Aerosol generation system, control method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience. [Solution] This aerosol generation system comprises: a heating unit that heats an aerosol generation article; a power supply unit that supplies electric power to the heating unit; a storage unit that stores a heating profile; and a control unit that controls the supply of electric power from the power supply unit to the heating unit on the basis of the heating profile. The heating profile includes information for setting a target temperature of a temperature control target in a preheating period, and sets, in an assessment period included in the preheating period, a target temperature different from the target temperature set at a start time point of the assessment period or a time point prior to the start time point of the assessment period. The control unit assesses the state of the aerosol generation article in the assessment period.

Description

Aerosol Generation System, Control Method, and Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system, a control method, and a program.

[0002] Suction devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely spread. For example, a suction device uses a base material including an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol, etc., to generate an aerosol to which a flavor component is imparted. A user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component is imparted, which is generated by the suction device. The operation in which a user inhales an aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as puff or puff operation. As an example of a device classified as a suction device, there is one that is used instead of a so-called cigarette, called a heated cigarette. Note that a heated cigarette is a type of suction device that generates an aerosol by heating a base material containing an aerosol source.

[0003] The amount of moisture contained in the base material can significantly affect the quality of the user experience. Therefore, techniques for determining the amount of moisture contained in the base material have been actively developed in recent years. In Patent Documents 1 and 2 below, techniques for determining the amount of moisture contained in the base material based on the temperature of the base material during heating are disclosed. In Patent Document 3 below, a technique for determining the amount of moisture contained in the base material based on the timing when the duty ratio of the power pulse applied to the heating unit has decreased from 100% after the start of heating of the base material is disclosed.

[0004] Japanese Patent Translation No. 2023-534344 Japanese Patent No. 7338934 Japanese Patent Translation No. 2024-530185

[0005] However, the techniques disclosed in the above patent documents have not been long since developed, and there is still room for improvement from various viewpoints.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of the user experience.

[0007] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generation system is provided comprising: a heating unit for heating an aerosol product containing an aerosol source; a power supply unit for supplying power to the heating unit; a storage unit for storing a heating profile; and a control unit for controlling the supply of power from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on the heating profile, wherein the heating profile is information for setting a target temperature to be controlled, and includes information for setting the target temperature during a preheating period; the preheating period is a period that starts together with the start of heating based on the heating profile, and includes a determination period for determining the state of the aerosol product, wherein a target temperature different from the target temperature set at the start of the determination period or at a time earlier than the start of the determination period is set during the determination period, and the control unit determines the state of the aerosol product during the determination period.

[0008] The heating profile may be set to a target temperature that changes continuously over time during the determination period.

[0009] The heating profile may be set to a target temperature that changes continuously over time from the start of the preheating period to the end of the determination period.

[0010] The determination period may be set to the period during which the temperature of the temperature-controlled object rises.

[0011] The control unit may determine the state of the aerosol product by comparing information regarding the amount of power supplied to the heating unit with predetermined information stored in the storage unit.

[0012] The information relating to the amount of power may be at least one of the following: duty cycle, frequency, or amplitude.

[0013] The determination period may be set to at least one of the following periods: the period during which the duty cycle increases, the period during which the frequency increases, or the period during which the amplitude increases.

[0014] The heating profile may be set as the target temperature during the determination period such that at least one of the duty cycle, frequency, or amplitude does not reach the upper limit during the determination period.

[0015] The heating profile may be set as the target temperature during the determination period, where at least one of the duty cycle, frequency, or amplitude reaches its upper limit during the determination period.

[0016] The control unit may determine the amount of water contained in the aerosol product as the state of the aerosol product.

[0017] The heating profile may set the target temperature during the determination period to a range of less than 100°C.

[0018] The control unit may control the operation of the aerosol generation system based on the determined state of the aerosol product.

[0019] The aerosol generation system may further include the aerosol product.

[0020] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a control method is provided which is performed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises a heating unit that heats an aerosol product containing an aerosol source, a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit, and a storage unit that stores a heating profile, wherein the heating profile is information that sets a target temperature to be controlled, and includes information that sets the target temperature during a preheating period, wherein the preheating period is a period that starts together with the start of heating based on the heating profile, and includes a determination period for determining the state of the aerosol product, wherein a target temperature different from the target temperature set at the start of the determination period or at a time earlier than the start of the determination period is set during the determination period, and the control method is provided which includes controlling the supply of power from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on the heating profile, and determining the state of the aerosol product during the determination period.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a program is provided which is executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises a heating unit that heats an aerosol product containing an aerosol source, a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit, and a storage unit that stores a heating profile, wherein the heating profile is information that sets a target temperature to be temperature controlled, and includes information that sets the target temperature during a preheating period, wherein the preheating period is a period that starts together with the start of heating based on the heating profile, and includes a determination period for determining the state of the aerosol product, wherein a target temperature different from the target temperature set at the start of the determination period or at a time earlier than the start of the determination period is set during the determination period, and the program causes the computer to function as a control unit that controls the supply of power from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on the heating profile and determines the state of the aerosol product during the determination period.

[0022] As explained above, this disclosure provides a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience.

[0023] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device. This is a schematic graph illustrating an example of a heating profile. This is a schematic graph illustrating another example of a heating profile. This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment, specifically the configuration related to determining the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150. This is a graph showing the time-series change of the duty cycle during the preheating period. This is an enlarged graph of the portion of the graph shown in Figure 5 that corresponds to the period from 4 seconds to 5 seconds after the start of heating. This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the suction device 90 according to a comparative example, specifically the configuration related to determining the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150. This is a graph showing the time-series change of the temperature of the heating section 121 during the preheating period. This is an enlarged graph of the portion of the graph shown in Figure 9 that corresponds to the period from 4 seconds to 5 seconds after the start of heating.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0025] <1. Example of Suction Device Configuration> A suction device is a device that generates a substance to be aspirated by the user. In the following explanation, the substance generated by the suction device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device may be a gas.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device. As shown in Figure 1, the suction device 100 according to this example configuration includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a housing unit 140, and a heat insulation unit 144.

[0027] The power supply unit 111 stores power. Based on the control by the control unit 116, the power supply unit 111 supplies power to each component of the suction device 100. The power supply unit 111 may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

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

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

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

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

[0032] The control unit 116 functions as both an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, controlling the overall operation of the suction device 100 according to various programs. The control unit 116 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0033] The housing section 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-type substrate 150 while housing a portion of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The housing section 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside and houses the stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the housing section 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and bottom 143 as its base, defining a columnar internal space 141. An air passage is connected to the housing section 140 to supply air to the internal space 141. An air inlet, which is the air entrance to the air passage, is located, for example, on the side of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is the air exit from the air passage to the internal space 141, is located, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0034] The stick-type base material 150 includes a base material portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The base material portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug. The aerosol source may be a liquid such as glycerin and polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, and water, which include flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco, or it may be a solid which includes flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. When the stick-type base material 150 is held in the housing portion 140, at least a part of the base material portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user puts the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air passage (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base material portion 151.

[0035] The heating unit 121 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, thereby atomizing it. In the example shown in Figure 1, the heating unit 121 is configured in a film-like form and is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the containment unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the stick-type base material 150 is heated from the outer circumference, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0036] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.

[0037] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0038] As an example, the heating section 121 may be configured in a blade shape and positioned to protrude from the bottom 143 of the housing section 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating section 121 is inserted into the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 and heats the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating section 121 may be positioned to cover the bottom 143 of the housing section 140. Furthermore, the heating section 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating section that covers the outer circumference of the housing section 140, a blade-shaped second heating section, and a third heating section that covers the bottom 143 of the housing section 140.

[0039] As another example, the housing section 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism, such as a hinge, that opens and closes a part of the outer shell forming the internal space 141. The housing section 140 may then house the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heating section 121 may be provided at the clamping location in the housing section 140 and may heat the stick-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

[0040] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100 has at least an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100 or may be included in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0041] The suction device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating device. The stick-type substrate 150 is an example of an aerosol product containing an aerosol source. The combination of the suction device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generating system.

[0042] The heating unit 121 is an example of a heating unit that heats the aerosol product to generate an aerosol. When the means for atomizing the aerosol source is induction heating, the electromagnetic induction source may be considered as a heating unit that heats the aerosol product to generate an aerosol.

[0043] <2. Heating Profile> The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile stored in the storage unit 114. The heating profile is information that sets the target temperature of the temperature-controlled object (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The heating profile sets the time-series progression of the target temperature of the temperature-controlled object. The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the temperature-controlled object progresses as set in the heating profile. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the supply of power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121.

[0044] An example of the temperature control target is the heating unit 121. The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be estimated based on the resistance of the heating unit 121. This is because the resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121) changes according to the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0045] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The control unit 116 can supply the power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) or pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). In that case, in the feedback control, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse in the case of PWM control, by adjusting the frequency of the power pulse in the case of PFM control, and by adjusting the amplitude of the power pulse in the case of PAM control. Hereinafter, an example in which the temperature control of the heating unit 121 is realized by PWM control will be mainly described.

[0046] Hereinafter, the period during which the power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile, in other words, the period during which heating by the heating unit 121 is executed based on the heating profile, is also referred to as the heating session. Also, the heating from the start of the heating session until puffing becomes possible is also referred to as preheating, and the period during which preheating is executed is also referred to as the preheating period. And the period after the preheating is completed is also referred to as the puffable period. In the puffable period, appropriate suction of the aerosol becomes possible. It can be said that the preheating period is the period before the first puff is performed.

[0047] An example of the heating profile will be described while referring to FIG. 2.

[0048] Figure 2 is a graph schematically showing an example of a heating profile. In this graph, the time-series change of the target temperature of the heating unit 121 set in the heating profile is shown. The horizontal axis of this graph is the elapsed time from the start of heating. The vertical axis of this graph is the target temperature of the heating unit 121. As shown in Figure 2, the heating session includes a preheating period and a puffable period. In the preheating period, the target temperature of the heating unit 121 rapidly rises and is maintained. In the puffable period, the target temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases, then is maintained, and then decreases again.

[0049] The preheating period can be completed triggered by, for example, the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of heating, or the elapse of a predetermined time after the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a predetermined temperature. The completion of preheating, that is, the start of the puffable period, is notified to the user by the notification unit 113. Therefore, the user can perform puffing during the puffable period.

[0050] (Follow-up control) As shown in Figure 2, the heating profile may set a target temperature that continuously changes with the passage of time. For example, the heating profile may set a variable target temperature for each control cycle of the duty ratio. Controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121 to follow such a target temperature that continuously changes in time series is hereinafter also referred to as follow-up control.

[0051] In follow-up control, it is assumed that the duty ratio increases when the rising speed of the target temperature is fast, and the duty ratio decreases when the rising speed of the target temperature is slow.

[0052] (Constant-value control) The heating profile may set a combination of a period and a target temperature that is fixedly set for the period. An example of a heating profile that fixes the target temperature for each period is shown in Figure 3.

[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic graph illustrating another example of a heating profile. This graph shows the time-series change of the target temperature of the heating unit 121 set in the heating profile. The horizontal axis of this graph represents the elapsed time from the start of heating. The vertical axis of this graph represents the target temperature of the heating unit 121. In the example shown in Figure 3, the target temperature is fixed at 320°C throughout the entire preheating period. In the puffing period, the target temperature is fixed at 250°C for most of the period, and fixed at 200°C for a portion of the period towards the end.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, in a heating profile where the target temperature is fixed for each period, a constant target temperature is set and maintained for each of the multiple periods. The temperature of the heating unit 121 is controlled so that it reaches and maintains the target temperature set for a given period. Controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121 to reach and maintain the target temperature set for each period, according to a heating profile where the target temperature is fixed for each period, will hereafter be referred to as constant-value control.

[0055] In constant-value control, the duty cycle is set to an upper limit when the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature is large, and it is expected that the duty cycle decreases as the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature decreases.

[0056] <3. Technical Challenges> The amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 fluctuates depending on the storage conditions of the stick-type substrate 150. For example, the stick-type substrate 150 may become hygroscopic, containing a large amount of moisture, if stored for a long period of time in an environment with excessively high humidity. Conversely, the stick-type substrate 150 may become dry, containing almost no moisture, if stored for a long period of time in an environment with excessively low humidity. The stick-type substrate 150 can also become harmonious, containing an appropriate amount of moisture, as an intermediate state between these two states.

[0057] Furthermore, the flavor (hereinafter also referred to as "taste") experienced by the user can change depending on the degree of moisture absorption and drying of the stick-type base material 150. In particular, if the stick-type base material 150 has absorbed moisture, a large amount of hot water may enter the user's mouth during the first puff, causing the user to feel an unpleasant heat. This is partly due to the fact that water has a higher heat capacity than air.

[0058] To mitigate such user discomfort, possible measures include determining the moisture content within the stick-type substrate 150 and interrupting heating if the determined moisture content is excessively high. Therefore, a technology for determining the moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150 is required.

[0059] As an example of a technique for determining the moisture content of a stick-type substrate 150, the techniques disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 can be cited. According to these techniques, the moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150 can be determined based on the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150 during heating. However, the accuracy of the determination by these techniques is not considered sufficient. This is because the temperature change of the stick-type substrate 150 is precisely controlled based on the heating profile and is not easily affected by the moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150.

[0060] Another example of a technique for determining the moisture content of a stick-type substrate 150 is the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3. According to this technique, the moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150 can be determined based on the timing at which the duty cycle decreases from 100% during preheating with constant value control. However, according to Patent Document 3, the moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150 can only be determined after about 9 seconds have elapsed since the start of heating, which is late.

[0061] Based on the circumstances described above, a suction device 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure was created. In the suction device 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure, the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 is determined based on information regarding the amount of electricity supplied to the heating unit 121 during a determination period set at the beginning of the preheating phase. With this configuration, the suction device 100 can determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 more quickly and accurately than the technologies disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 to 3. Furthermore, the suction device 100 can improve the quality of the user experience by operating according to the determined amount of moisture in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0062] <4. Technical Features> (Example Configuration) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment, specifically the configuration related to determining the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 114 stores the heating profile 10 during preheating, the heating profile 11 in the harmonized state, the heating profile 12 in the dry state, and the heating profile 13 in the humidified state.

[0064] The preheating profile 10 is a heating profile referenced during the preheating period. The preheating profile 10 includes information for setting the target temperature during the preheating period.

[0065] The heating profile 11 in the harmonized state, the heating profile 12 in the dry state, and the heating profile 13 in the humidified state are heating profiles referenced during the puffable period. However, as will be described later, during the puffable period, the heating profile 11 in the harmonized state, the heating profile 12 in the dry state, or the heating profile 13 in the humidified state are selectively referenced based on the determination result of the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150. The heating profile 11 in the harmonized state, the heating profile 12 in the dry state, and the heating profile 13 in the humidified state include information for setting the target temperature during the puffable period. At least some of the target temperatures set by these heating profiles are different from each other.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, the sensor unit 112 includes a temperature sensor 21. The temperature sensor 21 measures the temperature of the heating unit 121 and outputs the measured temperature to the control unit 116. The temperature sensor 21 measures the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the resistance of the heating unit 121, for example.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 116 includes a control signal generation unit 31, a moisture content determination unit 32, a heating profile selection unit 33, and a power control unit 34.

[0068] The control signal generation unit 31 generates and outputs a control signal to control the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 output from the temperature sensor 21. Specifically, the control signal generation unit 31 generates a control signal to control the duty cycle so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes according to the heating profile selected by the heating profile selection unit 33. The control signal generation unit 31 then outputs the generated control signal to the moisture content determination unit 32 and the power control unit 34. Note that the greater the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature, the higher the duty cycle becomes in order to bridge that difference, and the greater the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121.

[0069] The moisture content determination unit 32 determines the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 housed in the housing unit 140 based on the control signal input from the control signal generation unit 31. The moisture content determination unit 32 then outputs information indicating the determined moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150 to the heating profile selection unit 33. In particular, the moisture content determination unit 32 determines the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 based on the duty cycle during the preheating period. Details of the determination method will be described later.

[0070] The heating profile selection unit 33 selects a heating profile and outputs the selected heating profile to the control signal generation unit 31. Specifically, during the preheating period, the heating profile selection unit 33 selects the heating profile 10 used during preheating. Then, based on the moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150 determined by the moisture content determination unit 32, the heating profile selection unit 33 selects the heating profile for the puffing period. That is, the heating profile selection unit 33 selects the heating profile 11 for the harmonized state when the stick-type substrate 150 is in a harmonized state, the heating profile 12 for the dry state when it is in a dry state, and the heating profile 13 for the humidified state when it is in a humidified state.

[0071] The power control unit 34 controls the supply of power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 based on the control signal input from the control signal generation unit 31. Specifically, the power control unit 34 supplies power pulses to the heating unit 121 at the duty cycle specified in the control signal. The power control unit 34 may be configured as a switch to turn the power supply to the heating unit 121 ON / OFF.

[0072] (Details of the determination method) The moisture content determination unit 32 determines the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 based on the duty cycle during the preheating period. More specifically, the moisture content determination unit 32 determines the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 based on the duty cycle controlled based on the heating profile 10 during preheating.

[0073] As described above, the preheating period is a period that begins at the same time as the start of heating based on the heating profile. The preheating period includes a determination period for determining the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150. The moisture content determination unit 32 determines the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 by comparing information regarding the duty cycle during the determination period with predetermined information stored in the storage unit 114. The method for determining the amount of moisture based on the duty cycle will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0074] Figure 5 is a graph showing the time series change of the duty cycle during the preheating period. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the graph in Figure 5, corresponding to the period from 4 seconds to 5 seconds after the start of heating. These graphs show the time series change of the duty cycle observed when three harmonic state stick-type substrates 150 (N1-N3), two dry state stick-type substrates 150 (N4-N5), and three hygroscopic state stick-type substrates 150 (N6-N8) were heated based on the heating profile shown in Figure 2. The horizontal axis of these graphs represents the elapsed time from the start of heating. The vertical axis of these graphs represents the duty cycle.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, when any of the stick-type substrates 150 were heated, the duty cycle increased from the start of heating until about 15 seconds later, reaching its upper limit (approximately 95%), remaining at approximately 95% until about 20 seconds later, and then decreasing thereafter.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, it can be seen that the trend of change in the duty cycle differs depending on the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150, from the beginning of the preheating period until the duty cycle reaches its upper limit. Therefore, a judgment period may be set at the beginning of the preheating period. For example, the period from 4 seconds to 5 seconds after the start of heating, as shown in Figure 6, may be set as the judgment period.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6, it can be seen that the trend of change in the duty cycle differs depending on the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 during the judgment period. For example, the more moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 (i.e., the more hygroscopic it is), the earlier the duty cycle rises. This is because the higher the moisture content, the more difficult it is for the temperature of the heating section 121 to rise, requiring a higher duty cycle to follow the target temperature.

[0078] Therefore, the moisture content determination unit 32 determines the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 during the determination period. More specifically, the moisture content determination unit 32 determines the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 based on the duty cycle during the determination period.

[0079] More specifically, the moisture content determination unit 32 may determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 based on the time it takes for the duty cycle to reach a predetermined value. For example, the moisture content determination unit 32 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is in a harmonious state if the time it takes for the duty cycle to reach threshold TH1 is later than threshold TH2 and earlier than threshold TH3. Alternatively, the moisture content determination unit 32 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is in a hygroscopic state if the time it takes for the duty cycle to reach threshold TH1 is earlier than threshold TH2. Furthermore, the moisture content determination unit 32 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is in a dry state if the time it takes for the duty cycle to reach threshold TH1 is later than threshold TH3.

[0080] From another perspective, the moisture content determination unit 32 may determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 based on the duty cycle at a predetermined time. For example, the moisture content determination unit 32 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is in a harmonious state if the duty cycle at the time elapsed since the start of heating reaches threshold TH2 is between threshold TH4 and threshold TH1. Alternatively, the moisture content determination unit 32 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is in a hygroscopic state if the duty cycle at the time elapsed since the start of heating reaches threshold TH2 is greater than or equal to threshold TH1. Furthermore, the moisture content determination unit 32 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is in a dry state if the duty cycle at the time elapsed since the start of heating reaches threshold TH2 is less than threshold TH4.

[0081] Alternatively, the moisture content determination unit 32 may determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 based on the time rate of change of the duty cycle during the determination period (i.e., the time derivative).

[0082] The above describes a specific method for determining the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0083] (Judgment Period) As explained above, the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 is determined based on the trend of change in the duty cycle during the judgment period. Therefore, it is desirable that the period during which the duty cycle changes be set as the judgment period. Furthermore, it is desirable that the heating profile 10 during preheating be set so that the duty cycle changes during the judgment period.

[0084] In particular, it is desirable that the judgment period be set to a period during which the duty cycle increases. With this configuration, as described above with reference to Figures 5 and 6, it becomes possible to determine the moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150 based on the upward trend of the duty cycle during the judgment period.

[0085] Furthermore, it is desirable that the determination period be set to the period during which the temperature of the heating section 121 rises. Considering that the period during which the duty cycle rises arrives earlier than the period during which it decreases, as shown in Figure 5, this configuration makes it possible to determine the moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150 at an earlier time.

[0086] To satisfy the above requirements, the heating profile 10 during preheating sets a target temperature during the determination period that is different from the target temperature set at the start of the determination period or at a point earlier than the start of the determination period. With this configuration, as will be explained below, the above requirements are met and the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 can be determined more quickly and accurately.

[0087] As an example, the heating profile 10 during preheating may be set to a target temperature that continuously changes over time during the judgment period. In particular, the heating profile 10 during preheating may be set to a target temperature that continuously rises during the judgment period. In this case, follow-up control is performed during the judgment period, and the duty cycle increases. As a result, it becomes possible to determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 during the judgment period. Note that the target temperature may be fixed or constant value control may be performed during the periods before and after the judgment period.

[0088] As another example, the heating profile 10 during preheating may be set to a target temperature that continuously changes over time from the start of the preheating period to the end of the judgment period. In particular, the heating profile 10 during preheating may be set to a target temperature that continuously rises from the start of the preheating period to the end of the judgment period. In this case as well, during the judgment period, follow-up control is performed and the duty cycle increases. As a result, it becomes possible to determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 during the judgment period. The judgment period may also start at the same time as the start of the preheating period. With this configuration, it becomes possible to determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 at an earlier time. In the period after the judgment period, the target temperature may be fixed, or constant value control may be performed.

[0089] In any case, if the target temperature changes continuously over time during the judgment period, the duty cycle is also expected to change continuously over time, making it possible to determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 in a shorter judgment period. Furthermore, by setting the judgment period to an earlier time in the preheating period, it becomes possible to determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 at an earlier time.

[0090] As another example, the heating profile 10 during preheating may be fixed to a target temperature lower than the target temperature set at the start of the judgment period or earlier. For example, if the judgment period is from 4 seconds to 5 seconds after the start of heating, the target temperatures may be fixed at 320°C for the period up to 4 seconds, 150°C for the period from 4 seconds to 5 seconds, and 320°C for the period from 5 seconds to 20 seconds. Here, it is assumed that during the period up to 4 seconds after the start of heating, the temperature of the heating section 121 rises to approximately 130°C, which is close to the target temperature, and that during the period from 4 seconds to 5 seconds, the duty cycle changes within a range below the upper limit. Therefore, it becomes possible to determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 based on the trend of the change in the duty cycle during the judgment period.

[0091] For the preheating heating profile 10, it is desirable to set the target temperature for the judgment period to a value such that the duty cycle does not reach the upper limit during the judgment period. In this case, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of the duty cycle reaching the upper limit and remaining unchanged during the judgment period, making it difficult to determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150. The upper limit of the duty cycle may be 100%, or it may be less than 100% due to hardware constraints or other factors.

[0092] Of course, the heating profile 10 during preheating may be set to a value where the duty cycle reaches its upper limit during the determination period, which can then be used as the target temperature for the determination period. Even in this case, the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 can be determined based on the trend of change during the period when the duty cycle has not reached its upper limit.

[0093] The heating profile 10 during preheating may set the target temperature during the judgment period to a range of less than 100°C. With this configuration, the judgment period is placed at the beginning of the preheating process. In other words, it becomes possible to determine the moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150 at an early stage.

[0094] Furthermore, the period within the preheating period that is set as the judgment period may be predetermined. In this case, information indicating the location of the judgment period may be included in the heating profile 10 during preheating.

[0095] Alternatively, the moisture content determination unit 32 may adaptively set the determination period according to the changes in the duty cycle. In this case, the moisture content determination unit 32 can set any period within the time frame during which the target temperature changes as the determination period according to the changes in the duty cycle. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent misjudgment of the moisture content contained in the stick-type substrate 150 due to influences from the environment such as temperature and humidity.

[0096] (Processing Flow) Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0097] As shown in Figure 7, first the suction device 100 starts heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing section 140 (step S102). In particular, the suction device 100 controls the duty cycle of the power pulses supplied to the heating section 121 based on the heating profile 10 during preheating stored in the memory section 114.

[0098] Next, the suction device 100 determines whether the elapsed time since the start of heating is included in the determination period (step S104).

[0099] If it is determined that the elapsed time since the start of heating is not included in the determination period (step S104: NO), the suction device 100 waits until the elapsed time since the start of heating is included in the determination period.

[0100] On the other hand, if it is determined that the elapsed time since the start of heating is included in the determination period (step S104: YES), the suction device 100 determines the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 based on the duty cycle of the power pulses supplied to the heating unit 121 during the determination period (step S106).

[0101] Next, the suction device 100 selects a heating profile corresponding to the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 (step S108). For example, the suction device 100 selects one of the following: a harmonizing heating profile 11, a dry heating profile 12, or a humidifying heating profile 13.

[0102] Next, once the preheating period is complete, the suction device 100 heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the heating profile selected in step S108 (step S110).

[0103] <5. Effects> Below, the suction device 90 according to the comparative example will be described, and then the effects of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment will be described in comparison with the suction device 90 according to the comparative example.

[0104] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration related to determining the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 among the components of the suction device 90 according to the comparative example.

[0105] As shown in Figure 8, the comparative example suction device 90 has a control unit 40 instead of a control unit 116. The control unit 40 has a moisture content determination unit 42 instead of a moisture content determination unit 32. The moisture content determination unit 42 receives the temperature of the heating unit 121 output from the temperature sensor 21 instead of the control signal output from the control signal generation unit 31. The other configurations are the same as those of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment described above with reference to Figure 4.

[0106] The moisture content determination unit 42 determines the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 based on the temperature of the heating unit 121. The moisture content determination unit 42 then outputs information indicating the determined moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150 to the heating profile selection unit 33.

[0107] The configuration of the suction device 90 according to the comparative example has been described above. Next, with reference to Figures 9 and 10, the method for determining the amount of moisture based on the temperature of the heating section 121 will be explained in detail.

[0108] Figure 9 is a graph showing the time-series change in the temperature of the heating section 121 during the preheating period. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the graph shown in Figure 9, corresponding to the period from 4 seconds to 5 seconds after the start of heating. These graphs show the time-series change in the temperature of the heating section 121 observed when three stick-type substrates 150 in harmonized states (N1 to N3), two dry stick-type substrates 150 in dry states (N4 to N5), and three hygroscopic stick-type substrates 150 in humid states (N6 to N8) were heated based on the heating profile shown in Figure 2. The horizontal axis of these graphs represents the elapsed time from the start of heating. The vertical axis of these graphs represents the temperature of the heating section 121.

[0109] As shown in Figure 9, it can be seen that in the initial stages of the preheating period, there is almost no difference in the temperature change trend of the heating section 121, even if the moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150 is different. In particular, as shown in Figure 10, it can be seen that in the period from 4 seconds to 5 seconds after the start of heating, there is almost no difference in the temperature change trend of the heating section 121, even if the moisture content of the stick-type substrate 150 is different.

[0110] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, starting 15 seconds after the start of heating, a difference in the temperature change trend of the heating unit 121 occurs depending on the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, the moisture content determination unit 42 can determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 from 15 seconds after the start of heating.

[0111] However, as shown in Figure 9, the temperature difference that had been developing and expanding since 15 seconds after the start of heating temporarily narrowed around 22 seconds after the start of heating. Therefore, depending on the timing of the determination, the accuracy of determining the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 may decrease.

[0112] Thus, in the comparative example 90, the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 is determined at a late time, 15 seconds or more after the start of heating, and there is a possibility of a decrease in the accuracy of the determination. On the other hand, the suction device 100 according to this embodiment can accurately determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 at an early time, about 4 seconds after the start of heating.

[0113] As described above, the suction device 100 according to this embodiment makes it possible to accurately and quickly determine the degree of moisture absorption and drying of the stick-type substrate 150, and to appropriately control the operation of the heating unit 121 according to the determined degree of moisture absorption and drying. This makes it possible to make the taste appropriate and improve the quality of the user experience, for example, by preventing the user from feeling an unpleasant heat during the first puff.

[0114] <6. Supplementary Information> Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs may conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and these will naturally be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the temperature-controlled object is the heating unit 121, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. The temperature-controlled object may also be a stick-type substrate 150. In this case, the heating profile sets a target temperature for the stick-type substrate 150. The control unit 116 then controls the duty cycle so that the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150 changes according to the heating profile. The temperature of the stick-type substrate 150 can be estimated based on the temperature of the heating unit 121. The temperature control of the stick-type substrate 150 is then achieved through the temperature control of the heating unit 121.

[0116] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the target temperature itself is set in the heating profile, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. The heating profile may also include information for setting the target temperature, such as setting the resistance of the heating unit 121 corresponding to the target temperature.

[0117] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 is determined based on a comparison between information regarding the duty cycle and a threshold value. However, this disclosure is not limited to such an example. The suction device 100 can determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 by comparing information regarding the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121 with predetermined information stored in the storage unit 114. For example, information regarding the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121 includes the amount of power input over a predetermined time, the change in the amount of power input over a predetermined period (i.e., the slope of the graph showing the amount of power input), and the time to reach a predetermined amount of power input. Furthermore, temperature control of the heating unit 121 may be achieved by controlling the voltage or current supplied to the heating unit 121, other than PWM control, PFM control, and PAM control. In that case, information regarding the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121 includes current information or voltage information. The predetermined information stored in the storage unit 114 includes threshold values ​​corresponding to various types of information regarding the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121, such as the threshold values ​​TH1 to TH4 mentioned above.

[0118] As described above, the temperature control of the heating unit 121 may be achieved by PFM control. In this case, the suction device 100 can determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 by comparing the frequency of the power pulse, which is information regarding the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121, with predetermined information stored in the storage unit 114. Here, the frequency of the power pulse in PFM control is increased or decreased in the same way as the duty cycle of the power pulse in PWM control. That is, the larger the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature, the higher the frequency of the power pulse becomes in order to bridge that difference, and the greater the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121. Therefore, the determination period can be set to the period in which the frequency of the power pulse increases. Furthermore, it is desirable that the heating profile 10 during preheating be set to a value in which the frequency of the power pulse does not reach the upper limit during the determination period as the target temperature during the determination period. Of course, the heating profile 10 during preheating may also be set to a value in which the frequency of the power pulse reaches the upper limit during the determination period as the target temperature during the determination period.

[0119] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 may be achieved by PAM control, as described above. In this case, the suction device 100 can determine the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150 by comparing the amplitude of the power pulse, which is information regarding the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121, with predetermined information stored in the storage unit 114. Here, the amplitude of the power pulse in PAM control is increased or decreased in the same way as the duty cycle of the power pulse in PWM control. That is, the larger the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature, the higher the amplitude of the power pulse becomes in order to bridge the difference, and the larger the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121 becomes. Therefore, the determination period can be set to the period in which the amplitude of the power pulse increases. Furthermore, it is desirable that the heating profile 10 during preheating be set to a value in which the amplitude of the power pulse does not reach the upper limit during the determination period as the target temperature during the determination period. Of course, the heating profile 10 during preheating may also be set to a value in which the amplitude of the power pulse reaches the upper limit during the determination period as the target temperature during the determination period.

[0120] Furthermore, one or more of the following may be used to control the temperature of the heating unit 121: PWM control, PFM control, PAM control, control of the voltage supplied to the heating unit 121, and control of the current supplied to the heating unit 121. In this case, the information regarding the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121 may include one or more types of information corresponding to one or more of the controls being implemented. For example, the information regarding the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121 may include one or more of the following: duty cycle, frequency, or amplitude. Also, the judgment period and the target temperature during the judgment period may be set according to one or more of the controls being implemented. For example, the judgment period and the target temperature during the judgment period may be set based on one or more of the following: duty cycle, frequency, or amplitude.

[0121] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the heating profile during the puffing period is selected based on the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150, but the disclosure is not limited to such an example. The suction device 100 can be controlled based on the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150. For example, the suction device 100 may switch the heating profile during the preheating period, interrupt heating, or notify the user of information indicating the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150, based on the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0122] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the suction device 100 determines the amount of moisture contained in the stick-type substrate 150, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The suction device 100 may also determine the state of the stick-type substrate 150 other than the amount of moisture. For example, the suction device 100 may determine the type of stick-type substrate 150, or whether or not menthol is contained in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0123] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are pre-stored in a recording medium (more specifically, a non-temporary storage medium readable by a computer) provided inside or outside each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM (Random Access Memory) when executed by a computer controlling each device described herein, and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed via a network, for example, without using a recording medium. The computer may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that performs functions by loading software programs, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing. Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described herein may be centrally processed by a single computer or distributed among multiple computers. In addition, in each of the above embodiments, two or more communication means present in a single device may be physically implemented in a single medium.

[0124] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts or sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown. Some processing steps may be executed in parallel. Additional processing steps may be adopted, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0125] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure: (1) An aerosol generation system comprising: a heating unit for heating an aerosol product containing an aerosol source; a power supply unit for supplying power to the heating unit; a storage unit for storing a heating profile; and a control unit for controlling the supply of power from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on the heating profile, wherein the heating profile is information for setting a target temperature to be controlled, and includes information for setting the target temperature during a preheating period; the preheating period is a period that begins at the start of heating based on the heating profile, and includes a determination period for determining the state of the aerosol product; the target temperature set during the determination period is different from the target temperature set at the start of the determination period or at a time earlier than the start of the determination period; and the control unit determines the state of the aerosol product during the determination period. (2) The aerosol generation system according to (1), wherein the heating profile sets a target temperature that changes continuously over time during the determination period. (3) The aerosol generation system according to (2), wherein the heating profile sets the target temperature which changes continuously over time from the start of the preheating period to the end of the determination period. (4) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the determination period is set to the period during which the temperature of the temperature-controlled object rises. (5) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit determines the state of the aerosol product by comparing information regarding the amount of power supplied to the heating unit with predetermined information stored in the storage unit. (6) The aerosol generation system according to (5), wherein the information regarding the amount of power is at least one of duty cycle, frequency, or amplitude. (7) The aerosol generation system according to (6), wherein the determination period is set to at least one of the period during which the duty cycle increases, the period during which the frequency increases, or the period during which the amplitude increases.(8) The aerosol generation system according to (6) or (7), wherein the heating profile sets the target temperature for the determination period to a value in which at least one of the duty cycle, frequency, or amplitude does not reach the upper limit during the determination period. (9) The aerosol generation system according to (6) or (7), wherein the heating profile sets the target temperature for the determination period to a value in which at least one of the duty cycle, frequency, or amplitude reaches the upper limit during the determination period. (10) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the control unit determines the amount of water contained in the aerosol product as the state of the aerosol product. (11) The aerosol generation system according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the heating profile sets the target temperature for the determination period to a range of less than 100°C. (12) The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the control unit controls the operation of the aerosol generating system based on the determined state of the aerosol product. (13) The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the aerosol generating system further comprises the aerosol product.(14) A control method performed by a computer controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises: a heating unit for heating an aerosol product containing an aerosol source; a power supply unit for supplying power to the heating unit; and a storage unit for storing a heating profile, wherein the heating profile is information for setting a target temperature to be controlled, and includes information for setting the target temperature during a preheating period, the preheating period is a period that begins together with the start of heating based on the heating profile, and includes a determination period for determining the state of the aerosol product, the target temperature set during the determination period is different from the target temperature set at the start of the determination period or at a time earlier than the start of the determination period, and the control method comprises: controlling the supply of power from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on the heating profile; and determining the state of the aerosol product during the determination period. (15) A program executed by a computer controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises: a heating unit for heating an aerosol product containing an aerosol source; a power supply unit for supplying power to the heating unit; and a storage unit for storing a heating profile, wherein the heating profile is information for setting a target temperature to be controlled, and includes information for setting the target temperature during a preheating period, wherein the preheating period is a period that begins at the start of heating based on the heating profile, and includes a determination period for determining the state of the aerosol product, wherein a target temperature different from the target temperature set at the start of the determination period or at a time earlier than the start of the determination period is set during the determination period, and the program causes the computer to function as a control unit that controls the supply of power from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on the heating profile and determines the state of the aerosol product during the determination period.

[0126] 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Storage unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 121 Heating unit 140 Housing unit 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 144 Insulation unit 150 Stick-type substrate 151 Substrate unit 152 Suction nozzle 10 Heating profile during preheating 11 Heating profile in harmonized state 12 Heating profile in dry state 13 Heating profile in humid state 21 Temperature sensor 31 Control signal generation unit 32 Moisture content determination unit 33 Heating profile selection unit 34 Power control unit 90 Suction device according to comparative example 40 Control unit 42 Moisture content determination unit

Claims

1. An aerosol generation system comprising: a heating unit for heating an aerosol product containing an aerosol source; a power supply unit for supplying power to the heating unit; a storage unit for storing a heating profile; and a control unit for controlling the supply of power from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on the heating profile, wherein the heating profile is information for setting a target temperature for temperature control, and includes information for setting the target temperature during a preheating period; the preheating period is a period that starts together with the start of heating based on the heating profile, and includes a determination period for determining the state of the aerosol product; a target temperature different from the target temperature set at the start of the determination period or at a time earlier than the start of the determination period is set during the determination period; and the control unit determines the state of the aerosol product during the determination period.

2. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the heating profile sets the target temperature which changes continuously over time during the determination period.

3. The aerosol generation system according to claim 2, wherein the heating profile sets the target temperature which changes continuously over time from the start of the preheating period to the end of the determination period.

4. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination period is set to the period during which the temperature of the temperature-controlled object rises.

5. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit determines the state of the aerosol product by comparing information relating to the amount of power supplied to the heating unit with predetermined information stored in the storage unit.

6. The aerosol generation system according to claim 5, wherein the information relating to the amount of energy is at least one of duty cycle, frequency, or amplitude.

7. The aerosol generation system according to claim 6, wherein the determination period is set to at least one of the periods during which the duty cycle increases, the period during which the frequency increases, or the period during which the amplitude increases.

8. The aerosol generation system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the heating profile is set to a value such that at least one of the duty cycle, frequency, or amplitude does not reach an upper limit during the determination period, and this value is set as the target temperature during the determination period.

9. The aerosol generation system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the heating profile sets the target temperature for the determination period to a value in which at least one of the duty cycle, frequency, or amplitude reaches an upper limit during the determination period.

10. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit determines the amount of water contained in the aerosol product as the state of the aerosol product.

11. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heating profile sets the target temperature during the determination period to a range of less than 100°C.

12. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the aerosol generation system based on the determined state of the aerosol product.

13. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising the aerosol product.

14. A control method performed by a computer controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises: a heating unit for heating an aerosol product containing an aerosol source; a power supply unit for supplying power to the heating unit; and a storage unit for storing a heating profile, wherein the heating profile is information for setting a target temperature to be controlled, and includes information for setting the target temperature during a preheating period, the preheating period is a period that begins at the start of heating based on the heating profile, and includes a determination period for determining the state of the aerosol product, the target temperature set during the determination period is different from the target temperature set at the start of the determination period or at a time earlier than the start of the determination period, and the control method comprises: controlling the supply of power from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on the heating profile; and determining the state of the aerosol product during the determination period.

15. A program executed by a computer controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises: a heating unit for heating an aerosol product containing an aerosol source; a power supply unit for supplying power to the heating unit; and a storage unit for storing a heating profile, wherein the heating profile is information for setting a target temperature to be temperature controlled, and includes information for setting the target temperature during a preheating period, wherein the preheating period is a period that begins at the start of heating based on the heating profile, and includes a determination period for determining the state of the aerosol product, wherein a target temperature different from the target temperature set at the start of the determination period or at a time earlier than the start of the determination period is set during the determination period, and the program causes the computer to function as a control unit that controls the supply of power from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on the heating profile and determines the state of the aerosol product during the determination period.

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