JP7748966B2 - Suction device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a suction device, a control method, and a program.

Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that produce substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices generate aerosols imparted with flavoring components using a substrate that includes an aerosol source for generating aerosol and a flavor source for imparting flavoring components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavored aerosol generated by the inhalation device.

Typically, inhalation devices generate aerosols by heating a substrate. Because the quality of the user experience is significantly affected by the temperature to which the substrate is heated, technological developments are underway to achieve appropriate temperature control. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology for controlling temperature in three stages, by increasing the heater temperature, then decreasing it, and then increasing it again.

Patent No. 6125008

However, simply providing three levels of temperature control does not necessarily provide a high-quality user experience.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience.

In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an suction device is provided, comprising: a power supply unit that stores and supplies power; a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source; and a control unit that controls the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on heating conditions, wherein the heating conditions include a heating profile, which is information that specifies the progression of a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, and information that specifies a heating period, which is a period during which the substrate is heated, and a non-heating period, which is a period during which the substrate is not heated, and wherein the control unit controls the power supply to the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period.

The control unit may supply power to the heating unit during the heating period.

The control unit may alternately switch between supplying power to the heating unit and stopping power supply to the heating unit during the heating period.

The control unit may stop supplying power to the heating unit for the entire non-heating period.

The length of each of the heating period and the non-heating period may be equal to or greater than the time it takes for a user to inhale the generated aerosol at least once.

The length of each of the heating period and the non-heating period may be 2 seconds or more.

The heating period and the non-heating period may be set during a period in the heating profile in which the temperature of the heating section increases.

The heating profile includes an initial heating period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises from an initial temperature, an intermediate temperature drop period during which the temperature of the heating unit drops after the initial heating period, and a re-heating period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises after the intermediate temperature drop period, and the heating period and the non-heating period may be set during the re-heating period.

The control unit may switch between the heating period and the non-heating period over time.

The control unit may control the temperature of the heating unit to maintain the target temperature until switching to the non-heating period when the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature during the heating period.

The control unit may stop supplying power to the heating unit during the subsequent non-heating period even if the temperature of the heating unit does not rise to the target temperature during the heating period.

If the temperature of the heating unit does not rise to the target temperature during the heating period, the control unit may control the amount of power supplied during the next heating period to be greater than when the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature during the heating period.

The control unit may switch from the heating period to the non-heating period when the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature.

The control unit may switch from the non-heating period to the heating period when the temperature of the heating unit drops to a lower limit temperature, which is the lower limit value of the temperature of the heating unit.

The heating conditions may further include a transition of the lower limit temperature.

The control unit may switch the target temperature over time.

The control unit may switch the target temperature based on the number of times the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature or the number of times the heating period and the non-heating period are switched.

The control unit may control the number of times the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature or the number of times the heating period and the non-heating period are switched, which are used as the criteria for switching the target temperature.

In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for controlling a suction device comprising a power supply unit that stores and supplies electric power and a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the control method including controlling the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on heating conditions including a heating profile, which is information that specifies the progression of a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, and information that specifies a heating period, which is a period during which the substrate is heated, and a non-heating period, which is a period during which the substrate is not heated, while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period so that the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature.

In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer controlling an suction device having a power supply unit that accumulates and supplies power and a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol to control the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature by alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period based on heating conditions including a heating profile, which is information that specifies the progression of a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, and information that specifies a heating period, which is a period during which the substrate is heated, and a non-heating period, which is a period during which the substrate is not heated.

As described above, the present invention provides a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a suction device. 10 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the temperature of the heating section when normal temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. This is a graph showing an example of the temperature change of the heating section when, based on the heating profile shown in Table 1, normal temperature control is performed outside the reheating period, and temperature control including switching between heating period and non-heating period is performed during the reheating period. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining switching between a heating period and a non-heating period according to the present embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining switching between a heating period and a non-heating period according to the present embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining switching between a heating period and a non-heating period according to the present embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining switching between a heating period and a non-heating period according to the present embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining switching between a heating period and a non-heating period according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a temperature control process executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining notification of information prompting a puff in the present embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining notification of information prompting a puff in the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a notification process of information prompting puffing, which is executed by the inhalation device according to the present embodiment.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

<1. Configuration example>
An inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a suction device. As shown in Figure 1, the suction device 100 according to this example configuration includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a holding unit 140, and an insulating unit 144.

The power supply unit 111 stores power. The power supply unit 111 then supplies power to each component of the suction device 100 based on control by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

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

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

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

The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Such communication standards may include, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

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

The holding part 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and bottom part 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has the function of defining a flow path for air supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet, which is the entrance for air to this flow path, is located, for example, in the bottom part 143. On the other hand, an air outlet, which is the exit for air from this flow path, is the opening 142.

The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a suction mouth portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. Note that in this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holder 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is contained in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the suction mouth portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the suction mouth portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 through an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and/or that predetermined information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and/or that predetermined information has been input.

The insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the insulating section 144 is made of vacuum insulation material, aerogel insulation material, or the like.

The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations are possible, as exemplified below.

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

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

Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

In the following, the user's inhalation of the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 will also be referred to as a puff or puffing action.

<2. Technical Features>
(1) Heating Profile Based on the heating conditions, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is realized by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121.

The heating conditions are information that specifies the operation of the heating unit 121 to heat the stick-shaped substrate 150. The heating conditions include at least a heating profile. The heating profile is explained in detail below.

The heating profile is information that specifies the progression of the target temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the progression of the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) is similar to the progression of the target temperature specified in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the power supply to the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized.

The heating profile includes one or more combinations of a target temperature and information indicating the timing for temperature control based on the target temperature. When performing heating based on the heating profile, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the deviation between the current target temperature and the current actual temperature. Temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. Feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses modulated by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses during feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on/off control during feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and perform heating by the heating unit 121 again when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may adjust the voltage in feedback control. This type of temperature control is also referred to as normal temperature control below.

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

The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating session below. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating conditions (i.e., the heating profile). The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile begins. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session consists of a pre-heating period in the first half and a puffable period in the second half. The puffable period is the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

In the heating profile, the information indicating the timing for temperature control based on the target temperature may be information indicating a time period, the start and end of which are defined by the elapsed time since heating based on the heating profile began. That is, the heating profile may set a target temperature to be reached in each of one or more time periods. In this case, the control unit 116 switches the target temperature as time passes. That is, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since heating based on the heating profile began. This makes it possible to change the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the same way as the change in the target temperature specified in the heating profile.

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

The temperature change of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 performs normal temperature control in accordance with the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a graph showing an example of the temperature change of the heating unit 121 when normal temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 in this graph shows the temperature change of the heating unit 121. As shown in Figure 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes in the same way as the target temperature change specified in the heating profile.

As shown in Table 1, the heating profile begins with an initial heating period. The initial heating period is the period during which the temperature of the heating section 121 rises from the initial temperature. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating section 121 before heating begins. As shown in Figure 2, during the initial heating period, the temperature of the heating section 121 reaches 295°C 25 seconds after heating begins and is maintained at 295°C for 35 seconds after heating begins. This is expected to allow the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to reach a temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated. By rapidly raising the temperature to 295°C immediately after heating begins, it is possible to end preheating early and start the puffable period early. Note that while Figure 2 shows an example in which the initial heating period and the preheating period coincide, they may also be different.

As shown in Table 1, the heating profile next includes an intermediate temperature-reducing period. The intermediate temperature-reducing period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. As shown in FIG. 2, during the intermediate temperature-reducing period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases from 295°C to 230°C between 35 and 45 seconds after heating begins. During this period, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be stopped. Even in this case, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated due to the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. If the heating unit 121 is maintained at a high temperature, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 will be rapidly consumed, which may result in flavor deterioration, such as an overpowering flavor experienced by the user. In this regard, providing an intermediate temperature-reducing period midway through the puffing process can avoid such flavor deterioration and improve the quality of the user's puffing experience.

As shown in Table 1, the heating profile next includes a reheating period. The reheating period is a period during which the temperature of the heating section 121 increases. As shown in FIG. 2, during the reheating period, the temperature of the heating section 121 increases stepwise from 230°C to 240°C, 250°C, and then to 260°C from 45 seconds after the start of heating to 355 seconds after the start of heating. If the temperature of the heating section 121 continues to decrease, the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 also decreases, reducing the amount of aerosol generated and potentially degrading the flavor experienced by the user. Furthermore, as the heating profile progresses, the remaining amount of aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 decreases, which tends to decrease the amount of aerosol generated even when heating is continued at the same temperature. In this regard, by increasing the amount of aerosol generated by reheating, the decrease in the amount of aerosol generated due to the decrease in the remaining amount of aerosol source can be compensated for. This makes it possible to prevent degradation of the flavor experienced by the user, even in the latter half of the heating session.

As shown in Table 1, the target temperature may be increased in stages during the reheating period. With this configuration, the decrease in the remaining amount of the aerosol source, which progresses as the heating profile progresses, can be appropriately compensated for by increasing the target temperature in stages.

As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes a heating end period at the end. The heating end period is a period after the reheating period during which heating is not performed. A target temperature does not need to be set. As shown in Figure 2, the temperature of the heating element 121 begins to decrease after 355 seconds from the start of heating. Power supply to the heating element 121 may be terminated 355 seconds from the start of heating. Even in this case, a sufficient amount of aerosol will be generated for a while due to the residual heat of the heating element 121 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. In the example shown in Figure 2, the puffable period, i.e., the heating session, ends 365 seconds from the start of heating.

The user may be notified of the start and end times of the puffable period. Furthermore, the user may be notified of the timing a predetermined time before the end of the puffable period (for example, the timing when power supply to the heating unit 121 ends). In this case, the user can refer to such notification to puff during the puffable period.

(2) Switching Between Heating Period and Non-Heating Period The heating conditions may include information specifying a heating period and a non-heating period in addition to the heating profile described above. Such information specifies a heating period and a non-heating period during which temperature control based on the heating profile is performed. A heating period is a period during which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated. A non-heating period is a period during which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not heated. The control unit 116 controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 while alternately switching between heating periods and non-heating periods so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature. With this configuration, it is possible to change the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the same way as the target temperature changes defined in the heating profile, while alternately repeating temperature increases during heating periods and temperature decreases during non-heating periods.

In addition, since the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be heated while repeatedly raising and lowering its temperature in a short period of time, rapid temperature changes in the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be prevented. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of flavor that occurs when the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 rises or falls rapidly.

In addition, because a non-heating period is provided, the time it takes for the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to reach a high temperature can be shortened compared to normal temperature control without a non-heating period. This slows down the consumption of the aerosol source, making it possible to extend the life of the stick-shaped substrate 150. The life of the stick-shaped substrate 150 refers to the period until the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is depleted, in other words, the period during which the user can enjoy a sufficient flavor.

The information defining the heating period and non-heating period includes information indicating the criteria for switching between the heating period and non-heating period. As one example, if switching between the heating period and non-heating period is performed over time, the information defining the heating period and non-heating period may include information indicating the length of each of the heating period and non-heating period. As another example, if switching between the heating period and non-heating period is performed in accordance with the temperature of the heating unit 121, the information defining the heating period and non-heating period may include information indicating the temperature of the heating unit 121 that serves as the switching criteria.

The control unit 116 supplies power to the heating unit 121 during the heating period. This configuration makes it possible to increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the heating period.

In particular, the control unit 116 may alternately switch between supplying power to the heating unit 121 and stopping the supply of power to the heating unit 121 during the heating period. For example, the control unit 116 may supply power by finely switching the power supply on and off using PWM control, PFM control, or the like during the heating period. This configuration makes it possible to prevent an excessively rapid temperature rise during the heating period.

The control unit 116 stops the supply of power to the heating unit 121 throughout the entire non-heating period. With this configuration, power supply is stopped during the non-heating period, making it possible to reduce power consumption compared to normal temperature control, which does not have a non-heating period.

The length of each of the heating period and the non-heating period is equal to or greater than the time it takes for a user to inhale the generated aerosol at least once. With regard to cigarettes, it is known that the time it takes for one puff is approximately two seconds, as is shown in the non-patent document "Review of human smoking behavior and recommendations for a new ISO standard for the machine smoking of cigarettes," ISO/TR 17219:2013(en), [searched March 17, 2021], available online at <URL: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:tr:17219:ed-1:v1:en>. Therefore, the length of each of the heating period and the non-heating period may be two seconds or longer. An upper limit may be set for the length of the heating period and the non-heating period. For example, the upper limit for the length of the heating period and the non-heating period may be 30 seconds. With this configuration, at least one of the following four patterns of relationship holds between the two-second puffing period during which a puffing action is performed and the heating period and the non-heating period. The four patterns include a pattern in which a puffing period is included in a heating period, a pattern in which a puffing period is included in a non-heating period, a pattern in which the heating period switches to a non-heating period during a puffing period, and a pattern in which the non-heating period switches to a heating period during a puffing period. Thus, the user can enjoy different flavors in each of these four patterns.

The heating period and non-heating period are set during the period of the heating profile during which the temperature of the heating section 121 rises. This configuration allows the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to rise and fall in the short term, while gradually increasing overall. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of flavor due to an excessively rapid rise in the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

Specifically, the heating period and non-heating period are set during the reheating period. As described above, the reheating period is set to compensate for the decrease in the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the latter half of the heating profile. In this regard, this configuration makes it possible to prevent both the deterioration of flavor due to the decrease in the remaining amount of the aerosol source and the deterioration of flavor due to an excessively rapid rise in the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

On the other hand, normal temperature control such as PWM control or PFM control may be performed outside the reheating period. With this configuration, it is possible to more closely match the target temperature defined in the heating profile with the temperature of the heating unit 121 outside the reheating period compared to the reheating period. This point will be explained with reference to Figure 3.

Figure 3 is a graph showing an example of the temperature progression of the heating unit 121 when, based on the heating profile shown in Table 1, normal temperature control is performed except during the reheating period, and temperature control including switching between heating and non-heating periods is performed during the reheating period. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 in this graph shows the temperature progression of the heating unit 121. As shown in Figure 3, during the reheating period, heating and non-heating periods are repeated, so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature at its peak and falls below the target temperature before and after the peak. On the other hand, during other periods, particularly during the period from 25 to 35 seconds during the initial heating period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the target temperature.

The temperature control of the heating unit 121 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 4 to 8. Figures 4 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the switching between heating and non-heating periods according to this embodiment. These figures show graphs excerpted from the temperature change of the heating unit 121 during the reheating period. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the elapsed time (seconds) since the start of the heating session. The vertical axis of the graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21A shows the temperature change of the heating unit 121 during the heating period. Line 21B shows the temperature change of the heating unit 121 during the non-heating period.

In the example shown in Figure 4, the control unit 116 switches between a heating period and a non-heating period every 10 seconds. That is, the control unit 116 switches between a heating period and a non-heating period as time passes. Of course, the lengths of the heating period and the non-heating period are not limited to 10 seconds. Furthermore, the lengths of the heating period and the non-heating period may be the same or different. With this configuration, the heating period and the non-heating period can be switched at a predetermined cycle, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 116. Note that in the example shown in Figure 4, the temperature of the heating unit 121 has risen to the target temperature at the end of the heating period.

In the example shown in Figure 5, the heating period is 15 seconds and the non-heating period is 10 seconds. The temperature of the heating section 121 rises to the target temperature during the heating period, and thereafter the temperature of the heating section 121 is maintained at the target temperature. In this way, when the temperature of the heating section 121 rises to the target temperature during the heating period, the control section 116 may control the temperature of the heating section 121 to maintain the target temperature until switching to the non-heating period. With this configuration, even if the temperature of the heating section 121 rises faster than expected due to circumstances such as high outside air temperature, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heating section 121 from exceeding the target temperature. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of flavor and shortened lifespan that would occur if the stick-shaped substrate 150 became excessively hot.

In the example shown in Figure 6, the control unit 116 switches between a heating period and a non-heating period every 10 seconds, and at the end of the first half of the heating period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 has not risen to the target temperature. In this way, even if the temperature of the heating unit 121 has not risen to the target temperature during the heating period, the control unit 116 stops supplying power to the heating unit 121 during the subsequent non-heating period. With this configuration, the heating period and non-heating period can be switched at a predetermined cycle, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 116.

If the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not rise to the target temperature during a heating period, the control unit 116 may control the amount of power supplied to be greater during the next heating period compared to when the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature during the heating period. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 116 supplies a greater amount of power during the second heating period than during the first heating period because the temperature of the heating unit 121 has not risen to the target temperature at the end of the first heating period. As a result, the slope of line 21A during the second heating period is steeper, and the temperature of the heating unit 121 has risen to the target temperature at the end of the second heating period. This configuration makes it possible to raise the temperature of the heating unit 121 to the target temperature even when the temperature of the heating unit 121 is rising more slowly than expected due to factors such as low outside air temperature.

The control unit 116 may control the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on a lower limit temperature. The lower limit temperature is included, for example, in the heating conditions. The lower limit temperature is the lowest temperature of the heating unit 121. For example, if the temperature of the heating unit 121 falls below the lower limit temperature, sufficient aerosol may not be generated or it may be difficult to deliver sufficient flavor to the user. Specifically, the control unit 116 switches from the non-heating period to the heating period when the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to the lower limit temperature. This configuration can prevent the temperature of the heating unit 121 from falling below the lower limit temperature even in cases where the temperature of the heating unit 121 is more likely to drop than expected due to factors such as low outside air temperature. This can prevent inconveniences such as insufficient aerosol generation or difficulty in delivering sufficient flavor to the user. This point will be explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

In the example shown in Figure 7, the control unit 116 switches between a heating period and a non-heating period every 20 seconds. At no time does the temperature of the heating unit 121 fall below the lower limit temperature.

In the example shown in Figure 8, the heating period is 20 seconds and the non-heating period is 20 seconds, but the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to the lower limit temperature halfway through the non-heating period. Therefore, the control unit 116 interrupts the non-heating period after 10 seconds and switches to the heating period. However, for the 10 seconds until the end of the original non-heating period, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 to maintain the lower limit temperature. This control makes it possible to prevent the temperature of the heating unit 121 from rising excessively during a heating period that is longer than the original heating period.

The heating conditions may include a transition in the lower limit temperature. For example, the lower limit temperature may be a temperature that is a predetermined temperature lower than the target temperature and transition along with the transition in the target temperature. In the latter half of the heating profile, the remaining amount of aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 decreases. Therefore, in the latter half of the heating profile, at a temperature higher than in the first half of the heating profile, sufficient aerosol may not be generated, or it may be difficult to deliver sufficient flavor to the user. In this regard, by increasing the lower limit temperature as the target temperature rises during the reheating period, it is possible to prevent such inconveniences from occurring.

Below, the flow of the temperature control process related to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 9.

Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the temperature control process performed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. In this flow, the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile shown in Table 1.

As shown in FIG. 9, first, the suction device 100 receives a user operation to instruct the start of heating (step S102). An example of a user operation to instruct the start of heating is pressing a button provided on the suction device 100.

Next, the suction device 100 supplies power during the initial temperature rise period (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 supplies power to the heating unit 121 based on PWM control or PFM control with a target temperature of 295°C.

Next, the suction device 100 stops supplying power during the intermediate temperature drop period (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 stops supplying power to the heating unit 121 from 35 seconds after the start of heating until 45 seconds after the start of heating.

Next, the suction device 100 supplies power during the reheating period while switching between a heating period and a non-heating period (step S108). For example, the control unit 116 supplies power during the heating period while switching between the heating period and the non-heating period based on various criteria, such as the passage of time, whether the temperature of the heating unit 121 has risen to the target temperature, or whether the temperature of the heating unit 121 has dropped to the lower limit temperature.

Then, the suction device 100 stops supplying power (step S110). For example, the control unit 116 stops supplying power to the heating unit 121 when 355 seconds have elapsed since the start of heating.

(3) Notification of Information Prompting Puffing During a heating session, the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information prompting the user to inhale the aerosol, i.e., information prompting the user to puff. As an example, the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information prompting the user to puff by emitting light, displaying an image, vibrating, and/or outputting sound. The user can enjoy a suitable flavor by puffing while referring to such notification.

The notification unit 113 notifies the user multiple times during the heating session with information encouraging them to puff. By referring to such notifications and puffing, the user can enjoy a suitable flavor multiple times.

The timing at which the information encouraging a puff is notified (hereinafter also referred to as notification timing) corresponds to the timing suitable for inhaling the aerosol (hereinafter also referred to as puff timing suitable for puffing). There are multiple timings suitable for puffing during a heating session. Therefore, the notification unit 113 notifies the information encouraging a puff at each of multiple notification timings corresponding to each of the multiple timings suitable for puffing. By referring to such notifications when puffing, the user can enjoy the desired flavor multiple times.

The notification timing may be a timing earlier than the optimal timing for puffing. For example, the notification timing may be a few seconds earlier than the optimal timing for puffing. It is thought that there is a time lag between when the information prompting a puff is notified and when the user puffs based on that notification. In this regard, with this configuration, the information prompting a puff can be notified in advance, taking this time lag into consideration. Therefore, by having the user puff after receiving the notification prompting a puff, the user can naturally puff at the optimal timing for puffing. This allows the user to enjoy the perfect flavor.

The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating that the appropriate time to puff is approaching, from before the appropriate time to puff until the appropriate time to puff. As an example, the notification unit 113 may display the time until the appropriate time to puff in countdown format. With this configuration, the user can wait for the appropriate time to puff, making it easier to puff at the appropriate time.

The notification unit 113 may notify different information depending on whether the timing is suitable for puffing or before and after the timing. As an example, the notification unit 113 may output red light before and after the timing suitable for puffing, and output green light at the timing suitable for puffing. With this configuration, the user can respectively grasp the timing suitable for puffing and the timing that is not suitable for puffing.

The timing appropriate for puffing is included at least in the puffable period. During the puffable period, it is possible to inhale aerosol, but there may be a mixture of timings that are appropriate for puffing and timings that are not. In this respect, the notification of information encouraging puffing at notification timings corresponding to timings appropriate for puffing differs from the notification of timings at which the puffable period begins and ends, as described above. By notifying information encouraging puffing at notification timings corresponding to timings appropriate for puffing, it is possible to encourage the user to puff at timings within the puffable period that are particularly appropriate for puffing.

The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information encouraging the user to puff at a timing included in the period in which the heating period and non-heating period are set. If a heating period and a non-heating period are set during the re-heating period, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information encouraging the user to puff at a timing included in the re-heating period. That is, the notification timing may be a timing included in the period in which the heating period and non-heating period are set, and may particularly be a timing included in the re-heating period. The temperature of the heating unit 121 increases during the heating period, and decreases during the non-heating period. Therefore, it is considered that the period in which the heating period and non-heating period are set will include a mixture of timing suitable for puffing and timing that is not. In this regard, with this configuration, the user can enjoy a suitable flavor even when a mixture of timing suitable for puffing and timing that is not suitable for puffing exists.

An example of a suitable timing for puffing is the timing when the heating period switches to the non-heating period. The timing when the heating period switches to the non-heating period typically corresponds to the timing when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches its peak. It is thought that the amount of aerosol generated also peaks when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches its peak. Therefore, by referring to the notification when puffing, the user can fully enjoy the flavor.

An example of a suitable timing for puffing is when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature. In this case, the user can puff while referring to the notification, allowing them to enjoy the optimal flavor as designed by the heating profile.

Hereinafter, notification of information encouraging puffing during the reheating period will be specifically described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figures 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining notification of information encouraging puffing in this embodiment. These figures show graphs excerpted from the temperature transition of the heating unit 121 during the reheating period . The horizontal axis of the graph represents the elapsed time (seconds) since the start of the heating session. The vertical axis of the graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21A represents the temperature transition of the heating unit 121 during the heating period. Line 21B represents the temperature transition of the heating unit 121 during the non-heating period. Point 22 represents the notification timing.

The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information encouraging the user to puff at a timing included in the heating period. That is, the notification timing may be a timing included in the heating period. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, point 22 indicating the notification timing is included in the heating period. On the other hand, the timing suitable for puffing is the timing when the heating period (the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases or is maintained) switches to the non-heating period (the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases). As shown in Figures 10 and 11, point 22 indicating the notification timing is a timing that precedes the timing suitable for puffing by the time lag described above. Therefore, the user can refer to the notification of information encouraging the user to puff at point 22 and puff at a timing suitable for puffing. Furthermore, even if the user puffs between the notification timing and the timing suitable for puffing, the puffing will occur at least during the heating period, thereby reducing the temperature drop of the heating unit 121 due to puffing and preventing deterioration of the flavor.

The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information prompting the user to puff a predetermined time after the non-heating period is switched to the heating period. That is, the notification may be a predetermined time after the non-heating period is switched to the heating period. As shown in FIG. 10 , if the heating period is 10 seconds, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information prompting the user to puff 8 seconds after the non-heating period is switched to the heating period. This configuration allows the notification timing to be set earlier than the optimal puffing timing by the aforementioned time lag, allowing the user to enjoy a suitable flavor and aroma while referring to the notification prompting the user to puff. Here, the predetermined time is set based on the length of the heating period. It is desirable to set the length of the predetermined time to at least half the length of the heating period, such as two-thirds of the length of the heating period. This is because the temperature of the heating unit 121 is considered to have risen sufficiently during the latter half of the heating period. With this configuration, even if a puff is made between the notification timing and the timing suitable for a puff, the puff will be made at a timing when the temperature of the heating section 121 is relatively high even during the heating period, allowing the user to enjoy a suitable flavor.

The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information prompting the user to puff when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the heating session. That is, the notification timing may be when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the heating session. The predetermined time is set as a time that is expected to be included in the heating period. Furthermore, it is desirable to set the predetermined time as a time that is expected to be a predetermined time after the non-heating period is switched to the heating period. As shown in FIG. 10 , the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information prompting the user to puff, indicating when 120 seconds and 140 seconds have elapsed since the start of the heating session. These timings are included in the heating period and are 8 seconds after the non-heating period is switched to the heating period. With this configuration, as described above, the user can enjoy a suitable flavor by puffing while referring to the notification of information prompting the user to puff.

The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information encouraging the user to puff when the temperature of the heating unit 121 has risen to a predetermined temperature. That is, the notification may be given when the temperature of the heating unit 121 has risen to the predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is a temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. With this configuration , the user can inhale a sufficient amount of aerosol by puffing based on the notification.

The predetermined temperature may be set based on the target temperature. As an example, as shown in FIG. 10, the predetermined temperature may be set as the target temperature minus 5°C. If the target temperature is 250°C, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information encouraging the user to puff when the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to 245°C during the heating period. With this configuration, the predetermined temperature related to the notification timing can be changed in accordance with the change in the target temperature. As described above, during the reheating period, the target temperature is increased in stages to compensate for the decrease in the remaining amount of aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150. In this regard, by adjusting the predetermined temperature to follow the increase in the target temperature, the user can be prompted to puff at a timing that can compensate for the decrease in the remaining amount of aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150. In other words, with this configuration, the user can be prompted to puff when the temperature has risen to a level at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated, even taking into account the decrease in the remaining amount of aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

The notification unit 113 may notify information encouraging the user to puff when the temperature of the heating unit 121 stops increasing. That is, the notification timing may be when the temperature of the heating unit 121 stops increasing. As shown in FIG. 11 , if the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases to the target temperature during the heating period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled so that the target temperature is maintained until the end of the heating period. In this case, the notification unit 113 may notify information encouraging the user to puff when the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases to the target temperature. With this configuration, the timing suitable for puffing continues after the notification timing, allowing the user to enjoy a suitable flavor by puffing while referring to the notification.

The control unit 116 may be able to switch the heating profile to be used from a plurality of available heating profiles. For example, the memory unit 114 stores a plurality of available heating profiles. The control unit 116 selects the heating profile to be used from the plurality of available heating profiles stored in the memory unit 114. As an example, which heating profile to use may be set by the user.

The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information encouraging the user to puff at different timings depending on the heating profile used. Different heating profiles may also result in different timings suitable for puffing. In this regard, this configuration makes it possible to prompt the user to puff at timings suitable for puffing, which may differ depending on the heating profile.

Below, with reference to Figure 12, the flow of the notification process for information encouraging puffing in this embodiment will be explained.

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the notification process for information prompting a puff, which is executed by the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment. The process according to this flow is executed, for example, while the process according to step S108 shown in Figure 9 is being executed.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, the control unit 116 determines whether the notification timing has arrived (step S202). One example of the notification timing is a timing included in the heating period. Another example of the notification timing is a timing a predetermined time after the timing of switching from the non-heating period to the heating period. Another example of the notification timing is a timing a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the heating session. Another example of the notification timing is a timing when the temperature of the heating unit 121 has risen to a predetermined temperature set based on the target temperature. Another example of the notification timing is a timing when the temperature of the heating unit 121 has stopped rising.

If it is determined that the notification timing has not arrived (step S202: NO), the control unit 116 waits until the notification timing arrives.

If it is determined that the notification timing has arrived (step S202: YES), the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify information encouraging the user to puff (step S204).

The control unit 116 then determines whether to end the heating session (step S206). For example, the control unit 116 determines to end the heating session when a predetermined time has elapsed since the heating session began.

If it is determined that the heating session is not to be terminated (step S206: NO), processing returns to step S202 again.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the heating session should be terminated (step S206: YES), the processing ends.

<3. Supplementary Information>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) First Supplementary Note: In the above embodiment, an example of switching from a heating period to a non-heating period as time passes has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the control unit 116 may switch from a heating period to a non-heating period when the temperature of the heating unit 121 has risen to a target temperature. This configuration makes it possible to reliably raise the temperature of the heating unit 121 to the target temperature during the heating period. Thereafter, the control unit 116 may switch from the non-heating period to a heating period as time passes.

Furthermore, the lengths of the heating period and the non-heating period are not limited to the examples described above. The lengths of the heating period and the non-heating period may be the same or different. For example, the heating period may be longer than the non-heating period, such as 10 seconds and 5 seconds. In this case, it is possible to increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 in stages. For example, in the example heating profile shown in Table 1, it is desirable to make the heating period longer than the non-heating period at the times when the target temperature switches, 110 seconds, 180 seconds, and 260 seconds after the start of heating. In this case, it is possible to quickly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 to the target temperature after switching.

The lengths of the heating period and non-heating period may also be increased or decreased. For example, the heating period may be 10 + α seconds, and the non-heating period may be 10 seconds, with α increasing toward the latter half of the heating profile. With this configuration, it becomes easier to increase the temperature of the heating section 121 toward the latter half of the heating profile.

(2) Second Supplementary Note In the above embodiment, an example in which the target temperature is switched over with the passage of time has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example.

As an example, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature based on the number of times the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature. For example, the control unit 116 switches the target temperature every time the target temperature is reached three times during the reheating period. The number of times may be different for each target temperature, or may be the same. In this case, the information in the heating profile indicating the timing at which temperature control should be performed based on the target temperature is defined by the number of times the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature after heating has started.

With this configuration, even if the temperature of the heating unit 121 is rising more slowly than expected due to factors such as low outside air temperature, the target temperature can be switched after the number of times it has reached the target temperature reaches a specified number. This makes it possible to achieve heating that is appropriate for the outside air temperature and other environmental factors.

As another example, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature based on the number of times the heating period and non-heating period are switched. For example, the control unit 116 switches the target temperature every time a set of heating period and non-heating period is repeated three times during the reheating period. The number of times may be different for each target temperature, or may be the same. In this case, the information in the heating profile indicating the timing at which temperature control should be performed based on the target temperature is defined by the number of times the heating period and non-heating period are switched.

With this configuration, the timing for switching the target temperature can be synchronized with the timing for switching between heating and non-heating periods, making temperature control easier.

Here, the control unit 116 may control the number of times the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature or the number of times the heating period and non-heating period are switched, which are used as the criterion for switching the target temperature. The number of times the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature and the number of times the heating period and non-heating period are switched are hereinafter collectively referred to as the number of peaks. This is because peaks appear in the temperature change of the heating unit 121 at the timing when the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature and at the timing when the heating period is switched to the non-heating period.

As an example, the control unit 116 may gradually decrease the number of peaks that serve as the criterion for switching the target temperature. For example, with respect to the heating profile shown in Table 1, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 240°C when four peaks appear at a target temperature of 230°C. Next, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 250°C when three peaks appear at a target temperature of 240°C. Then, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 260°C when two peaks appear at a target temperature of 250°C. This configuration can reduce the number of times that the heating unit 121 reaches a high temperature, i.e., the number of times that the stick-shaped substrate 150 reaches a high temperature. This reduces the reduction in the aerosol source, thereby extending the life of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

As another example, the control unit 116 may gradually increase the number of peaks used as the criterion for switching the target temperature. For example, with respect to the heating profile shown in Table 1, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 240°C when two peaks appear at a target temperature of 230°C. Next, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 250°C when three peaks appear at a target temperature of 240°C. Then, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 260°C when four peaks appear at a target temperature of 250°C. This configuration increases the number of times the heating unit 121 reaches a high temperature, i.e., the number of times the stick-shaped substrate 150 reaches a high temperature. Therefore, the amount of flavor delivered to the user per puff increases as the heating profile progresses, making it possible to improve the satisfaction per puff.

As another example, the control unit 116 may use the same number of peaks as the criterion for switching the target temperature. For example, with respect to the heating profile shown in Table 1, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 240°C when three peaks appear at a target temperature of 230°C. Next, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 250°C when three peaks appear at a target temperature of 240°C. Then, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 260°C when three peaks appear at a target temperature of 250°C. This configuration makes it possible to achieve both an extended lifespan of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and improved satisfaction per puff.

As another example, the control unit 116 may randomize the number of peaks that serve as the criterion for switching the target temperature. For example, with respect to the heating profile shown in Table 1, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 240°C when three peaks appear at a target temperature of 230°C. Next, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 250°C when four peaks appear at a target temperature of 240°C. Then, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 260°C when two peaks appear at a target temperature of 250°C. This configuration allows the user to enjoy random flavors.

The number of peaks that serves as the basis for switching the target temperature may be set by the user. In this case, the user can enjoy the flavor that they prefer.

(3) Third Supplement The temperature increase range of the target temperature during the reheating period may be set arbitrarily.

As an example, the temperature increase range of the target temperature during the reheating period may be the same. For example, as in the example shown in Table 1, the target temperature during the reheating period may be set initially to 230°C, then 240°C, then 250°C, and finally 260°C. In this case, the temperature increase range is always 10°C. With this configuration, the temperature of the heating section 121 increases gradually, making it possible to extend the life of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

As another example, the temperature increase range of the target temperature during the reheating period may be increased in stages. For example, the target temperature during the reheating period may be initially set to 230°C, then 240°C, then 255°C, and finally 275°C. In this case, the temperature increase range increases in stages of 10°C, 15°C, and 20°C. With this configuration, the amount of flavor delivered to the user per puff increases as the heating profile progresses, making it possible to improve the satisfaction per puff.

(4) Others In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which information encouraging puffing is notified during the re-warming period, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The notification unit 113 may also notify information encouraging puffing during the initial warm-up period or the intermediate warm-up period.

The series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM when executed by, for example, a computer controlling each device described in this specification, and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, flash memory, etc. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium.

Furthermore, the processes described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in this specification do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional processing steps may be employed, and some processing steps may be omitted.

The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
(1)
a power supply unit that stores and supplies power;
a heating section for heating a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol;
a control unit that controls power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on heating conditions;
Equipped with
the heating conditions include a heating profile, which is information that defines a transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, and information that defines a heating period, which is a period during which the base material is heated, and a non-heating period, which is a period during which the base material is not heated;
the control unit controls power supply to the heating unit while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period so that the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature.
Suction device.
(2)
The control unit supplies power to the heating unit during the heating period.
The suction device described in (1) above.
(3)
the control unit alternately switches between supplying power to the heating unit and stopping the supply of power to the heating unit during the heating period.
The suction device described in (2) above.
(4)
The control unit stops supplying power to the heating unit throughout the non-heating period.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (3).
(5)
the length of each of the heating period and the non-heating period is equal to or longer than the time it takes for a user to inhale the generated aerosol at least once;
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (4).
(6)
The length of each of the heating period and the non-heating period is 2 seconds or more.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (5).
(7)
the heating period and the non-heating period are set in a period in which the temperature of the heating unit increases in the heating profile.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (6).
(8)
The heating profile comprises:
an initial temperature rise period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises from the initial temperature;
an intermediate temperature-lowering period in which the temperature of the heating unit decreases after the initial temperature-highering period; and a re-temperature-highering period in which the temperature of the heating unit increases after the intermediate temperature-lowering period,
The heating period and the non-heating period are set during the reheating period.
The suction device described in (7) above.
(9)
the control unit switches between the heating period and the non-heating period according to the passage of time.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (8).
(10)
When the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature during the heating period, the control unit controls the temperature of the heating unit to maintain the target temperature until the period is switched to the non-heating period.
The suction device described in (9) above.
(11)
the control unit stops supplying power to the heating unit in the subsequent non-heating period even if the temperature of the heating unit does not rise to the target temperature in the heating period.
The suction device according to (9) or (10) above.
(12)
When the temperature of the heating unit does not rise to the target temperature during the heating period, the control unit controls the amount of power supply to be larger during the next heating period compared to when the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature during the heating period.
The suction device according to any one of (9) to (11) above.
(13)
the control unit switches from the heating period to the non-heating period when the temperature of the heating unit has risen to the target temperature.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (8).
(14)
the control unit switches from the non-heating period to the heating period when the temperature of the heating unit drops to a lower limit temperature that is a lower limit value of the temperature of the heating unit.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (13).
(15)
The heating conditions further include a transition of the lower limit temperature.
The suction device according to (14) above.
(16)
The control unit switches the target temperature in accordance with the passage of time.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (15).
(17)
the control unit switches the target temperature based on the number of times the temperature of the heating unit has risen to the target temperature or the number of times the heating period and the non-heating period have been switched.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (15).
(18)
The control unit controls the number of times the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature or the number of times the heating period and the non-heating period are switched, which are used as a criterion for switching the target temperature.
The suction device described in (17) above.
(19)
A control method for controlling a suction device including a power supply unit that stores and supplies power and a heating unit that heats a substrate including an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the method comprising:
based on heating conditions including a heating profile, which is information specifying a transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating section, and information specifying a heating period, which is a period during which the base material is heated, and a non-heating period, which is a period during which the base material is not heated, the power supply from the power supply section to the heating section is controlled while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period so that the temperature of the heating section rises to the target temperature;
A control method comprising:
(20)
A computer that controls a suction device including a power supply unit that stores and supplies power and a heating unit that heats a substrate including an aerosol source to generate an aerosol,
based on heating conditions including a heating profile, which is information specifying a transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating section, and information specifying a heating period, which is a period during which the base material is heated, and a non-heating period, which is a period during which the base material is not heated, the power supply from the power supply section to the heating section is controlled while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period so that the temperature of the heating section rises to the target temperature;
A program to execute.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Memory unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 121 Heating unit 140 Holding unit 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom unit 144 Heat insulating unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate unit 152 Suction nozzle unit

Claims (20)

a power supply unit that stores and supplies power;
a holder that holds a stick-shaped substrate having an internal space and an opening that connects the internal space to the outside, the stick-shaped substrate having a substrate containing an aerosol source and a mouthpiece inserted into the internal space through the opening, in a state in which at least a portion of the substrate is contained in the internal space and at least a portion of the mouthpiece protrudes from the opening;
a heating unit that heats the substrate portion of the stick-shaped substrate held by the holding unit to generate an aerosol;
a control unit that controls power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit based on heating conditions;
Equipped with
the heating conditions include a heating profile, which is information that defines a transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, and information that defines a heating period, which is a period during which the stick-shaped substrate is heated, and a non-heating period, which is a period during which the stick-shaped substrate is not heated;
the control unit controls the supply of power to the heating unit while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period so that the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature , and supplies power to the heating unit during a period in which a user inhales the generated aerosol and the heating period overlap.
Suction device. The control unit supplies power to the heating unit during the heating period.
The suction device of claim 1 . the control unit alternately switches between supplying power to the heating unit and stopping the supply of power to the heating unit during the heating period.
3. The suction device according to claim 2. The control unit stops supplying power to the heating unit throughout the non-heating period.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The length of each of the heating period and the non-heating period is equal to or longer than the time it takes for a user to inhale the generated aerosol at least once.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The length of each of the heating period and the non-heating period is 2 seconds or more.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. the heating period and the non-heating period are set in a period in which the temperature of the heating unit increases in the heating profile.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The heating profile comprises:
an initial temperature rise period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises from the initial temperature;
an intermediate temperature-lowering period in which the temperature of the heating unit decreases after the initial temperature-highering period; and a re-temperature-highering period in which the temperature of the heating unit increases after the intermediate temperature-lowering period,
The heating period and the non-heating period are set during the reheating period.
The non-heating period is not set during the initial temperature rise period.
8. The suction device according to claim 7. the control unit switches between the heating period and the non-heating period according to the passage of time.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. When the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature during the heating period, the control unit controls the temperature of the heating unit to maintain the target temperature until the period is switched to the non-heating period.
10. The suction device of claim 9. the control unit stops supplying power to the heating unit in the subsequent non-heating period even if the temperature of the heating unit does not rise to the target temperature in the heating period.
11. The suction device according to claim 9 or 10. When the temperature of the heating unit does not rise to the target temperature during the heating period, the control unit controls the amount of power supply to be larger during the next heating period than when the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature during the heating period.
The suction device according to any one of claims 9 to 11. the control unit switches from the heating period to the non-heating period when the temperature of the heating unit has risen to the target temperature.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. the control unit switches from the non-heating period to the heating period when the temperature of the heating unit drops to a lower limit temperature that is a lower limit value of the temperature of the heating unit.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The heating conditions further include a transition of the lower limit temperature.
15. The suction device of claim 14. The control unit switches the target temperature in accordance with the passage of time.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 15. the control unit switches the target temperature based on the number of times the temperature of the heating unit has risen to the target temperature or the number of times the heating period and the non-heating period have been switched.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The control unit sets, in accordance with a user instruction, the number of times the temperature of the heating unit has risen to the target temperature or the number of times the heating period and the non-heating period have been switched, as a criterion for switching the target temperature .
18. The suction device of claim 17. A control method for controlling a suction device comprising: a power supply unit that accumulates and supplies electric power; a holder that has an internal space and an opening that connects the internal space to the outside, and that holds a stick-shaped substrate that has a substrate unit containing an aerosol source and a suction mouthpiece inserted into the internal space through the opening, with at least a portion of the substrate unit contained in the internal space and at least a portion of the suction mouthpiece protruding from the opening; and a heating unit that heats the substrate unit of the stick-shaped substrate held in the holder to generate an aerosol,
a heating profile, which is information that defines the transition of a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, and heating conditions that include information that defines a heating period, which is a period during which the stick-shaped substrate is heated, and a non-heating period, which is a period during which the stick-shaped substrate is not heated, while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period, and controlling the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature; and executing the power supply to the heating unit during a period in which a user inhales the generated aerosol and the heating period overlap ;
A control method comprising: a power supply unit that accumulates and supplies electric power; a holder that holds a stick-shaped substrate having an internal space and an opening that connects the internal space to the outside, the stick-shaped substrate having a substrate part containing an aerosol source and a suction mouth part that is inserted into the internal space through the opening, with at least a part of the substrate part contained in the internal space and at least a part of the suction mouth part protruding from the opening; and a heating unit that heats the substrate part of the stick-shaped substrate held in the holder to generate an aerosol.
a heating profile, which is information that defines the transition of a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, and heating conditions that include information that defines a heating period, which is a period during which the stick-shaped substrate is heated, and a non-heating period, which is a period during which the stick-shaped substrate is not heated, while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period, and controlling the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature; and executing the power supply to the heating unit during a period in which a user inhales the generated aerosol and the heating period overlap ;
A program to execute.