CN115484841A

CN115484841A - Suction device and program

Info

Publication number: CN115484841A
Application number: CN202080100381.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赤尾刚志; 青山达也; 长浜彻
Original assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Current assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date: 2020-12-14
Filing date: 2020-12-14
Publication date: 2022-12-16
Also published as: KR20230120565A; TW202222182A; WO2022130465A1; JPWO2022130465A1; US20230084282A1; EP4260743A1

Abstract

A structure is provided in which the suction devices can communicate based on priority. A suction device is provided with: a communication unit that communicates with another device; a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source; and a control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit and receive the plurality of types of information transmitted and received by the communication unit in descending order of priority.

Description

Suction device and program

Technical Field

The invention relates to a suction device and a program.

Background

Suction devices that generate a substance to be suctioned by a user, such as electronic cigarettes and atomizers, have been widely used. For example, a smoking device generates an aerosol to which a fragrance component is added by using a substrate including an aerosol source for generating an aerosol (aerosol), a fragrance source for adding a fragrance component to the generated aerosol, and the like. The user can taste the flavor by sucking the aerosol to which the flavor component is added, which is generated by the suction device.

In recent years, it has been studied to provide various services by mounting a communication function on a suction device and communicating the suction device with a smartphone or the like. Regarding the suction device having a wireless communication function, patent document 1 listed below discloses a technique in which a charger sets a priority to information received from the suction device and displays information having a relatively high priority.

Documents of the prior art

Patent literature

Patent document 1 International publication No. 2019/198552

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the technique described in patent document 1, the method based on the priority is limited to the display applied to the charger.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a configuration in which a pumping device can perform communication based on priority.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above problem, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suction device including: a communication unit that communicates with another device; a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate including an aerosol source; and a control unit that controls the communication unit so that the communication unit transmits and receives the plurality of types of information transmitted and received by the communication unit in descending order of priority.

The control unit may control the communication unit to transmit the information with a high priority using an event for acquiring the information with a high priority as a trigger.

The suction device may include a power supply unit that stores and supplies power for operation of the suction device, and the information having a high priority level may include battery information indicating a state of the power supply unit.

The battery information may include at least one of information indicating a remaining power level of the power supply unit and information indicating degradation of the power supply unit.

The information having a high priority may include state information indicating a state of the heating portion.

The status information may include: information indicating that heating by the heating portion has started, information indicating that a period assumed to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol has started, information indicating a timing before a predetermined time period at which the period assumed to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol ends, or information indicating that the period assumed to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol ends.

The control unit may control the communication unit so that the communication unit transmits and receives information having a low priority at a timing that does not include a time period from the start to the end of a process of generating an aerosol using the base material.

The information with a low priority may include setting information for setting the operation of the suction device.

The heating portion may operate based on a heating curve in which a time-series transition of a target resistance value is defined, the target resistance value being a target value of the resistance value of the heating portion, and the setting information may include information indicating the heating curve.

The control unit may permit heating by the heating unit when an operation corresponding to an operation mode set to the first locking function is performed when the first locking function is enabled, and prohibit heating by the heating unit when the operation corresponding to the operation mode set to the first locking function is not detected, and the setting information may include at least one of information indicating whether or not the first locking function is enabled or information indicating the operation mode.

When the second lock function is enabled, the control unit may permit heating by the heating unit when the communication unit communicates with the other device, and may prohibit heating by the heating unit when the communication unit does not communicate with the other device, and the setting information may include information indicating whether or not the second lock function is enabled.

The setting information may include information indicating whether or not to permit communication by the communication unit.

The control unit may control the heating unit to stop heating when the number of times of suctioning by a user from when heating of the substrate is started reaches a predetermined upper limit value, and the setting information may include information indicating the predetermined upper limit value.

The suction device may further include a storage unit that stores information, and the information with the lower priority may include log information obtained in accordance with use of the suction device by a user, the log information being information stored in the storage unit.

The heating unit may be configured to operate on the basis of a heating curve in which a time-series transition of a target resistance value is defined, the target resistance value being a target value of a resistance value of the heating unit, and the log information may include at least one of information acquired during a time interval from start to end of a process of generating aerosol using the substrate, information indicating an operation history of the pumping unit, information indicating a remaining amount of power of the power unit, and information acquired during charging of the power unit.

The suction device may include a power supply unit that stores and supplies electric power for operation of the suction device, and the plurality of types of information transmitted and received by the communication unit may include battery information, state information, setting information, and log information, among the battery information, the state information, the setting information, and the log information, the battery information having a highest priority, the state information having a highest priority, the setting information having a highest priority, and the log information having a lowest priority.

The control unit may perform the following control: heating by the heating portion is performed after the process of transmitting the battery information is performed.

The control unit may perform the following control: the processing of transmitting the log information is executed after the heating by the heating portion is executed.

The control unit may perform the following control: the processing of performing the setting based on the setting information is executed before the processing of transmitting the log information is executed.

Further, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer that controls a suction device to execute: and a control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit and receive the plurality of types of information transmitted and received by the communication unit in descending order of priority, wherein the suction device includes the communication unit that communicates with another device, and a heating unit that heats a substrate including an aerosol source to generate aerosol.

Effects of the invention

As explained above, according to the present invention, there is provided a structure in which the suction devices can communicate on a priority basis.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of a suction device.

Fig. 2 is an overall perspective view of the suction device according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 3 is an overall perspective view of the suction device according to the present embodiment in a state where the stick-shaped base material is held.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the overall process related to the heating schedule executed in the system according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the entire process related to charging executed by the system according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the priority order communication process executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration, and redundant description is omitted.

< 1. Structural example of suction device >

A suction device is a device that generates a substance to be sucked by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the suction device will be described as aerosol. Furthermore, the substance generated by the suction device may also be a gas.

(1) Example of the internal Structure

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

The power supply unit 111 stores electric power. The power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each component of the suction apparatus 100 based on the control performed by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may include a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

The sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the suction device 100. For example, the sensor unit 112 includes a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like, and acquires a value associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 includes an input device such as a button or a switch that receives input of information from a user.

The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 includes, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, and the like.

The storage unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 includes a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication based on any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, wi-Fi (registered trademark), bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like can be used.

The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the entire operation in the suction device 100 according to various programs. The control Unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.

The holding part 140 has an internal space 141, and accommodates a part of the stick-type base material 150 in the internal space 141 while holding the stick-type base material 150. The holding portion 140 has an opening 142 for communicating the internal space 141 with the outside, and holds the rod-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding portion 140 is a cylindrical body having the opening 142 and the bottom portion 143 as bottom surfaces, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding section 140 also has a function of defining a flow path of air supplied to the stick-shaped base material 150. An air inflow hole as an inlet of air to such a flow path is disposed, for example, in the bottom portion 143. On the other hand, an air outflow hole as an outlet of the air from such a flow path is an opening 142.

The rod-shaped base 150 includes a base portion 151 and a suction portion 152. The substrate section 151 contains an aerosol source. In the present configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. In a state where the stick-type base material 150 is held by the holding portion 140, at least a part of the base material portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user grips and sucks the suction port portion 152 protruding from the opening 142, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inflow hole not shown, and reaches the oral cavity of the user together with aerosol generated from the base material portion 151.

The heating section 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source. In the example shown in fig. 1, the heating unit 121 is formed in a film shape and is disposed so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the rod-shaped base material 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and aerosol is generated. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 111, the heating unit 121 generates heat. For example, the power supply may be performed when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user starts suctioning and/or when the user inputs predetermined information. Further, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished suctioning and/or has input the specified information, the power supply may be stopped.

The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating portion 121 to other constituent elements. The heat insulating part 144 includes, for example, a vacuum heat insulating material or an aerogel heat insulating material.

The above description deals with a configuration example of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction apparatus 100 is not limited to the above description, and various configurations exemplified below can be adopted.

For example, the heating part 121 may be formed in a blade shape and be disposed to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding part 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating part 121 is inserted into the base part 151 of the rod-shaped base 150, and heats the base part 151 of the rod-shaped base 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating portion 121 may be disposed to cover the bottom 143 of the holding portion 140. The heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit that covers the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit that covers the bottom portion 143 of the holding unit 140.

As another example, the holding portion 140 may include an opening/closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of a housing forming the internal space 141. The holding portion 140 may open and close the housing to hold the rod-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the nip portion of the holding unit 140 and may heat the rod-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

The method of atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating portion 121. For example, the method of atomizing the aerosol source may also be induction heating.

(2) Example of appearance Structure

Fig. 2 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 3 is an overall perspective view of the suction device according to the present embodiment in a state where the stick-shaped base material 150 is held.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the suction device 100 has a top (top) housing 11A, a bottom (bottom) housing 11B, a cover (cover) 12, a switch 13, a lid 14, an air vent 15, and a cap (cap) 16. The top casing 11A and the bottom casing 11B constitute the outermost outer casing 11 of the suction device 100 by being connected to each other. The outer case 11 is sized to be accommodated in a hand of a user. When the user uses the suction device 100, the user can hold the suction device 100 by hand to suck the fragrance.

The top case 11A has an opening, not shown, and the cover 12 is coupled to the top case 11A so as to close the opening. As shown in fig. 3, the cover 12 has an opening 142 into which a stick-type base material 150 can be inserted. The lid 14 is configured to open and close the opening 142 of the cover 12. Specifically, the cap 14 is mounted to the cover 12 and is configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position that closes the opening 142 and a second position that opens the opening 142. Thereby, the lid portion 14 can allow or restrict entry (access) of the stick-shaped base material 150 into the interior (the internal space 141 shown in fig. 1) of the suction device 100. Hereinafter, a state in which the lid 14 is in the second position and the lid 14 opens the opening 142 is also referred to as an open state. Hereinafter, a state in which the lid 14 is in the first position and the lid 14 closes the opening 142 is also referred to as a closed state.

The switch 13 is used to switch the operation of the suction device 100 on and off. For example, as shown in fig. 3, when the switch 13 is operated by a user in a state where the rod base material 150 is inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142, electric power can be supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121, and the rod base material 150 can be heated without burning. When the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated, an aerosol is generated from an aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150, and the fragrance of the fragrance source enters the aerosol. The user can draw the aerosol containing fragrance by sucking a portion (a suction port portion 152, which is a portion illustrated in fig. 3) of the stick-type substrate 150 protruding from the suction device 100.

The vent 15 is a vent for introducing air into the internal space 141. The air taken into the suction device 100 through the air vent 15 is introduced into the internal space 141 through, for example, an air inflow hole formed in the bottom 143 of the holding portion 140. The cap 16 is detachably provided on the bottom case 11B. By attaching the cap 16 to the bottom case 11B, the vent 15 is formed between the bottom case 11B and the cap 16. The cap 16 may have a through hole, a notch, or the like, not shown. In the present specification, the longitudinal direction of the suction device 100 refers to the direction in which the stick-shaped base material 150 is inserted into the opening 142. In the suction device 100 of the present specification, a side (for example, the vent 15 side) into which a fluid such as air flows is set as an upstream side, and a side (for example, the opening 142 side) from which the fluid flows out is set as a downstream side.

< 2. Technical characteristic >

(1) Example of System Structure

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in fig. 4, the system 1 includes a suction device 100 and a terminal device 200.

Structure of the suction device 100

The configuration of the suction device 100 is as described above. Hereinafter, the inhalation of the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 by the user is also referred to simply as "inhalation" or "inhalation (puff)". In addition, the suction action of the user is also referred to as a suction action hereinafter.

The smoking device 100 according to the present embodiment generates aerosol to be smoked by a user using a base material containing an aerosol source. The heating unit 121 heats the substrate including the aerosol source to generate aerosol. The bar-shaped base material 150 is an example of the base material in the present embodiment.

Structure of terminal apparatus 200

The terminal device 200 is a device used by a user of the suction device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 includes any information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable device. As shown in fig. 4, the terminal device 200 includes an input unit 210, an output unit 220, a communication unit 230, a storage unit 240, and a control unit 250.

The input unit 210 has a function of receiving input of various kinds of information. The input unit 210 may include an input device that receives input of information from a user. Examples of the input device include a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone. The input unit 210 may include various sensors such as an image sensor.

The output unit 220 has a function of outputting information. The output unit 220 may include an output device that outputs information to the user. Examples of the output device include a display device for displaying information, a light-emitting device for emitting light, a vibrating device for vibrating, and an audio output device for outputting audio. An example of the display device is a display. An example of the Light Emitting device is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). An example of the vibration device is an eccentric motor. An example of the sound output device is a speaker. The output unit 220 outputs information input from the control unit 250, thereby notifying the user of the information.

The communication unit 230 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the terminal apparatus 200 and another apparatus. The communication unit 230 performs communication based on any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, wi-Fi (registered trademark), bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like can be used.

The storage unit 240 stores various information used for the operation of the terminal device 200. The storage unit 240 includes a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

The control unit 250 functions as an arithmetic processing device or a control device, and controls the entire operation in the terminal device 200 according to various programs. The control Unit 250 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. The controller 250 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs and operation parameters to be used, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters and the like that change as appropriate. The terminal apparatus 200 executes various processes based on control performed by the control unit 250. The processing of information input by the input unit 210, the output of information by the output unit 220, the transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 230, and the storage and reading of information by the storage unit 240 are examples of processing controlled by the control unit 250. Other processes executed by the terminal apparatus 200, such as input of information to each constituent element and processing based on information output from each constituent element, are also controlled by the control unit 250.

The function of the control unit 250 may be implemented using an application program. The application may be pre-installed or downloaded. The function of the control unit 250 may be realized by PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

-inter-device communication

The suction device 100 is capable of communicating with other devices. The communication link used in communication between the suction device 100 and other devices may be either wireless or wired. In this specification, a communication link is described as being wireless.

In particular, the suction device 100 establishes a connection with the other device to be paired, and transmits and receives information. Pairing refers to a process of exchanging and storing mutual information between two devices. Examples of the exchanged information include information related to identification information of the other party such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier) and an encryption key for encrypting the information to be transmitted and received.

The suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are first paired and then transmit and receive information. The wireless communication standard used for wireless communication between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 is desirably a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth. In this case, when the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are located in a range in which the short-range wireless communication is possible, the connection can be established and the communication can be performed. Hereinafter, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are assumed to perform communication based on BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, registered trademark).

The connection between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 can also be established in the case where specified conditions are satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition is that the state of the lid 14 is changed to the open state. Another example of the predetermined condition is the start of charging of the power supply unit 111. The suction apparatus 100 starts charging the power supply unit 111 when connected to an external power supply via, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB). When any of these predetermined conditions is satisfied, the suction apparatus 100 starts transmission of a notification (advertisement), establishes a connection with the terminal apparatus 200 that has received the notification, and starts transmission and reception of information.

The connection between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be cut off when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition is that the state of the lid 14 is changed to a closed state. Another example of the predetermined condition is the end of charging of the power supply unit 111. For example, when the suction device 100 is disconnected from the external power supply, the charging of the power supply unit 111 is terminated. For example, when any of these specified conditions is satisfied, the suction device 100 disconnects the terminal device 200 when the operation by the user is not detected for a specified time or longer and no transmission/reception information is transmitted.

(2) Setting information

The terminal device 200 can set the operation of the suction device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 displays a setting screen for setting the operation of the suction device 100. The setting screen displays the current setting contents of the suction device 100, and receives input of information for changing the setting contents. The terminal device 200 generates setting information based on information input by the user, and transmits the setting information to the suction device 100.

The setting information is information for setting the operation of the suction device 100. The suction device 100 receives setting information from the terminal device 200. Then, the suction device 100 performs setting based on the received setting information, and operates according to the setting. Typically, the setting information is information for changing the setting of the suction device 100, and the suction device 100 changes the setting based on the received setting information. With such a configuration, the user can perform desired settings for the suction device 100 via the terminal device 200.

In the process of transmitting the setting information, the terminal device 200 may display information indicating the progress of transmission. For example, the terminal device 200 may display a progress bar in which the progress degree increases from 0% to 100% in accordance with the amount of data transmitted from the start of transmission of the setting information to the completion thereof. With this configuration, the user can grasp the progress status of the transmission of the setting information.

When the setting based on the setting information is completed, the suction device 100 transmits a setting completion notification indicating that the setting is completed to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 may display a screen indicating that the setting of the suction device 100 is completed when receiving the setting completion notification. With such a configuration, the user can grasp that the suction device 100 has completed setting based on the setting information.

When receiving the setting completion notification, the terminal apparatus 200 outputs information indicating the changed setting. For example, the terminal device 200 displays a screen indicating that the setting of the suction device 100 is completed, and then displays a setting screen reflecting the changed setting. With this configuration, the user can grasp the changed setting.

(3) Setting of communication functions

The setting information may include information indicating whether or not the communication function of the suction apparatus 100 is enabled. In other words, the setting information may include information indicating whether or not communication by the communication unit 115 is permitted. The suction device 100 enables or disables the communication function based on the received setting information. When the communication function is effective, the communication unit 115 can communicate with the terminal device 200. When the communication function is disabled, the communication unit 115 does not communicate with the terminal device 200. According to such a configuration, the user can switch the activation/deactivation of the communication function of the suction device 100.

When the communication function is not valid, the suction device 100 may validate the communication function when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the specified condition is that an operation corresponding to a specified operation mode is performed. The operation mode will be described in detail later. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the suction apparatus 100 starts transmission of a notification, establishes a connection with the terminal apparatus 200 that has received the notification, and starts transmission and reception of information.

(4) Heating curve

The suction device 100 controls the action of the heating portion 121 based on a heating Profile (data chart). The heating curve is information indicating a time-series transition of a target value of a parameter related to the operation of the heating portion 121. An example of the parameter is the temperature of the heating portion 121. In this case, the heating profile is information defining a time-series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating portion 121. The suction device 100 controls the temperature of the heating portion 121 such that the time-series transition of the actual temperature of the heating portion 121 (hereinafter, also referred to as the actual temperature) is the same as the time-series transition of the target temperature defined in the heating curve. This generates an aerosol as planned by the heating curve. Typically, the heating profile is designed to optimize the user's taste of the fragrance as the user draws the aerosol generated by the rod-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating portion 121 based on the heating curve, the flavor of the user's taste can be optimized.

The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the deviation between the target temperature defined in the heating curve and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121. More specifically, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the deviation between the target temperature and the actual temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of the control of the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be controlled by known feedback control, for example. Specifically, the control section 116 supplies the electric power from the power supply section 111 to the heating section 121 in the form of pulses based on Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) or Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse.

In the feedback control, the control unit 116 may control the electric power supplied to the heating unit 121, for example, the duty ratio described above, based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature. The feedback control may be, for example, PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116 may execute heating by the heating unit 121 before the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and execute heating by the heating unit 121 again when the actual temperature becomes lower than the target temperature.

The temperature of the heating portion 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the resistance value (more accurately, the resistance value) of the heating portion 121 (more accurately, the heat generating resistor body constituting the heating portion 121). This is because the resistance value of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated by measuring, for example, the voltage drop amount in the heating resistor. The voltage drop amount in the heating resistor body can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor body. In another example, the temperature of the heating portion 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor provided near the heating portion 121.

As described above, when the resistance value of the heating portion 121 changes according to the temperature of the heating portion 121, the temperature of the heating portion 121 may be said to be synonymous with the resistance value of the heating portion 121. Therefore, the target temperature of the heating portion 121 can also be represented by the resistance value of the heating portion 121. That is, another example of the parameter in the heating curve is the resistance value of the heating portion 121 corresponding to the target temperature. In this case, the heating curve is information defining a time-series transition of a target resistance value that is a target value of the resistance value of the heating portion 121. The suction device 100 controls the resistance value of the heating portion 121 such that the time-series transition of the actual resistance value of the heating portion 121 is the same as the time-series transition of the target resistance value defined in the heating curve. The resistance value of the heating portion 121 can be controlled by known feedback control, for example. Specifically, the control section 116 supplies the electric power from the power supply section 111 to the heating section 121 in the form of pulses based on Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) or Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the resistance value of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse. With such a configuration, the actual temperature of the heating portion 121 can be changed in the same manner as when the heating curve defines time-series changes in the target temperature.

The temperature of the heating portion 121 corresponds to the resistance value of the heating portion 121, but the resistance value corresponding to the temperature of the heating portion 121 depends on the characteristics of the heating portion 121 and the ambient temperature. Therefore, if the characteristics of the heating portion 121 or the environmental temperature are different, the target resistance values corresponding to the target temperatures are different values even at the same target temperature.

Hereinafter, a time interval from the start to the end of the aerosol generation process using the rod-shaped base 150, and more specifically, a time interval during which the heating unit 121 operates based on the heating profile, will also be referred to as a heating schedule (session). The beginning of the heating schedule is the timing to start heating based on the heating profile. The end of the heating schedule is a timing at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated. The heating schedule includes a preheating period in the first half and a respirable period in the second half. The inhalable period is a period that is assumed to produce a sufficient amount of aerosol. The preliminary heating period is a period from the start of heating to the start of the inhalation period. The heating performed during the preliminary heating period is also referred to as preliminary heating.

The heating schedule may include a period during which power is not supplied to the heating portion 121. For example, the heating profile may include a section in which the heating unit 121 is temporarily cooled, and the power supply to the heating unit 121 may be stopped in such a section. As another example, the power supply to the heating unit 121 may be stopped before a predetermined time when the respirable period ends, that is, before a predetermined time when the heating schedule ends. Even when power is not supplied to the heating unit 121, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated by the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the rod-shaped base material 150.

The user may also be notified of the timing of the beginning and the timing of the end of the respirable period. Further, the user may be notified of the timing before the predetermined time at which the respirable period ends (for example, the timing at which the power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped). In this case, the user can take inhalation during the inhalable period with reference to such a notification.

It is envisaged that more than one inhalation will be performed during the heating schedule, and in more detail during the inhalable period.

The suction apparatus 100 may stop heating when the number of times of inhalation by the user from the start of heating of the stick-shaped base material 150 reaches a predetermined upper limit value. That is, the heating schedule may be interrupted when the number of inhalations detected during the heating schedule (more specifically, during the respirable period) reaches a predetermined upper limit value. The predetermined upper limit value is set to a value corresponding to the number of inhalations assumed to be exhaustion of the aerosol source. With this configuration, even when inhalation is performed a plurality of times and the aerosol source is exhausted early, it is possible to prevent a situation in which heating by the heating curve is continued and a bad fragrance is delivered to the user.

The setting information may include information indicating a heating profile. In this case, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile indicated by the received information. With such a configuration, the user can set a desired heating profile for the suction device 100.

The setting information may include information indicating the upper limit value specified for the number of inhalations in the heating schedule described above. In this case, the control unit 116 stops the heating by the heating unit 121 when the number of times of suction detected in the heating schedule reaches the upper limit value indicated by the received information. With this configuration, the user can set a desired upper limit value for the suction device 100.

(5) Mode of operation

The suction device 100 includes an operation unit that receives a physical operation by a user. The operation unit is an example of the sensor unit 112, and detects various operations performed by the user. Hereinafter, the combination of operations for the operation portion is also referred to as an operation mode. The setting information may also include information indicating the operation mode. According to such a structure, the user can set a desired operation mode for the suction device 100.

The control unit 116 sets the operation mode indicated by the received setting information, and controls the operation of the heating unit 121 according to the set operation mode. For example, when an operation corresponding to the set operation mode is performed, the control unit 116 starts heating by the heating unit 121. A plurality of combinations of the operation modes and the processes to be executed when the operation corresponding to the operation mode is performed may be set. In this case, the control section 116 performs a process in combination with an operation mode corresponding to the operation performed on the suction device 100 among the plurality of operation modes set. With such a configuration, the user can control the operation of the heating part 121 in a desired operation mode.

The operation unit may include a button for receiving a pressing operation by a user. An example of such a button is the switch 13. In this case, the operation mode includes an operation of pressing the switch 13. The operation of pressing the switch 13 may be classified into a short press that is released in a short time after the switch 13 is pressed and a long press that is released after a long time has elapsed since the switch 13 was pressed. An example of the operation mode is an operation in which one long press is performed after two short presses. The information indicating the operation mode included in the setting information includes information indicating a time-series transition of the state of the switch 13. The time-series transition of the state of the switch 13 is a time-series transition of whether the switch 13 is in a pressed state or a non-pressed state. Therefore, the number of times of short-press and long-press, and the timing (i.e., the order and interval) and the time of long-press, etc. are set as the operation mode according to the setting information. According to such a structure, the user can set a desired operation mode related to the switch 13 to the suction device 100.

An example of the operation portion is a lid portion 14. In this case, the operation mode includes an operation of opening and closing the opening 142 by the lid portion 14. An example of the operation mode is an operation of opening and closing the opening 142 with the lid 14. The information indicating the operation mode included in the setting information includes information indicating a time-series transition of the state of the lid portion 14. The time-series transition of the state of the lid 14 refers to a time-series transition of whether the state of the lid 14 is the open state or the closed state. Therefore, the number of operations and the timing (i.e., the order and the interval) of the operations to bring the lid section 14 into the open state and the operations to bring the lid section 14 into the closed state are set as the operation modes according to the setting information. According to such a structure, the user can set a desired operation mode with respect to the cover portion 14 for the suction device 100.

The operation mode may be a combination of an operation of pressing the switch 13 and an operation of opening and closing the opening 142 with the lid 14. An example of the operation mode is an operation of opening the opening 142 by the lid 14, and then performing two short presses and then one long press on the switch 13. The information indicating the operation mode included in the setting information includes information indicating a time-series transition of the states of the switch 13 and the lid 14. With such a configuration, the user can set a desired operation mode for the switch 13 and the lid 14 to the suction device 100. The operation mode is not limited to the operation of pressing the switch 13 and the operation of opening and closing the opening 142 with the lid 14, and may include an operation of attaching and detaching a front panel (not shown) detachably attached to the suction device 100, and an operation of starting charging of the power supply unit 111 which is a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

(6) Locking function

The suction device 100 has a locking function. The lock function is a function of controlling whether or not heating by the heating portion 121 is possible. The prohibition of heating by the heating portion 121 is also referred to as locking. Hereinafter, allowing heating by the heating portion 121 will also be referred to as unlocking.

When a user operation for instructing the start of heating is performed in a state where the lock is released, the suction device 100 starts heating by the heating portion 121. An example of the operation for instructing the start of heating is the pressing of the switch 13. On the other hand, when a user operation for instructing the start of heating is performed in a state where the lock is applied, the heating by the heating portion 121 is not started in the suction device 100. According to such a configuration, even if the switch 13 is erroneously pressed in a bag in a state where the lock is applied, for example, the heating by the heating portion 121 is not started, and therefore, the safety in use of the suction device 100 can be improved.

-a first locking function

The operation mode may also be set to a first locking function that controls whether heating by the heating portion 121 can be performed or not according to an operation by the user. When the first locking function is enabled, the control section 116 allows heating by the heating section 121 when an operation corresponding to the operation mode set as the first locking function is performed. On the other hand, when the first locking function is enabled, the control section 116 prohibits the heating by the heating section 121 when the operation corresponding to the operation mode set as the first locking function is not performed. The user can release the lock by the first lock function by performing an operation corresponding to the operation mode set as the first lock function. In a state where the lock is released, for example, when the switch 13 is pressed, the heating by the heating portion 121 is started.

According to such a configuration, the lock is not released unless an operation corresponding to the operation mode set as the first lock function is performed. Therefore, misuse by other than the user, for example, by a child can be prevented, and therefore safety relating to use of the suction device 100 can be improved.

Further, after the lock by the first locking function is released, the lock may be performed again when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition is that the rod-shaped base material 150 is extracted after the heating by the heating unit 121 is completed, and the state of the lid portion 14 is changed to the closed state. Another example of the specified condition is that an operation corresponding to the operation mode set as the first lock function is performed again.

The setting information may include information indicating whether or not the first lock function is enabled. In this case, the control section 116 sets the first lock function to be enabled or disabled based on the setting information. For example, when the setting information includes information indicating that the first locking function is enabled, the control unit 116 enables the first locking function. In this case, the lock is not released as long as an operation corresponding to the operation mode set as the first lock function is not performed. On the other hand, when the setting information includes information indicating that the first locking function is to be disabled, the control unit 116 disables the first locking function. In this case, since the lock by the first lock function is not applied, the user can start the heating by the heating portion 121 by only pressing the switch 13.

With such a configuration, the first lock function is enabled only when a misuse of a child is assumed, such as when the user is at home, and safety can be improved. On the other hand, when the user is at a work place or the like and misuse of a child is not expected, the first lock function is invalidated, whereby the time and effort for performing the operation for releasing the lock can be reduced, and usability can be improved.

-a second locking function

The communication state by the communication unit 115 may be used for a second lock function that controls whether or not heating by the heating unit 121 is executable according to the communication state by the communication unit 115. When the second lock function is enabled, the control unit 116 allows the heating unit 121 to heat when the communication unit 115 communicates with the terminal device 200. On the other hand, when the second locking function is enabled, the control unit 116 prohibits the heating by the heating unit 121 when the communication unit 115 does not communicate with the terminal device 200. An example of the communication unit 115 communicating with the terminal device 200 is establishing a connection between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 according to a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth. The user can release the lock by the second lock function by establishing a connection based on the short-range wireless communication standard between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200. In a state where the lock is released, for example, when the switch 13 is pressed, the heating by the heating portion 121 is started.

With such a configuration, the lock is released only when the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are located within a range in which the short-range wireless communication is possible and communication is performed, and the lock is not released in a case other than that. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the suction device 100 left at home from being used by a child, for example, when the user goes out with the terminal device 200. Therefore, safety in relation to the use of the suction device 100 can be improved. On the other hand, when the user uses the suction device 100 while carrying the terminal device 200, the lock is automatically released, so that the time and effort for performing the operation for releasing the lock can be reduced, and usability can be improved.

The setting information may include information indicating whether or not the second lock function is enabled. In this case, the control section 116 sets the second lock function to be enabled or disabled based on the setting information. For example, when the setting information includes information indicating that the second lock function is enabled, the control unit 116 enables the second lock function. In this case, as long as communication is not performed between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200, the lock is not released. On the other hand, if the setting information includes information indicating that the second lock function is to be disabled, the control unit 116 disables the second lock function. In this case, since the lock by the second lock function is not applied, the user can start heating by the heating portion 121 only by pressing the switch 13 regardless of whether communication is performed between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200.

With this configuration, it is possible to arbitrarily switch between enabling and disabling the second locking function, and thus usability can be improved.

-a third locking function

The state of the lid portion 14 is used for the following third lock function: whether heating by the heating portion 121 can be performed is controlled according to the state of the lid portion 14. When the third lock function is enabled, the control unit 116 allows heating by the heating unit 121 when the state of the lid unit 14 is the open state. On the other hand, when the third lock function is enabled, the control unit 116 prohibits the heating by the heating unit 121 when the state of the lid 14 is the closed state. When the state of the cover 14 is a closed state, at least the stick-shaped base material 150 is not inserted into the suction device 100. Therefore, if the lid 14 is heated in a closed state, so-called dry burning occurs in which the rod-shaped base material 150 is heated even though it is not inserted. In this regard, according to the third lock function, dry burning can be prevented.

From the viewpoint of preventing dry burning, it is desirable that the third lock function is always effective. Of course, the setting information may include information indicating whether or not to enable the third locking function, or whether or not to enable the third locking function may be switched based on such setting information.

Combined use of a plurality of locking functions

Multiple locking functions may also be used in combination. For example, the first lock function, the second lock function, and the third lock function described above may be used in combination.

The condition for unlocking specified in the first lock function and the second lock function may also constitute an OR condition (i.e., logical sum). That is, the lock may be released when any one of the conditions for releasing the lock defined in the first lock function or the second lock function is satisfied. Further, when any of the conditions for unlocking defined in the first locking function and the second locking function is not satisfied, the lock may not be unlocked. Specifically, when the first locking function and the second locking function are enabled, the control section 116 allows heating by the heating section 121 when an operation corresponding to the operation mode set as the first locking function is performed or when the communication section 115 communicates with the terminal device 200. On the other hand, when the operation corresponding to the operation mode set as the first locking function is not performed and the communication unit 115 and the terminal device 200 do not communicate with each other, the control unit 116 prohibits the heating by the heating unit 121. According to such a configuration, the lock can be released by either the first lock function or the second lock function, and thus usability can be improved.

Further, the OR condition relating to the first lock function AND the second lock function AND the condition for releasing the lock defined in the third lock function may be an AND condition (i.e., logical AND). That is, the lock may be released when the condition for the third lock release is satisfied and either one of the conditions for the lock release defined in the first lock function or the second lock function is satisfied. Further, the lock may not be released when the condition for the third lock release is not satisfied, or when either one of the conditions for the lock release defined in the first lock function and the second lock function is not satisfied. Specifically, when the first locking function, the second locking function, and the third locking function are effective, the control section 116 allows heating by the heating section 121 when the state of the lid section 14 is the open state and an operation corresponding to the operation mode set to the first locking function is performed, or when the communication section 115 communicates with the terminal device 200. On the other hand, when the state of the lid portion 14 is the closed state, or when the operation corresponding to the operation mode set as the first lock function is not performed and the communication portion 115 and the terminal device 200 are not communicating with each other, the control portion 116 prohibits the heating by the heating portion 121. According to such a configuration, since the lock can be released by either the first lock function or the second lock function while preventing idle combustion, both the security and the usability can be ensured.

(7) Battery information

The suction device 100 transmits battery information that is information indicating the state of the power supply unit 111, and the power supply unit 111 stores and supplies electric power for the operation of the suction device 100. With such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp the state of the power supply unit 111 based on the battery information.

The battery information may include information indicating the remaining power level of the power supply unit 111. As an example, the information indicating the remaining power level of the power supply unit 111 is information indicating a ratio of the remaining power level with respect to a maximum value of power that can be stored in the power supply unit 111. With such a configuration, terminal device 200 can grasp the decrease in the remaining power amount and prompt the user to charge power supply unit 111.

The battery information may include information indicating deterioration of the power supply unit 111. As an example, whether or not the power supply unit 111 is deteriorated may be determined by SOH (State of Health). In this case, when the ratio of the current full charge capacity when the initial full charge capacity is 100% is reduced to a predetermined threshold value or less, the control unit 116 determines that the power supply unit 111 is deteriorated. As another example, whether or not the power supply unit 111 is deteriorated may be determined by cycle counting. In this case, the control unit 116 counts one cycle when the accumulated value of the charging current reaches the full charge capacity, and determines that the power supply unit 111 has deteriorated when the count exceeds a predetermined threshold. When it is determined that the power supply unit 111 has deteriorated, battery information including information indicating deterioration of the power supply unit 111 is transmitted. With such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp the deterioration of the power supply unit 111 and urge the user to cope with the deterioration of the power supply unit 111.

The battery information may also be transmitted at the timing of connection establishment of the suction device 100 with the terminal device 200. For example, the connection may be established at a timing before the heating by the heating unit 121 is started, for example, when the state of the lid 14 is changed from the closed state to the open state, and the battery information may be transmitted. With this configuration, the user can be notified of the state of the power supply unit 111 before heating the rod base 150. As another example, the connection may be established at the timing when charging of the power supply unit 111 is started, and the battery information may be transmitted. With this configuration, the state of power supply unit 111 before charging can be notified to the user.

The battery information may be transmitted at a timing before the connection between the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 is cut off. For example, the battery information may be transmitted at a timing when the state of the lid portion 14 is changed from the open state to the closed state after the heating by the heating portion 121 is completed. With this configuration, the user can be notified of the state of the power supply unit 111 after heating the rod shaped base material 150. As another example, the battery information may be transmitted at a timing when the charging of the power supply unit 111 is completed. With such a configuration, the state of the charged power supply unit 111 can be notified to the user.

The suction device 100 may notify the user of the battery information through the notification unit 113. With such a configuration, the state of the power supply unit 111 can be notified to the user by the suction device 100 alone.

(8) Log information

The suction device 100 stores the log information in the storage section 114. The log information is information acquired and stored in the storage unit 114 according to the use of the suction device 100 by the user. The suction device 100 transmits the log information stored in the storage unit 114 to the terminal device 200. In addition, it is assumed that the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are not always connected. Therefore, the suction device 100 accumulates log information while not being connected to the terminal device 200, and transmits the accumulated log information at the timing of connection to the terminal device 200.

The terminal device 200 forwards the log information received from the suction device 100 to other devices. An example of another device is a server that provides services related to the suction device 100. The server collects and analyzes log information, and is flexibly used for services such as updating of firmware of the suction apparatus 100.

Information retrieved in a heating schedule (session)

The log information may include information acquired in the heating schedule, that is, in the one-time heating schedule. When heating by the heating unit 121 is performed, the storage unit 114 stores information acquired in a heating schedule as log information. With this configuration, the status in the heating schedule can be grasped later.

The information acquired in the heating schedule may also include information for identifying the heating schedule. An example of the information for identifying the heating schedule is suction start time information indicating a time at which suction is first performed in the heating schedule, that is, a time from the start of heating to the time at which suction is first performed. With this configuration, the interval between heating schedules and the number of heating schedules per 1 day can be grasped later.

The information acquired in the heating schedule may include information indicating a factor that allows heating by the heating unit 121. The information indicating the factor that allows heating includes any one of information indicating that heating is allowed by the first lock function, information indicating that heating is allowed by the second lock function, and information indicating that the first lock function and the second lock function are disabled. When the heating is performed while the first lock function is enabled by performing an operation corresponding to the operation mode set to the first lock function and releasing the lock, the information indicating the factor that allows heating includes information indicating that heating is allowed by the first lock function. In a state where the second lock function is enabled, when the suction device 100 is unlocked and heating is performed based on communication with the terminal device 200, the information indicating the factor that allows heating includes information indicating that heating is allowed by the second lock function. When heating is performed in a state where both the first lock function and the second lock function are disabled, the information indicating the factor that allows heating includes information indicating that the first lock function and the second lock function are disabled. With this configuration, it is possible to perform analysis relating to the use of the first lock function and the second lock function.

The information acquired in the heating schedule may include the time length of the heating schedule. With this configuration, the time length of the heating schedule can be grasped later.

The information acquired in the heating schedule may include information indicating the number of inhalations performed in the heating schedule. With this configuration, the number of times of inhalation performed in the heating schedule can be grasped later.

The information acquired in the heating schedule may include information indicating the time at which inhalation was performed in the heating schedule. In this case, the information acquired in the heating schedule may include information indicating a time at which each of the one or more inhalations performed in the heating schedule is performed. With this configuration, the timing of inhalation performed in the heating schedule can be grasped later.

The information acquired in the heating schedule may include information indicating a deterioration state of the power supply unit 111 in the heating schedule. The information indicating the deterioration state of the power supply unit 111 may be, for example, a ratio of the current full charge capacity when the initial full charge capacity is 100%, or may be the number of times the accumulated value of the charge current reaches the full charge capacity. With this configuration, the transition of the deterioration state can be grasped later.

-information representing an action history

The log information may include information indicating the operation history of the suction device 100. With this configuration, the history of the operation performed by the suction device 100 up to that point can be grasped later.

The information indicating the operation history may include an integrated time from the initial start of the suction device 100 to the heating of the heating unit 121. With such a configuration, the length of time during which heating by the heating portion 121 is performed in the entire life cycle of the suction device 100 can be grasped.

The information indicating the operation history may include the time elapsed from the initial activation of the suction device 100. With such a configuration, the time length of the entire life cycle of the suction device 100 can be grasped.

The information indicating the operation history may include an integration of the number of times the heating unit 121 has heated since the first activation of the suction device 100. With such a configuration, the number of times of heating in the entire life cycle of the suction device 100 can be grasped.

The information indicating the operation history may include a history of an error occurring from the initial start of the suction apparatus 100. According to such a structure, it is possible to grasp an error generated in the entire life cycle of the suction device 100.

-information representative of the power headroom

The log information may include information indicating the remaining power level of the power supply unit 111. The storage unit 114 stores, as log information, information indicating the remaining power level among the battery information acquired for transmission to the terminal device 200. With this configuration, the change in the remaining power of the power supply unit 111 can be grasped later.

Information obtained during charging

The log information may include information acquired during charging of the power supply unit 111. When power supply unit 111 is charged, storage unit 114 stores information obtained during charging of power supply unit 111 as log information.

Examples of the information acquired during charging include information indicating a time at which charging is started and information indicating a remaining power amount at a charging start time. Another example of the information acquired during charging is information indicating the time at which charging is completed and information indicating the remaining amount of power at the time of completion of charging. With this configuration, the user can grasp the history of charging.

-timing of transmission of log information

The timing at which the suction device 100 transmits the log information may also be controlled by the terminal device 200. In detail, the terminal device 200 transmits a log request to the suction device 100 requesting a process for transmitting log information. The pumping device 100 performs the processing requested in the received log request. For example, the terminal device 200 transmits a log request requesting transmission of log information to the suction device 100, and the suction device 100 that has received the log request transmits the log information. With such a configuration, the suction device 100 can transmit the log information at an appropriate timing based on the control of the terminal device 200.

(9) Status information

The suction device 100 transmits status information indicating the status of the suction device 100 to the terminal device 200. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp the state of the suction device 100 in real time based on the received state information.

Information indicating the state of the heating portion 121

The state information may include information indicating the state of the heating portion 121. In particular, the state information may include information indicating the progress of heating by the heating unit 121. The suction device 100 transmits state information indicating the progress of heating by the heating portion 121 in the heating schedule. With such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp the state of the heating unit 121 in the heating schedule in real time based on the state information.

For example, the state information may include information indicating the start of heating by the heating unit 121. The suction device 100 transmits such status information at the timing of heating start based on the heating curve.

As another example, the state information may include information indicating that the preliminary heating is completed or the inhalation period is started. The suction device 100 transmits such status information at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of heating based on the heating profile, for example.

As another example, the state information may include information indicating a timing before a predetermined time at which the respirable period ends. The suction device 100 transmits such status information at the timing when the power supply to the heating portion 121 ends, for example.

As another example, the state information may include information indicating that the respirable period has ended. The suction device 100 transmits such status information at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the power supply to the heating portion 121, for example.

Information indicative of the state of the cover part 14

The state information may include information indicating the state of the lid 14. As an example, the state information may include information indicating whether the state of the lid 14 is an open state or a closed state. The suction device 100 transmits the state information indicating the changed state of the cover 14 at the timing when the state of the cover 14 is changed. With such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp the state of the lid 14 in real time based on the state information.

Information indicating the state of charge of the power supply section 111

The state information may include information indicating the state of charge of the power supply unit 111. As an example, the state information may include information indicating a ratio of the current charge amount to the full charge capacity of the power supply unit 111. The suction device 100 may transmit state information including information indicating the state of charging of the power supply unit 111 during charging. With such a configuration, terminal device 200 can grasp the state of charge of power supply unit 111 in real time based on the state information.

(10) Priority-based communication processing

The suction device 100 sets a priority to the information to be transmitted and received, and performs communication according to the priority. Specifically, the control unit 116 controls the communication unit 115 to transmit and receive the plurality of types of information transmitted and received by the communication unit 115 in descending order of priority. Therefore, the terminal apparatus 200 can receive information in descending order of priority, and can perform display, for example. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid a problem that the transmission order of the high-priority information is delayed and the display in the terminal device 200 is delayed.

The suction device 100 can transmit the information with high priority using an event in which the information with high priority is acquired as a trigger. With this configuration, it is possible to transmit the information having a high priority immediately after the information having a high priority is acquired.

An example of the information having a high priority is battery information. With such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can preferentially grasp the state of the power supply unit 111.

Another example of information having a high priority is status information. With such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can preferentially recognize the state of the suction device 100, and more specifically, the state of the heating portion 121. The suction device 100 may also send status information when the status of the suction device 100 changes. In this case, the terminal device 200 can grasp the state change of the suction device 100 in real time.

The suction device 100 transmits and receives information with a low priority in timing not included in the heating schedule. With this configuration, heating based on the heating curve can be prevented from being hindered by transmission and reception of information with a low priority.

An example of the information having a low priority is setting information. If the setting information is transmitted and received during the heating schedule and the setting of the suction apparatus 100 is changed, various problems may occur, such as the heating by the heating unit 121 being interrupted. In this regard, according to such a configuration, the occurrence of such a problem can be avoided.

An example of the information having a low priority is log information. The log information can include information acquired in the heating schedule, and with this configuration, it is possible to prevent incomplete information from being transmitted in the middle of acquisition.

The suction device 100 performs heating by the heating portion 121 after performing processing for transmitting battery information. With such a configuration, before heating by the heating portion 121 is performed, the user can grasp whether or not there is a sufficient power margin for heating by the heating portion 121.

The suction device 100 performs processing of transmitting log information after performing heating by the heating portion 121. With this configuration, after the heating by the heating unit 121 is completed, log information including information acquired in the immediately completed heating schedule can be transmitted.

The suction device 100 executes a process of performing setting based on the setting information before executing a process of transmitting the log information. With such a configuration, transmission and reception of the setting information can be performed with higher priority than transmission and reception of log information that can be transmitted and received once stored in the storage unit 114.

Therefore, among the battery information, the state information, the setting information, and the log information, the priority of the battery information is highest, the priority of the state information is next highest, the priority of the setting information is next highest, and the priority of the log information is lowest. With this configuration, the higher priority information can be transmitted and received with higher priority from before heating to after heating.

(11) Flow of treatment

-treatment of the whole in relation to the heating schedule

Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the overall process related to the heating schedule executed in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. In this sequence, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 participate.

As shown in fig. 5, first, the suction device 100 receives an operation to change the state of the lid 14 to the open state (step S102).

Next, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 establish connection (step S104). For example, the suction device 100 transmits a notification, and the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 that received the notification perform a procedure for establishing a connection.

Next, the suction device 100 transmits the battery information to the terminal device 200 (step S106).

Next, the suction device 100 is unlocked (step S108). For example, the suction device 100 releases the lock based on the state of the lid portion 14 being the open state and the second lock function being communicated with the terminal device 200.

Next, the suction device 100 receives an operation for instructing the start of heating (step S110).

Next, the suction device 100 starts heating based on the heating curve (step S112).

Next, the suction device 100 transmits status information including information indicating the status of the heating portion 121 to the terminal device 200 (step S114).

Next, the suction device 100 determines whether the heating schedule is finished (step S116). For example, the suction device 100 determines that the heating schedule is finished when an elapsed time from the start of heating based on the heating profile exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Alternatively, the suction device 100 determines that the heating schedule is completed when the number of times of suction performed in the heating schedule reaches a predetermined upper limit value. If it is determined that the heating schedule has not been completed (no in step S116), the process returns to step S114 again.

If it is determined that the heating schedule is completed (yes in step S116), the suction device 100 determines whether or not an operation to change the state of the lid portion 14 to the closed state is performed (step S118). When it is determined that the operation to change the state of the lid 14 to the closed state is not performed (no in step S118), the suction device 100 stands by until the operation to change the state of the lid 14 to the closed state is performed.

When it is determined that the operation to change the state of the lid portion 14 to the closed state has been performed (yes in step S118), the suction device 100 transmits state information including information indicating that the state of the lid portion 14 has changed to the closed state and battery information to the terminal device 200 (step S120).

Next, the terminal device 200 transmits setting information to the suction device 100 (step S122). Next, when the suction device 100 receives the setting information, the setting based on the received setting information is performed (step S124). Then, the suction apparatus 100 transmits a setting completion notification to the terminal apparatus 200 (step S126). If no user input is made to the terminal device 200 to change the setting of the suction device 100, the processing in steps S122 to S126 is omitted.

Next, the terminal device 200 transmits a log request requesting transmission of log information to the suction device 100 (step S128).

Next, when receiving the log request, the suction device 100 transmits the requested log information to the terminal device 200 (step S130). For example, the suction device 100 transmits the information acquired in the heating schedule in steps S112 to S116 as log information.

Then, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are disconnected (step S132). For example, the suction device 100 disconnects the connection with the terminal device 200 when the user-based operation is not detected for a specified time or longer and a log request is not received.

-treatment of the entirety in connection with charging

Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the entire process related to charging executed in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. In this sequence, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 participate.

As shown in fig. 6, first, the suction device 100 starts charging (step S202). When the suction device 100 is connected to an external power supply, charging is started.

Next, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 establish connection (step S204). For example, the suction device 100 transmits a notification, and the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 that received the notification perform a procedure for establishing a connection.

Next, the suction device 100 transmits the battery information to the terminal device 200 (step S206).

Next, the suction device 100 transmits the state information including the information indicating the state of charge of the power supply unit 111 to the terminal device 200 (step S208).

Next, the suction device 100 determines whether or not charging is finished (step S210). When the connection with the external power supply is released, the suction device 100 ends the charging. If it is determined that the charging has not been completed (no in step S210), the process returns to step S208 again.

If it is determined that charging is complete (yes in step S210), the suction device 100 transmits the state information including the information indicating the state of charging of the power supply unit 111 and the battery information to the terminal device 200 (step S212).

Next, the terminal device 200 transmits setting information to the suction device 100 (step S214). Next, when the suction apparatus 100 receives the setting information, the setting based on the received setting information is performed (step S216). Then, the suction device 100 transmits a setting completion notification to the terminal device 200 (step S218). If no user input is made to the terminal device 200 to change the setting of the suction device 100, the processing in steps S214 to S218 is omitted.

Next, the terminal device 200 transmits a log request to the suction device 100 requesting transmission of log information (step S220).

Next, when receiving the log request, the suction device 100 transmits the requested log information to the terminal device 200 (step S222). For example, the suction device 100 transmits information acquired during charging performed in steps S202 to S210 as log information.

Then, the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are disconnected (step S224). For example, the suction device 100 cuts off the connection with the terminal device 200 in a case where the user-based operation is not detected for a specified time or more and the log request is not received.

Priority-ordered communication processing in the suction device 100

Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the priority order communication process executed in the suction device according to the present embodiment.

As shown in fig. 7, first, the control unit 116 determines whether or not information having a high priority is acquired (step S302). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether or not battery information or status information is acquired.

When it is determined that the information with the high priority is acquired (yes in step S302), the control unit 116 transmits the acquired information with the high priority (step S304).

When it is determined that the information with high priority is not acquired (no in step S302), the control unit 116 transmits and receives information with low priority (step S306). For example, the control unit 116 transmits/receives setting information or log information.

< 3. Supplement >

Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that various modifications and alterations can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is needless to say that these modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

Note that a series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be implemented by any of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. The program constituting the software is stored in advance in a recording medium (non-transitory medium) provided inside or outside each device, for example. The programs are read into the RAM when executed by a computer, for example, and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, or the like. Further, the computer program may be distributed via a network, for example, without using a recording medium.

Note that the processing described in this specification using the flowcharts and sequence diagrams does not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown in the drawings. Several process steps may also be performed in parallel. Further, additional processing steps may be employed, or a part of the processing steps may be omitted.

The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

(1)

A suction device is provided with:

a communication unit that communicates with another device;

a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate including an aerosol source; and

and a control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit and receive the plurality of types of information transmitted and received by the communication unit in descending order of priority.

(2)

The suction device according to (1), wherein,

the control unit controls the communication unit to transmit information having a high priority using an event for acquiring information having a high priority as a trigger.

(3)

The suction device according to (2), wherein,

the suction device includes a power supply unit that stores and supplies electric power for operation of the suction device;

the high-priority information includes battery information indicating a state of the power supply unit.

(4)

The suction device according to (3), wherein,

the battery information includes at least either information indicating a remaining power level of the power supply unit or information indicating degradation of the power supply unit.

(5)

The suction device according to any one of (2) to (4),

the information having a high priority includes state information indicating a state of the heating portion.

(6)

The suction device according to (5), wherein,

the state information includes: information indicating that heating by the heating unit has started, information indicating that a period assumed to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol has started, information indicating a timing before a predetermined time period during which the period assumed to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol has ended, or information indicating that a period assumed to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol has ended.

(7)

The suction device according to any one of (1) to (6),

the control unit controls the communication unit so that the communication unit transmits information having a low reception priority at a timing that does not include a time zone from the start to the end of a process of generating an aerosol using the substrate.

(8)

The suction device according to (7), wherein,

the information of low priority includes setting information for setting the operation of the suction device.

(9)

The suction device according to (8), wherein,

the heating portion operates based on a heating curve in which a time-series transition of a target resistance value is defined, the target resistance value being a target value of the resistance value of the heating portion,

the setting information includes information indicating the heating profile.

(10)

The suction device according to (8) or (9), wherein,

the control section permits heating by the heating section when an operation corresponding to an operation mode set to a first locking function is performed in a case where the first locking function is enabled, and prohibits heating by the heating section when the operation corresponding to the operation mode set to the first locking function is not detected,

the setting information includes at least either information indicating whether or not the first lock function is enabled or information indicating the operation mode.

(11)

The suction device according to any one of (8) to (10),

the control unit permits heating of the heating unit when the communication unit communicates with the other device when the second lock function is enabled, and prohibits heating of the heating unit when the communication unit does not communicate with the other device,

the setting information includes information indicating whether or not the second lock function is enabled.

(12)

The suction device according to any one of (8) to (11),

the setting information includes information indicating whether or not to permit communication by the communication unit.

(13)

The suction device according to any one of (8) to (12),

the control unit controls the heating unit to stop heating when the number of times of suctioning by a user from the start of heating the substrate reaches a predetermined upper limit value,

the setting information includes information indicating the specified upper limit value.

(14)

The suction device according to any one of (7) to (13),

the suction device is further provided with a storage part for storing information,

the information having a low priority includes log information obtained by a user using the suction device, and the log information is stored in the storage unit.

(15)

The suction device according to (14), wherein,

the suction device is provided with a power supply unit which stores and supplies power for the operation of the suction device,

the log information is information acquired during a time period from the start to the end of a process of generating aerosol using the base material, and includes at least one of information indicating an operation history of the suction device, information indicating a remaining power level of the power supply unit, and information acquired during charging of the power supply unit.

(16)

The suction device according to any one of (1) to (15),

the plurality of types of information transmitted and received by the communication unit include battery information, status information, setting information, and log information,

among the battery information, the state information, the setting information, and the log information, the priority of the battery information is highest, the priority of the state information is next highest, the priority of the setting information is next highest, and the priority of the log information is lowest.

(17)

The suction device according to (16), wherein,

the control unit performs the following control: the heating of the heating portion is performed after the process of transmitting the battery information is performed.

(18)

The suction device according to (16) or (17), wherein,

the control unit performs the following control: the processing of transmitting the log information is executed after the heating by the heating portion is executed.

(19)

The suction device according to any one of (16) to (18),

the control unit performs the following control: the processing of performing the setting based on the setting information is executed before the processing of transmitting the log information is executed.

(20)

A program for causing a computer that controls a suction device to execute:

controlling a communication unit to transmit and receive a plurality of kinds of information transmitted and received by the communication unit in order of priority from high to low,

the suction device includes the communication unit that communicates with another device, and a heating unit that heats a substrate including an aerosol source to generate aerosol.

Description of the reference numerals

1: a system;

100: a suction device;

111: a power supply unit;

112: a sensor section;

113: a notification unit;

114: a storage unit;

115: a communication unit;

116: a control unit;

140: a holding section;

141: an interior space;

142: an opening;

143: a bottom;

144: a heat insulating part;

150: a rod-shaped base material;

151: a base material portion;

152: a suction port part;

11: an outer housing;

11A: a top housing;

11B: a bottom housing;

12: a cover;

13: a switch;

14: a lid portion;

15: a vent;

16: a cap member;

200: a terminal device;

210: an input section;

220: an output section;

230: a communication unit;

240: a storage unit;

250: a control unit.

Claims

1. A suction device is provided with:

a communication unit that communicates with another device;

2. The suctioning device according to claim 1, wherein,

the control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the information with high priority using an event for acquiring the information with high priority as a trigger.

3. The suctioning device according to claim 2,

the suction device includes a power supply unit that stores and supplies power for operation of the suction device;

4. The suctioning device according to claim 3,

5. The suction device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,

the information having a high priority level includes state information indicating a state of the heating portion.

6. The suctioning device according to claim 5, wherein,

the state information includes: information indicating that heating by the heating portion has started, information indicating that a period assumed to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol has started, information indicating a timing before a predetermined time period when the period assumed to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol ends, or information indicating that a period assumed to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol has ended.

7. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the control unit controls the communication unit to transmit and receive information having a low priority at a timing not included in a time zone from the start to the end of a process of generating an aerosol using the substrate.

8. The suctioning device according to claim 7, wherein,

9. The suctioning device according to claim 8, wherein,

the heating portion operates based on a heating curve in which a time-series transition of a target resistance value is defined, the target resistance value being a target value of a resistance value of the heating portion,

the setting information includes information indicating the heating profile.

10. The suction device according to claim 8 or 9,

the setting information includes at least one of information indicating whether or not the first lock function is enabled or information indicating the operation mode.

11. The suction device of any one of claims 8 to 10,

the control unit permits heating by the heating unit when the communication unit communicates with the other device when the second lock function is enabled, and prohibits heating by the heating unit when the communication unit does not communicate with the other device,

12. The suction device according to any one of claims 8 to 11,

13. The suction device of any one of claims 8 to 12,

14. The suction device according to any one of claims 7 to 13,

the information having a low priority includes log information obtained in accordance with use of the suction device by a user, and the log information is stored in the storage unit.

15. The suctioning device according to claim 14, wherein,

the suction device is provided with a power supply unit that stores and supplies electric power for operation of the suction device,

the log information includes at least one of information acquired during a time interval from start to end of a process of generating aerosol using the base material, information indicating an operation history of the suction device, information indicating a remaining power level of the power supply unit, and information acquired during charging of the power supply unit.

16. The suction device of any one of claims 1 to 15,

17. The suctioning device according to claim 16, wherein,

the control unit performs the following control: heating by the heating portion is performed after the process of transmitting the battery information is performed.

18. The suctioning device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein,

19. The suction device of any one of claims 16 to 18,

20. A program for causing a computer that controls a suction device to execute:

controlling a communication section to transmit and receive a plurality of kinds of information transmitted and received by the communication section in order of priority from high to low,

the suction device is provided with: the communication unit that communicates with another device; and a heating unit that heats the substrate including the aerosol source to generate the aerosol.