EP4706426A1

EP4706426A1 - Inhalation device, control method, and program

Info

Publication number: EP4706426A1
Application number: EP23942393.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Toru Nagahama; Kentaro Yamada
Original assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Current assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date: 2023-06-22
Filing date: 2023-06-22
Publication date: 2026-03-11
Also published as: TW202500034A; KR20250172967A; CN121263094A; WO2024261960A1; JPWO2024261960A1

Abstract

PROBLEM: To provide an arrangement enabling broader application of an inhalation device.

SOLUTION: An inhalation device comprising: a notification unit for notifying a user of information; a holding portion for removably holding an article having a predetermined shape; a load for generating energy for heating an aerosol source contained in the article held by the holding portion; and a control unit for controlling operation of the notification unit and the load, wherein the control unit operates in either: a first operating mode permitting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, or a second operating mode prohibiting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, and, in the first operating mode, controls the notification unit to notify information commensurate with a state of the inhalation device, and, in the second operating mode, controls the notification unit to maintain operation in a predetermined manner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an inhalation device, a control method, and a program.

BACKGROUND ART

Inhalation devices that generate substances to be inhaled by a user are in widespread use. For example, an inhalation device employs an aerosol source for generating an aerosol, and a substrate including a flavor source or the like for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol, to generate an aerosol to which the flavor component has been imparted. The user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component has been imparted, generated by the inhalation device. The action by which the user inhales the aerosol will also be referred to below as "puffing" or a "puffing action". Examples of devices classified as inhalation devices that may be cited include those used in place of cigarettes, such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco, and also nebulizers, etc. used for medical purposes. It should be noted that an electronic cigarette is an inhalation device of the type which generates an aerosol by atomizing a liquid aerosol source. Heated tobacco is an inhalation device of the type which generates an aerosol by heating a solid containing an aerosol source.
Inhalation devices equipped with multiple operating modes are being investigated. For example, PTL 1 below discloses an inhalation device capable of operating in a normal mode in which vapor can be generated, or a menu mode in which vapor cannot be generated but settings for operational parameters are accepted.

CITATION LIST

PATENT LITERATURE

PTL 1: JP 6193381 B2

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

However, the mode is changed by the inhalation device disclosed in PTL 1 above only when the inhalation device is being used by a user. That is to say, the change of mode has limited application.
Accordingly, the present disclosure was devised in light of the problem above, and the objective of the present disclosure lies in providing an arrangement enabling broader application of an inhalation device.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

In order to solve the problem above, one aspect of the present disclosure provides an inhalation device comprising: a notification unit for notifying a user of information; a holding portion for removably holding an article having a predetermined shape; a load for generating energy for heating an aerosol source contained in the article held by the holding portion; and a control unit for controlling operation of the notification unit and the load, wherein the control unit operates in either: a first operating mode permitting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, or a second operating mode prohibiting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, and, in the first operating mode, controls the notification unit to notify information commensurate with a state of the inhalation device, and, in the second operating mode, controls the notification unit to maintain operation in a predetermined manner.
The control unit may operate in the second operating mode only when a first condition has been met.
The first condition may include an external power source being connected to the inhalation device via a predetermined connection terminal.
A power source unit for storing and supplying power for operating the inhalation device may be detachably attached to the inhalation device, and the first condition may include a predetermined abovementioned power source unit being attached to the inhalation device.
The first condition may include a predetermined article being held in the holding portion.
In the second operating mode, the control unit may control the notification unit to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern.
The inhalation device may further comprise a communication unit capable of wireless communication, and the control unit may update the predetermined light emission pattern based on information received by the communication unit.
The control unit may control the notification unit to emit light in the predetermined light emission pattern commensurately with an article held in the holding portion.
The inhalation device may further comprise a communication unit capable of wireless communication, and, in the second operating mode, the control unit may control the notification unit so that said notification unit and a notification unit of at least one other inhalation device each separately emit light in the predetermined light emission pattern based on information received by the communication unit.
The inhalation device may further comprise a power source unit for storing and supplying power for operating the inhalation device, and, when an external power source has been connected to the inhalation device, the control unit may perform control so that power from the external power source is supplied to the power source unit in the first operating mode, and so that power from the external power source is supplied to a component other than the power source unit in the second operating mode.
The inhalation device may further comprise a communication unit capable of wireless communication, and, in the second operating mode, the control unit may cause the communication unit to operate on a weaker transmission power than in the first operating mode.
The inhalation device may have a removable auxiliary device for generating an aerosol, and, in the second operating mode, the control unit may control the auxiliary device to generate an aerosol.
The control unit may control the notification unit to issue a warning if a second condition is not met when there is a transition from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.
Furthermore, in order to solve the problem above, another aspect of the present disclosure provides a control method implemented by means of a computer for controlling an inhalation device, wherein the inhalation device comprises: a notification unit for notifying a user of information; a holding portion for removably holding an article having a predetermined shape; and a load for generating energy for heating an aerosol source contained in the article held by the holding portion, and the control method comprises: operating in either: a first operating mode permitting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, or a second operating mode prohibiting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, and, in the first operating mode, controlling the notification unit to notify information commensurate with a state of the inhalation device, and, in the second operating mode, controlling the notification unit to maintain operation in a predetermined manner.
Furthermore, in order to solve the problem above, another aspect of the present disclosure provides a program implemented by means of a computer for controlling an inhalation evice, wherein the inhalation device comprises: a notification unit for notifying a user of information; a holding portion for removably holding an article having a predetermined shape; and a load for generating energy for heating an aerosol source contained in the article held by the holding portion, and the program causes the computer to function as a control unit for controlling operation of the notification unit and the load, and the control unit operates in either: a first operating mode permitting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, or a second operating mode prohibiting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, and, in the first operating mode, controls the notification unit to notify information commensurate with a state of the inhalation device, and, in the second operating mode, controls the notification unit to maintain operation in a predetermined manner.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

The present disclosure as described above provides an arrangement enabling broader application of an inhalation device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an inhalation device according to the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 shows an example of the external configuration of an inhalation device operating in a promotional mode.
Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing implemented by the inhalation device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an inhalation device according to a second variant example.
Fig. 5 is a diagram to illustrate operation of an inhalation device according to a third variant example.
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an inhalation device according to a fourth variant example.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the appended drawings. It should be noted that components having substantially the same functional configuration will be assigned the same reference numbers in the description and drawings to avoid giving a duplicate description.

1. Configuration example of inhalation device

An inhalation device is a device for generating a substance to be inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the inhalation device will be described as being an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an inhalation device according to the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 1, an inhalation device 100 according to this configuration example comprises: a power source unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, an accommodating portion 140, and a heat insulating portion 144.
The power source unit 111 stores electrical power. The power source unit 111 then supplies the electrical power to each component of the inhalation device 100 in accordance with control performed by the control unit 116. The power source unit 111 may be configured by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, for example.
The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information relating to the inhalation device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor or a temperature sensor, etc., and acquires values associated with inhalation by a user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by an input device, such as a button or switch, for accepting input of information from the user.
The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is configured by a light-emitting device which emits light, a display device which displays images, a sound output device which outputs sound, or a vibration device which vibrates, etc., for example.
The memory unit 114 stores various types of information for operation of the inhalation device 100. The memory unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.
The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards that may be used include standards that employ Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near-Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), for example.
The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls overall operation within the inhalation device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by a CPU (central processing unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example.
The accommodating portion 140 has an internal space 141, and holds a stick-type substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The accommodating portion 140 has an opening 142 allowing the internal space 141 to communicate with the outside, and accommodates the stick-type substrate 150 which has been inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the accommodating portion 140 is a cylindrical body comprising the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the accommodating portion 140. An air inflow hole, which is an inlet for air into the air flow path, is disposed in a side surface of the inhalation device 100, for example. An air outflow hole, which is an outlet for air from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is disposed in the bottom portion 143, for example.
The stick-type substrate 150 comprises a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may, for example, be a liquid such as water or a polyhydric alcohol, for example glycerol or propylene glycol, containing the tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or may be a solid including the tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. In a state in which the stick-type substrate 150 is held in the accommodating portion 140, at least part of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when the user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via the air flow path, which is not illustrated in the drawings, and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.
The heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating the aerosol. In the example shown in fig. 1, the heating unit 121 has a film-like form and is arranged so as to cover the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140. Then, when the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 is heated from the outer circumference and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when supplied with electricity from the power source unit 111. By way of example, electricity may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and/or that predetermined information has been input. The supply of electricity may then be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished inhaling and/or that predetermined information has been input.
The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating unit 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 is configured from a vacuum heat insulating material or an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.
A configuration example of the inhalation device 100 has been described above. The inhalation device 100 is, of course, not limited to the configuration described above, and may adopt various configurations, such as those illustrated below by way of example.
As one example, the heating unit 121 may have a blade-like form and may be arranged so as to protrude into the internal space 141 from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. In that case, the blade-like heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 and heats the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be arranged so as to cover the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured by a combination of two or more from among a first heating unit covering the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140, a blade-like second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140.
As another example, the accommodating portion 140 may comprise an opening/closing mechanism such as a hinge for opening/closing part of a casing that forms the internal space 141. By opening/closing the casing, the accommodating portion 140 may then receive and grip the stick-type substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141. In that case, the heating unit 121 may be provided on the part of the accommodating portion 140 gripping the stick-type substrate 150, and may heat the stick-type substrate 150 while pressing same.
Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating provided by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the inhalation device 100 comprises at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil for generating a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. A susceptor which generates heat by means of induction heating may be provided in the inhalation device 100, or may be contained in the stick-type substrate 150.
The accommodating portion 140 is an example of a holding portion for removably holding an article having a predetermined shape such as the stick-type substrate 150. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 is an example of a load for generating energy for heating the aerosol source contained in the stick-type substrate 150 accommodated in the accommodating portion 140. As described above, the inhalation device 100 may comprise an electromagnetic induction source as the load, instead of the heating unit 121.

2. Technical features

The inhalation device 100 (more specifically, the control unit 116) according to this embodiment is capable of operating in either a first operating mode or a second operating mode.
The first operating mode is an operating mode permitting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the heating unit 121. Put more simply, the first operating mode is an operating mode permitting heating of the stick-type substrate 150 by the heating unit 121. In the first operating mode, the control unit 116 starts heating by the heating unit 121 when the user has performed an operation to instruct the start of heating. It should be noted that examples of user operations to instruct the start of heating that may be cited include pressing of a button, insertion of the stick-type substrate 150 into the accommodating portion 140, and receipt of information instructing the start of heating from another device such as a smartphone, etc.
In the first operating mode, the notification unit 113 notifies information commensurate with the state of the inhalation device 100. For example, the notification unit 113 notifies information indicating that heating has started, that heating is in progress, that heating has ended, or that communication is in progress, etc.
The first operating mode will also be referred to below as a "normal mode". After being purchased by the user, the inhalation device 100 operates in normal mode and generates an aerosol in accordance with a user instruction.
The second operating mode is an operating mode prohibiting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the heating unit 121. Put more simply, the second operating mode is an operating mode prohibiting heating of the stick-type substrate 150 by the heating unit 121. In the second operating mode, the control unit 116 does not start heating by the heating unit 121 even if the user has performed an operation to instruct the start of heating.
In the second operating mode, the notification unit 113 maintains operation in a predetermined manner. In the second operating mode, the notification unit 113 can attract the attention of a person or people in the surrounding area to the inhalation device 100 by maintaining operation in the predetermined manner. This can induce a desire to purchase the inhalation device 100 and promote sales of the inhalation device 100.
The second operating mode will also be referred to below as a promotional (i.e., sales promotion) mode. The inhalation device 100 operates in the promotional mode and provides a promotional demonstration when utilized to promote the inhalation device 100.
Manufacturers of devices such as the inhalation device 100 actively promote their devices. For example, a manufacturer will often place dummy devices in sales outlets such as convenience stores in order to promote sales. However, manufacturing and mass producing these promotional dummy devices require costs and labor. In this regard, the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment is capable of operating in a promotional mode, in addition to the normal mode. Inhalation devices 100 which have been manufactured and mass produced to be sold to users can therefore also be used for promotional purposes without modification. It is possible to reduce costs and labor for sales promotions as a result.
Fig. 2 shows an example of the external configuration of the inhalation device 100 operating in the promotional mode. As shown in fig. 2, the inhalation device 100 comprises an indicator 113a which is an example of the notification unit 113. The indicator 113a comprises a light-emitting device, such as a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and is capable of varying the color of light emission and region of light emission. In the promotional mode, the control unit 116 may control the indicator 113a to maintain emission of light in a predetermined light emission pattern in order to serve as a promotional demonstration. The light emission pattern constitutes information defining an operating pattern of the light-emitting device, and includes the color, brightness, and duration of light emission, and intervals of light emission when light is emitted multiple times, etc. As an example, the light emission pattern in the promotional mode may be a pattern in which the color of light emission randomly changes to red, yellow or orange, imitating a flickering flame. As another example, the light emission pattern in the promotional mode may be a pattern in which the color of light emission varies according to the time of day, such as white in the morning, orange in the afternoon, and red at night. It should be noted that the control unit 116 may acquire time information from a clock built into the inhalation device 100, or may receive time information wirelessly from a smartphone, etc.
As shown in fig. 2, a charging cable 2 for charging the inhalation device 100 is preferably connected to the inhalation device 100 when it is operating in the promotional mode. The charging cable 2 is connected to an external power source such as an electrical outlet and supplies the inhalation device 100 with power from the external power source. The inhalation device 100 operating in the promotional mode with the charging cable 2 connected can maintain the promotional demonstration semi-permanently by preventing the charge from running out.
The control unit 116 may update the light emission pattern in the promotional mode on the basis of information received by the communication unit 115. For example, a sales outlet updates the light emission pattern in the promotional mode to the optimum pattern tailored to the location of the sales outlet, the weather, and characteristics, etc. of customers visiting the sales outlet. This makes it possible to further improve the promotional effect.
Restrictions may be imposed on various functions in the promotional mode. Put more simply, restrictions may be imposed in the promotional mode on functions other than those functions which may be used for promotional purposes. The heating function afforded by the heating unit 121 is an example of such a function which is restricted in the promotional mode.
The communication unit 115 may perform wireless communication in the promotional mode also. Communication for updating the abovementioned light emission pattern in the promotional mode may be performed in the promotional mode. However, in the promotional mode, the control unit 116 may restrict functions of the communication unit 115 as compared to its functions in the normal mode. As an example, the control unit 116 may cause the communication unit 115 to operate on a weaker transmission power in the promotional mode than in the normal mode. As another example, the control unit 116 may cause the communication unit 115 to operate in a narrower frequency band in the promotional mode than in the normal mode. By virtue of this configuration, it is possible to inhibit radio wave interference between the inhalation device 100 operating in the promotional mode and various appliances in the sales outlet, thereby limiting any disadvantage to the sales outlet.
The control unit 116 may restrict charging of the power source unit 111 in the promotional mode. That is to say, when an external power source is connected to the inhalation device 100 in the normal mode, the control unit 116 may perform control to supply the power source unit 111 with power from the external power source. Put more simply, the control unit 116 may charge the power source unit 111 by supplying the power source unit 111 with power from the external power source in the normal mode. When an external power source is connected to the inhalation device 100 in the promotional mode, on the other hand, the control unit 116 may perform control to supply a component other than the power source unit 111 with power from the external power source. For example, in the promotional mode, the control unit 116 may perform control to supply power from the external power source directly to a component operating in the promotional mode, such as the notification unit 113, bypassing the power source unit 111. The power supply within the inhalation device 100 may be controlled by controlling a diode or the like provided on the wiring. Promotional activities are often performed over the course of several hours typically. The power source unit 111 may therefore deteriorate if the power source unit 111 is involved in promotional activities. In this regard, the configuration above makes it possible to ensure that the power source unit 111 is not involved in operations in the promotional mode, and it is possible to prevent the power source unit 111 from deteriorating.
The control unit 116 may operate in the promotional mode only when a first condition (which will also be referred to below as a "promotional mode transition condition") has been met. By virtue of this configuration, the inhalation device 100 can be operated in the promotional mode only at sales outlets which are aware of the promotional mode transition condition. As a result, it is possible to inhibit a reduction in usability when general users use the inhalation device 100.
The promotional mode transition condition may include an external power source being connected to the inhalation device 100 via a predetermined connection terminal. Put more simply, the promotional mode transition condition may include an external power source being connected to the inhalation device 100 via a promotional charging cable 2 having the predetermined connection terminal. The promotional charging cable 2 is a dedicated promotional charging cable 2 provided to the sales outlet for promotional use. The connection terminal of the charging cable 2 may be a USB connector, for example. The electrical characteristics of a plurality of pins included in the USB connector may then differ between a promotional charging cable 2 and a normal charging cable 2. The electrical characteristics as referred to here may be current value, voltage value or potential. In this case, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the promotional mode transition condition has been met by identifying whether the connected charging cable 2 is a promotional charging cable 2 or a normal charging cable 2, based on the electrical characteristics of the connection terminal of the connected charging terminal 2. This configuration makes it possible to improve usability in that the power for transitioning to the promotional mode and maintaining the promotional mode, as well as operating in the promotional mode, is supplied simply by connecting a promotional charging cable 2 to the inhalation device 100.
The control unit 116 may transition to the normal mode when the promotional mode transition condition has not been met. For example, the control unit 116 may transition to the normal mode when the promotional charging cable 2 which was connected to the inhalation device 100 has been removed. This configuration makes it possible to improve usability in that the transition from the promotional mode to the normal mode is achieved simply by removing the promotional charging cable 2 from the inhalation device 100.
Here, the control unit 116 may control the notification unit 113 to issue a warning if a second condition (also referred to below as a "promotional mode canceling condition") is not met when there is a transition from the promotional mode to the normal mode. Meanwhile, the control unit 116 may control the notification unit 113 to provide no notification or to notify information indicating a transition to the normal mode if the promotional mode canceling condition has been met when there is a transition from the promotional mode to the normal mode. An example of the promotional mode canceling condition may be a predetermined user operation being performed, such as a long press on a button, opening/closing of a shutter for opening/closing the opening 142, and input of a password through a smartphone. The warning may be a ringing sound at loud volume. This configuration allows the sales outlet to be notified of an accidental transition to the normal mode. This also prevents theft of an inhalation device 100 displayed in a store for promotional purposes.
An example of a processing flow will be described below with reference to fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing implemented by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment.
As shown in fig. 3, the control unit 116 first of all determines whether or not the promotional mode transition condition has been met (step S102). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the promotional mode transition condition has been met according to whether or not an external power source has been connected to the inhalation device 100 via the promotional charging cable 2.
If the promotional mode transition condition is judged to have been met (step S102: YES), then the control unit 116 sets the operating mode to the promotional mode (step S104).
The control unit 116 then controls the notification unit 113 to maintain emission of light in a predetermined light emission pattern (step S106). The processing ends after this.
Meanwhile, if the promotional mode transition condition is judged not to have been met (step S102: NO), then the control unit 116 sets the operating mode to the normal mode (step S108).
The control unit 116 then determines whether or not a user operation instructing the start of heating has been detected (step S110). The control unit 116 stands by until a user operation instructing the start of heating is detected (step S110: NO).
When a user operation instructing the start of heating has been detected (step S110: YES), the control unit 116 start heating by the heating unit 121 (step S112). The control unit 116 then controls the notification unit 113 to notify information according to the progress of heating during heating by the heating unit 121 (step S114). For example, the control unit 116 may reduce a light emission region of the indicator 113a as more time passes from the start of heating.
After this, the control unit 116 terminates heating by the heating unit 121 and terminates the processing (step S116).

3. Supplementary information

A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure was described in detail above with reference to the appended drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs will be able to conceive of a number of variant examples or modified examples within the scope of the technical concept disclosed in the claims, and any such variant examples or modified examples are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

(1) First Variant Example

An external power source being connected to the inhalation device 100 via the promotional charging cable 2 was cited as an example of the promotional mode transition condition in the embodiment above, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example.
The power source unit 111 may be configured as a battery pack which is removably attached to the inhalation device 100. The promotional mode transition condition may then include a promotional battery pack (an example of a predetermined power source unit 111) being attached to the inhalation device 100. The promotional battery pack is a dedicated promotional battery pack provided to the sales outlet for promotional use. The promotional battery pack may be provided with a predetermined magnetic member. In this case, the inhalation device 100 determines whether or not the promotional mode transition condition has been met according to whether or not this predetermined magnetic member has been detected by means of a magnetic sensor. This configuration makes it possible to improve usability in that the power for transitioning to the promotional mode and maintaining the promotional mode, as well as operating in the promotional mode, is supplied simply by attaching a promotional battery pack to the inhalation device 100.
The promotional mode transition condition may include a promotional article (an example of a predetermined article) being accommodated (i.e., held) in the accommodating portion 140. The promotional article is a dedicated promotional article provided to the sales outlet for promotional use. The promotional article does not need to include an aerosol source, and it may simply be an article having a predetermined shape which is the same as that of the stick-type substrate 150. This configuration makes it possible to improve usability in that transitioning to the promotional mode and maintaining the promotional mode are achieved simply by inserting the promotional article into the accommodating portion 140.
Meanwhile, the promotional mode transition condition may include receiving predetermined information from another device such as a smartphone. Furthermore, the promotional mode transition condition may include input of predetermined information such as a password via an input device such as a button or a touch panel installed on the inhalation device 100.

(2) Second Variant Example

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the inhalation device 100 according to a second variant example. As shown in fig. 4, the accommodating portion 140 of the inhalation device 100 according to this variant example accommodates a promotional device 160, instead of the stick-type substrate 150. The promotional device 160 comprises a heating unit 161, a liquid guiding portion 162, a liquid storage portion 163, an air flow path 164, and a light-emitting unit 165. The promotional device 160 is an example of an auxiliary device for generating an aerosol.
The liquid storage portion 163 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 163 is a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water, for example. The liquid storage portion 163 may further comprise a flavor source, which is a component for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol. The aerosol source may include a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component.
The liquid guiding portion 162 guides the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 163, from the liquid storage portion 163, and holds the aerosol source. The liquid guiding portion 162 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting either a fibrous material such as glass fibers or a porous material such as a porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 163 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.
The heating unit 161 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating the aerosol. In the example shown in fig. 4, the heating unit 161 is configured as a coil wrapped around the liquid guiding portion 162. When the heating unit 161 generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding portion 162 is heated and atomized, generating the aerosol.
The air flow path 164 is a flow path for air containing the aerosol generated by means of the heating unit 161. An opening 164a of the air flow path 164 is provided at an end portion of the promotional device 160 on the side protruding from the opening 142 in a state where the promotional device 160 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 140. The aerosol generated by means of the heating unit 161 is then released to the outside through the air flow path 164.
The light-emitting unit 165 is configured by light-emitting device such as an LED. The light-emitting unit 165 is disposed at a position on the promotional device 160 protruding from the opening 142 in a state in which the promotional device 160 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 140. That is to say, light emitted by the light-emitting unit 165 is visible from the outside in a state in which the promotional device 160 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 140.
The promotional device 160 may comprise a communication unit and a control unit which are not depicted. The communication unit of the promotional device 160 is configured in the same way as the communication unit 115 described above, and is capable of wireless communication with the communication unit 115 of the inhalation device 100 in which the promotional device 160 is housed. Furthermore, the control unit of the promotional device 160 is configured in the same way as the control unit 116 described above, and controls overall operation within the promotional device 160 in accordance with various programs.
In the promotional mode, the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 may control the promotional device 160 to maintain operation in a predetermined manner. As an example, the control unit 116 may control the promotional device 160 to maintain heating by the heating unit 161 to thereby maintain generation of an aerosol. As another example, the control unit 116 may control the promotional device 160 to maintain emission of light in a predetermined light emission pattern by means of the light-emitting unit 165. The control unit 116 controls the promotional device 160 through wireless communication using the communication unit 115. This configuration makes it possible to further improve the promotional effect as compared to when the inhalation device 100 alone emits light.
It should be noted that the promotional device 160 is an example of the promotional article described in the first variant example. That is to say, the control unit 116 may judge that the promotional mode transition condition has been met when the promotional device 160 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 140, and may operate in the promotional mode.

(3) Third Variant Example

Fig. 5 is a diagram to illustrate operation of the inhalation device 100 according to a third variant example. As shown in fig. 5, a plurality of inhalation devices 100 (100A-100C) provide a collaborative promotional demonstration based on control by a terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 is a device such as a smartphone operated by the sales outlet. For example, the terminal device 200 sends information instructing light emission in a predetermined light emission pattern to each of the plurality of inhalation devices 100 operating in the promotional mode. The control unit 116 of each of the plurality of inhalation devices 100 operating in the promotional mode then controls the notification unit 113 so that said notification unit 113 and the notification unit 113 of at least one other inhalation device 100 each separately emit light in a predetermined pattern based on information received by the communication unit 115. As a result, the indicator 113a of the inhalation device 100A, the indicator 113a of the inhalation device 100B, and the indicator 113a of the inhalation device 100C each emit light in succession at intervals of 1 second. This configuration makes it possible to improve the promotional effect as compared to when a single inhalation device 100 performs a promotional demonstration.
It should be noted that an example in which multiple inhalation devices 100 collaborate on the basis of control by the terminal device 200 was described in relation to fig. 5, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. A plurality of inhalation devices 100 positioned in a range over which wireless communication is possible may equally be paired with each other to establish wireless communication, and then collaborate to provide a promotional demonstration.

(4) Fourth Variant Example

An example in which an inhalation device 100 configured as heated tobacco performs a promotional demonstration was described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. An inhalation device 100 configured as an electronic cigarette or a nebulizer may equally perform a promotional demonstration.
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the inhalation device 100 according to a fourth variant example. As shown in fig. 6, the inhalation device 100 according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 comprises a power source unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, and a control unit 116. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121, a liquid guiding portion 122, and a liquid storage portion 123. The flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.
The power source unit 111, sensor unit 112, notification unit 113, memory unit 114, communication unit 115, and control unit 116 are each substantially the same as the corresponding component included in the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 1.
The liquid storage portion 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water, for example. The aerosol source may include a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug.
The liquid guiding portion 122 guides the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123, and holds the aerosol source. The liquid guiding portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting either a fibrous material such as glass fibers or a porous material such as a porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.
he heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating the aerosol. In the example shown in fig. 6, the heating unit 121 is configured as a coil wrapped around the liquid guiding portion 122. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding portion 122 is heated and atomized, generating the aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when supplied with electricity from the power source unit 111. By way of example, electricity may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and/or that predetermined information has been input. The supply of electricity may then be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished inhaling and/or that predetermined information has been input.
The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.
The air flow path 180 is a flow path for air to be inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inflow hole 181, which is an inlet for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outflow hole 182, which is an outlet for air from the air flow path 180, at the two ends thereof. Part way along the air flow path 180, the liquid guiding portion 122 is disposed on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inflow hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outflow hole 182). Air flowing in through the air inflow hole 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121 and transported through the flavor source 131 to the air outflow hole 182, as shown by the arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor component contained in the flavor source 131 is added to the aerosol.
The mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the user's mouth during inhalation. The air outflow hole 182 is disposed in the mouthpiece 124. The user holds the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth and inhales, making it possible to draw the mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity.
A configuration example of the inhalation device 100 has been described above. The inhalation device 100 is, of course, not limited to the configuration described above, and may adopt various configurations, such as those illustrated below by way of example.
As an example, the inhalation device 100 need not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In this case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.
As another example, the inhalation device 100 may include a plurality of types of aerosol sources. A plurality of types of aerosol generated from the plurality of types of aerosol sources may be mixed within the air flow path 180 to cause a chemical reaction, thereby generating yet more other types of aerosol.
Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating provided by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.
Moreover, the power supply unit 110 and the cartridge 120 are detachably connected. As an example, the power supply unit 110 and the cartridge 120 may be screwed together. The wiring for power supply to and control of components of the power supply unit 110 and components of the cartridge 120 is then connected at the screw portion. The screw portion of the power supply unit 110 is an example of a holding portion for removably holding the cartridge 120 which is an article having a predetermined shape. The cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 may also be detachably connected. As an example, the cartridge 120 may have a cavity capable of accommodating at least a portion of the flavoring cartridge 130, and the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 may be connected by inserting the flavoring cartridge 130 into this cavity.
The inhalation device 100 according to this variant example may operate in the same manner as the inhalation device 100 described in the embodiment or the variant example above.
As an example, the notification unit 113 may notify information commensurate with the state of the inhalation device 100 in the normal mode, and may maintain operation in a predetermined manner in the promotional mode. The notification unit 113 may operate in the same manner as the operation described in the embodiment or the variant example above.
As another example, the control unit 116 may operate in the promotional mode only when the promotional mode transition condition has been met. The promotional mode transition condition described in the embodiment or the variant example above may similarly be used as the promotional mode transition condition in this variant example.
In particular, the promotional mode transition condition may include a promotional cartridge, which is a promotional article, being connected to (i.e., held in) the power supply unit 110. The promotional cartridge may have a mechanism by which it can be authenticated as a promotional article, and the control unit 116 may detect that the promotional cartridge has been connected to the power supply unit 110 based on this authentication mechanism. A magnetic member or an integrated circuit (IC) chip, or the like, may be cited as authentication mechanisms. Furthermore, a light-emitting unit configured by a light-emitting device such as an LED may be provided in the promotional cartridge, and the control unit 116 may control the light-emitting unit provided in the promotional cartridge to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern in the promotional mode. There may also be multiple types of promotional cartridges. The control unit 116 may then control the notification unit 113 or the light-emitting unit provided in the promotional cartridge to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern according to the type of promotional cartridge connected to the power supply unit 110.

(5) Other supplementary information

An example in which the notification unit 113 maintains emission of light in a predetermined pattern in the promotional mode was described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. As an example, the notification unit 113 may maintain vibration in a predetermined vibration pattern in the promotional mode. The vibration pattern constitutes information defining an operating pattern of a vibration device such as an eccentric motor, and includes the frequency, intensity, and duration of vibration, and intervals of vibration when there are multiple occurrences of vibration, etc. As another example, a display serving as the notification unit 113 may maintain a display of predetermined characters in the promotional mode.
In the promotional mode, the inhalation device 100 may wirelessly communicate with a device such as a smartphone in the possession of a customer visiting a sales outlet. The inhalation device 100 may then send, to the customer device, a coupon which can be used to purchase the inhalation device 100, for example. This configuration makes it possible to further improve the promotional effect.
In the embodiment described above, at least part of the functional configuration of the inhalation device 100 may be included in another device. A charger for charging the inhalation device 100 may be cited as an example of another such device. The charger has a mechanism to/from which the inhalation device 100 can be attached/detached, and can charge the inhalation device 100 or send/receive information to/from the inhalation device 100 with the inhalation device 100 connected. As an example, the charger may have a wireless communication function, and may relay transmission and reception of information between the inhalation device 100 and a device such as a smartphone. As another example, the charger may have a memory function and store information received from or to be sent to the inhalation device 100. The combination of the inhalation device 100 and the charging device may be regarded as an aerosol generation system.
It should be noted that the series of processes performed by each device described in the present description may be realized by using software, hardware, or any combination of software and hardware. Programs constituting the software are prestored on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided internally or externally to each device, for example. When the programs are then executed, for example, by a computer for controlling each device described in the present description, the programs are read into a random access memory (RAM) and executed by means of a processing circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU). The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory, etc. Furthermore, the computer programs may be distributed via a network, for example, without the use of a recording medium. Furthermore, the computer may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor which executes functions by reading software programs, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing, etc. Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in the present description may be processed centrally by a single computer, or may be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers. In addition, in the embodiments described above, two or more communication means present in a single device may be physically realized by a single medium.
Furthermore, the processing described using flowcharts or sequence diagrams in the present description need not necessarily be implemented in the order depicted. Some processing steps may be implemented in parallel. Furthermore, additional processing steps may be employed and some processing steps may be omitted.
The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

(1) An inhalation device comprising:
- a notification unit for notifying a user of information;
- a holding portion for removably holding an article having a predetermined shape; and
- a load for generating energy for heating an aerosol source contained in the article held by the holding portion,
- a control unit for controlling operation of the notification unit and the load,
- wherein
- the control unit
- operates in either: a first operating mode permitting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, or a second operating mode prohibiting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, and
- in the first operating mode, controls the notification unit to notify information commensurate with a state of the inhalation device, and, in the second operating mode, controls the notification unit to maintain operation in a predetermined manner.
(2) The inhalation device as disclosed (1) above, wherein the control unit operates in the second operating mode only when a first condition has been met.
(3) The inhalation device as disclosed in (2) above, wherein the first condition includes an external power source being connected to the inhalation device via a predetermined connection terminal.
(4) The inhalation device as disclosed in (2) or (3) above, wherein a power source unit for storing and supplying power for operating the inhalation device is detachably attached to the inhalation device, and
the first condition includes a predetermined abovementioned power source unit being attached to the inhalation device.
(5) The inhalation device as disclosed in any one of (2) to (4) above, wherein the first condition includes a predetermined article being held in the holding portion.
(6) The inhalation device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein, in the second operating mode, the control unit controls the notification unit to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern.
(7) The inhalation device as disclosed (6) above, further comprising a communication unit capable of wireless communication, wherein
the control unit updates the predetermined light emission pattern based on information received by the communication unit.
(8) The inhalation device as disclosed (6) or (7) above, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to emit light in the predetermined light emission pattern commensurately with an article held in the holding portion.
(9) The inhalation device as disclosed in any one of (6) to (8) above, further comprising a communication unit capable of wireless communication, wherein
in the second operating mode, the control unit controls the notification unit so that said notification unit and a notification unit of at least one other inhalation device each separately emit light in the predetermined light emission pattern based on information received by the communication unit.
(10) The inhalation device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (9) above, further comprising a power source unit for storing and supplying power for operating the inhalation device, wherein
when an external power source has been connected to the inhalation device, the control unit performs control so that power from the external power source is supplied to the power source unit in the first operating mode, and so that power from the external power source is supplied to a component other than the power source unit in the second operating mode.
(11) The inhalation device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (10) above, further comprising a communication unit capable of wireless communication, wherein
in the second operating mode, the control unit causes the communication unit to operate on a weaker transmission power than in the first operating mode.
(12) The inhalation device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (11) above, having a removable auxiliary device for generating an aerosol, wherein
in the second operating mode, the control unit controls the auxiliary device to generate an aerosol.
(13) The inhalation device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to issue a warning if a second condition is not met when there is a transition from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.
(14) A control method implemented by means of a computer for controlling an inhalation device, wherein
the inhalation device comprises:
- a notification unit for notifying a user of information;
- a holding portion for removably holding an article having a predetermined shape; and
- a load for generating energy for heating an aerosol source contained in the article held by the holding portion,
- wherein
- the control method comprises:
  - operating in either: a first operating mode permitting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, or a second operating mode prohibiting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, and
  - in the first operating mode, controlling the notification unit to notify information commensurate with a state of the inhalation device, and, in the second operating mode, controlling the notification unit to maintain operation in a predetermined manner.
(15) A program implemented by means of a computer for controlling an inhalation device, wherein
the inhalation device comprises:
- a notification unit for notifying a user of information;
- a holding portion for removably holding an article having a predetermined shape; and
- a load for generating energy for heating an aerosol source contained in the article held by the holding portion, wherein
- the program causes the computer to function as
- a control unit for controlling operation of the notification unit and the load, and the control unit
- operates in either: a first operating mode permitting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, or a second operating mode prohibiting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, and
- in the first operating mode, controls the notification unit to notify information commensurate with a state of the inhalation device, and, in the second operating mode, controls the notification unit to maintain operation in a predetermined manner.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

100 Inhalation device
110 Power supply unit
111 Power source unit
112 Sensor unit
113 Notification unit (113a: Indicator)
114 Memory unit
115 Communication unit
116 Control unit
120 Cartridge
121 Heating unit
122 Liquid guiding portion
123 Liquid storage portion
124 Mouthpiece
130 Flavoring cartridge
131 Flavor source
140 Accommodating portion
141 Internal space
142 Opening
143 Bottom portion
144 Heat insulating portion
150 Stick-type substrate
151 Substrate portion
152 Mouthpiece portion
160 Promotional device
161 Heating unit
162 Liquid guiding portion
163 Liquid storage portion
164 Air flow path (164a: Opening)
165 Light-emitting unit
180 Air flow path (181: Air inflow hole, 182: Air outflow hole)
2 Charging cable
200 Terminal device

Claims

An inhalation device comprising:
a notification unit for notifying a user of information;

a holding portion for removably holding an article having a predetermined shape;

a load for generating energy for heating an aerosol source contained in the article held by the holding portion; and

a control unit for controlling operation of the notification unit and the load,

wherein

the control unit

operates in either: a first operating mode permitting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, or a second operating mode prohibiting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, and

in the first operating mode, controls the notification unit to notify information commensurate with a state of the inhalation device, and, in the second operating mode, controls the notification unit to maintain operation in a predetermined manner.
The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit operates in the second operating mode only when a first condition has been met.
The inhalation device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first condition includes an external power source being connected to the inhalation device via a predetermined connection terminal.
The inhalation device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein a power source unit for storing and supplying power for operating the inhalation device is detachably attached to the inhalation device, and
the first condition includes a predetermined abovementioned power source unit being attached to the inhalation device.
The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first condition includes a predetermined article being held in the holding portion.
The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in the second operating mode, the control unit controls the notification unit to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern.
The inhalation device as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a communication unit capable of wireless communication, wherein
the control unit updates the predetermined light emission pattern based on information received by the communication unit.
The inhalation device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to emit light in the predetermined light emission pattern commensurately with an article held in the holding portion.
The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a communication unit capable of wireless communication, wherein
in the second operating mode, the control unit controls the notification unit so that said notification unit and a notification unit of at least one other inhalation device each separately emit light in the predetermined light emission pattern based on information received by the communication unit.
The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a power source unit for storing and supplying power for operating the inhalation device, wherein
when an external power source has been connected to the inhalation device, the control unit performs control so that power from the external power source is supplied to the power source unit in the first operating mode, and so that power from the external power source is supplied to a component other than the power source unit in the second operating mode.
The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a communication unit capable of wireless communication, wherein
in the second operating mode, the control unit causes the communication unit to operate on a weaker transmission power than in the first operating mode.
The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, having a removable auxiliary device for generating an aerosol, wherein
in the second operating mode, the control unit controls the auxiliary device to generate an aerosol.
The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to issue a warning if a second condition is not met when there is a transition from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.
A control method implemented by means of a computer for controlling an inhalation device, wherein
the inhalation device comprises:
a notification unit for notifying a user of information;

a holding portion for removably holding an article having a predetermined shape; and

a load for generating energy for heating an aerosol source contained in the article held by the holding portion,
and

the control method comprises:
operating in either: a first operating mode permitting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, or a second operating mode prohibiting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, and

in the first operating mode, controlling the notification unit to notify information commensurate with a state of the inhalation device, and, in the second operating mode, controlling the notification unit to maintain operation in a predetermined manner.
A program implemented by means of a computer for controlling an inhalation device, wherein
the inhalation device comprises:
a notification unit for notifying a user of information;

a holding portion for removably holding an article having a predetermined shape; and

a load for generating energy for heating an aerosol source contained in the article held by the holding portion,
and

the program causes the computer to function as

a control unit for controlling operation of the notification unit and the load, and

the control unit

operates in either: a first operating mode permitting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, or a second operating mode prohibiting generation of energy for heating the aerosol source by the load, and

in the first operating mode, controls the notification unit to notify information commensurate with a state of the inhalation device, and, in the second operating mode, controls the notification unit to maintain operation in a predetermined manner.