Aerosol generating device, control method, and program

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is for heating a base material to generate aerosol, the device comprising: a detection unit that detects a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation in the aerosol generating device; and a control unit that temporarily registers switching of settings of the aerosol generating device in response to the detection unit detecting the first predetermined operation. The control unit confirms the temporarily registered switching of settings in response to the detection unit detecting the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time.

Description

Aerosol Generation Device, Control Method, and Program

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an aerosol generation device including a heating unit that heats a base material including an aerosol source according to a control sequence by power supply from a power source, a detection unit that detects the movement of the device itself, and a control unit that controls to switch one of the selected control sequences to another control sequence when a specific movement is detected by the detection unit.

[0003] International Publication No. 2024 / 127627

[0004] When the detection unit of the aerosol generation device described in Patent Document 1 detects a specific movement, even if the detection is a false detection, for example, one of the selected control sequences is switched to another control sequence.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce the switching of the settings of the aerosol generation device that is not intended by the user when detecting a predetermined operation and switching the settings of the aerosol generation device.

[0006] An aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a detection unit that detects a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation in an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol by heating a base material, and a control unit that temporarily registers a switching of the settings of the aerosol generation device in response to the detection unit detecting the first predetermined operation. The control unit determines the switching of the temporarily registered settings in response to the detection unit detecting the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time.

[0007] The control unit may cancel the switching of the temporarily registered settings in response to the detection unit not detecting the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time.

[0008] The control unit may temporarily store information regarding the setting change in the provisional registration of the setting change when the detection unit detects the first predetermined operation, and may continue to store the information regarding the setting change in a non-temporary state when the detection unit detects the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time.

[0009] The control unit may temporarily store information regarding the setting change in the provisional registration of the setting change when the detection unit detects the first predetermined operation, and may delete the temporarily stored information regarding the setting change when the detection unit does not detect the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time.

[0010] The control unit may temporarily store information regarding the setting change in volatile memory when the detection unit detects the first predetermined operation, and may store information regarding the setting change in non-volatile memory when the detection unit detects the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time.

[0011] The information relating to the switching of the setting may include information indicating that the aerosol generator is being switched from the first setting to the second setting, or information relating to the second setting of the aerosol generator after the switch.

[0012] The detection unit may be capable of detecting multiple different types of the first predetermined operation, and the control unit may provisionally register the setting switch corresponding to the type of the first predetermined operation detected by the detection unit.

[0013] The detection unit may be capable of detecting at least one of the speed, acceleration, and angular velocity of the aerosol generator, and the first predetermined operation may be a shaking operation, a tapping operation, or a double-tapping operation.

[0014] The aerosol generator may further include a heating unit that heats the substrate based on a heating profile, and the settings of the aerosol generator may include a first heating profile and a second heating profile which are initial states, and the control unit may provisionally register a switch from the first heating profile to the second heating profile in response to the detection unit detecting the first predetermined operation, and the control unit may execute a process to switch from the first heating profile to the second heating profile in response to the detection unit detecting the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time, thereby activating the second heating profile.

[0015] The control unit does not need to activate the second heating profile if the detection unit does not detect the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time, and does not need to perform the process of switching from the first heating profile to the second heating profile.

[0016] The second predetermined operation may be the operation of initiating the heating of the substrate by the heating unit.

[0017] The heating unit may start heating the substrate in response to the detection unit detecting that a button provided on the aerosol generator is pressed or that the substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator. The control unit does not need to perform the process of switching from the first heating profile to the second heating profile if the detection unit does not detect that the button is pressed or that the substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator within the predetermined time.

[0018] The control unit may temporarily store information regarding the second heating profile after switching in volatile memory when the detection unit detects the first predetermined operation, and may continue to store information regarding the second heating profile in non-volatile memory in a non-temporary manner when the detection unit detects the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time.

[0019] A control method in one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate, and includes the steps of: detecting a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation in the aerosol generating apparatus; provisionally registering a setting switch for the aerosol generating apparatus in response to the detection of the first predetermined operation; and confirming the provisionally registered setting switch in response to the detection of the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time.

[0020] A program in one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer included in an aerosol generating apparatus that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol to perform the following steps: detect a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation in the aerosol generating apparatus; provisionally register a setting switch for the aerosol generating apparatus in response to the detection of the first predetermined operation; and confirm the provisionally registered setting switch in response to the detection of the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time.

[0021] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when an aerosol generator is configured to switch settings based on a predetermined operation, it is possible to reduce the unintended switching of settings in the aerosol generator by the user.

[0022] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an aerosol generator. This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an aerosol generator. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of an aerosol generator. This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the appearance of an aerosol generator. This is a graph showing an example of a heating profile. This is a diagram illustrating a method for detecting the double-tap operation of an aerosol generator. This is a diagram illustrating a method for detecting the shake operation of an aerosol generator. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the process for provisional registration of setting changes for an aerosol generator. This is a diagram illustrating another example of the process for provisional registration, confirmation, and cancellation of setting changes for an aerosol generator. This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of an aerosol generator in one embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of an aerosol generator in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generator provisionally registers a setting change in the aerosol generator in response to the detection of a first predetermined operation, and then confirms the provisionally registered setting change in response to the detection of a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. That is, the aerosol generator provisionally registers the setting change, and only after detecting the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time does the setting change actually become confirmed.

[0024] On the other hand, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generator provisionally registers a setting change for the aerosol generator in response to the detection of a first predetermined operation, and then, if it does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time, it cancels the provisionally registered setting change and does not execute the setting change process. In other words, the aerosol generator does not execute the change process merely by provisionally registering a setting change; only after provisional registration and the detection of a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time is the setting change confirmed and the change process executed.

[0025] Thus, the aerosol generator can provisionally register a setting change in response to the detection of a first predetermined operation, and then decide whether or not to actually execute the setting change process depending on whether or not a second predetermined operation is detected within a predetermined time. Furthermore, even if the aerosol generator falsely detects the first predetermined operation, the setting change process will not be executed unless the second predetermined operation is detected within a predetermined time thereafter. Therefore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the setting of the aerosol generator is changed in response to the detection of a predetermined operation, the occurrence of an unintended setting change of the aerosol generator can be reduced.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first predetermined operation is, for example, an operation in which the aerosol generator accepts input from a user via tapping or double-tapping (hereinafter also referred to as "tap operation" or "double-tap operation"), or an operation in which the aerosol generator accepts input from a user via shaking (hereinafter also referred to as "shake operation"). Furthermore, switching the settings of the aerosol generator is, for example, a switching of the heating profile used to control the heating of the substrate in the aerosol generator. Note that switching the heating profile is, for example, switching the heating profile used by the aerosol generator for heating from one heating profile to another heating profile. Furthermore, the second predetermined operation is, for example, an operation to accept a user pressing a button provided on the aerosol generator, or an operation to detect that a substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator.

[0027] In this case, the aerosol generator, upon detecting a double-tap, tap, or shake operation, provisionally registers a switch from one heating profile to another for the heating profile used for heating. Subsequently, the aerosol generator confirms the switch to the provisionally registered other heating profile upon detecting a button press or substrate insertion operation by the user within a predetermined time (for example, within 30 minutes). On the other hand, if the aerosol generator does not detect a button press or substrate insertion operation within a predetermined time (for example, within 30 minutes), it does not perform the process of switching to the provisionally registered other heating profile.

[0028] Thus, the aerosol generator can, after provisionally registering a switch from one heating profile to another, decide whether or not to confirm the switch of the heating profile depending on whether or not a second predetermined operation is detected within a predetermined time. Therefore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the aerosol generator switches heating profiles in response to a predetermined operation, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of unintended heating profile switches by the user.

[0029] <<1. Example Configuration of an Aerosol Generator>> An aerosol generator is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by the user. In the following explanation, the substance generated by the aerosol generator will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the aerosol generator may be a gas.

[0030] (1) First Configuration Example Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an aerosol generating device. As shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generating device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a storage unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid induction unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 123. The flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. Air passages 180 are formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.

[0031] The power supply unit 111A stores power. Based on the control by the control unit 116A, the power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of the aerosol generator 100A. The power supply unit 111A may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0032] The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the aerosol generator 100A. For example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with inhalation by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A may be composed of an input device that receives input from the user through a button or switch provided on the aerosol generator 100A, thereby recognizing the user's pressing action. The sensor unit 112A may also be a proximity sensor capable of detecting the distance to a predetermined object, or a radio wave intensity sensor capable of detecting the intensity of various radio waves received. Furthermore, the sensor unit 112A may be an acceleration sensor, motion sensor, gravity sensor, etc., capable of detecting the speed, acceleration, angular velocity, etc., of the aerosol generator 100A, thereby recognizing tapping, double-tapping, and shaking actions (described later).

[0033] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A 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. The display device may be a touch display.

[0034] The memory unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the aerosol generator 100A. For example, it stores setting information including a heating profile used to control the heating of the substrate in the aerosol generator. The memory unit 114A is composed of a non-volatile and / or volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

[0035] The communication unit 115A 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).

[0036] The control unit 116A functions as both an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, controlling the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100A according to various programs. The control unit 116A is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0037] The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. Aerosols are generated when the aerosol source is atomized. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may contain flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. If the aerosol generator 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0038] The liquid guide unit 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 123, from the liquid storage unit 123. The liquid guide unit 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0039] The heating unit 121A generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, thereby atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in Figure 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 an aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started suctioning and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power may then be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has finished suctioning and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0040] Flavoring source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. Flavoring source 131 may contain flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco.

[0041] The air flow path 180 is a path for air to be sucked by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with both ends being an air inlet hole 181 which is an inlet of air into the air flow path 180 and an air outlet hole 182 which is an outlet of air from the air flow path 180. In the middle of the air flow path 180, a liquid guiding part 122 is arranged on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inlet hole 181), and a flavor source 131 is arranged on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outlet hole 182). The air flowing in from the air inlet hole 181 due to the user's suction is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating part 121A, and as shown by the arrow 190, it passes through the flavor source 131 and is transported to the air outlet hole 182. When the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0042] The mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held by the user during suction. The air outlet hole 182 is arranged in the mouthpiece 124. The user can take in the mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity by holding the mouthpiece 124 and sucking.

[0043] The configuration example of the aerosol generating device 100A has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the aerosol generating device 100A is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations exemplified below.

[0044] As an example, the aerosol generating device 100A may not include the flavor imparting cartridge 130. In that case, the mouthpiece 124 is provided on the cartridge 120.

[0045] As another example, the aerosol generating device 100A may include a plurality of types of aerosol sources. A plurality of types of aerosols generated from the plurality of types of aerosol sources are mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction, so that another type of aerosol may be generated.

[0046] Also, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating part 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0047] (2) Second Configuration Example FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the aerosol generating device. As shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a housing unit 140, and a heat insulation unit 144.

[0048] Each of the power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the storage unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding component included in the aerosol generating device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0049] The housing unit 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The housing unit 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 to the outside, and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the housing unit 140 is a cylindrical body having the opening 142 and the bottom 143 as the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the housing unit 140. The air inlet hole, which is the inlet of air to the air flow path, is disposed, for example, on the side surface of the aerosol generating device 100B. The air outlet hole, which is the outlet of air from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is disposed, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0050] 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 aerosol generating device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may be a liquid such as water, including glycerin and polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, which contain flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco, or it may be a solid containing 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. Then, when the user puts the suction port 152 protruding from the opening 142 into their mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air channel (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the base material 151.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 2, the heating unit 121B is configured as a film and is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the housing unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the stick-type base material 150 is heated from the outer circumference, and an aerosol is generated.

[0052] 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 insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.

[0053] The above describes an example configuration of the aerosol generator 100B. Of course, the configuration of the aerosol generator 100B is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0054] As an example, the heating section 121B 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 121B 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 121B may be positioned to cover the bottom 143 of the housing section 140. Furthermore, the heating section 121B 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.

[0055] 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 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the housing section 140 and may heat the stick-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

[0056] 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 aerosol generator 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the aerosol generator 100B or may be included in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0057] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 100B may further include a heating unit 121A, a liquid induction unit 122, a liquid storage unit 123, and an air passage 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air passage 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A and air flows into the internal space 141, is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the user's oral cavity.

[0058] <<2. Examples of the Appearance of the Aerosol Generating Device>> Below, an example of the appearance of an aerosol generating device 100, which is one embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described. Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the appearance of an aerosol generating device 100, which is one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 3 and 4 are examples of the appearance of an aerosol generating device 100 that generates aerosols using a stick-type substrate. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance when the front side of the aerosol generating device 100 is observed from diagonally above. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance when the top surface of the aerosol generating device 100 is observed from above.

[0059] The aerosol generator 100 includes a housing 10 and a slide cover 20 that can be slid along the top surface of the housing 10. Figure 3 shows an example of the external appearance of the aerosol generator 100 with the slide cover 20 removed from the top surface of the housing 10.

[0060] In an aerosol generating apparatus 100 which is one embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, the surface on which the button 11 is provided is referred to as the "front." Also, the surface on which the insertion hole 13 into which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted is referred to as the "top surface." Furthermore, the surface opposite the top surface is referred to as the "bottom surface," and the other three surfaces are referred to as the "sides."

[0061] For example, a button 11 and an LED 12 are provided on the front of the housing 10. For example, an insertion hole 13 is provided on the top surface of the housing 10.

[0062] Button 11 accepts predetermined operations from the user to operate the aerosol generator 100. Button 11 accepts, for example, instructions to start heating the stick-type substrate 150, reset the aerosol generator 100, and Bluetooth® pairing instructions. The user can, for example, start heating the stick-type substrate 150 by pressing button 11 (for example, by pressing and holding it for 2 seconds or more). The user can also, for example, reset the aerosol generator 100 by pressing and holding button 11 (for example, by pressing and holding it for 5 seconds or more).

[0063] The LED 12 indicates, for example, the operating status of the aerosol generator 100 or the remaining charge of the secondary battery. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the surface of the LED 12 is covered with a light-transmitting material, allowing the light emitted from the LED 12 to pass through to the outside of the housing 10. Therefore, the user can observe the lighting status of the LED 12. The operating status of the aerosol generator 100 includes, for example, the progress of heating the stick-type substrate 150, the progress of charging, and errors.

[0064] When the LED 12 indicates the heating progress of the stick-type substrate 150, for example, the length of the illuminated portion of the LED 12 indicates the remaining time the user can inhale the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate. Also, for example, when the remaining time is running low, the LED 12 blinks slowly.

[0065] When LED 12 indicates the charging progress, for example, LED 12 blinks during charging, and the blinking period lengthens as the remaining charge of the secondary battery increases through charging. Also, LED 12 turns off or stays lit when charging is complete, for example.

[0066] When LED 12 is used to indicate the remaining battery level, for example, when the slide cover 20 is opened or closed, the remaining battery level is displayed as the length of the illuminated portion of LED 12. Furthermore, if the battery level is low, LED 12 will blink. Additionally, if the battery level is low and it is not possible to fully heat one unused stick-shaped substrate 150, the LED will blink rapidly.

[0067] The slide cover 20 is sized to cover, for example, about half of the top surface. When the slide cover 20 is operated to the open position, for example, the insertion hole 13 is exposed, allowing the stick-type base material 150 to be inserted into the insertion hole 13. When the slide cover 20 is operated to the closed position, for example, the entire insertion hole 13 may be hidden. Figure 4 shows the slide cover 20 in the open position. The insertion hole 13 is an example of an opening into which the stick-type base material 150 is inserted.

[0068] The stick-type substrate 150 contains a solid aerosol source in a paper tube molded into a roughly cylindrical shape. The shape of the insertion hole 13 is, for example, a circular shape that is approximately the same as that of the stick-type substrate 150. The diameter of the opening of the insertion hole 13 is such that the stick-type substrate 150 can be inserted.

[0069] A magnet, for example, is attached to the back surface of the slide cover 20. Meanwhile, a Hall IC is mounted on the housing 10 within the movable range of the slide cover 20. The Hall IC is a magnetic sensor composed of a Hall element and an operational amplifier, and outputs a voltage corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field crossing the Hall element. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the opening and closing of the slide cover 20 is detected from the change in voltage output from the Hall IC as the slide cover 20 slides. That is, it is detected whether the slide cover 20 is in the open position or the closed position.

[0070] The insertion of the stick-type substrate 150 can be detected, for example, through the following mechanism. In one example, the insertion of the stick-type substrate 150 may be detected by detecting the contact pressure between the pressure sensor (not shown) and the held stick-type substrate 150, which is located in the housing section 140. Specifically, when the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the internal space 141 and held in the housing section 140, the pressure sensor located on the inner wall of the housing section 140 comes into contact with the outer circumference of the stick-type substrate 150. The control unit 116 can then determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is being held in the housing section 140 by causing the pressure sensor to detect the contact pressure.

[0071] In another example, a capacitive proximity sensor (not shown) located near the insertion hole 13 detects the insertion of the stick-type substrate 150 based on the change in capacitance or dielectric constant that occurs when the stick-type substrate 150 is placed inside the internal space 141. Specifically, the proximity sensor located near the insertion hole 13 detects the capacitance or dielectric constant of a portion of the internal space 141 near the insertion hole 13. As the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted or removed, various parts of the stick-type substrate 150 pass through this portion space. Consequently, the capacitance and dielectric constant of this portion space change. In other words, the control unit 116 can determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is being held in the housing unit 140 based on the time-series change in the capacitance or dielectric constant of this portion space.

[0072] The aerosol generator 100 is, for example, small enough for a user to hold in one hand. The housing 10 contains various electronic components necessary for aerosol generation. The housing 10 is, for example, an example of electronic equipment specifically designed for aerosol generation.

[0073] <<3. Example of Heating Profile Configuration>> The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 heats the stick-type substrate 150 using power supplied from the power supply unit 111, for example.

[0074] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile defines parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. An example of the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated is the temperature of the heating unit 121. An example of parameters related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the "target temperature"). The temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled to change according to the elapsed time from the start of heating. In that case, the heating profile includes information that defines the time-series change of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters that define the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the "power supply parameters"). Power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121, or the method of feedback control to be adopted. ON / OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121 may be considered as ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0075] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that its temperature (hereinafter also referred to as "actual temperature") progresses in a manner similar to the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor the user experiences when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor the user experiences can be optimized.

[0076] Temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty cycle or frequency of the power pulse in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, interrupt heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0077] The temperature of the heating section 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating section 121 (more precisely, the heat-generating resistor constituting the heating section 121). This is because the electrical resistance of the heat-generating resistor changes with temperature. The electrical resistance of the heat-generating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the voltage drop across the heat-generating resistor. The voltage drop across the heat-generating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heat-generating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating section 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating section 121.

[0078] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosols using the stick-type substrate 150 will hereafter be referred to as the "heating session." In other words, the heating session is the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The start of the heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile begins. The end of the heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating session includes a preheating period in the first half and a recommended puffing period in the second half. The recommended puffing period is the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The preheating period is the period from the start of heating until the start of the recommended puffing period. The heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as "preheating."

[0079] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating when preheating is complete. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating before it is completed, or notify the user of information indicating that preheating is complete when it is completed. Notification to the user may be made, for example, by lighting an LED or vibration. The user can then perform puffing immediately after preheating is complete by referring to such notification.

[0080] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating when the recommended puff period is ending. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information that is giving notice of the end of the recommended puff period before it ends, or notify the user of information indicating that the recommended puff period has ended when it has ended. Notification to the user may be made, for example, by the lighting or vibration of an LED. The user can then use such a notification as a reference to continue puffing until the recommended puff period ends.

[0081] An example of a heating profile will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic graph showing an example of a heating profile. The horizontal axis of the graph is time. The vertical axis of the graph is temperature. As shown in Figure 5, a heating session may sequentially include a first heating period, a cooling period, and a second heating period. The first heating period is the period after the start of heating during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises rapidly and is maintained at a high temperature. The cooling period is the period after the first heating period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. The second heating period is the period after the cooling period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises again. In the example shown in Figure 5, the target temperature rapidly rises to about 330°C during the first heating period, then decreases to about 230°C during the cooling period, and then gradually rises to around 300°C during the second heating period. During the cooling period, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be interrupted and heating may be turned OFF. In the example shown in Figure 5, the preheating period is from the start of heating until partway through the first heating period, and the recommended puffing period is from partway through the first heating period until the end of the second heating period.

[0082] <<4. Processing Example of Aerosol Generating Device>> In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 100 generates an aerosol by heating a substrate, and the control unit 116 interacts with a detection unit implemented by a sensor unit 112. For example, in response to the detection unit detecting a first predetermined operation, the control unit 116 provisionally registers a setting change for the aerosol generating device 100, and thereafter, in response to the detection unit detecting a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time, the control unit 116 confirms the provisionally registered setting change. On the other hand, in the aerosol generating device 100, for example, in response to the detection unit detecting a first predetermined operation, the control unit 116 provisionally registers a setting change for the aerosol generating device 100, and thereafter, in response to the detection unit not detecting a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time, the control unit 116 cancels the provisionally registered setting change and does not execute the setting change process.

[0083] Here, "provisional registration" in relation to the setting change of the aerosol generator 100 refers to the process of temporarily reserving the setting change by temporarily storing information related to the setting change in the storage unit 114. This prepares the system for the setting change process, which will be executed later when predetermined conditions are met. At the provisional registration stage, the setting change process has not yet been executed, and the setting before the change remains active in the aerosol generator 100. Furthermore, "confirmation" in relation to the setting change refers to the process of actually executing the setting change process reserved by "provisional registration". Once the change process is executed, the setting after the change becomes active. Conversely, if the setting change is not "confirmed", the change is "cancelled". In other words, the setting after the change remains active. In this specification, "provisional registration" may also be referred to as "reservation".

[0084] <<4-1. Examples of Detection of Predetermined Operations>> Below, an example of detection of a predetermined operation in an aerosol generating device 100, which is one embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described. The predetermined operation includes a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation. The first predetermined operation and the second predetermined operation may be the same operation or may be different operations. In the following, if the first predetermined operation and the second predetermined operation are not distinguished, they will be referred to as the "predetermined operation".

[0085] A predetermined action is, for example, an action that accepts that button 11 is pressed by a user. More specifically, the aerosol generator 100 can detect the action of button 11 being pressed by a user. The aerosol generator 100 can also detect, for example, that button 11 is pressed for a predetermined time. Furthermore, the aerosol generator 100 can detect, for example, that button 11 has been pressed a predetermined number of times.

[0086] The predetermined operation may, for example, be the operation of moving the slide cover 20. Alternatively, the predetermined operation may be the operation of connecting or disconnecting the USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable used to charge the power supply unit 111 to the aerosol generator 100. Furthermore, the predetermined operation may be the operation of connecting or disconnecting various accessories to the aerosol generator 100. In addition, the predetermined operation may be, for example, the user's suction operation to the aerosol generator 100.

[0087] Furthermore, the predetermined operation may be, for example, the operation in which the aerosol generator 100 starts heating the substrate. If the aerosol generator 100 detects that the substrate has been inserted and automatically starts heating the substrate, the predetermined operation may be the operation of detecting that the substrate has been inserted or the operation of starting to heat the substrate. Also, the aerosol generator 100 may, for example, detect that the substrate has been inserted as the detection of the predetermined operation. Also, if the aerosol generator 100 starts heating the substrate by pressing the button 11, the predetermined operation may be the pressing of the button 11. The aerosol generator 100 may, for example, detect that the button 11 has been pressed for a predetermined time as the detection of the predetermined operation. In addition, the predetermined operation may be any operation that the aerosol generator 100 can detect.

[0088] The predetermined operation may be, for example, a tapping operation, a double-tapping operation, or a shaking operation on the aerosol generating device 100 as described above. However, the predetermined operation is not limited to tapping, double-tapping, and shaking operations; it may be any operation that is applied to the aerosol generating device 100 and can be detected by the detection unit. Furthermore, the predetermined operation may be, for example, a trajectory in which part or all of the movement of the aerosol generating device 100 corresponds to a predetermined trajectory such as letters or figures.

[0089] Figure 6 is a schematic graph illustrating an example of a method for detecting double-tap operation by the aerosol generator 100. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time, and the vertical axis represents acceleration. The sensor unit 112 of the aerosol generator 100 detects the velocity, acceleration, and angular velocity of the aerosol generator 100. Subsequently, at least one of the sensor unit 112 and the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100, or the sensor unit 112 and the control unit 116 working together, detects the double-tap operation by performing the following processes (1) to (5).

[0090] (1) When the acceleration exceeds the threshold Th1, the aerosol generator 100 starts counting for period T11. (2) When the acceleration falls below the threshold Th1 within period T11, the aerosol generator 100 detects the first tap. In the example in Figure 6, the aerosol generator detects the first tap at point P11. (3) After detecting the first tap, the aerosol generator 100 starts counting for period T12. The aerosol generator 100 does not detect any taps until period T12 has elapsed. That is, the aerosol generator 100 performs processing similar to preventing so-called chattering during period T12. (4) When period T12 ends, the aerosol generator 100 starts counting for period T13. (5) If tap detections (1) and (2) occur again within period T13, the aerosol generator 100 detects the second tap. In the example shown in Figure 6, the aerosol generator 100 detects the second tap at point P12. This allows the aerosol generator 100 to detect a double tap operation.

[0091] Figure 7 is a schematic graph illustrating an example of a method for detecting the shaking motion of the aerosol generator 100. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time, and the vertical axis represents acceleration. The sensor unit 112 of the aerosol generator 100 detects, for example, the velocity, acceleration, and angular velocity of the aerosol generator 100. Subsequently, the shaking motion is detected by at least one of the sensor unit 112 and the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100, or by the sensor unit 112 and the control unit 116 working together to perform the following processes (1) and (2).

[0092] (1) When the acceleration exceeds the threshold Th2, the aerosol generator 100 starts firing for period T2. (2) If the acceleration falls below the threshold Th2 within period T2, the aerosol generator 100 starts firing again for period T2.

[0093] A predetermined action may include multiple actions. A predetermined action may include, for example, both the action of pressing button 11 and the action of moving slide cover 20. A predetermined action may also include, for example, both the double-tap action and the shake action on the aerosol generator 100 described above. The multiple actions included in a predetermined action may be any combination of actions. Note that the multiple actions included in a predetermined action are not limited to these examples; any multiple actions are acceptable.

[0094] If the predetermined operation includes multiple operations, the aerosol generator 100 determines that it has detected the predetermined operation when it has detected at least a portion of the multiple operations. If the multiple operations include both pressing the button 11 and moving the slide cover 20, the aerosol generator 100 determines that it has detected the predetermined operation when it has detected at least one of the button 11 pressing operation and the slide cover 20 moving operation. If the multiple operations include both a double-tap operation and a shake operation, the aerosol generator 100 determines that it has detected the predetermined operation when it has detected at least one of the double-tap operation and the shake operation.

[0095] If the predetermined operation includes multiple operations, the aerosol generator 100 may determine that it has detected the predetermined operation when it has detected all of the multiple operations. If the multiple operations include both pressing the button 11 and moving the slide cover 20, the aerosol generator 100 will determine that it has detected the predetermined operation when it has detected both pressing the button 11 and moving the slide cover 20. If the multiple operations include both a double-tap operation and a shake operation, the aerosol generator 100 will determine that it has detected the predetermined operation when it has detected both the double-tap operation and the shake operation.

[0096] The aerosol generator 100 may determine that a predetermined operation has been detected if it has detected multiple operations in a predetermined order, provided that the predetermined operation includes multiple operations. For example, the aerosol generator 100 may determine that a predetermined operation has been detected if it detects one operation followed by another operation. The predetermined order can be, for example, predetermined. For example, the aerosol generator 100 may determine that a predetermined operation has been detected if it detects the operation of pressing the button 11 followed by the operation of moving the slide cover 20. Alternatively, the aerosol generator 100 may determine that a predetermined operation has been detected if it detects a double-tap operation followed by a shake operation.

[0097] <<4-2. Example of processing related to switching the settings of the aerosol generator>> In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generator 100 provisionally registers a setting change for the aerosol generator 100 in response to detecting a first predetermined operation, and then confirms the provisionally registered setting change in response to detecting a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time.

[0098] In one embodiment of this disclosure, switching the settings of the aerosol generator 100 is switching the settings of various functions of the aerosol generator 100. These various functions include, for example, the function of the aerosol generator 100 heating a substrate. Switching the function of the aerosol generator 100 heating a substrate is, for example, switching the heating profile used by the aerosol generator 100 for heating. Alternatively, switching the function of the aerosol generator 100 heating a substrate may involve switching the power, current, or voltage values ​​output by the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 or the heating unit 121. Furthermore, switching the function of the aerosol generator 100 heating a substrate may involve switching the heating temperature at which the heating unit 121 heats the substrate. Note that switching the function of the aerosol generator 100 heating a substrate is not limited to these examples and may involve switching various parameters used for heating, or any other method.

[0099] The various functions of the aerosol generator 100 may include, for example, settings related to notifications when the aerosol generator 100 provides various notifications. Settings related to notifications of the aerosol generator 100 include, for example, switching various parameters of the notification unit 113. Switching various parameters of the notification unit 113 includes, for example, switching the brightness of the LED, switching the vibration strength of the vibrator, switching the brightness of the display, and switching the volume of the sound from the microphone. Note that the switching of various parameters of the notification unit 113 is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, settings related to notifications of the aerosol generator 100 may also include, for example, enabling or disabling the function of the notification unit 113 itself. Enabling or disabling the function of the notification unit 113 itself includes, for example, turning the LED off or on, turning the vibrator on or off, turning the display on or off, and turning the microphone on or off.

[0100] The various functions of the aerosol generator 100 include, for example, functions related to communication when the aerosol generator 100 communicates with other devices. The communication functions of the aerosol generator 100 include, for example, enabling or disabling the communication functions of the aerosol generator 100. Furthermore, the communication functions of the aerosol generator 100 may also include, for example, switching other devices that communicate with the aerosol generator 100. Switching other devices includes, for example, switching the other device communicating with the aerosol generator 100 from device A to device B. In addition, the communication functions of the aerosol generator 100 may also include, for example, switching the communication method or communication standard of the aerosol generator 100. The communication method includes, for example, mesh communication or star communication. The communication standard includes, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Bluetooth BLE, NFC, or LPWA.

[0101] The various functions of the aerosol generator 100 include, for example, functions related to charging when the power supply unit 111 of the aerosol generator 100 is charged. Switching the charging functions of the aerosol generator 100 is, for example, enabling or disabling the charging function of the aerosol generator 100. Switching the charging functions of the aerosol generator 100 may also be, for example, switching the type of charge applied to the power supply unit 111. The type of charge includes, for example, normal charging and rapid charging. Switching the charging functions of the aerosol generator 100 may also be, for example, switching various charging parameters. Switching various charging parameters includes, for example, switching the charging current value, voltage value, power value, etc.

[0102] The various functions of the aerosol generator 100 include, for example, functions related to locking the aerosol generator 100. Switching the functions related to locking the aerosol generator 100 is, for example, enabling or disabling the functions related to locking the aerosol generator 100. Alternatively, switching the functions related to locking the aerosol generator 100 may also be, for example, switching the lock pattern of the aerosol generator 100.

[0103] The various functions of the aerosol generator 100 include, for example, functions related to resetting (initializing) the aerosol generator 100. Switching the reset function of the aerosol generator 100 is, for example, switching whether or not to perform a reset of the aerosol generator 100. Alternatively, switching the reset function of the aerosol generator 100 may also be, for example, switching the type of reset of the aerosol generator 100. The types of resets of the aerosol generator 100 include, for example, Reset A, which resets all functions, and Reset B, which resets some functions.

[0104] The various functions of the aerosol generator 100 include, for example, functions related to the automatic heating of the aerosol generator 100. Switching the functions related to the automatic heating of the aerosol generator 100 is, for example, enabling or disabling the functions related to the automatic heating of the aerosol generator 100. The functions related to the automatic heating of the aerosol generator 100 include, for example, a function that automatically heats the substrate when a substrate is inserted into the aerosol generator 100.

[0105] Furthermore, the various functions of the aerosol generator 100 are not limited to these functions; any function of the aerosol generator 100 is acceptable.

[0106] <<4-3. Example of processing related to provisional registration of setting changes>> In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generator 100 provisionally registers the setting change of the aerosol generator 100 in response to the detection of a first predetermined operation.

[0107] Figure 8 shows an example of the process for provisionally registering the setting change of the aerosol generator 100. As shown in Figure 8, each time the aerosol generator 100 detects a first predetermined operation, it provisionally registers the setting change of the aerosol generator 100 in a predetermined order. This allows the provisional registration of the setting change of the aerosol generator 100 to transition sequentially from the initial state, setting A, to setting A, then to setting D, and then back to setting A.

[0108] In the example shown in Figure 8, the aerosol generator 100 is initially set to setting A. In this state, when the aerosol generator 100 detects a first predetermined operation, it provisionally registers a switch from setting A to setting B. Furthermore, when the aerosol generator 100 detects the first predetermined operation again while setting B is provisionally registered, it provisionally registers a switch from setting B to setting C. In addition, when the aerosol generator 100 detects the first predetermined operation again while setting C is provisionally registered, it provisionally registers a switch from setting C to setting D. Moreover, when the aerosol generator 100 detects the first predetermined operation again while setting D is provisionally registered, it provisionally registers a switch from setting D to setting A. In this way, each time the aerosol generator 100 detects a first predetermined operation, it provisionally registers a switch to the setting of the aerosol generator 100 in a predetermined order.

[0109] When the setting of the aerosol generator 100 is changed to a heating profile, each time the first predetermined operation is detected, the heating profile change is provisionally registered in a predetermined order starting from the heating profile set in the initial state. In the example in Figure 8, the predetermined order is heating profile a, heating profile b, heating profile c, and heating profile d. When heating profile A is set in the initial state, each time the first predetermined operation is detected, the aerosol generator 100 provisionally registers the heating profile change in the order of heating profile b, heating profile c, and heating profile d, starting from the initial heating profile a.

[0110] Temporary registration of a setting change for the aerosol generator 100 involves, for example, temporarily saving information related to the setting change. Temporary registration of a setting change for the aerosol generator 100 involves, for example, temporarily saving the information related to the setting change in volatile memory. Alternatively, temporary registration of a setting change for the aerosol generator 100 may involve temporarily saving the information related to the setting change in non-volatile memory. Furthermore, temporary registration of a setting change for the aerosol generator 100 may involve, for example, saving the saved information related to the setting change in a state where it is scheduled to be deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed. Temporary registration of a setting change for the aerosol generator 100 may involve, for example, saving the information related to the setting change stored in volatile or non-volatile memory in a state where it is scheduled to be deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed. Alternatively, temporary registration of a setting change for the aerosol generator 100 may involve, for example, saving the information related to the setting change in a temporary registration storage area provided in non-volatile memory for registering temporarily registered settings.

[0111] Information regarding setting changes indicates that the aerosol generator 100 can be switched from one setting to another. For example, the information regarding setting changes includes information indicating that the system can be switched from setting A to setting B. In this case, the information regarding setting changes may include information about the setting before the switch and information about the setting after the switch. When provisionally registering a switch from heating profile a to heating profile b, the aerosol generator 100 temporarily stores information indicating that the system can be switched from heating profile a to heating profile b in a volatile or non-volatile memory.

[0112] Furthermore, information regarding the setting change may only include information regarding the setting after the change. For example, if the setting change is made from setting A to setting B, the information regarding the setting change may only include information regarding setting B after the change. When provisionally registering a change in heating profile, the aerosol generator 100 temporarily stores information regarding the heating profile after the change in volatile or non-volatile memory. For example, when provisionally registering a change from heating profile a to heating profile b, the aerosol generator 100 temporarily stores information regarding heating profile b after the change in volatile or non-volatile memory. Information regarding heating profile b includes information indicating heating profile b itself, an identifier that can uniquely identify heating profile b, and information indicating the storage area of ​​the memory where heating profile b is stored (an identifier indicating the storage area).

[0113] Figure 9 shows another example of the process for provisionally registering a setting change for the aerosol generator 100. As shown in Figure 9, the first predetermined operation includes multiple types, and the aerosol generator 100 provisionally registers a switch to a setting corresponding to the detected first predetermined operation type based on the type of first predetermined operation detected.

[0114] The aerosol generator 100 is capable of detecting multiple types of first predetermined operations. For example, the aerosol generator 100 can detect tapping (first predetermined operation (1)), double-tapping (first predetermined operation (2)), and shaking (first predetermined operation (3)) as multiple types of first predetermined operations. The aerosol generator 100 is also capable of detecting, for example, pressing button 11 (first predetermined operation (1)) and moving slide cover 20 (first predetermined operation (2)) as multiple types of first predetermined operations. Furthermore, the multiple types of first predetermined operations may be any combination of operations. The aerosol generator 100 can detect, for example, a plurality of types of first predetermined operations, such as pressing the button 11 once within a predetermined time (first predetermined operation (1)), pressing the button 11 twice within a predetermined time (first predetermined operation (2)), and pressing the button 11 three times within a predetermined time (first predetermined operation (3)).

[0115] The aerosol generator 100 may detect that multiple operations have been performed in a predetermined order as one of several types of first predetermined operations. For example, the aerosol generator 100 may detect that a shake operation was performed after a double-tap operation as the first predetermined operation (1). The aerosol generator 100 may also detect that a double-tap operation was performed after a shake operation as the first predetermined operation (2). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 100 may detect that another shake operation was performed after a shake operation as the first predetermined operation (3).

[0116] As illustrated in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 100 provisionally registers a switch from the initial state setting to a setting associated with the detected first predetermined operation type, based on the type of first predetermined operation detected. In the example in Figure 9, when the aerosol generator 100 detects the first predetermined operation (1), it provisionally registers a switch from the initial state setting A to setting B associated with the first predetermined operation (1). When the aerosol generator 100 detects the first predetermined operation (2), it provisionally registers a switch from the initial state setting A to setting C associated with the first predetermined operation (2). When the aerosol generator 100 detects the first predetermined operation (3), it provisionally registers a switch from the initial state setting A to setting D associated with the first predetermined operation (3). The aerosol generator 100 may also be controlled to return to the initial state if the same type of first predetermined operation is detected again from a state where a setting switch has been provisionally registered.

[0117] When provisionally registering a switch in heating profile, the aerosol generator 100 provisionally registers a switch from the initial state setting to the heating profile associated with the detected first predetermined operation type, based on the detected first predetermined operation type. In the example in Figure 9, when the aerosol generator 100 detects the first predetermined operation (1), it provisionally registers a switch from the initial state heating profile a to the heating profile b associated with the first predetermined operation (1). When the aerosol generator 100 detects the first predetermined operation (2), it provisionally registers a switch from the initial state heating profile a to the heating profile c associated with the first predetermined operation (2). When the aerosol generator 100 detects the first predetermined operation (3), it provisionally registers a switch from the initial state heating profile a to the heating profile d associated with the first predetermined operation (3). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 100 may be controlled to return to the initial heating profile a if it detects the same type of first predetermined operation again after the heating profile switching has been provisionally registered.

[0118] <<4-4. Example of processing to confirm the switching of provisionally registered settings>> In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generator 100 that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate provisionally registers a setting switch of the aerosol generator 100 in response to the detection of a first predetermined operation, and then confirms the provisionally registered setting switch in response to the detection of a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. That is, the aerosol generator 100 provisionally registers the setting switch, and only after detecting the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time does the setting switch actually become confirmed. As a result, the switching process is executed, and the setting after the switch becomes effective. Note that the setting before the switch remains effective until the setting switch is confirmed and the switching process is executed.

[0119] The second predetermined action is, for example, an action different from the first predetermined action. If the first predetermined action is, for example, a double-tap action or a shake action, the second predetermined action is, for example, an action to start heating the substrate by the heating unit 121. More specifically, the second predetermined action is an action in which the button 11 is pressed, or an action in which the substrate is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. The second predetermined action is not limited to this example and may be any action. Also, the second predetermined action may be the same as the first predetermined action.

[0120] The predetermined time can be set according to the various functions of the aerosol generator 100 for which the settings are switched. When switching the function of the aerosol generator 100 to heat the substrate, the predetermined time can be a few seconds, tens of seconds, or a few minutes, for example, set to 5 seconds, 30 seconds, or 2 minutes. When switching the notification settings of the aerosol generator 100, the predetermined time can be set to, for example, 100 seconds or 5 minutes. When switching the communication functions of the aerosol generator 100, the predetermined time can be set to, for example, 200 seconds or 10 minutes. In this way, the predetermined time can be set according to the various functions of the aerosol generator 100 for which the settings are switched. Note that these examples are merely illustrative, and the predetermined time can be any length. The predetermined time can be set in any way, and may be set in advance or changed later. The predetermined time may also be set arbitrarily by the user of the aerosol generator 100.

[0121] Confirmation of a provisionally registered setting change occurs, for example, in the aerosol generator 100, when the setting change process that was not actually executed is actually executed. Alternatively, confirmation of a provisionally registered setting change may occur, for example, in the aerosol generator 100, when the setting changes from a state where it was temporarily switched to a state where it is definitively switched, and the switched setting is activated.

[0122] Confirmation of a provisionally registered setting change may, for example, involve saving temporarily stored information regarding the setting change in a non-temporary state. The aerosol generator 100, for example, saves temporarily stored information regarding the setting change in volatile or non-volatile memory in a non-temporary state in non-volatile memory. Alternatively, confirmation of a provisionally registered setting change may, for example, involve continuing to store information regarding the setting change that was saved with a predetermined time elapsed without deleting it after the predetermined time elapsed. The aerosol generator 100, for example, continues to store information regarding the setting change that was saved with a predetermined time elapsed without deleting it after the predetermined time elapsed. Alternatively, confirmation of a provisionally registered setting change may, for example, involve saving information regarding the setting change that was saved in a temporary storage area of ​​non-volatile memory to a storage area for confirmation provided in non-volatile memory for saving confirmed settings.

[0123] For example, if the aerosol generator 100 has provisionally registered a switch from setting A to setting B, it will confirm the switch from setting A to setting B in response to detecting a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. For example, the aerosol generator 100 will store information indicating that a switch from setting A to setting B can be made, which is temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory, in a non-temporary state in non-volatile memory.

[0124] If settings A and B are designated as heating profiles a and b, the aerosol generator 100 stores information indicating that it can switch from heating profile a to heating profile b, which is temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory, in a non-temporary manner in non-volatile memory. The aerosol generator 100 also stores information regarding the switched heating profile b, which is temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory, in a non-temporary manner in non-volatile memory. The aerosol generator 100 also stores information regarding the switched heating profile B, which is temporarily stored in volatile memory, in a non-temporary manner in non-volatile memory.

[0125] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 100 may, after detecting the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time, confirm the switching of the provisionally registered settings at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing could be, for example, immediately after detecting the second predetermined operation, or a certain amount of time after detecting the second predetermined operation. Alternatively, the predetermined timing could be, for example, the end of the preheating period or the end of the heating period in heating using the heating profile before the switch, any point at which the user ends heating, or the point at which an error occurs, if the setting switch is a switching of heating profiles.

[0126] <<4-5. Example of processing to cancel the switching of a provisionally registered setting>> The aerosol generator 100 provisionally registers the switching of the setting of the aerosol generator 100 in response to detecting the first predetermined operation, and thereafter, in response to not detecting the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time, it cancels the provisionally registered switching of the setting and does not execute the setting switching process. In other words, if the aerosol generator 100 does not detect the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time after provisionally registering the switching of the setting, the setting switching process will not be executed.

[0127] The aerosol generator 100 deletes the information regarding the setting change that was temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory, for example, if it does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time after provisionally registering the setting change. The aerosol generator 100 deletes the information regarding the setting change that was stored in a state scheduled for deletion after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, if it does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time after provisionally registering the setting change.

[0128] If the aerosol generator 100 has provisionally registered a switch from setting A to setting B, it deletes the information indicating that a switch from setting A to setting B has been temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory, depending on whether it does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. The aerosol generator 100 also deletes the information indicating that a switch from heating profile a to heating profile b has been temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory, depending on whether it does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. Furthermore, the aerosol generator 100 deletes the information regarding the switched setting B, which was temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory, depending on whether it does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. The aerosol generator 100 also deletes the information regarding the switched heating profile B, which was temporarily stored in volatile memory, depending on whether it does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time.

[0129] Furthermore, canceling a setting change that has been temporarily registered by the aerosol generator 100 does not necessarily involve, for example, a process to delete the temporarily saved information regarding the setting change. For example, canceling a setting change that has been temporarily registered by the aerosol generator 100 does not necessarily mean saving the information regarding the setting change that was temporarily saved in volatile memory to non-volatile memory.

[0130] Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 100 cancels the setting change that it has temporarily registered, the aerosol generator 100 will not perform the setting change process and will maintain the original setting state. For example, if the aerosol generator 100 has temporarily registered a switch from setting A to setting B, it will maintain the state of setting A if it does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. If settings A and B are heating profiles a and b, for example, if the aerosol generator 100 has temporarily registered a switch from heating profile a to heating profile b, it will maintain the state in which heating profile a is set if it does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time.

[0131] Furthermore, canceling the setting change of the aerosol generator 100 may, for example, involve the aerosol generator 100 executing a process to cancel the state in which the setting was temporarily switched and return to the state before the setting was switched. For example, if the aerosol generator 100 does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time, it cancels the state in which it was temporarily switched from setting A to setting B and returns to the state of setting A. For example, if the aerosol generator 100 does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time, it cancels the state in which it was temporarily switched from heating profile a to heating profile b and returns to the state in which heating profile a is set.

[0132] <<4-6. Example of a series of processes for provisional registration, confirmation, and cancellation of settings of an aerosol generator>> Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a series of processes for provisional registration, confirmation, and cancellation of settings of an aerosol generator, as described above. As described above, and as shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 100 provisionally registers a switch from setting A to setting B in response to detecting a first predetermined operation, and then confirms the provisionally registered switch from setting A to setting B in response to detecting a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. On the other hand, when a predetermined time has elapsed, that is, when the second predetermined operation is not detected within the predetermined time, the provisionally registered switch from setting A to setting B is canceled. In this way, transitions in the setting content for each state are realized between the initial state (setting A), the provisionally registered state (setting B), the confirmed state (setting B), and the canceled state (setting A).

[0133] In particular, when settings A and B are designated as heating profiles a and b, the following occurs. The aerosol generator 100, in response to detecting a first predetermined operation, provisionally registers a switch from heating profile a to heating profile b for heating profile a, which is initially activated. In this state, heating operations are performed according to heating profile a (the setting for heating profile b is not yet finalized). Next, in response to detecting a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time, the process of switching from heating profile a to heating profile b is executed, and heating profile b is activated. In this state, heating operations are performed according to heating profile b. On the other hand, when a predetermined time has elapsed, that is, when the second predetermined operation is not detected within the predetermined time, the provisionally registered switch from heating profile a to heating profile b is canceled, and the switch is not executed. In other words, heating profile b is never activated. In this way, transitions in the settings for each state are realized between heating profile a (initial state), heating profile b (provisionally registered state), heating profile b (finalized state), and heating profile a (deactivated state).

[0134] <<4-7. Details of Processing Examples of Aerosol Generating Apparatus>> A processing example of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 in one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 detects a first predetermined operation (step S101). The control unit 116 reads, for example, the value of the status register of the sensor unit 112 and obtains the content of the detected operation based on that value. Then, the control unit 116 detects a first predetermined operation based on the content of the acquired operation. The control unit 116 also detects a first predetermined operation and / or its type based on the content of the button 11 being pressed. Note that the first predetermined operation is not limited to these examples and may be any operation. Also, the method by which the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 detects a first predetermined operation is not limited to these examples and may be any method that can detect a first predetermined operation.

[0136] More specifically, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 may detect a first predetermined operation when it receives an interrupt notification. An interrupt notification is, for example, a signal transmitted to the control unit 116 from at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 100. An interrupt notification is a type of control signal, for example, a signal indicating that some operation has occurred. An interrupt notification is a signal transmitted from the sensor unit 112 to the control unit 116 indicating that an operation has been detected, or a signal transmitted from the button 11 to the control unit 116 indicating that the button has been pressed. In addition, an interrupt notification may include, for example, information about the content of the operation. An interrupt notification may include, for example, information about the content of the operation detected by the sensor unit 112 (such as a double-tap operation or a shake operation), or information about the content of the button press (such as the number of times it was pressed and the duration). Note that an interrupt notification is not limited to these examples and may be any notification or signal.

[0137] In step S101, if the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 receives an interrupt notification from the sensor unit 112, for example, it reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 112 and obtains the content of the detected operation based on that value. Then, the control unit 116 detects a first predetermined operation based on the content of the operation obtained. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may detect a first predetermined operation based on the content of the operation included in the interrupt notification. For example, if the control unit 116 receives an interrupt notification from button 11, it detects a first predetermined operation based on the content of the button 11 being pressed included in the interrupt notification.

[0138] As shown in Figure 11, when the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 detects a first predetermined operation, it provisionally registers a setting change (step S102). The control unit 116 provisionally registers, for example, the setting changes for various functions of the aerosol generator 100. In the example in Figure 8, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 is initially set to setting A. In this state, when the control unit 116 detects a first predetermined operation, it provisionally registers a switch from setting A to setting B. The control unit 116 may also provisionally register a setting change corresponding to the detected first predetermined operation.

[0139] As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 determines whether or not it has detected the first predetermined operation again (step S103). The control unit 116 reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 112 again and obtains the content of the detected operation based on that value. Then, the control unit 116 determines whether or not it has detected the first predetermined operation again based on the content of the acquired operation. The control unit 116 may receive an interrupt notification again. If the control unit 116 receives an interrupt notification from the sensor unit 112 again, it reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 112 again and obtains the content of the detected operation again based on that value. Then, the control unit 116 determines whether or not it has detected the first predetermined operation again based on the content of the acquired operation. In addition, if the control unit 116 receives an interrupt notification from the button 11 again, it may determine whether or not it has detected the first predetermined operation again based on the content of the button 11 being pressed included in the interrupt notification. The method for determining whether the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 has detected the first predetermined operation is not limited to these examples, and any method that can determine whether or not the first predetermined operation has been detected is acceptable.

[0140] The control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 may determine whether or not the first predetermined operation has been detected again within a predetermined time. The predetermined time can be any length, such as 30 seconds, 5 minutes, or 1 hour.

[0141] As shown in Figure 11, if the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 determines that it has detected the first predetermined operation again (YES in step S103), it returns to step S102. In this case, in step S102, the control unit 116 provisionally registers the setting switch again. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 determines that it has not detected the first predetermined operation again (NO in step S103), it proceeds to step S104.

[0142] As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 determines whether or not a second predetermined operation has been detected within a predetermined time after the provisional registration of the setting change (step S104). The control unit 116 reads, for example, the value of the status register of the sensor unit 112 and obtains the content of the detected operation based on that value. Then, based on the content of the acquired operation, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a second predetermined operation has been detected within a predetermined time after the provisional registration of the setting change. The control unit 116 also determines whether or not a second predetermined operation has been detected within a predetermined time after the provisional registration of the setting change based, for example, the content of pressing the button 11. Note that the second predetermined operation is not limited to these examples and may be any operation. Note that the method by which the control unit 116 determines whether or not a second predetermined operation has been detected within a predetermined time is not limited to these examples and may be any method that can determine whether or not a second predetermined operation has been detected within a predetermined time after the provisional registration of the setting change.

[0143] As shown in Figure 11, if the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 determines that it has detected a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time after provisional registration of the setting switch (YES in step S104), it proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 determines that it has not detected a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time after provisional registration of the setting switch (NO in step S104), it proceeds to step S106.

[0144] As shown in Figure 11, if the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 determines that it has detected a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time after the provisional registration of the setting change, it confirms the provisionally registered setting change (step S105). The control unit 116 actually executes the setting change process that had not actually been executed. For example, the control unit 116 saves the setting change information that was temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory in a non-temporary state in non-volatile memory. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may transition from a state where the setting was temporarily changed to a state where the setting was definitively changed. For example, the aerosol generator 100 continues to store the setting change information that was saved with the intention of deleting it after a predetermined time has elapsed, without deleting it after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0145] As shown in Figure 11, if the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 determines that it has not detected a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time after provisionally registering a setting switch, it cancels the provisionally registered setting switch (step S106). For example, if the control unit 116 provisionally registers a setting switch and does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time, it deletes the information regarding the setting switch that was temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory. For example, if the control unit 116 provisionally registers a switch from setting A to setting B, it deletes the information indicating that a switch from setting A to setting B can be made, which was temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory, if it does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may delete the information regarding the setting switch that was stored in a state scheduled for deletion after a predetermined time has elapsed, if it does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time after provisionally registering a setting switch. The control unit 116 deletes information about the switched setting B, which was temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory, in response to not detecting a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time.

[0146] Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 100 cancels the temporarily registered setting switch, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 does not execute the setting switch process and maintains the original setting state. For example, if the control unit 116 has temporarily registered a switch from setting A to setting B, it maintains the state of setting A if it does not detect a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. Alternatively, canceling the temporarily registered setting switch of the aerosol generator 100 may also mean, for example, that the aerosol generator 100 cancels the state in which the setting was temporarily switched and returns to the state before the setting switch.

[0147] Thus, in the first embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 can provisionally register a setting change for the aerosol generator in response to detecting a first predetermined operation, and then decide whether or not to actually execute the setting change process depending on whether or not a second predetermined operation is detected within a predetermined time. Furthermore, even if the control unit 116 falsely detects the first predetermined operation, if the second predetermined operation is not detected within a predetermined time thereafter, the setting change process for the aerosol generator 100 will not be executed. Therefore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when a predetermined operation is detected and the setting of the aerosol generator 100 is changed, the occurrence of an unintended setting change for the aerosol generator 100 can be reduced.

[0148] <<5. Processing Example of Aerosol Generator in One Embodiment of the Present Disclosure>> A processing example of the aerosol generator 100 in one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the aerosol generator 100 in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, switching the settings of the aerosol generator 100 is, for example, switching the heating profile used to control the heating of the substrate in the aerosol generator 100. Here, it is assumed that the setting is switched from heating profile a to heating profile b. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first predetermined operation is, for example, a double-tap operation or a shake operation detected by the sensor unit 112. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second predetermined operation is, for example, an operation to start heating the substrate by the heating unit. Specifically, the start of heating the substrate is performed in response to an operation of pressing and holding the button 11 (an operation of pressing the button 11 for 2 seconds) or an operation that detects that a substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100.

[0150] As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 detects a double-tap operation or a shake operation as its first operation (step S201). For example, when the control unit 116 receives an interrupt notification from the sensor unit 112, it reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 112 and obtains the content of the detected operation based on that value. Subsequently, the control unit 116 detects a double-tap operation or a shake operation based on the content of the acquired operation. The control unit 116 detects a double-tap operation or a shake operation based on the value of the status register included in the interrupt notification received from the sensor unit 112.

[0151] As shown in Figure 12, when the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 detects a double-tap operation or a shake operation, it provisionally registers a switch in the heating profile (step S202). In this case, it provisionally registers a switch from heating profile a to heating profile b. In this case, the control unit 116 temporarily stores information indicating that a switch from heating profile a to heating profile b can be made in volatile or non-volatile memory. When the control unit 116 provisionally registers a switch from heating profile a to heating profile b, for example, it temporarily stores information about the switched heating profile b in volatile or non-volatile memory. The information about heating profile b includes information indicating heating profile b itself, an identifier that can uniquely identify heating profile b, and information indicating the storage area of ​​the memory where heating profile b is stored (an identifier indicating the storage area).

[0152] As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 determines whether or not it has detected a double-tap or shake operation again (step S203). The control unit 116 reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 112 again and obtains the content of the detected operation based on that value. Then, the control unit 116 determines whether or not it has detected a double-tap or shake operation again based on the content of the acquired operation. The control unit 116 may receive an interrupt notification again. If the control unit 116 receives an interrupt notification from the sensor unit 112 again, it reads the value of the status register of the sensor unit 112 again and obtains the content of the detected operation again based on that value. Then, the control unit 116 determines whether or not it has detected a double-tap or shake operation again based on the content of the acquired operation. The control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 may also determine whether or not it has detected a double-tap or shake operation again within a predetermined time. The predetermined time can be any length, such as 30 seconds, 5 minutes, or 1 hour.

[0153] As shown in Figure 12, if the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 determines that it has detected a double-tap or shake operation again (YES in step S203), it returns to step S202. In this case, in step S202, the control unit 116 provisionally registers the switching of the heating profile again. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 determines that it has not detected a double-tap or shake operation again (NO in step S203), it proceeds to step S204.

[0154] As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 determines within a predetermined time after the provisional registration of the switching of the heating profile whether or not it has detected an operation to start heating the substrate by the heating unit as a second operation (step S204). Specifically, the operation to start heating the substrate by the heating unit is performed in response to an operation in which button 11 is pressed and held down, or an operation in which it is detected that a substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100. The predetermined time is, for example, 30 minutes. The control unit 116 determines, for example, within 30 minutes whether or not it has detected an operation in which button 11 is pressed and held down, or an operation in which it is detected that a substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100. The control unit 116 determines, for example, based on the content of the button 11 press, whether or not it has detected an operation in which button 11 is pressed and held down (an operation in which button 11 is pressed for 2 seconds) within 30 minutes after the provisional registration of the switching of the heating profile. The control unit 116 determines, for example, whether it has detected an operation that detects the insertion of a substrate into the aerosol generator 100 within 30 minutes after the provisional registration of the heating profile switching, based on the temperature transition of the heater.

[0155] As shown in Figure 12, if the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 determines that it has detected an action of pressing and holding the button 11 or an action of detecting that a substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100 within a predetermined time after provisional registration of the switching of the heating profile ("YES" in step S204), it proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 determines that it has not detected an action of pressing and holding the button 11 or an action of detecting that a substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100 within a predetermined time after provisional registration of the switching of the heating profile ("NO" in step S204), it proceeds to step S206.

[0156] As shown in Figure 12, if the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 determines that, after provisional registration of the heating profile switching, it has detected an action of pressing and holding button 11 or an action of detecting that a substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100 within a predetermined time, it saves the information regarding the heating profile switching, which was temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory, to non-volatile memory in a permanent state (step S205). Alternatively, the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 may transition from a state in which the heating profile was temporarily switched to a state in which the heating profile was definitively switched. For example, the control unit 116 may continue to store the information regarding the heating profile switching that was saved in a state that is scheduled to be deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed, without deleting it after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0157] As a result, if it is determined that the button 11 is pressed and held within a predetermined time, or that the substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100, the system will execute a process to switch from heating profile a to heating profile b, and as a result, heating profile b will be activated.

[0158] As shown in Figure 12, if the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 determines that it has not detected an action of pressing and holding the button 11 or an action of detecting that a substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100 within a predetermined time after provisionally registering the switching of the heating profile, it cancels the provisionally registered switching of the heating profile (step S206). For example, if the control unit 116 has not detected an action of pressing and holding the button 11 or an action of detecting that a substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100 within a predetermined time after provisionally registering the switching of the heating profile, it deletes the information regarding the switching of the heating profile that was temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory. For example, if the control unit 116 provisionally registers a switch from heating profile a to heating profile b, and determines that it has not detected an action of pressing and holding the button 11 or an action of detecting that a substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100 within 30 minutes, it deletes the information indicating that a switch from heating profile a to heating profile b was made, which was temporarily stored in volatile or non-volatile memory.

[0159] Furthermore, if the control unit 116 of the aerosol generator 100 cancels the temporarily registered switching of the heating profile, the control unit 116 does not execute the process of switching the heating profile and maintains the original setting. For example, if the aerosol generator 100 temporarily registers a switch from heating profile a to heating profile b, and determines that it has not detected an action of pressing and holding button 11 or an action of detecting that a substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100 within 30 minutes, it does not execute the process of switching from heating profile a to heating profile b. In other words, heating profile b is not activated and heating profile a is maintained. Also, canceling the temporarily registered switching of the heating profile in the aerosol generator 100 may, for example, mean that the aerosol generator 100 executes a process to cancel the state in which the heating profile was temporarily switched and return to the state before the heating profile was switched.

[0160] Thus, in the first embodiment of this disclosure, the aerosol generator 100 can provisionally register a heating profile switch in response to detecting a double-tap or shake operation, and then decide whether or not to actually execute the heating profile switch process depending on whether or not it detects an operation in which the button 11 is pressed and held down (the button 11 is pressed for 2 seconds) or an operation in which a substrate is inserted into the aerosol generator 100 within a predetermined time. Furthermore, even if the aerosol generator 100 falsely detects a double-tap or shake operation, the heating profile switch process will not be executed unless it subsequently detects an operation in which the button 11 is pressed and held down (the button 11 is pressed for 2 seconds) or an operation in which a substrate is inserted into the aerosol generator 100 within a predetermined time. Therefore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when switching heating profiles in response to detecting a double-tap or shake operation, the occurrence of heating profile switches unintended by the user can be reduced.

[0161] Although one embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus, control method, and program of this disclosure has been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0162] For example, the specific numerical values ​​described in the aforementioned embodiments are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0163] Furthermore, the control method described in the above-mentioned embodiment can be realized by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer (processor). This program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and executed when read from the storage medium. This program may also be provided in the form of a non-transient storage medium such as flash memory, or it may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes this program may be, for example, one included in the suction device 100 (for example, the CPU of the suction device 100), but is not limited to this, and may also be one included in another device that can communicate with the suction device 100 (for example, a smartphone or server).

[0164] This specification contains at least the following information. The components and other elements corresponding to those in the embodiments described above are shown in parentheses as examples, but are not limited thereto.

[0165] [Feature 1] An aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a detection unit that detects a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation in an aerosol generating apparatus that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol; and a control unit that provisionally registers a setting switch for the aerosol generating apparatus in response to the detection unit detecting the first predetermined operation, wherein the control unit confirms the provisionally registered setting switch in response to the detection unit detecting the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. [Feature 2] The aerosol generating apparatus according to Feature 1, wherein the control unit cancels the provisionally registered setting switch in response to the detection unit not detecting the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. [Feature 3] The aerosol generating apparatus according to Feature 1 or 2, wherein the control unit temporarily stores information regarding the setting switch in the provisional registration of the setting switch in response to the detection unit detecting the first predetermined operation, and continues to store the information regarding the setting switch in a non-temporary state in response to the detection unit detecting the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. [Feature 4] The aerosol generator according to any one of Features 1 to 3, wherein the control unit temporarily stores information regarding the setting change in the provisional registration of the setting change when the detection unit detects the first predetermined operation, and deletes the temporarily stored information regarding the setting change when the detection unit does not detect the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time. [Feature 5] The aerosol generator according to any one of Features 1 to 4, wherein the control unit temporarily stores information regarding the setting change in volatile memory when the detection unit detects the first predetermined operation, and stores the information regarding the setting change in non-volatile memory when the detection unit detects the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time. [Feature 6] The aerosol generator according to any one of Features 3 to 5, wherein the information regarding the setting change includes information indicating that the aerosol generator is being switched from the first setting to the second setting, or information regarding the second setting after the aerosol generator has been switched.[Feature 7] The detection unit is capable of detecting a plurality of different types of the first predetermined operation, and the control unit provisionally registers the switching of the setting corresponding to the type of the first predetermined operation detected by the detection unit, as described in any one of Features 1 to 6. [Feature 8] The detection unit is capable of detecting at least one of the speed, acceleration, and angular velocity of the aerosol generator, and the first predetermined operation is a shake operation, a tap operation, or a double tap operation, as described in any one of Features 1 to 7. [Feature 9] The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Features 1 to 8, further comprising a heating unit that heats the substrate based on a heating profile, wherein the setting of the aerosol generating apparatus includes a first heating profile and a second heating profile which are the initial state, the control unit provisionally registers a switch from the first heating profile to the second heating profile in response to the detection unit detecting the first predetermined operation, and executes the process of switching from the first heating profile to the second heating profile in response to the detection unit detecting the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time, thereby activating the second heating profile. [Feature 10] The aerosol generating apparatus according to Feature 9, wherein the control unit does not execute the process of switching from the first heating profile to the second heating profile in response to the detection unit not detecting the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time, and the second heating profile is not activated. [Feature 11] The aerosol generating apparatus according to Feature 9 or 10, wherein the second predetermined operation is the operation of initiating the heating of the substrate by the heating unit.[Feature 12] The aerosol generator according to any one of Features 9 to 11, wherein the heating unit starts heating the substrate in response to the detection unit detecting the action of pressing a button provided on the aerosol generator or the insertion of the substrate into the aerosol generator, and the control unit does not perform the process of switching from the first heating profile to the second heating profile in response to the detection unit not detecting the action of pressing the button or the insertion of the substrate into the aerosol generator within the predetermined time. [Feature 13] The aerosol generator according to any one of Features 9 to 12, wherein the control unit temporarily stores information regarding the second heating profile after the switch in volatile memory in response to the detection unit detecting the first predetermined action, and continues to store information regarding the second heating profile in non-volatile memory in response to the detection unit detecting the second predetermined action within the predetermined time. [Feature 14] A control method for an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate, comprising: a step of detecting a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation in the aerosol generating device; a step of provisionally registering a setting switch for the aerosol generating device in response to the detection of the first predetermined operation; and a step of confirming the provisionally registered setting switch in response to the detection of the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time. [Feature 15] A program that causes a computer included in an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate to execute: a step of detecting a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation in the aerosol generating device; a step of provisionally registering a setting switch for the aerosol generating device in response to the detection of the first predetermined operation; and a step of confirming the provisionally registered setting switch in response to the detection of the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time.

[0166] 10...Housing, 11...Button, 12...LED, 13...Insertion hole 20...Slide cover 100...Suction device 110...Power unit, 111...Power supply unit (power), 112...Sensor unit, 113...Notification unit, 114...Storage unit, 115...Communication unit, 116...Control unit (computer) 120...Cartridge, 121...Heating unit, 122...Liquid induction unit, 123...Liquid storage unit, 124...Mouthpiece 130...Flavoring cartridge, 131...Flavor source 140...Housing unit, 141...Internal space, 142...Opening, 143...Bottom 150...Stick-type base material, 151...Base material part, 152...Suction mouth part

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a detection unit for detecting a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation in an aerosol generating apparatus that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol; and a control unit for provisionally registering a setting switch for the aerosol generating apparatus in response to the detection unit detecting the first predetermined operation, wherein the control unit confirms the provisionally registered setting switch in response to the detection unit detecting the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit cancels the switching of the provisionally registered setting in response to the detection unit not detecting the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit temporarily stores information regarding the setting change in the provisional registration of the setting change when the detection unit detects the first predetermined operation, and continues to store the information regarding the setting change in a non-temporary state when the detection unit detects the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit temporarily stores information relating to the setting change in the provisional registration of the setting change when the detection unit detects the first predetermined operation, and deletes the temporarily stored information relating to the setting change when the detection unit does not detect the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit temporarily stores information regarding the setting change in a volatile memory in response to the detection unit detecting the first predetermined operation, and stores information regarding the setting change in a non-volatile memory in response to the detection unit detecting the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time.

6. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the information relating to the switching of the setting includes information indicating that the aerosol generator is switched from a first setting to a second setting, or information relating to the second setting after the aerosol generator has been switched.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detection unit is capable of detecting a plurality of different types of the first predetermined operation, and the control unit provisionally registers the switching of the setting corresponding to the type of the first predetermined operation detected by the detection unit.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detection unit is capable of detecting at least one of the speed, acceleration, and angular velocity of the aerosol generating apparatus, and the first predetermined operation is a shaking operation, a tapping operation, or a double-tapping operation.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a heating unit for heating the substrate based on a heating profile, wherein the setting of the aerosol generating apparatus includes a first heating profile and a second heating profile which are initial states, the control unit provisionally registers a switch from the first heating profile to the second heating profile in response to the detection unit detecting a first predetermined operation, and executes a process to switch from the first heating profile to the second heating profile in response to the detection unit detecting a second predetermined operation within a predetermined time, thereby activating the second heating profile.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit does not perform the process of switching from the first heating profile to the second heating profile in response to the detection unit not detecting the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time, and the second heating profile is not activated.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second predetermined operation is the operation of initiating the heating of the substrate by the heating unit.

12. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the heating unit starts heating the substrate in response to the detection unit detecting an action of pressing a button provided on the aerosol generator or an action of detecting that the substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator, and the control unit does not perform the process of switching from the first heating profile to the second heating profile in response to the detection unit not detecting an action of pressing the button or an action of detecting that the substrate has been inserted into the aerosol generator within the predetermined time.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the control unit temporarily stores information relating to the second heating profile after switching in a volatile memory in response to the detection unit detecting the first predetermined operation, and continues to store information relating to the second heating profile in a non-volatile memory in response to the detection unit detecting the second predetermined operation within the predetermined time.

14. A control method for an aerosol generating apparatus that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate, comprising: a step of detecting a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation in the aerosol generating apparatus; a step of provisionally registering a setting switch for the aerosol generating apparatus in response to the detection of the first predetermined operation; and a step of confirming the provisionally registered setting switch in response to the detection of the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time.

15. A program that causes a computer included in an aerosol generating apparatus that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate to perform the following steps: detecting a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation in the aerosol generating apparatus; provisionally registering a setting switch for the aerosol generating apparatus in response to the detection of the first predetermined operation; and confirming the provisionally registered setting switch in response to the detection of the second predetermined operation within a predetermined time.

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