aerosol generating device 100 based on the inhalation device 100B shown in Fig. 2 will be described. In the aerosol generating device 100B, an aerosol is generated by heating a stick-shaped substrate 150. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the control of the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 according to this embodiment is not limited to this, and may be based on the inhalation device 100A shown in Fig. 1.

[0059] In the following, the inhalation of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device 100 by the user will also be referred to simply as "inhalation" or "puffing." In the following, the inhalation action by the user will also be referred to as a "puffing action."

[0060] When a user of the aerosol generating device 100 performs a series of puffing actions, the user typically performs about 12 puffing actions. To generate a desired amount of aerosol and flavor over the period of such a series of puffing actions, the control unit 116 controls the heating action of the inhalation component source. In the control unit 116, the heating action of the heating unit 121 (121A, 121B) in response to the series of puffing actions by the user is pre-designated as an "inhalation session." In other words, the control unit 116 operates the aerosol generating device 100 according to a pre-defined inhalation session.

[0061] It should be noted that an "inhalation session" may be referred to as a "heating session." In other words, the period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 corresponds to a heating session. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile described below. The start of a heating session is the timing at which heating based on the heating profile begins. The end of a heating session is the timing at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period and a puffable period following the pre-heating period. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated.

[0062] (2) Control of Heating Operation During Inhalation Session (2-1) Heating Profile The aerosol generating device 100 controls the heating operation of the heating unit 121 based on a heating profile associated with an inhalation session. Control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like using power supplied from the power supply unit 111. Specifically, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generating device 100 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 by controlling the power supply operation from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 so as to achieve the time series transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, that is, it may be control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121. Specifically, it is information that defines the time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121, throughout an inhalation session.

[0063] As an example, the heating profile may include a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The target temperature may change depending on the elapsed time from the start of heating. In this case, the heating profile includes information defining the time-series progression of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) defining a method for supplying power to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or a feedback control method to be adopted. The ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121 may be considered as ON / OFF of the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 progresses in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. Controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile may change the flavor experienced by the user. The heating profile information is stored in the storage unit 114. This information is referenced when the heating unit 121 performs a heating operation to heat the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0064] As a result, the aerosol is generated as planned by the heating profile in response to the operation of the heating unit 121 in accordance with the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user tastes when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. In other words, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user tastes can be optimized.

[0065] (2-2) Temperature Control Based on Heating Profile in Heating Unit The control unit 116 controls the heating operation in the heating unit 121 based on the target temperature defined in the heating profile and the actual temperature (hereinafter also referred to as actual temperature) of the heating unit 121. In detail, the control unit 116 controls the power supply operation from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 based on the difference between the target temperature of the heating unit 121, which corresponds to the elapsed time since control of the heating operation based on the heating profile was started, and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0066] That is, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 is the same as the time series change in the target temperature of the heating unit 121 defined in the heating profile. The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 116 supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses obtained by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulses.

[0067] In feedback control, the control unit 116 controls the power supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121, for example, the duty ratio, based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116 may instruct the power supply unit 111 to perform a heating operation until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop the heating operation when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and perform the heating operation again when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0068] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by the sensor unit 112, particularly by a temperature sensor installed near the heating unit 121. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of a heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121. This is because the electrical resistance of a heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In other words, in this specification, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is associated with the electrical resistance of the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121. Therefore, in some cases, when referring to the temperature of the heating unit 121, this may also be interpreted as the electrical resistance value.

[0069] The heating operation based on the heating profile starts when it is detected that an operation has been performed to instruct the start of heating in an inhalation session. Regarding a request to execute an inhalation session, one example of an operation to instruct the start of heating is pressing a button or switch provided on the aerosol generation device 100. Another example is an operation of inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the substrate part 151; for example, the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is presumed when the lid of the storage part 140 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is opened. Another example is a puffing operation. Another example is receiving a signal from another device such as a smartphone.

[0070] As the heating operation of the heating unit 121 progresses, the aerosol source contained in the base material gradually decreases over time. The heating operation is usually stopped when it is assumed that the aerosol source will be depleted. An example of the timing when it is assumed that the aerosol source will be depleted is when a predetermined time has elapsed since control of the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile began. An example of the timing when it is assumed that the aerosol source will be depleted is when a predetermined number of puffs have been detected. An example of the timing when it is assumed that the aerosol source will be depleted is when a button provided on the aerosol generation device 100 is pressed. For example, the button is pressed when the user is no longer able to detect a sufficient flavor.

[0071] The period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated is also referred to as the "puffable period." On the other hand, the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period is also referred to as the "preheating period." The heating operation performed during the preheating period is also referred to as the "preheating operation" (or simply "preheating"). The user may be notified of the start and end times of the puffable period. In this case, the user can refer to the notification to perform puffing during the puffable period.

[0072] (2-3) Basic Aspects of Temperature Transition During an Inhalation Session The heating profile includes multiple consecutive time intervals along a time axis. A target temperature at the end of the time interval is associated with each of the multiple time intervals. A target time length is also associated with each of the multiple time intervals and set for the target temperature. The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the discrepancy between the target temperature set for a time interval corresponding to the elapsed time since control of the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile began and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121. Specifically, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the set target temperature is reached by the end of each of the multiple time intervals included in the heating profile.

[0073] In this embodiment, the heating profile associated with the suction session may include an initial heating section, an intermediate heating section, and a reheating section.

[0074] The initial heating section is a time section included at the beginning of the heating profile. The target temperature set in the initial heating section is higher than the initial value. The initial value is the temperature assumed as the temperature of the heating unit 121 before heating begins. One example of the initial value is an arbitrary temperature such as 0°C. Another example of the initial value is a temperature corresponding to the air temperature. Note that a fixed time length may be included as part of the initial heating section and / or between the initial heating section and the next intermediate heating section as a section in which the temperature is maintained near the target temperature.

[0075] The intermediate temperature decreasing section is a time section included in the middle of the heating profile. The target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is lower than the target temperature set in the time section immediately before the intermediate temperature decreasing section.

[0076] The reheating section is a time section included at the end of the heating profile. The target temperature set in the reheating section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately before the reheating section.

[0077] The control unit 116 may determine at least a part of switching between multiple time intervals in the heating profile based on the actual temperature of the heating unit 121. For example, the control unit 116 may determine switching from the initial heating interval to the intermediate heating interval and the end of the reheating interval based on whether the deviation between the target temperature set for each time interval and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 falls within a predetermined threshold.

[0078] An example of such a heating profile is shown in the following Table 1. The heating profile example shown in Table 1 is made up of an initial temperature-raising section, an intermediate temperature-lowering section, and a re-heating section, which are included in this order.

[0079]

[0080] The initial heating section is a section for the preheating operation, and specifies the preheating operation to be performed after the start of the heating operation. The initial heating section is a section from the start of the heating profile until the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature of 295°C. Here, the target time length is 35 seconds, and it is specified so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature of 295°C within 35 seconds. Note that the target time length of 35 seconds is merely a guideline, and in an actual preheating operation, the actual time required to reach the target temperature will vary depending on the surrounding environment and the degree of puffing by the user.

[0081] When the initial temperature rise section ends, the preheating operation is completed. In this case, the notification unit 113 notifies the user that the preheating operation is completed. Upon receiving the notification, the user can perform a puffing operation in response to the notification, thereby achieving a high-quality puffing experience.

[0082] The target temperature of 230°C set in the intermediate temperature drop section is lower than the target temperature of 295°C set in the initial temperature rise section, which is the previous time section. In other words, the intermediate temperature drop section is the section from the end of the initial temperature rise section until the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to the target temperature of 230°C. In this case, the target time length is 10 seconds, and it is specified that the temperature of the heating unit 121 will drop to the target temperature of 230°C within 10 seconds.

[0083] The target temperature of 260°C set in the reheating section is higher than the target temperature of 230°C set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section, which is the previous time section. In other words, the reheating section is the section from the end of the intermediate temperature decreasing section until the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature of 260°C. In this example, the target time length is 310 seconds. In other words, it is specified that the temperature of the heating unit 121 will rise to the target temperature of 260°C within 310 seconds.

[0084] By including these multiple time intervals in the heating profile, it is possible to provide a sufficient quality puffing experience to the user throughout the inhalation session, as will be explained below, i.e., it is possible to improve the quality of the user's puffing experience.

[0085] The time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 in accordance with the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a graph showing an example of the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 operating 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 temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0086] First, the actual temperature of the heating section 121 rises in the initial heating section and reaches the target temperature of 295°C at the end of the initial heating section. When the actual temperature of the heating section 121 reaches the target temperature set in the initial heating section, it is expected that the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 will reach a temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated. The initial heating section is set at the beginning of the heating profile. Therefore, in the initial heating section, the heating section 121 is heated in one go from the initial temperature to 295°C, the target temperature set in the initial heating section. Note that the initial temperature is the actual temperature of the heating section 121 at the start of heating based on the heating profile. This configuration makes it possible to finish preheating early.

[0087] The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the initial heating section so that the actual temperature reaches the target temperature set for the initial heating section. That is, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 from the initial temperature toward 295° C. A fixed time length (e.g., a fixed time of 10 seconds) for maintaining 295° C. may be included as a final portion of the initial heating section.

[0088] Following the initial temperature rise section, the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 drops in an intermediate temperature drop section and reaches the target temperature of 230°C at the end of the intermediate temperature drop section. The intermediate temperature drop section is set after the initial temperature rise section. Therefore, in the intermediate temperature drop section, the heating unit 121 temporarily drops in temperature from the set temperature of the initial temperature rise section to the set temperature of the intermediate temperature drop section. If the heating unit 121 is maintained at a high temperature, such as the target temperature of the initial temperature rise section, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 will be rapidly consumed, resulting in inconveniences such as the user tasting an overly strong flavor. In this regard, by providing an intermediate temperature drop section, such inconveniences can be avoided and the quality of the user's puff experience can be improved.

[0089] The control unit 116 may execute control so as not to supply power to the heating unit 121 during the intermediate temperature-reducing section. In other words, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to stop supplying power during the intermediate temperature-reducing section, so that the heating operation is not performed. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 most quickly. Furthermore, it is also possible to reduce the power consumption of the aerosol generation device 100 compared to when power is supplied to the heating unit 121 during the intermediate temperature-reducing section.

[0090] Following the intermediate temperature-lowering section, the actual temperature of the heating section 121 rises in the reheating section and reaches the target temperature of 260°C at the end of the reheating section. The reheating section follows the intermediate temperature-lowering section and is set at the end of the heating profile. Therefore, in the reheating section, the heating section 121 is heated again from the set temperature of the intermediate temperature-lowering section to the set temperature of the reheating section, and then heating is stopped. If the temperature of the heating section 121 continues to be lowered after the initial temperature-highering section, the stick-shaped substrate 150 also drops in temperature, which reduces the amount of aerosol generated and may deteriorate the flavor experienced by the user. In this regard, by providing a reheating section after the intermediate temperature-lowering section, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the flavor experienced by the user even in the latter half of the heating profile.

[0091] The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the reheating section so that the actual temperature reaches the target temperature set for the reheating section. That is, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 toward 260° C. If the actual temperature reaches 260° C. before 310 seconds have elapsed since the start of the reheating section, the control unit 116 may control the temperature of the heating unit 121 to maintain 260° C.

[0092] In this way, one inhalation session is set through a series of temperature controls of the heating section 121 over the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the re-heating section, as specified in the example heating profile of Table 1, and is performed together with a series of puffing actions by the user.

[0093] After the reheating section ends, a cool-down section (not shown) of fixed time length (e.g., a fixed time of 10 seconds) may be set. During such a cool-down section, power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 is stopped. That is, one inhalation session is set through a series of temperature controls of the heating unit 121 over the initial heating section, intermediate heating section, reheating section, and cool-down section, and is performed together with a series of puffing actions by the user. By setting the cool-down section, the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 can be lowered to a certain extent at the end of the inhalation session, allowing preparation for the next inhalation session to be performed.

[0094] In addition to the example heating profile in Table 1, a single suction session may be forcibly terminated when the total time spanning the intermediate temperature drop section, reheating section, and cool-down section after the end of the initial temperature rise section reaches a fixed time length (e.g., a fixed time of 400 seconds).

[0095] In the example of Table 1, switching between multiple time periods in the heating profile may be determined based on the actual temperature of the heating unit 121. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may determine at least some of the switching between multiple time periods in the heating profile based on elapsed time. For example, the control unit 116 may determine the end of the intermediate temperature-dropping section based on the elapsed time from the start of the intermediate temperature-dropping section. For example, if the intermediate temperature-dropping section in the heating profile is set to 10 seconds, the control unit 116 may determine to switch to the re-heating section and resume the heating operation of the heating unit 121 when 10 seconds have elapsed since the start of the intermediate temperature-dropping section.

[0096] Those skilled in the art will understand that the heating profile associated with an inhalation session is not limited to the example in Table 1. The target temperature values ​​and target durations shown in the example in Table 1 may be set appropriately based on the quality of the inhalation experience or the level of satisfaction provided to the user. These values ​​may also be adjusted to suit a specific region (e.g., East Asia) or environment (e.g., a hot and humid environment). That is, the target temperature values ​​and target durations are not limited to those described above, and other values ​​may be set depending on the region or environment. Each of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section may be divided into multiple stages. For example, the initial heating section may have two stages, a first stage and a second stage, in which the degree of heating is determined. In addition to or instead of these, other sections may be included.

[0097] (2-4) Processing Flow in Inhalation Session FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the aerosol generation device 100.

[0098] 4 , first, in step S102, the aerosol generation device 100 heats the heating unit 121 from an initial temperature to a target temperature set for the initial heating section in an initial heating section. Next, in step S104, the aerosol generation device 100 stops power supply to the heating unit 121 in an intermediate heating section, and cools the heating unit 121 to the target temperature set for the intermediate heating section. Next, in step S106, the aerosol generation device 100 heats the heating unit 121 in a reheating section to the target temperature set for the reheating section. Then, in step S108, the aerosol generation device 100 stops power supply to the heating unit 121 as the reheating section ends.

[0099] By including these time periods in the heating profile, it is possible to provide the user with a puffing experience of sufficient quality from the beginning to the end of the heating profile. In other words, it is possible to effectively increase the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to the inside, and to sufficiently decrease the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to the inside, thereby improving the quality of the user's puffing experience.

[0100] (3) Operation Control Between Consecutive Inhalation Sessions A user often causes the aerosol generation device 100 to execute consecutive inhalation sessions. Consecutive inhalation sessions are multiple inhalation sessions executed by the aerosol generation device 100 in response to a user instruction with little time between them. Therefore, in the following description, it is assumed that the aerosol generation device 100 executes a subsequent inhalation session (second inhalation session) in succession to an earlier inhalation session (first inhalation session). In particular, in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, the first inhalation session may affect the second inhalation session (e.g., the aerosol temperature may increase).

[0101] (3-1) Successive Inhalation Sessions in a Hot and Humid Environment 1) Generally, as a result of the first inhalation session by the aerosol generation device 100, the temperature of the generated aerosol tends to be higher during the initial period of the second inhalation session (for example, the first puffing action in the second inhalation session) than during the first inhalation session. This is because the heating unit 121 is sufficiently warmed up through the first inhalation session, causing heat to build up in the insertion portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150, and the insertion portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is already warmed up at the start of heating in the second inhalation session.

[0102] That is, when a second suction session is performed immediately after a first suction session, it is advisable to set a predetermined interval between operations, taking into consideration the quality of the user's suction experience, so that the heat from the inserted portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be released to the outside and the temperature can be sufficiently reduced.

[0103] In the heating profile example shown in FIG. 3 and Table 1, a fixed time period (e.g., a fixed time period of 10 seconds) may be set as a cool-down period after the reheating period in one suction session. In such a cool-down period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be lowered by stopping the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. However, it is expected that the temperature will not be lowered sufficiently in a fixed time period of about 10 seconds. Therefore, when a second suction session is performed consecutively after a first suction session, it is preferable to explicitly set an operation interval between the sessions to further lower the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0104] 2) Furthermore, in environments where the temperature and humidity are high (for example, environments in areas such as Taiwan and the Philippines; hereinafter referred to as "high temperature and humidity environments"), the amount of moisture contained in the suction component source (substrate) is greater than in environments where the temperature and humidity are not high (for example, environments in areas such as Tokyo; hereinafter referred to as "normal environments" for convenience). In other words, in a high temperature and humidity environment, the user will inhale more moisture during the initial puffing action by the user. The suction component source (substrate) is, for example, a stick-type substrate 150. In the following example, a case where the suction component source (substrate) is a stick-type substrate 150 will be described as an example.

[0105] In a normal environment, some or all of the moisture contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is absorbed by elements such as a filter when the user puffs. In contrast, in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, a large amount of the moisture contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 may not be absorbed by elements such as a filter when the user puffs. In this case, the unabsorbed moisture is inhaled by the user along with the aerosol, particularly during the first puff. In other words, in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, the moisture content of the aerosol increases during the first puff.

[0106] As a result, in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, the temperature of the aerosol inhaled by the user during puffing is higher than in a normal environment. In a normal environment, the temperature of the aerosol cools down to a level that the user does not perceive as high temperature between the time the aerosol is generated and the time it is delivered to the user's oral cavity. On the other hand, in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, as described above, the aerosol has a high moisture content during the first puffing operation, and this moisture (water vapor) is difficult to cool. In other words, due to the influence of moisture, the aerosol is delivered to the user's oral cavity without being sufficiently cooled.

[0107] 3) Based on these findings, when a second inhalation session is performed consecutively from a first inhalation session, in a hot and humid environment, the temperature of the aerosol delivered to the user's oral cavity during the first puffing action in the second inhalation session may be particularly high. If the temperature of the aerosol inhaled by the user becomes high, this may affect the quality of the inhalation experience provided to the user. In some cases, this may cause discomfort to the user who performed the puffing action.

[0108] Therefore, when the aerosol generating device 100 is used in a hot and humid environment and inhalation sessions are performed consecutively, in order to address the above, it is advisable to set a predetermined time interval before the first puff operation in the subsequent second inhalation session.

[0109] (3-2) Prohibited Section Between Consecutive Inhalation Sessions According to this embodiment, when the first and second inhalation sessions are performed consecutively, a predetermined prohibited section for prohibiting the heating operation is provided between the first and second inhalation sessions. The prohibited section may be provided according to predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions include conditions for determining that the aerosol generating device 100 is operating in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment.

[0110] Whether the aerosol generating device 100 is operating in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment is determined, for example, as follows. First, it is known that moisture (water vapor) has the property of being difficult to cool down and difficult to heat up. That is, in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, the moisture content of the aerosol is high, and the aerosol is difficult to heat up. Therefore, if it can be identified that such aerosol that is "difficult to heat up" is being generated in an inhalation session, it can be determined that the aerosol generating device 100 is operating in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. As an example, in an inhalation session, a case in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises at a slower pace than expected in the preheating operation performed in the initial heating section shown in Table 1 corresponds to the generation of aerosol that is "difficult to heat up."

[0111] Specifically, if the preheating operation is performed rapidly in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment where the moisture content of the aerosol is high, the heat of the heating unit 121 is absorbed by the moisture, and the temperature rise rate (i.e., the rate at which the temperature of the heating unit rises) becomes slower than in a normal environment. In such a case, it may be determined that the aerosol generating device 100 is operating in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment.

[0112] Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, if it is determined that the aerosol generation device 100 is operating in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, a prohibited section that prohibits the execution of the second suction session is provided between the first and second suction sessions. This allows the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 to be adapted to the user's inhalation environment even when consecutive suction sessions are performed. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the aerosol generation device 100 is operated in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment.

[0113] (3-3) Basic Aspects of Operation Control Between Consecutive Suction Sessions Figure 5 is a graph showing an example of the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 when two heating profiles, the first suction session and the second suction session, are executed consecutively based on the heating profile shown in Table 1 according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph represents time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0114] In this graph, lines 22-1 and 22-2 indicate the time series changes in the actual temperature of the heating unit 121. Specifically, the first suction session corresponds to line 22-1, and the second suction session corresponds to line 22-2. As shown by line 22-1, the first suction session includes the initial heating section, intermediate heating section, and reheating section shown in Table 1, and also includes a cool-down section.

[0115] 5, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to about 295° C. as a result of the initial heating section, drops to about 230° C. as a result of the intermediate cooling section, and rises again to about 260° C. as a result of the reheating section. Also, the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to about 150° C. as a result of the cool-down section.

[0116] Furthermore, a predetermined prohibited section ps is provided between the first and second suction sessions to prohibit the execution of the suction session in accordance with the prohibition condition. That is, after the first suction session ends, the execution of the second suction session is prohibited during the prohibited section ps in accordance with the prohibition condition. During the prohibited section ps, the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 is stopped, and the heating operation of the heating unit 121 is stopped. As a result of providing the prohibited section after the first suction session and before the second suction session, the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of the heating operation for the second suction session is further reduced than the temperature at the end of the first suction session.

[0117] The prohibition condition is associated with the environment in which the aerosol generation device 100 operates. Specifically, the prohibition condition may include a condition for determining whether the aerosol generation device 100 is operating in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, as described above. The determination of a high-temperature, high-humidity environment can be made using operation information from the pre-heating period executed in the first suction session. Note that the pre-heating period corresponds to the initial temperature rise section.

[0118] For example, in the graph of Fig. 5, the slope of the straight line of the graph for the portion of line 22-1 that corresponds to the preheating period is shown to be smaller than the slope of dotted line 23 (dotted arrow). Dotted line 23 corresponds to the basic mode of heating operation in heating unit 121 based on the target time length and target temperature of the initial heating section shown in Table 1. Dotted line 23 is assumed to occur under normal conditions.

[0119] Specifically, if the slope of the straight line of the line 22-1 relating to the actual preheating operation is smaller than the slope of the dotted line 23, the heating situation is one in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is rising at a slower pace than the initial target. In such a case, it is estimated that the aerosol generation device 100 is operating in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, and it may be determined that the prohibition condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the prohibition condition is satisfied, then, in response to this, after the cool-down period of the first suction session ends, a prohibition period is initiated to prohibit the execution of the second suction session.

[0120] As described above with reference to Table 1, the first suction session does not have to include the cool-down interval. In this case, the prohibited interval may start in response to the end of the reheating interval.

[0121] As described above, in this embodiment, when suction sessions are performed consecutively, a prohibition period is provided to prohibit the execution of the suction session. In particular, the prohibition period is initiated in response to a determination that the aerosol generation device 100 is operating in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. This allows the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 to be adapted to the user's inhalation environment, even when suction sessions are performed consecutively. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the aerosol generation device 100 is operated in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment.

[0122] (3-4) Functional Configuration Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 116 for executing the processing according to this embodiment. １ , session execution unit 116 ２ , operation information acquisition unit 116 ３ , determination unit 116 ４ , prohibited part 116 ５ , permission section 116 ６ , and the notification instruction unit 116 ７ Includes:

[0123] Reception unit 116 １ Specifically, the sensor unit 112 detects a user operation using a button or a switch, or a user operation of inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the substrate unit 151, and receives a request to execute a suction session.

[0124] Session execution unit 116 ２ Specifically, the session executing unit 116 ２ identifies the start and end timings of the heating operation in the suction session, and performs the heating operation in the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile associated with the suction session and the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0125] Operation information acquisition unit 116 ３ acquires operation information related to the heating operation in the suction session. Specifically, the operation information acquisition unit 116 ３ obtains operation information relating to the preheating operation of the heating operation.

[0126] Determination unit 116 ４ The operation information acquisition unit 116 ３ The determination unit 116 determines whether the acquired operation information satisfies the prohibition condition. ４ The determination unit 116 determines whether the prohibition cancellation condition is satisfied between successive suction sessions. ４ determines the value of a predetermined flag.

[0127] Prohibited part 116 ５ Specifically, the determination unit 116 prohibits the execution of the suction session. ４ When it is determined that the operation information regarding the first suction session satisfies the prohibition condition, the prohibition unit 116 ５ In the prohibited section, the start of the heating operation for the second suction session is prohibited.

[0128] Permission section 116 ６ Specifically, the permission unit 116 ６ is the determination unit 116 ４ In response to the determination that the prohibition cancellation condition is satisfied, the prohibition unit 116 ５ The second suction session, which is prohibited from being executed in step 1, is set to be executable.

[0129] Notification instruction section 116 ７ The notification instruction unit 116 instructs the notification unit 113 to execute a predetermined notification operation. ７ causes the notification unit 113 to execute a predetermined notification regarding the prohibited section during the prohibited section.

[0130] (3-5) Overall Processing Flow Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall processing flow for consecutive suction sessions. The processing steps shown in this specification are merely exemplary, and are not limited to these, and any other processing steps may be included, or some processing steps may be omitted. Furthermore, the order of the processing steps shown in this specification is also merely exemplary, and is not limited to these, and may be performed in any order, or may even be performed in parallel.

[0131] The process shown in Figure 7 executes the successive suction sessions shown in Figure 5 and the operational control therebetween, and is performed by each functional unit of the control unit 116 of the aerosol generating device 100 shown in Figure 6.

[0132] First, in step S10, the session execution unit 116 ２ performs the first suction session based on the target temperature associated with the first suction session and the temperature of the heating unit 121 in response to a request from the user.

[0133] In parallel with the execution of the first suction session or after the execution of the first suction session, in step S20, the determination unit 116 ４ determines whether the operation in the first suction session satisfies the prohibition condition.

[0134] If it is determined that the operation in the first suction session satisfies the prohibition condition (S20: YES), the process proceeds to step S30, and the prohibition unit 116 ５ After the first suction session is completed, the second suction session is prohibited from being executed during a predetermined prohibited period.

[0135] The prohibition of the execution of the second suction session in the prohibited section is determined by the determination unit 116 in step S40. ４ continues until it is determined that a predetermined prohibition cancellation condition is satisfied (S40: NO).

[0136] If it is determined that the prohibition cancellation condition is satisfied (S40: YES), in step S50, the permission unit 116 ６ sets the second suction session to be performed.

[0137] In step S60 following step S50, the session execution unit 116 ２ In response to a request from the user, the session executing unit 116 executes the second suction session based on the target temperature associated with the second suction session and the temperature of the heating unit 121. In addition, in step S60, after it is determined that the operation in the first suction session satisfies the prohibition condition (S20: NO), the session executing unit 116 executes the second suction session based on the target temperature associated with the second suction session and the temperature of the heating unit 121 in response to a request from the user. ２ will be executed.

[0138] (3-6) Individual Processing Flows The overall processing flow for the consecutive suction sessions shown in Fig. 7 will now be described in detail with reference to Figs. 8 to 10. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the processing flow associated with the first suction session. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the processing flow associated with the prohibited section between the first and second suction sessions. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the processing flow associated with the second suction session.

[0139] The execution of the first suction session shown in step S10 of FIG. 7 and the determination of whether the prohibition condition is satisfied shown in step S20 are performed, for example, as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0140] First, in step S110, the reception unit 116 １ Specifically, the receiving unit 116 automatically detects a user operation using a button or switch provided on the aerosol generation device 100 or a user operation of inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the substrate portion 151, and receives a request to execute the first suction session. １ accepts a request to perform a first suction session.

[0141] In response to this, in step S120, the session executing unit 116 ２ The session execution unit 116 starts the execution of the first suction session. Specifically, the session execution unit 116 determines the timing to start the heating operation in the first suction session. ２ The session execution unit 116 initially sets the prohibition flag for the second suction session to "0" (off). ２ The session execution unit 116 starts the heating operation for the first suction session. ２ When the heating operation is started, a preheating operation is performed in the initial temperature rise section defined in the heating profile.

[0142] Next, in step S130, the operation information acquisition unit 116 ３acquires operation information related to the preheating operation. The acquired operation information includes the time required from the start of the heating operation until the target temperature (e.g., 295°C in Table 1) set as the initial temperature rise section is reached. The operation information also includes the temperature actually increased by the heating unit 121 through the preheating operation. If the initial temperature rise section includes a maintenance section for maintaining the temperature of the heating unit 121 at a temperature close to the target temperature, the operation information acquisition unit 116 ３ The required time may include the maintenance section, or the required time may be obtained excluding the maintenance section.

[0143] Subsequently, in step S140, the operation information acquisition unit 116 ３ uses the operation information acquired in step S130 to calculate the temperature rise rate of the heating unit 121 during the preheating operation. The temperature rise rate is the value obtained by dividing the value of the temperature rise of the heating unit 121 during the preheating operation by the time required to reach the target temperature, i.e., the value of the temperature rise per unit time. The temperature rise rate is also included in the operation information related to the preheating operation. Note that the calculated temperature rise rate corresponds to the slope of the straight line in the graph of the preheating period portion of line 22-1 for the first suction session in the example graph of FIG. 5.

[0144] Then, in step S210, the determination unit 116 ４ The temperature rise rate calculated in step S140 is compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the temperature rise rate is less than the predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value corresponds to the slope of the dotted line 23 shown in the example graph of FIG. 5 multiplied by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 70%). This takes into account that while the preheating operation specified in the heating profile assumes operation under a normal environment (dotted line 23), the preheating operation under a high-temperature, high-humidity environment (line 22-1) has a temperature rise rate that is slower by a predetermined percentage than that under a normal environment. In other words, if it is determined that the temperature rise rate is less than the threshold value, the prohibited section is enabled to adapt the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 to a high-temperature, high-humidity environment.

[0145] If it is determined that the temperature rise rate is less than the predetermined threshold (S210: YES), in the next step S220, the prohibition unit 116 ５ sets the prohibition flag for the second suction session to "1" (ON), thereby preventing the execution of the subsequent second suction session. In other words, the start of the heating operation in the second suction session is prohibited. The prohibition flag is referenced each time the second suction session is executed to check whether the execution of the second suction session is prohibited or permitted.

[0146] The prohibition of execution of the second suction session shown in step S30 of Figure 7, the determination of whether the prohibition release condition is met shown in step S40, and the setting of whether or not to execute the second suction session shown in step S50 are performed, in one example, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 9.

[0147] In step S310, the session execution unit 116 ２ 5 , this specifies the timing at which the heating operation of the first suction session that has already been performed ends. In the example graph of Figure 5, this specifies the timing at which the final cool-down section of the first suction session ends. Since the prohibition flag was already set to "1" (ON) in step S220, the prohibition section follows the cool-down section of the first suction session.

[0148] In step S320, the prohibition unit 116 ５ executes a countdown of a predetermined prohibition time. For example, the prohibition time is preset to "40 seconds," and the countdown starts from 40 seconds. While the prohibition time is being counted down, the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 is stopped, and the heating operation of the heating unit 121 is stopped.

[0149] In step S330, the notification instruction unit 116 ７While the aerosol generating device 100 is in the prohibited section, the notification unit 113 executes a predetermined notification indicating that the aerosol generating device 100 is in the prohibited section. For example, while the heating operation is stopped during the prohibited section, the light emitting device is made to emit light in a specific manner (for example, flashing red) or the vibration device is made to vibrate in a specific manner (for example, vibrating throughout the prohibited section). This allows the user to perceive that the aerosol generating device 100 is in the prohibited section.

[0150] As shown in step S340, during the prohibited section, a request for a second suction session may be received from the user. That is, a request to perform a second suction session may be received from the user. Specifically, despite being in the prohibited section, the user may perform a user operation using a button or switch provided on the aerosol generation device 100, or a user operation of inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the substrate portion 151.

[0151] In the prohibited section, the reception unit 116 １ Even if the prohibition unit 116 receives a request to execute the second suction session (S340: YES), the execution of the second suction session is prohibited in step S350 because the prohibition unit 116 is in the prohibited section. ５ sets the reservation flag to "1" (ON) without executing the second suction session, thereby reserving the execution of the second suction session.

[0152] Furthermore, if there is no request to perform the second suction session in the prohibited section (S340: NO), the reservation flag will not be set to "1" (on) and will remain at its initial setting of "0" (off).

[0153] In step S410, the determination unit 116 ４ In step S320, it is determined whether the countdown executed in step S320 has ended. In other words, the prohibition release condition shown in step S40 in Fig. 7 corresponds to the end of the prohibition time countdown in the example of Fig. 9. In other words, the prohibition release condition is the lapse of a predetermined period of prohibition time after the end of the first suction session.

[0154] If the countdown has not yet ended (S410: NO), steps S330 to S350 are preferably repeated until the countdown has ended. On the other hand, if the countdown has ended (S410: YES), in step S510, the permission unit 116 ６ resets the prohibition flag to 0 (off) to cancel the prohibition on the execution of the second suction session, thereby setting the second suction session to be executable.

[0155] The second suction session shown in step S60 of FIG. 7 is executed, for example, as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0156] After the prohibition section ends, in step S610, the determination unit 116 ４ In step S610, the process determines whether the reservation flag is set to "1" through step S350 shown in FIG. 9 . Specifically, the process determines whether a user operation for the second suction session was accepted between the first and second suction sessions until the prohibition release condition was satisfied. If the reservation flag is set to "1" (S610: YES), the process proceeds to execution of the second suction session. Then, once the prohibition release condition is satisfied, the heating operation for the second suction session is automatically started.

[0157] If the reservation flag is not set to "1" (S610: NO), the reception unit 116 １ After the prohibited section ends, the receiving unit 116 waits for a user operation for the second inhalation session. Specifically, the receiving unit 116 detects a user operation using a button or switch provided on the aerosol generation device 100 or a user operation of inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the substrate part 151, and １ accepts a request to perform a second suction session.

[0158] Then, the determination unit 116 determines that the request to execute the second suction session has been accepted. ４If the determination is yes at step S620, the process proceeds to execute the second suction session. If the request to execute the second suction session has not been received at step S620, the process continues to wait until the request to execute the second suction session is received.

[0159] Next, in step S630, the session execution unit 116 ２ Specifically, the session executing unit 116 ２ determines the timing of the start of the heating operation in the second suction session, and starts the heating operation based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature defined in the heating profile. ２ When the heating operation is started, a preheating operation is performed in the initial temperature rise section defined in the heating profile.

[0160] 7 for the second suction session in preparation for a subsequent suction session (third suction session). For example, the control unit 116 may acquire operation information for the preheating operation of the second suction session, determine whether the prohibition condition is satisfied, and set the prohibition flag for the third suction session to “1” (ON).

[0161] As described above, according to this embodiment, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, it is possible to optimize the flavor enjoyed by the user and improve the quality of the user's puffing experience. Even when consecutive inhalation sessions are performed, the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 can be adapted to the user's inhalation environment by appropriately providing an inhalation session prohibition period between the inhalation sessions. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the aerosol generation device 100 is operated in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment.

[0162] (4) Modifications Modifications that can be applied to this embodiment will be described below.

[0163] (4-1) Modification 1 In the above embodiment, the prohibition cancellation condition is that a predetermined prohibition time has elapsed since the end of the first suction session. Specifically, the prohibition time in the prohibited section is preset to, for example, 40 seconds for countdown purposes (steps S320 and S410 in FIG. 9 ).

[0164] Alternatively, in this modified example, the length of the prohibition time may be dynamically determined based on operation information of the preheating operation acquired through the first suction session (step S130 in FIG. 8 ). For example, the operation information includes the value of the temperature rise of the heating unit 121 associated with the preheating operation and the time required to reach the target temperature, and these may be used to dynamically determine the length of the prohibition time.

[0165] Furthermore, the prohibition lifting condition is not necessarily limited to time-related conditions, and information other than time may be used. For example, information on the temperature of the heating unit 121 acquired by the sensor unit 112 may be used. That is, the prohibition lifting condition may be that the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the prohibited section falls below a predetermined threshold. The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by installing a temperature sensor near the heating unit 121. Alternatively, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be quantified by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121. By associating the prohibition lifting condition with the temperature of the heating unit 121, the prohibited section can be dynamically established without acquiring operation information about the first suction session.

[0166] These modifications allow the use of the aerosol generating device 100 to be further adapted to the user's inhalation environment, further improving the quality of the inhalation experience.

[0167] (4-2) Modification 2 In the above embodiment, the reception unit 116 １When the request for the second suction session is received, the reservation flag is set to "1" (ON) to reserve the second suction session (steps S340 and S350 in FIG. 9). In this case, the second suction session is automatically executed when the prohibition cancellation condition is subsequently satisfied (steps S610 and S620 in FIG. 10).

[0168] Instead, in this modification, the reception unit 116 １ However, the user operation for the second suction session itself may be disabled. １ disables the function of the sensor unit 112 to detect a user operation using a button or switch, or a user operation of inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150. １ In this modification, the aerosol generation device 100 can be made more user-friendly and easier to operate by the user.

[0169] (4-3) Modification 3 In the above embodiment, the prohibited section was activated in response to the temperature rise rate associated with the preheating operation of the first suction session being less than the predetermined threshold (steps S210 and S220 in FIG. 8 ). Here, taking into consideration that the temperature rise rate during the preheating operation in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment is slower than that during a normal environment, the predetermined threshold was set by multiplying the temperature rise rate under the normal environment by a predetermined percentage (for example, 70%).

[0170] Alternatively, in this modified example, the ratio may be adjusted for each region and / or environment based on environmental information such as the average humidity throughout the year / month in the region where the aerosol generation device 100 is expected to be used. Furthermore, the ratio may be adjusted over time depending on the season, or may be dynamically adjusted each time the aerosol generation device 100 is used depending on the environment at the time. According to this modified example, the use of the aerosol generation device 100 can be further adapted to the user's inhalation environment, thereby further improving the quality of the inhalation experience.

[0171] (4-4) Modification 4 In the above embodiment, the operation information acquisition unit 116 ３ The operation information was acquired throughout the preheating operation of the first suction session (step S130 in FIG. 8 ). Here, the preheating operation was illustrated as consisting of one stage. The acquired operation information included the time required from the start of the heating operation to reach the target temperature set as the initial heating section, and the actual temperature rise of the heating unit 121 throughout the preheating operation.

[0172] In contrast, this modified example can be adapted to a case where the initial temperature rise section is defined by a plurality of preheating stages. In other words, it is possible to acquire operation information not only across the plurality of preheating stages, but also for each preheating stage.

[0173] Alternatively, instead of the above embodiment, in this modified example, the operating information may be periodically (e.g., every second) repeatedly acquired, and the temperature rise rate may be calculated each time the operating information is acquired and used to determine whether the prohibition condition is satisfied. That is, the temperature rise rate may be calculated by acquiring the difference in the temperature rise at predetermined time intervals. In this case, if the calculated temperature rise rate falls below a predetermined threshold even once, the prohibition flag may be set to "1" (ON) (steps S210 and S220 in FIG. 8).

[0174] In this way, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the prohibition conditions, particularly the accuracy of determining whether the aerosol generation device 100 is operating in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. That is, according to this modified example, it is possible to further adapt the use of the aerosol generation device 100 to the user's inhalation environment, thereby further improving the quality of the inhalation experience.

[0175] <<3. Supplementary Notes>> (1-1) Supplementary Notes on the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure The contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and supplementary notes. A suction device and a method for operating a suction device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure have the following configuration and fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0176] (1) A suction device is provided that includes a heating unit that heats a suction object source, a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit, a memory unit that stores a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over one suction session, and a control unit that executes multiple suction sessions consecutively based on the temperature of the heating unit and the target temperature. In this suction device, a prohibited section that prohibits execution of a suction session is provided between consecutive suction sessions.

[0177] (2) In the suction device of (1) above, the heating profile specifies a pre-heating operation to be performed after the start of the heating operation, and the control unit is configured to acquire operation information regarding the pre-heating operation in the preceding suction session, determine whether the operation information satisfies a predetermined first condition, and if it is determined that the first condition is satisfied, prohibit the start of the heating operation for the subsequent suction session in the prohibited section.

[0178] (3) In the suction device of (1) or (2), the operation information includes a temperature rise rate of the heating unit in the preheating operation, and the first condition includes a value of the temperature rise rate being less than a predetermined first threshold value.

[0179] (4) In the suction device according to any one of (1) to (3), the control unit is further configured to set the subsequent suction session, the execution of which has been prohibited, to be executable in accordance with a second condition.

[0180] (5) In the suction device according to any one of (1) to (4), the second condition includes a predetermined period of time having elapsed since the end of the preceding suction session.

[0181] (6) In the suction device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the length of the predetermined period is dynamically determined in accordance with the operation information.

[0182] (7) In the suction device according to any one of (1) to (6), the second condition includes that the temperature of the heating unit in the prohibited section is less than a predetermined second threshold value.

[0183] (8) In the suction device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, the control unit is further configured to disable acceptance of a user operation for a subsequent suction session until a second condition is satisfied.

[0184] (9) In any of the suction devices (1) to (8) above, the control unit is further configured to automatically start a heating operation for the subsequent suction session in response to the second condition being satisfied, when a user operation for the subsequent suction session is accepted before the second condition is satisfied.

[0185] (10) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (9) above, further comprising a notification unit, wherein the control unit further causes the notification unit to issue a predetermined notification regarding the prohibited section during the prohibited section.

[0186] (11) A method for operating a suction device is provided, the suction device including a heating unit that heats a suction article source, a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit, and a memory unit that stores a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit, the method including the steps of: executing a first suction session based on the temperature of the heating unit and the target temperature; prohibiting execution of a second suction session subsequent to the first suction session during a predetermined prohibited section in accordance with a predetermined first condition; and setting the prohibited second suction session to be executable in accordance with a predetermined second condition.

[0187] (12) In the method of (11) above, the heating profile specifies a pre-heating operation to be performed after the start of the heating operation, and the step of prohibiting the execution of the second suction session includes the steps of acquiring operation information regarding the pre-heating operation in the first suction session, determining whether a first condition is satisfied based on the operation information, and prohibiting the start of the heating operation for the second suction session if it is determined that the first condition is satisfied.

[0188] (13) In the method of (11) or (12) above, the operation information includes a temperature rise rate of the heating unit in the preheating operation, and if the value of the temperature rise rate is less than a predetermined threshold, the start of the heating operation for the second suction session is prohibited.

[0189] (14) In any of the methods (11) to (13) above, the second condition includes a predetermined period of time having elapsed since the end of the first suction session.

[0190] (15) In any of the methods (11) to (14) above, if a user operation for the second suction session is accepted before the second condition is satisfied, the method further includes a step of automatically starting a heating operation for the second suction session in response to the second condition being satisfied.

[0191] (1-2) Others In the above description, a suction device and a method according to some embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings. It is understood that the present disclosure may also be embodied as a program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform a method for operating a suction device, or a computer-readable storage medium having the program stored thereon.

[0192] While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above along with their modifications and applications, it should be understood that these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that modifications, additions, improvements, etc. to the embodiments can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0193] 100 (100A, 100B)...suction device (aerosol generating device) 111 (111A, 111B)...power supply unit, 112 (112A, 112B)...sensor unit, 113 (113A, 113B)...notification unit, 114 (114A, 114B)...storage unit, 116 (116A, 116B)...control unit, 116 １ ...Reception department, 116 ２ ...Session execution unit, 116 ３...Operation information acquisition unit, 116 ４ ...Judgment Department, 116 ５ ...Prohibited part, 116 ６ ...Permission Department, 116 ７ ...Notification instruction unit 121 (121A, 121B) ...Heating unit 150 ...Stick-shaped substrate, 151 ...Substrate unit

Claims

1. A suction device, comprising: a heating unit that heats a suction article source; a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit; a storage unit that stores a heating profile defining a time-series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit over one suction session; and a control unit that continuously executes a plurality of the suction sessions based on the temperature of the heating unit and the target temperature, wherein a prohibited section for prohibiting execution of the suction session is provided between consecutive suction sessions.

2. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein the heating profile defines a preheating operation that is executed after the start of the heating operation, and the control unit: acquires operation information regarding the preheating operation in a preceding suction session; determines whether the operation information satisfies a predetermined first condition; and prohibits the start of the heating operation for a subsequent suction session in the prohibited section when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied.

3. The suction device according to claim 2, wherein the operation information includes a temperature increase rate of the heating unit in the preheating operation, and the first condition includes that the temperature increase rate is less than a predetermined first threshold.

4. The suction device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit is further configured to set the subsequent suction session whose execution is prohibited to be executable according to a second condition.

5. The suction device according to claim 4, wherein the second condition includes that a predetermined period has elapsed after the end of the preceding suction session.

6. The suction device according to claim 5, wherein the length of the predetermined period is dynamically determined according to the operation information.

7. The suction device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second condition includes that the temperature of the heating unit in the prohibited section becomes less than a predetermined second threshold.

8. The suction device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the control unit is further configured to disable reception of a user operation for a subsequent suction session until the second condition is satisfied.

9. The suction device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the control unit is further configured to automatically start the heating operation for the subsequent suction session in response to the second condition being satisfied when a user operation for the subsequent suction session is received while the second condition is not satisfied.

10. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a notification unit, wherein the control unit is further configured to cause the notification unit to execute a predetermined notification regarding the prohibited section during the prohibited section.

11. A method of operating a suction device, the suction device comprising a heating unit that heats a suction article source, a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit, and a storage unit that stores a heating profile defining a time-series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit, the method comprising: executing a first suction session based on a temperature of the heating unit and the target temperature; prohibiting execution of a second suction session subsequent to the first suction session in a predetermined prohibited section according to a predetermined first condition; and setting the second suction session, whose execution is prohibited, to be executable according to a predetermined second condition.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the heating profile defines a preheating operation to be executed after the start of the heating operation, and the step of prohibiting execution of the second suction session comprises: obtaining operation information regarding the preheating operation in the first suction session; determining whether the first condition is satisfied based on the operation information; and prohibiting the start of the heating operation for the second suction session when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied.

13. In the method according to claim 12, the operation information includes a temperature rising rate of the heating unit in the preheating operation, and when the temperature rising rate is less than a predetermined threshold value, the start of the heating operation for the second suction session is prohibited.

14. In the method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, the second condition includes that a predetermined period has elapsed after the end of the first suction session.

15. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising the step of automatically starting the heating operation for the second suction session in response to the second condition being satisfied when a user operation for the second suction session is received before the second condition is satisfied.

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