EP4706427A1

EP4706427A1 - Aerosol generation system, information processing method, and program

Info

Publication number: EP4706427A1
Application number: EP23943580.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Toru Nagahama; Kentaro Yamada
Original assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Current assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date: 2023-06-27
Filing date: 2023-06-27
Publication date: 2026-03-11
Also published as: KR20260003310A; WO2025004180A1; JPWO2025004180A1

Abstract

PROBLEM: To provide an arrangement capable of improving the quality of a user experience.

SOLUTION: An aerosol-generating system for generating an aerosol by using an aerosol source, the aerosol-generating system comprising: a memory unit for storing information; and a control unit for acquiring an implementation count for an operation implemented by the aerosol-generating system or by a user who is using the aerosol-generating system, and for storing this implementation count in the memory unit, wherein the control unit: maintains processing to update the implementation count for the first operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the first operation, and, for each of one or more second operations other than the first operation, maintains processing to update an implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, until a predetermined criterion is met, and stops said processing after the predetermined criterion has been met.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating system, an information processing 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.
The inhalation device may store various types of information acquired while the inhalation device is being used. For example, PTL 1 below discloses technology for storing information indicating an operating state of an inhalation device, each time the operating state changes.

CITATION LIST

PATENT LITERATURE

PTL 1: WO 2022/230347 A1

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

However, the technology disclosed in PTL 1 has only recently been developed, and there is still room for improvement in various aspects. For example, the lifespan of the memory unit, which may significantly affect the lifespan of the inhalation device, is in no way taken into account.
Accordingly, the present disclosure was devised in light of the problems above, and the objective of the present disclosure lies in providing an arrangement capable of improving the quality of a user experience.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

In order to solve the problem above, one aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating system for generating an aerosol by using an aerosol source, the aerosol-generating system comprising: a memory unit for storing information; and a control unit for acquiring an implementation count for an operation implemented by the aerosol-generating system or by a user who is using the aerosol-generating system, and for storing this implementation count in the memory unit, wherein the control unit: maintains processing to update the implementation count for the first operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the first operation, and, for each of one or more second operations other than the first operation, maintains processing to update an implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, until a predetermined criterion is met, and stops said processing after the predetermined criterion has been met.
The predetermined criterion may include a correlation between the implementation count for the first operation and the implementation count for the second operation having stabilized.
The predetermined criterion may include the implementation count for the second operation reaching a predetermined number.
The control unit may generate correlation information indicating a correlation between the implementation count for the first operation and the implementation count for the second operation, and may store the correlation information in the memory unit.
The control unit may stop the processing to update the implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, and may then estimate the implementation count for the second operation based on the implementation count for the first operation and the correlation information.
The control unit may estimate the implementation count for the second operation at a timing at which a failure is judged to have occurred in the aerosol-generating system, and may store the estimated implementation count for the second operation in the memory unit.
The aerosol-generating system may further comprise a notification unit for notifying information, and the control unit may control the notification unit to notify information based on the estimated implementation count for the second operation.
The control unit may control the notification unit to notify information based on the estimated implementation count for the second operation at a timing depending on the relevant second operation.
The control unit may control whether or not to impose a limit on functions of the aerosol-generating system, based on the estimated implementation count for the second operation.
The first operation may be processing for the aerosol-generating system to generate an aerosol.
The second operation may be inhalation of the aerosol by the user during a period in which processing for the aerosol-generating system to generate an aerosol is being implemented.
The second operation may be charging of the aerosol-generating system.
The aerosol-generating system may further comprise a substrate containing the aerosol source.
Furthermore, in order to solve the problem above, another aspect of the present disclosure provides an information processing method implemented by means of a computer which controls an aerosol-generating system for generating an aerosol by using an aerosol source, the information processing method comprising acquiring an implementation count for an operation implemented by the aerosol-generating system or by a user who is using the aerosol-generating system, and storing this implementation count in the memory unit, wherein storing information in the memory unit comprises: maintaining processing to update the implementation count for the first operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the first operation, and, for each of one or more second operations other than the first operation, maintaining processing to update an implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, until a predetermined criterion is met, and stopping said processing after the predetermined criterion has been met.
Furthermore, in order to solve the problem above, another aspect of the present disclosure provides a program for causing a computer, which controls an aerosol-generating system for generating an aerosol by using an aerosol source, to function as a control unit for acquiring an implementation count for an operation implemented by the aerosol-generating system or by a user who is using the aerosol-generating system, and for storing this implementation count in a memory unit, wherein the control unit: maintains processing to update the implementation count for the first operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the first operation, and, for each of one or more second operations other than the first operation, maintains processing to update an implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, until a predetermined criterion is met, and stops said processing after the predetermined criterion has been met.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

As described above, the present disclosure provides an arrangement capable of improving the quality of a user experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of an inhalation device.
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the inhalation device.
Fig. 3 is an overall oblique view of the inhalation device according to the second configuration example.
Fig. 4 is an overall oblique view of the inhalation device according to the second configuration example, with a stick-type substrate accommodated.
Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing to determine a heating count and a puff count, which is implemented by means of the inhalation device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing to notify information based on the puff count, which is implemented by the inhalation device according to the embodiment.

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.

(1) First configuration example

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in fig. 1, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 comprises a power source unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a memory unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, 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 111A stores electrical power. The power source unit 111A then supplies the electrical power to each component of the inhalation device 100A in accordance with control performed by the control unit 116A. The power source unit 111A may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.
The sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information relating to the inhalation device 100A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A 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 112A is configured by an input device, such as a button or switch, for accepting input of information from the user.
The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A 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 114A stores various types of information for operation of the inhalation device 100A. The memory unit 114A is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.
The communication unit 115A 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 116A functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls overall operation within the inhalation device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by a CPU (central processing unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example.
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 100A 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.
The heating unit 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating the aerosol. In the example shown in fig. 1, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil wrapped around the liquid guiding portion 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding portion 122 is heated and atomized, generating the aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when supplied with electricity from the power source unit 111A. By way of example, electricity may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A 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 112A 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 121A 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 100A has been described above. The inhalation device 100A is, of course, not limited to the configuration described above, and various configurations, such as those illustrated below by way of example, may be adopted.
As an example, the inhalation device 100A 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 100A 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 by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

(2) Second configuration example

- Internal configuration

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in fig. 2, an inhalation device 100B according to this configuration example comprises a power source unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, an accommodating portion 140, and a heat insulating portion 144.
The power source unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B are each substantially the same as the corresponding component included in the inhalation device 100A of the first configuration 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 100B, 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 100B 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.
In the example shown in fig. 2, the heating unit 121B 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 121B generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the stick-type substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating the aerosol.
The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating unit 121B 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 100B has been described above. The inhalation device 100B is, of course, not limited to the configuration described above, and various configurations, such as those illustrated below by way of example, may be adopted.
As one example, the heating unit 121B 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 121B 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 121B may be arranged so as to cover the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured from 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 this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided on the gripping part of the accommodating portion 140, and may heat the stick-type substrate 150 while pressing the same.
Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the inhalation device 100B comprises at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil for generating a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. A susceptor which generates heat by means of induction heating may be provided in the inhalation device 100B, or may be contained in the stick-type substrate 150.
Furthermore, the inhalation device 100B may additionally include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guiding portion 122, the liquid storage portion 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A and air flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

- External configuration

Fig. 3 is an overall oblique view of the inhalation device 100B according to the second configuration example. Fig. 4 is an overall oblique view of the inhalation device 100B according to the second configuration example, with the stick-type substrate 150 accommodated.
As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the inhalation device 100B comprises: a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, a cover portion 14, a ventilation port 15, and a cap 16. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other to thereby construct an outermost outer housing 11 of the inhalation device 100B. The outer housing 11 is of a size that fits in a user's hand. When the user is using the inhalation device 100B, the user can inhale a flavor while holding the inhalation device 100B in their hand.
The top housing 11A has an opening which is not depicted, and the cover 12 is joined to the top housing 11A to close this opening. As shown in fig. 4, the cover 12 comprises an opening 142 enabling insertion of the stick-type substrate 150. The cover portion 14 is configured to open/close the opening 142 in the cover 12. Specifically, the cover portion 14 is attached to the cover 12 and is configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position closing the opening 142 and a second position opening the opening 142. This enables the cover portion 14 to permit or restrict access of the stick-type substrate 150 to the inside of the inhalation device 100B (the internal space 141 shown in fig. 2). The cover portion 14 being moved from a state of closing to a state of opening the opening 142 will also be described as opening the cover portion 14. Furthermore, the cover portion 14 being moved from a state of opening to a state of closing the opening 142 will also be described as closing the cover portion 14.
The switch 13 is used to switch the operation of the inhalation device 100B on and off. For example, in a state in which the stick-type substrate 150 has been inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142, as shown in fig. 4, the user operates the switch 13 whereby power is supplied from the power source unit 111 to the heating unit 121, and the stick-type substrate 150 can be heated without being burned. When the stick-type substrate 150 is heated, a flavored aerosol is generated from the aerosol source contained in the stick-type substrate 150. The user then draws on the part of the stick-type substrate 150 protruding from the inhalation device 100B (the part depicted in fig. 4, i.e., the mouthpiece portion 152), and the user can thereby inhale the aerosol containing the flavor.
The ventilation port 15 is a ventilation port for introducing air into the internal space 141. The air taken inside the inhalation device 100B from the ventilation port 15 is introduced into the internal space 141 from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140, for example. The cap 16 is detachable from the bottom housing 11B. The ventilation port 15 is formed between the bottom housing 11B and the cap 16 by attaching the cap 16 to the bottom housing 11B. The cap 16 may have a through-hole or a cutout, etc. which is not depicted, for example.

(3) Supplementary information

In the following description, where there is no particular need to distinguish between the inhalation device 100A and the inhalation device 100B described above, the letter at the end of the reference sign will be omitted and these inhalation devices will be referred to in a general manner as the "inhalation device 100"and described without distinction. Similarly, where there is no particular need to distinguish between components common to the inhalation device 100A and the inhalation device 100B, the letter at the end of the reference sign will be omitted, and those components will be described without distinction.
The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol-generating system which generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user by using a substrate containing either one of an aerosol source and a flavor source. The flavor source is a component for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol. In the first configuration example, the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 constitute an example of a substrate used in the aerosol-generating system. In the second configuration example, the stick-type substrate 150 is an example of a substrate used in the aerosol-generating system. In terms of the second configuration example, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 may also be seen as an aerosol-generating system.
The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile defines a target value of a parameter corresponding to a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The temperature of the heating unit 121 is an example of the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The resistance of the heating unit 121 is an example of a parameter corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. That is to say, the heating profile may also define a target value of the resistance of the heating unit 121 (which is also referred to below as the "target resistance"). The resistance of the heating unit 121 varies according to the temperature of the heating unit 121 (a heating resistor constituting the heating unit 121, to be more precise). By way of example, it is assumed hereinafter that the resistance of the heating unit 121 rises as the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises.
The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized by known feedback control, for example. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The control unit 116 may cause power from the power source unit 111 to be supplied to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In that case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulses in the feedback control.

2. Technical problem

The inhalation device 100 stores information relating to use of the inhalation device 100 in the memory unit 114 for purposes such as investigating causes of faults and providing the user with some kind of feedback. However, the memory unit 114 has a certain lifespan, making it difficult for the memory unit 114 to store new information after it has reached its lifespan, which presents difficulties for continuous use of the inhalation device 100. The lifespan of the memory unit 114 can therefore also be considered as the lifespan of the inhalation device 100.
For example, the upper limit for the number of times that information can be written to a flash memory, which is often utilized as the memory unit 114, may often be around several tens of thousands of times. After the write count for the flash memory has reached the upper limit for the number of times, there is a marked deterioration in the performance of the flash memory, which makes it unusable.
Looking at PTL 1 mentioned above, for example, there have been many developments up until now in technology for storing information relating to use of the inhalation device 100. However, no technology focusing on the lifespan of the memory unit 114 has been developed.
The present disclosure therefore provides an arrangement capable of extending the lifespan of the memory unit 114 by controlling the write count to the memory unit 114. This makes it possible to improve the quality of a user experience because the lifespan of the inhalation device 100 can be extended.

3. Technical features

The control unit 116 acquires implementation counts for operations implemented by the inhalation device 100 or by a user who is using the inhalation device 100, and stores these implementation counts in the memory unit 114. Unless specifically stated otherwise below, the memory unit 114 is assumed to be a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory which has a set upper limit for the number of times that information can be written thereto. By virtue of this configuration, the implementation counts for the operations implemented by the inhalation device 100 or by the user can be kept as a log.
However, the control unit 116 maintains processing to update the implementation count for a first operation stored in the memory unit 114 each time the first operation is implemented. Meanwhile, the control unit 116 maintains processing to update an implementation count for a second operation other than the first operation stored in the memory unit 114 each time the second operation is implemented, until a predetermined criterion is met, and the control unit 116 stops this processing after said criterion has been met. By virtue of this configuration, writing to the memory unit 114 for updating the implementation count for the second operation can be stopped after the predetermined criterion has been met. As a result, it is possible to limit the write count to the memory unit 114, and the lifespan of the memory unit 114 can therefore be extended. The predetermined criterion will also be referred to below as the "count stop criterion". Furthermore, updating the implementation count stored in the memory unit 114 will also be referred to as determining the count.
Processing for the inhalation device 100 to generate an aerosol is an example of the first operation. That is to say, the first operation may constitute heating by the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The implementation count for heating by the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, which is the first operation, will also be referred to below as the "heating count". That is to say, the control unit 116 maintains the processing to determine the heating count each time heating is implemented by the heating unit 121.
Inhalation of the aerosol by the user during a period in which processing for the inhalation device 100 to generate an aerosol is being implemented is an example of the second operation. That is to say, the second operation may be puffing. A puff having been taken may be detected on the basis of a drop in temperature of the heating unit 121 associated with puffing, or air flowing through the inside of the inhalation device 100 as a puff is taken. In terms of the inhalation device 100A according to the first configuration example, one puff is typically taken for one heating operation. In terms of the inhalation device 100B according to the second configuration example, between around several puffs and several tens of puffs are taken for one heating operation. The implementation count for puffs taken by the user, which is the second operation, will also be referred to below as the "puff count". That is to say, the control unit 116 maintains the processing to determine the puff count each time a puff is taken, until the count stop criterion is met, and stops this processing after the count stop criterion has been met.
The count stop criterion may include the puff count reaching a predetermined number. The predetermined number will also be referred to below as the count upper limit number. This configuration makes it possible to easily judge whether or not the count stop criterion has been met.
The control unit 116 generates correlation information indicating a correlation between the heating count and the puff count, and stores the correlation information in the memory unit 114. The coefficient of a function where the heating count is the input and the puff count is the output may constitute an example of the correlation information. For example, if there is a linear relationship between the heating count and the puff count, the correlation information may be a correlation coefficient. By virtue of this configuration, after determination of the puff count has been stopped, the correlation information of the heating count and the puff count can still be used to estimate the puff count, as will be described later.
The control unit 116 generates the correlation information at a timing when the correlation between the heating count and the puff count is assumed to have stabilized. As an example, the count upper limit number may be set at a value at which the correlation between the heating count and the puff count is assumed to have stabilized at the timing when the puff count has reached that count upper limit number. In that case, the control unit 116 may generate the correlation information at the timing when the puff count has reached the count upper limit number. This configuration enables the puff count based on the correlation information to be estimated with greater accuracy.
After the control unit 116 has stopped the processing to determine the puff count each time a puff is taken, the control unit 116 estimates the puff count based on the heating count and the correlation information indicating the correlation between the heating count and the puff count. This configuration makes it possible to estimate the puff count even after determination of the puff count has been stopped. By this means, even after determination of the puff count has been stopped, the inhalation device 100 can continue to implement various types of processing based on the puff count in the same way as before determination of the puff count was stopped.
For example, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the puff count which was determined or estimated. That is to say, before the puff count reaches the count upper limit number, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the puff count which was determined. On the other hand, after the puff count has reached the count upper limit number, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the puff count which was estimated on the basis of the heating count. Examples of information based on the puff count which may be cited include the puff count itself, and the puff count per heating operation, etc. By virtue of this configuration, even after determination of the puff count has been stopped, information based on the puff count continues to be notified in the same way as before determination of the puff count was stopped. Consequently, it is possible to inhibit a drop in usability associated with stopping determination of the puff count.

A specific example relating to stopping determination of the puff count and estimating the puff count after the determination has been stopped will be described below with reference to Tables 1-3. As shown in Tables 1-3, the memory unit 114 stores a count number for the heating count (i.e., the heating count itself). Furthermore, for the puff count, the memory unit 114 stores a count number (i.e., the puff count itself), a count upper limit number, a flag indicating whether or not the count has been stopped, and correlation information indicating the correlation with the heating count.

Table 1

Table 1. Example of information stored before puff count has reached count upper limit number
	Heating count	Puff count
Count	100	805
Count upper limit number		2000
Flag		Count stop not established
Correlation coefficient		-

As shown in Table 1, the heating count is determined each time heating is implemented. The puff count is also determined each time a puff is taken because it has not reached the count upper limit number.

Table 2

Table 2. Example of information stored at timing when puff count has reached count upper limit number
	Heating count	Puff count
Count	250	2000
Count upper limit number		2000
Flag		Count stop established
Correlation coefficient		8

As shown in Table 2, the heating count is 250 at the timing when the puff count has reached the count upper limit number of 2000. The control unit 116 therefore stores the number 8 in the memory unit 114 as the correlation coefficient, which is calculated by dividing the puff count of 2000 by the heating count of 250, together with a flag indicating that determination of the puff count has been stopped.

Table 3

Table 3. Example of information stored after puff count has reached count upper limit number
	Heating count	Puff count
Count	300	2000
Count upper limit number		2000
Flag		Count stop established
Correlation coefficient		8

As shown in Table 3, the heating count is determined each time heating is implemented because a count upper limit number is not set. On the other hand, the puff count is not determined even if a puff is taken because the count stop has been established. The puff count stored in the memory unit 114 therefore remains at 2000. However, the control unit 116 can estimate a puff count of 2400 by multiplying the heating count of 300 by the correlation coefficient of 8.
As described above, even after determination of the puff count has been stopped, the control unit 116 can still estimate a fairly accurate puff count based on the heating count which continues to be determined constantly. This configuration makes it possible to inhibit a drop in usability of the inhalation device 100 while also limiting the write count to the memory unit 114 Deterioration in the performance of the memory unit 114 can also be inhibited by limiting the write count, so the lifespan of the memory unit 114 can be extended, which also extends the lifespan of the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment can thus improve the quality of a user experience by extending the lifespan of the inhalation device 100 while inhibiting a drop in usability.
An example of the flow of processing implemented by means of the inhalation device 100 will be described next with reference to fig. 5 and 6.
Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing to determine the heating count and the puff count, which is implemented by means of the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment.
As shown in fig. 5, the control unit 116 first of all implements heating by means of the heating unit 121 (step S102). For example, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to implement heating based on the heating profile when a user operation to instruct the start of heating has been detected. User operations to instruct the start of heating which may be cited include pressing of the switch 13, taking a puff, and insertion of the stick-type substrate 150 into the accommodating portion 140, etc.
The control unit 116 then updates the heating count stored in the memory unit 114 (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 increments the heating count stored in the memory unit 14.
The control unit 116 then judges whether or not the puff count has reached the count upper limit number (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 judges whether or not the flag establishing a count stop for the puff count is stored in the memory unit 114.
If the puff count is judged to have reached the count upper limit number (step S106: YES), then the control unit 116 does not update the puff count even if a puff is detected (step S108). That is to say, the control unit 116 does not write information to the memory unit 114.
On the other hand, if the puff count is judged not to have reached the count upper limit number (step S106: NO), then the control unit 116 updates the puff count each time a puff is detected (step S110). For example, the control unit 116 increments the puff count stored in the memory unit 114 each time a puff is detected.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing to notify information based on the puff count, which is implemented by the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment.
As shown in fig. 6, the control unit 116 first of all judges whether or not the puff count has reached the count upper limit number (step S202).
If the puff count is judged to have reached the count upper limit number (step S202: YES), then the control unit 116 estimates the puff count on the basis of the heating count and the correlation coefficient indicating the correlation between the heating count and the puff count (step S204).
The control unit 116 then controls the notification unit 113 to notify information based on the estimated puff count (step S206).
On the other hand, if the puff count is judged not to have reached the count upper limit number (step S202: NO), then the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to notify information based on the puff count stored in the memory unit 114 (step S208).

4. 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

The embodiment above described an example in which the count stop criterion for the puff count is that the puff count has reached the count upper limit number, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The count stop criterion may include the correlation between the heating count and the puff count having stabilized. For example, the control unit 116 may repeatedly calculate the correlation between the heating count and the puff count at a predetermined period, and may stop determination of the puff count when the correlations repeatedly obtained have converged. By virtue of this configuration, determination of the puff count can be stopped before the puff count reaches the count upper limit number. Consequently, it is possible to further limit the write count to the memory unit 114, and the lifespan of the memory unit 114 can be further extended.

(2) Second Variant Example

The embodiment above described an example in which the second operation is puffing, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. Furthermore, the second operation is not limited to a single operation. The implementation count for each of one or second operations may be determined, and the implementation count may be stopped in accordance with a count stop criterion. A count stop criterion is set for each of the one or more second operations. Correlation information may also be generated and stored for each of the one or more second operations.

- Charging count

The second operation may be charging of the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 can be charged via a charging cable such as a USB (universal serial bus) cable, or can be charged by a contactless power supply. The control unit 116 may determine the charging count each time charging is performed. However, the control unit 116 may maintain the processing to determine the charging count each time charging is performed until the count stop criterion is met, and may stop this processing after the count stop criterion has been met. Generation and storage of correlation information indicating the correlation between the heating count and the charging count, estimation of the charging count based on the correlation information, and the various types of processing based on the estimated charging count may be performed in the same way as in the processing described above in regard to the puff count. A specific example of processing implemented on the basis of the estimated charging count will be described in particular below.
The notification unit 113 may notify information based on the charging count which was determined or estimated. That is to say, before the charging count reaches the count upper limit number, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the charging count which was determined. On the other hand, after the charging count has reached the count upper limit number, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the charging count which was estimated on the basis of the heating count. As an example, the control unit 116 may stop determination of the charging count at the time when the charging count has reached 100. The notification unit 113 which is configured as an LED (light-emitting diode), for example, may then emit yellow colored light when the estimated charging count has reached 200, orange colored light when the estimated charging count has reached 400, and red colored light when the estimated charging count has reached 600. Note that the emission of yellow colored light indicates advancing deterioration of the power source unit 111. The emission of orange colored light indicates a recommendation to replace the power source unit 111 or to buy a new inhalation device 100. The emission of red colored light indicates that it is essential to replace the power source unit 111 or to buy a new inhalation device 100. By virtue of this configuration, even after determination of the charging count has been stopped, the user can still be notified of the extent to which deterioration of the power source unit 111 has progressed as the charging count increases. In other words, the notification unit 113 may notify, as the information based on the charging count, information indicating the state of deterioration of the power source unit 111, that is, the lifespan of the inhalation device 100. This enables the inhalation device 100 to be safely used, by prompting the user to replace the power source unit 111 or to buy new inhalation device 100. Of course, the form of notification is not limited to light emission, and various forms may be used, including vibration, sound, or transmission of information to an external terminal such as a smartphone, etc.
The control unit 116 may control whether or not to impose a limit on the functions of the inhalation device 100, based on the estimated charging count. As an example, when the estimated charging count has reached 200, the control unit 116 may judge that the power source unit 111 has reached its lifespan, and may disable the inhalation device 100. Disabling the inhalation device 100 includes at least disabling heating by the heating unit 121, and may also include disabling various functions such as charging. As another example, the control unit 116 may disable heating profiles set at a relatively high temperature, while allowing heating profiles set at a relatively low temperature to be used. As another example, the control unit 116 may deactivate wireless communication functions such as BLE, and may limit transmission power. This configuration allows the inhalation device 100 to be safely used, by restricting the load exerted on the power source unit 111.

- Opening/closing count

In terms of the second configuration example, a second operation may be opening/closing of the cover portion 14. Typically, the cover portion 14 is opened when the user starts using the inhalation device 100, and is closed at the end of use. The control unit 116 may determine an opening/closing count each time the cover portion 14 is opened/closed. However, the control unit 116 may maintain the processing to determine the opening/closing count each time the cover portion 14 is opened/closed until the count stop criterion is met, and may stop this processing after the count stop criterion has been met. Generation and storage of correlation information indicating the correlation between the heating count and the opening/closing count, estimation of the opening/closing count based on the correlation information, and the various types of processing based on the estimated opening/closing count may be performed in the same way as in the processing described above in regard to the puff count or the charging count.

(3) Third Variant Example

In the example described above, the implementation count for the first operation is determined every time the first operation is implemented, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. It is sufficient for the control unit 116 to update the implementation count for the first operation in accordance with implementation of the first operation, but the update frequency is not limited to every time. For example, the heating count may be written to the flash memory every 10 times that heating is performed, with the intervening heating count being temporarily stored in a volatile storage medium such as a DRAM (dynamic random access memory). The same also applies to the implementation count for the second operation. That is to say, it is sufficient for the control unit 116 to update the implementation count for the second operation in accordance with implementation of the second operation, but the update frequency is not limited to every time. This configuration makes it possible to further limit the write count to the memory unit 114, and the lifespan of the memory unit 114 can be further extended.

(4) Other supplementary information

The control unit 116 may estimate the implementation count for the second operation at a timing depending on the relevant second operation. That is to say, the timing at which the implementation count for the second operation is estimated may be different for each second operation. As an example, the timing at which the puff count is estimated may be the timing at which the heating count reaches a multiple of 100. As another example, the timing at which the charging count is estimated may be the timing at which the heating count reaches a multiple of 200. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the processing load on the control unit 116.

Furthermore, the control unit 116 may estimate the implementation count for the second operation at a timing at which a failure is judged to have occurred in the inhalation device 100. The control unit 116 may then store the estimated implementation count for the second operation in the memory unit 114. It is especially desirable to estimate and store the implementation count for a second operation in regard to a fault which has occurred. As an example, if there is a fault in a sensor for detecting puffing, the control unit 116 may estimate the puff count and store the estimated puff count in the memory unit 114. As another example, if there is a fault in the opening/closing mechanism of the cover portion 14, the control unit 116 may estimate the opening/closing count and store the estimated opening/closing count in the memory unit 114. This configuration allows the implementation count for a second operation at the time of a failure to be kept as a log, even after the implementation count for the second operation has been stopped. This can help with repairing the inhalation device 100, or with developing the next-generation inhalation device 100. An example of information stored in the memory unit 114 if there is a fault in the opening/closing mechanism of the cover portion 14 after the opening/closing count has been stopped is shown in Table 4 below.

Table 4

Table 4. Example of information stored when failure occurs after opening/closing count has reached count upper limit number
	Heating count	Opening/closing count
Count	420	300
Count upper limit number		300
Flag		Count stop established
Correlation coefficient		1.1
Count at time of failure		462

As shown in Table 4, if there is a failure in the opening/closing mechanism of the cover portion 14 at a timing when the heating count is 420, then the control unit 116 may estimate the opening/closing count at the time of the failure as 462 by multiplying the heating count of 420 by a correlation coefficient of 1.1. The control unit 116 may then store 462, which is the estimated opening/closing count at the time of the failure, in the memory unit 114.
There are various possible timings for the notification unit 113 to notify information based on the implementation count for the second operation. However, the timing at which the notification unit 113 notifies information based on the implementation count for the second operation is preferably a timing such that the user can readily be made aware of the information notified. As an example, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the implementation count for the second operation at the timing of the cover portion 14 being opened. As another example, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the implementation count for the second operation at the timing of detecting a user operation to instruct the start of heating by the heating unit 121. As another example, the notification unit 113 may notify information based on the implementation count for the second operation at the timing of detecting a user operation to instruct the start of charging. An example of a user operation to instruct the start of charging would be connecting an external power source and the inhalation device 100 via a charging cable. The notification unit 113 can notify information based on the implementation count for the second operation at one or more of multiple timings including those illustrated above.
The notification unit 113 may notify information based on the estimated implementation count for the second operation at a timing depending on the relevant second operation. That is to say, the timing at which information based on the implementation count for the second operation is notified may be different for each second operation. As an example, the timing of notifying information based on the puff count may be the timing of detecting a user operation to instruct the start of heating by the heating unit 121. As another example, the timing of notifying information based on the charging count may be the timing of detecting a user operation to instruct the start of charging.
It will be obvious that information based on the estimated implementation count for the second operation need not be notified. For example, there is no need for notification of information based on an implementation count such as the opening/closing count of the cover portion 14 at the time of a failure, where the main purpose is to make a log record. This configuration enables the user to be notified only of information which should be notified to the user, and makes it possible to avoid notifying the user of information that does not need to be notified. Usability can be improved as a result. Information based on the puff count need not be notified either.
In the example described above, deterioration of the power source unit 111 is judged on the basis of the charging count, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, deterioration of the heating unit 121 may be judged on the basis of the heating count, deterioration of the sensor for detecting puffing may be judged on the basis of the puff count, or deterioration of the opening/closing mechanism of the cover portion 14 may be judged on the basis of the opening/closing count. The lifespan of the inhalation device 100 may be judged on the basis of these counts.
A heating count may be determined for each heating profile used for heating. For example, the heating count when a heating profile set at a relatively high temperature is used and the heating count when a heating profile set at a relatively low temperature is used may be separately determined. In this case, the correlation information indicating the correlation between the heating count and the implementation count for another operation, such as the puff count, may also be generated and stored for each heating profile used for heating. This configuration enables the puff count, etc. to be estimated with even greater accuracy. The lifespan of the inhalation device 100 can also be judged more accurately.
In the example described above, the memory unit 114 is configured as a flash memory, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The memory unit 114 should be a storage medium which has a set upper limit for the number of times that information can be written thereto, and it may be configured as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive), for example.
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-generating system. Here, charging of the inhalation device 100 may indicate that the inhalation device 100 and the charging device are connected, and that the charging device is charging the inhalation device 100. Alternatively, charging of the inhalation device 100 may be a concept which includes connecting the charging device to an external power source to charge the charging device. That is to say, the number of times that the inhalation device 100 has been charged may be determined as the charging count, or the number of times that the charging device has been charged may be determined as the charging count.
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 aerosol-generating system for generating an aerosol by using an aerosol source, the aerosol-generating system comprising:
- a memory unit for storing information; and
- a control unit for acquiring an implementation count for an operation implemented by the aerosol-generating system or by a user who is using the aerosol-generating system, and for storing this implementation count in the memory unit,
- wherein
- the control unit:
  - maintains processing to update the implementation count for the first operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the first operation, and,
  - for each of one or more second operations other than the first operation, maintains processing to update an implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, until a predetermined criterion is met, and stops said processing after the predetermined criterion has been met.
(2) The aerosol-generating system as disclosed in (1) above, wherein the predetermined criterion includes a correlation between the implementation count for the first operation and the implementation count for the second operation having stabilized.
(3) The aerosol-generating system as disclosed in (1) or (2) above, wherein the predetermined criterion includes the implementation count for the second operation reaching a predetermined number.
(4) The aerosol-generating system as disclosed in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the control unit generates correlation information indicating a correlation between the implementation count for the first operation and the implementation count for the second operation, and stores the correlation information in the memory unit.
(5) The aerosol-generating system as disclosed in (4) above, wherein the control unit stops the processing to update the implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, and then estimates the implementation count for the second operation based on the implementation count for the first operation and the correlation information.
(6) The aerosol-generating system as disclosed in (5) above, wherein the control unit estimates the implementation count for the second operation at a timing at which a failure is judged to have occurred in the aerosol-generating system, and stores the estimated implementation count for the second operation in the memory unit.
(7) The aerosol-generating system as disclosed in (5) or (6) above, further comprising a notification unit for notifying information, wherein
the control unit controls the notification unit to notify information based on the estimated implementation count for the second operation.
(8) The aerosol-generating system as disclosed in (7) above, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to notify information based on the estimated implementation count for the second operation at a timing depending on the relevant second operation.
(9) The aerosol-generating system as disclosed in any one of (5) to (8) above, wherein the control unit controls whether or not to impose a limit on functions of the aerosol-generating system, based on the estimated implementation count for the second operation.
(10) The aerosol-generating system as disclosed in any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the first operation is processing for the aerosol-generating system to generate an aerosol.
(11) The aerosol-generating system as disclosed in any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein the second operation is inhalation of the aerosol by the user during a period in which processing for the aerosol-generating system to generate an aerosol is being implemented.
(12) The aerosol-generating system as disclosed in any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein the second operation is charging of the aerosol-generating system.
(13) The aerosol-generating system as disclosed in any one of (1) to (12) above, further comprising a substrate containing the aerosol source.
(14) An information processing method implemented by means of a computer which controls an aerosol-generating system for generating an aerosol by using an aerosol source, the information processing method comprising
- acquiring an implementation count for an operation implemented by the aerosol-generating system or by a user who is using the aerosol-generating system, and storing this implementation count in the memory unit,
- wherein
- storing information in the memory unit comprises:
  - maintaining processing to update the implementation count for the first operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the first operation, and,
  - for each of one or more second operations other than the first operation, maintaining processing to update an implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, until a predetermined criterion is met, and stopping said processing after the predetermined criterion has been met.
(15) A program for causing a computer, which controls an aerosol-generating system for generating an aerosol by using an aerosol source, to function as
- a control unit for acquiring an implementation count for an operation implemented by the aerosol-generating system or by a user who is using the aerosol-generating system, and for storing this implementation count in a memory unit,
- wherein
- the control unit:
  - maintains processing to update the implementation count for the first operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the first operation, and,
  - for each of one or more second operations other than the first operation, maintains processing to update an implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, until a predetermined criterion is met, and stops said processing after the predetermined criterion has been met.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

100 Inhalation device
110 Power supply unit
111 Power source unit
112 Sensor unit
113 Notification unit
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
180 Air flow path
181 Air inflow hole
182 Air outflow hole
11 Outer housing
12 Cover
13 Switch
14 Cover portion
15 Ventilation port
16 Cap

Claims

An aerosol-generating system for generating an aerosol by using an aerosol source, the aerosol-generating system comprising:
a memory unit for storing information; and

a control unit for acquiring an implementation count for an operation implemented by the aerosol-generating system or by a user who is using the aerosol-generating system, and for storing this implementation count in the memory unit,

wherein

the control unit:
maintains processing to update the implementation count for the first operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the first operation, and,

for each of one or more second operations other than the first operation, maintains processing to update an implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, until a predetermined criterion is met, and stops said processing after the predetermined criterion has been met.
The aerosol-generating system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined criterion includes a correlation between the implementation count for the first operation and the implementation count for the second operation having stabilized.
The aerosol-generating system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined criterion includes the implementation count for the second operation reaching a predetermined number.
The aerosol-generating system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit generates correlation information indicating a correlation between the implementation count for the first operation and the implementation count for the second operation, and stores the correlation information in the memory unit.
The aerosol-generating system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit stops the processing to update the implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, and then estimates the implementation count for the second operation based on the implementation count for the first operation and the correlation information.
The aerosol-generating system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit estimates the implementation count for the second operation at a timing at which a failure is judged to have occurred in the aerosol-generating system, and stores the estimated implementation count for the second operation in the memory unit.
The aerosol-generating system as claimed in claim 5 or 6, further comprising a notification unit for notifying information, wherein
the control unit controls the notification unit to notify information based on the estimated implementation count for the second operation.
The aerosol-generating system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to notify information based on the estimated implementation count for the second operation at a timing depending on the relevant second operation.
The aerosol-generating system as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the control unit controls whether or not to impose a limit on functions of the aerosol-generating system, based on the estimated implementation count for the second operation.
The aerosol-generating system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first operation is processing for the aerosol-generating system to generate an aerosol.
The aerosol-generating system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second operation is inhalation of the aerosol by the user during a period in which processing for the aerosol-generating system to generate an aerosol is being implemented.
The aerosol-generating system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second operation is charging of the aerosol-generating system.
The aerosol-generating system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a substrate containing the aerosol source.
An information processing method implemented by means of a computer which controls an aerosol-generating system for generating an aerosol by using an aerosol source, the information processing method comprising
acquiring an implementation count for an operation implemented by the aerosol-generating system or by a user who is using the aerosol-generating system, and storing this implementation count in the memory unit,

wherein

storing information in the memory unit comprises:
maintaining processing to update the implementation count for the first operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the first operation, and,

for each of one or more second operations other than the first operation, maintaining processing to update an implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, until a predetermined criterion is met, and stopping said processing after the predetermined criterion has been met.
A program for causing a computer, which controls an aerosol-generating system for generating an aerosol by using an aerosol source, to function as
a control unit for acquiring an implementation count for an operation implemented by the aerosol-generating system or by a user who is using the aerosol-generating system, and for storing this implementation count in a memory unit,

wherein

the control unit:
maintains processing to update the implementation count for the first operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the first operation, and,

for each of one or more second operations other than the first operation, maintains processing to update an implementation count for the second operation stored in the memory unit in accordance with implementation of the second operation, until a predetermined criterion is met, and stops said processing after the predetermined criterion has been met.