JP7206016B2 - SUCTION DEVICE, TERMINAL DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a suction device, a terminal device, an information processing method, and a program.

Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that produce a substance that is inhaled by the user are widespread. For example, the suction device uses a base material including an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol to generate an aerosol imparted with a flavor component. A user can taste the flavor by inhaling (hereinafter also referred to as a puff) the aerosol to which the flavor component is added, which is generated by the suction device.

When the aerosol is generated, the substrate becomes brittle and some of the substrate may remain and deposit inside the suction device. Therefore, it is desirable that the suction device is cleaned as appropriate. However, in order for the user to determine the need for cleaning by himself/herself, it takes time and effort to open the cover of the suction device and check the amount of deposits remaining inside. Therefore, as an example of a technique for reducing such labor, the following Patent Document 1 discloses that a suction device displays information recommending cleaning according to the number of times the suction device is used, and if the suction device is not cleaned, the suction device cannot be used. is disclosed.

WO 1998/023171

Various limitations are imposed on suction devices for reasons such as increased portability. Expressiveness of information is also one of the limited functions. For example, the suction device may be equipped with only a simple output device such as a light emitting device as a device for notifying the user of information. Even if information about cleaning is notified with limited expressive power, it may be difficult for the user to understand.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of improving usability regarding cleaning of a suction device.

In order to solve the above problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suction device, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information, acquires information on the suction device, and acquires information on the suction device and a control unit for controlling a process of transmitting information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device by the wireless communication unit based on.

The information about the suction device includes the number of times of preheating performed by the suction device to enable suction performed by the user using the suction device, and the controller determines that the number of preheats is a first may be controlled to transmit first information as information indicating the need to clean the suction device when the threshold of is reached.

The number of times of preheating may be initialized when a predetermined user operation is performed.

The control unit may count the number of times of preheating when it is determined that the preheating has been performed on a base material that contributes to the generation of a substance that is sucked by the user when heated. .

The suction device may further include a storage unit, and the storage unit may store the number of times of preheating.

The control unit is configured to transmit second information as information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device when the number of times of preheating reaches a second threshold lower than the first threshold. A wireless communication unit may be controlled.

The information about the suction device is such that when the suction device performs preheating for allowing the user to perform suction using the suction device, the temperature of the heating target or the temperature of the heating unit that performs the preheating is When the time required for the temperature of the object to be heated or the temperature of the heating unit to reach the predetermined temperature reaches a third threshold, The wireless communication unit may be controlled to transmit first information as information indicating the need to clean the suction device.

The control unit may set the third threshold based on an environmental temperature, which is a temperature around the suction device.

The control unit activates the suction device when the time required for the temperature of the object to be heated or the temperature of the heating unit to reach the predetermined temperature reaches a fourth threshold lower than the third threshold. The wireless communication unit may be controlled to transmit second information as information indicating the necessity of cleaning.

The information about the suction device is such that when the suction device performs preheating for allowing the user to perform suction using the suction device, the temperature of the heating target or the temperature of the heating unit that performs the preheating is When the power required for the temperature of the object to be heated or the temperature of the heating unit to reach the predetermined temperature reaches a fifth threshold, The wireless communication unit may be controlled to transmit first information as information indicating the need to clean the suction device.

The control unit may set the fifth threshold value based on an environmental temperature, which is a temperature around the suction device.

The control unit activates the suction device when the electric power required for the temperature of the object to be heated or the temperature of the heating unit to reach the predetermined temperature reaches a sixth threshold lower than the fifth threshold. The wireless communication unit may be controlled to transmit second information as information indicating the necessity of cleaning.

The suction device includes a notification unit for notifying a user of information, and the control unit provides information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device when the suction device and another device are wirelessly connected. The notification unit controls the wireless communication unit to transmit information to another device, and notifies information indicating the need to clean the suction device when the suction device and the other device are not wirelessly connected. may be controlled.

When the suction device and the other device are wirelessly connected, the control unit may not notify the information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device by the notification unit.

The notification unit may include at least one of a display device, a light emitting device, a vibration device, and a sound output device.

The control unit may control the wireless communication unit to transmit information indicating how to clean the suction device.

The information indicating the need to clean the suction device may include information regarding when to clean the suction device.

In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information, a notification unit that notifies the user of the information, and a device that indicates the necessity of cleaning the suction device. a control unit that controls the notification unit to notify information indicating the need to clean the suction device when information is received from the suction device by the wireless communication unit.

The terminal device further includes an input unit that receives input of information, and the control unit does not clean the suction device after the notification unit notifies the user of the information indicating the need to clean the suction device. A setting may be made to re-notify the information indicating the need to clean the suction device when the information indicating the need to clean the suction device is input to the input unit.

When the wireless communication unit further receives information indicating a method for cleaning the suction device, the control unit may control the notification unit to notify the information indicating the method for cleaning the suction device.

The control unit may control the wireless communication unit to transmit information requesting information indicating a method of cleaning the suction device when information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device is received.

When receiving information indicating the need to clean the suction device, the control unit causes the wireless device to transmit information requesting information on stores that sell cleaning supplies used to clean the suction device. You may control a communication part.

The control unit may control a process of notifying information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device by the notification unit when information about the suction device is received from the suction device.

Further, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method executed by a suction device, comprising: obtaining information about the suction device; and controlling the process of wirelessly transmitting information indicating a need to clean the suction device based on the information.

In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method performed by a terminal device, wherein information is wirelessly received from the suction device indicating the need to clean the suction device. In some cases, a method of information processing is provided comprising: communicating information indicating the need to clean the suction device.

In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a computer that controls a suction device includes a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information, and acquires and acquires information about the suction device. A program for functioning as a control unit for controlling processing for transmitting information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device by the wireless communication unit based on information on the suction device is provided.

In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a computer includes a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information, a notification unit that notifies a user of information, and a suction device that needs to be cleaned. and a program for functioning as a control unit for controlling the notification unit to notify information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device when the wireless communication unit receives information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device from the suction device. is provided.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a mechanism capable of improving usability regarding cleaning of a suction device.

It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the 1st structural example of a suction device. It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the 2nd structural example of a suction device. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a third configuration example of the suction device; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a fourth configuration example of the suction device; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a fifth configuration example of the suction device; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a sixth configuration example of the suction device; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a seventh configuration example of the suction device; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an eighth configuration example of the suction device; FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a ninth configuration example of the suction device. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a tenth configuration example of the suction device; 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of notification processing of cleaning necessity information executed by the system according to the present embodiment;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting redundant description.

<<1. Configuration example of suction device>>
A suction device is a device that produces a substance that is suctioned by a user. In the following description, it is assumed that the substance produced by the suction device is an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance produced by the suction device may be a gas. In the following, the user's suctioning of the substance produced by the suction device is also simply referred to as "sucking" or "puffing".

Among the plurality of configuration examples described below, a plurality of elements having corresponding functional configurations are indicated by reference numerals containing the same numerals to clearly indicate the correspondence relationship, and the numerals are followed by alphabets corresponding to the configuration examples. may be used to distinguish each element. For example, each of the suction devices according to a plurality of configuration examples may be referred to as a suction device 100A according to a first configuration example, a suction device 100B according to a second configuration example, and a suction device 100D according to a third configuration example. , and distinguish between them while clarifying the correspondence .

In addition, among a plurality of configuration examples, a plurality of elements having corresponding functional configurations are described in detail in the previously mentioned configuration examples. In some cases, the description may be omitted. In that case, with respect to the omitted description, the alphabets of the reference symbols attached to each element in the description given in the configuration example referred to earlier should be appropriately replaced with the alphabet corresponding to the configuration example referred to subsequently. Just do it. For example, when the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example is described in detail and the description of the suction device 100B according to the second configuration example is omitted, the omitted description is the same as the description given in the first configuration example. Among them, 100A may be read as 100B.

Hereinafter, each configuration example of the suction device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG.

<1.1. Substrate Integrated Suction Device>
An integrated substrate suction device is a suction device in which a substrate containing an aerosol source is integrated into the suction device. The first to third configuration examples described below are configuration examples of a substrate-integrated suction device.

(1) First Configuration Example The suction device according to this configuration example generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source as a liquid. The suction device according to this configuration example consists of two parts, a power supply unit and a cartridge. This configuration example will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 1, the suction device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110A and a cartridge 120A. The power supply unit 110A and the cartridge 120A are configured to be detachable from each other. Aspiration by the user is performed with the cartridge 120A attached to the power supply unit 110A.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply unit 110A includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a storage section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120A also includes a heating portion 121A, a liquid guide portion 122A, a liquid storage portion 123A, and a mouthpiece 124A. An air flow path 180A is formed in the cartridge 120A. Each component will be described in order below.

The power supply unit 111A accumulates power. The power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100A. The power supply unit 111A may be composed of, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. The power supply unit 111A may be charged by being connected to an external power supply via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. Also, the power supply unit 111A may be charged in a state of being disconnected from the device on the power transmission side by wireless power transmission technology. Alternatively, only the power supply unit 111A may be removed from the suction device 100A, or may be replaced with a new power supply unit 111A.

The sensor unit 112A detects various information regarding the suction device 100A. The sensor unit 112A then outputs the detected information to the control unit 116A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A is configured by a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser. When the sensor unit 112A detects the negative pressure associated with the user's suction, the sensor unit 112A outputs information indicating that the user has performed suction to the control unit 116A. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is configured by an input device, such as a button or switch, that receives information input from the user. In particular, the sensor unit 112A may include a button for instructing start/stop of aerosol generation. The sensor unit 112A then outputs the information input by the user to the control unit 116A.

113 A of notification parts notify a user of information. As an example, the notification unit 113A is configured by a light emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this case, the notification unit 113A emits light in a different light emission pattern when the power supply unit 111A needs to be charged, when the power supply unit 111A is being charged, and when an abnormality occurs in the suction device 100A. . The light emission pattern here is a concept including color, timing of lighting/lighting out, and the like. The notification unit 113A may be configured by a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, or the like, together with or instead of the light emitting device.

The storage unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100A. The storage unit 114A is configured by, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory. An example of the information stored in the storage unit 114A is information regarding the OS (Operating System) of the suction device 100A, such as control details of various components by the control unit 116A. Another example of the information stored in the storage unit 114A is information related to suction by the user, such as the number of times of suction, suction time, total suction time, and the like.

The communication unit 115A is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the suction device 100A and other devices. The communication unit 115A performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like can be adopted. As an example, the communication unit 115A transmits information on suction by the user to the smartphone so that the smartphone displays information on suction by the user. As another example, the communication unit 115A receives new OS information from the server in order to update the OS information stored in the storage unit 114A.

The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls overall operations within the suction device 100A according to various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. In addition, the control unit 116A may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs to be used, calculation parameters, and the like, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate. 100 A of suction apparatuses perform various processes based on control by 116 A of control parts. Power supply from power supply unit 111A to other components, charging of power supply unit 111A, detection of information by sensor unit 112A, notification of information by notification unit 113A, storage and reading of information by storage unit 114A, and communication unit 115A Transmission and reception of information is an example of processing controlled by control unit 116A. Other processes executed by the suction device 100A, such as information input to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the controller 116A.

123 A of liquid storage parts store an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized by heating to produce an aerosol. Aerosol sources are, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and liquids such as water. The aerosol source may further comprise a tobacco material or an extract derived therefrom that releases flavoring components when heated. If the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicament for inhalation by the patient.

The liquid guide section 122A guides and holds the aerosol source, which is the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123A, from the liquid storage section 123A. The liquid guiding portion 122A is a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. Liquid guide portion 122A is in fluid communication with liquid reservoir portion 123A. Therefore, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123A spreads over the entire liquid guide section 122A due to the capillary effect of the wick.

The heating unit 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. The heating part 121A is made of any material such as metal or polyimide in any shape such as coil, film or blade. The heating section 121A is arranged close to the liquid guide section 122A. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating section 121A is composed of a metal coil and wound around the liquid guide section 122A. Therefore, when the heating portion 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding portion 122A is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when supplied with power from the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power may be supplied and aerosol may be generated during a period in which the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has inhaled. As another example, when the sensor unit 112A detects that a predetermined user input (for example, pressing a button instructing start/stop of aerosol generation) is performed, power is supplied and aerosol is generated. good. After that, the power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that a predetermined user input (for example, a button instructing start/stop of aerosol generation is pressed again) has been performed.

The air flow path 180A is a flow path for air sucked by the user. The air flow path 180A has a tubular structure having an air inflow hole 181A as an inlet of air into the air flow path 180A and an air outflow hole 182A as an air outlet from the air flow path 180A. As the user sucks, air flows into the air flow path 180A from the air inflow hole 181A, and air flows out of the air flow path 180A from the air outflow hole 182A. As an example, the air inlet hole 181A may be a gap formed between the power supply unit 110A and the cartridge 120A when the cartridge 120A is attached to the power supply unit 110A. Air outflow holes 182A are located in mouthpiece 124A.

A liquid guide portion 122A is arranged in the middle of the air flow path 180A. The aerosol generated by the heating section 121A is mixed with the air that has flowed in through the air inlet holes 181A. As the user inhales, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air is transported to the air outflow hole 182A as indicated by the arrow 190A.

The mouthpiece 124A is a member held by the user when inhaling. 182 A of air outflow holes of 180 A of air flow paths are arrange|positioned at the mouthpiece 124A. The user can take in the mixed fluid of aerosol and air transported by the air flow path 180A into the oral cavity by sucking while holding the mouthpiece 124A.

(2) Second Configuration Example The suction device according to this configuration example generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source as a liquid. The suction device according to this configuration example is composed of three parts: a power supply unit, a cartridge, and a flavor imparting cartridge. This configuration example will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110B, a cartridge 120B, and a flavoring cartridge . The power supply unit 110B and cartridge 120B are configured to be detachable from each other. Also, the cartridge 120B and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 are configured to be detachable from each other. Inhalation by the user is performed with cartridge 120B, flavoring cartridge 130, and power supply unit 110B attached to each other.

As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 110B includes a power supply section 111B, a sensor section 112B, a notification section 113B, a storage section 114B, a communication section 115B, and a control section 116B. Cartridge 120B includes heating portion 121B, liquid guiding portion 122B, and liquid storing portion 123B. Flavoring cartridge 130 includes flavor source 131 and mouthpiece 124B. An air flow path 180B is formed in the cartridge 120B and the flavor imparting cartridge 130. As shown in FIG. Each component will be described in order below.

Each component of the power supply unit 110B is substantially the same as the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example. Each of the heating portion 121B, the liquid guiding portion 122B, the liquid storing portion 123B, and the mouthpiece 124B is also substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

Flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may be derived from tobacco, such as a processed product obtained by molding shredded tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. Flavor sources 131 may also include non-tobacco sources made from plants other than tobacco (eg, mints and herbs). As an example, flavor source 131 may include a flavoring ingredient such as menthol. Note that the flavor source 131 may be placed inside a container such as a capsule.

The air flow path 180B has the same configuration as the air flow path 180A according to the first configuration example. However, in addition to the liquid guide portion 122B, the flavor source 131 is arranged on the downstream side of the liquid guide portion 122B (the side closer to the air outflow hole 182B) in the middle of the air flow path 180B. The aerosol generated by the heating section 121B is mixed with the air that has flowed in through the air inlet holes 181B. Next, as the user inhales, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131 and is transported to the air outflow hole 182B as indicated by the arrow 190B. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor component contained in the flavor source 131 is added to the aerosol.

(3) Third Configuration Example The suction device according to this configuration example generates an aerosol by vibrating a liquid aerosol source. This configuration example will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a third configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 3, a suction device 100D according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110D and a cartridge 120D. The power supply unit 110D and cartridge 120D are configured to be detachable from each other. Aspiration by the user is performed with the cartridge 120D attached to the power supply unit 110D.

As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply unit 110D includes a power supply section 111D, a sensor section 112D, a notification section 113D, a storage section 114D, a communication section 115D, and a control section 116D. Cartridge 120D includes liquid guide portion 122D, liquid reservoir portion 123D, vibrating portion 127, and mouthpiece 124D. Further, an air flow path 180D is formed in the cartridge 120D. Each component will be described in order below.

Each component of the power supply unit 110D is substantially the same as the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example. The liquid reservoir 123D and the mouthpiece 124D are also substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

The liquid guide portion 122D guides the aerosol source, which is the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123D, from the liquid storage portion 123D to the vibration portion 127 and holds it. An example of the liquid guiding portion 122D is a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. Another example of the liquid guiding portion 122D is a plate capable of absorbing the liquid aerosol source and guiding it to the vibrating portion 127 . Liquid guide portion 122D is in fluid communication with liquid reservoir portion 123D. Therefore, the aerosol source stored in liquid storage section 123D is guided to the surface of vibration section 127 by liquid guide section 122D as indicated by arrow 191 .

The vibrating section 127 vibrates the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate aerosol. For example, the vibrating section 127 is configured by a plate-like member containing piezoelectric ceramics that functions as an ultrasonic transducer. When the vibrating portion 127 vibrates, the aerosol source guided to the surface of the vibrating portion 127 by the liquid guiding portion 122D is atomized by the ultrasonic waves generated by the vibration of the vibrating portion 127 to generate aerosol. The vibrating portion 127 vibrates when power is supplied from the power supply portion 111D. As an example, power may be supplied and aerosol may be generated during a period in which the sensor unit 112D detects that the user has inhaled. As another example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated when the sensor unit 112D detects that a predetermined user input has been performed. After that, when the sensor unit 112D detects that a predetermined user input has been performed, the power supply may be stopped.

The air flow path 180D has the same configuration as the air flow path 180A according to the first configuration example. However, the liquid guide portion 122D is arranged in the middle of the air flow path 180D. The aerosol generated by vibrating portion 127 is mixed with the air that has flowed in from air inlet 181D. As the user inhales, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air is transported to the air outflow hole 182D as indicated by the arrow 190D.

In addition, in the suction device 100D according to this configuration example, the flavor imparting cartridge 130 may be arranged downstream of the cartridge 120D, similarly to the suction device 100B according to the second configuration example. In other words, the suction device 100D according to this configuration example may be composed of three components, the power supply unit 110D, the cartridge 120D, and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 .

<1.2. Suction Device Externally Attached to Substrate>
An external suction device is a suction device to which a substrate containing an aerosol source is attached. The fourth to seventh configuration examples described below are configuration examples of a substrate external attachment type suction device.

(1) Fourth Configuration Example The suction device according to this configuration example generates an aerosol by heating a substrate including an aerosol source from inside the substrate. This configuration example will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a fourth configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 4, the suction device 100E according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111E, a sensor unit 112E, a notification unit 113E, a storage unit 114E, a communication unit 115E, a control unit 116E, a heating unit 121E, and a holding unit 140E. include. The user performs suction while the stick-shaped substrate 150E is held by the holding portion 140E. Each component will be described in order below.

Each of the power supply unit 111E, the sensor unit 112E, the storage unit 114E, the communication unit 115E, and the control unit 116E is substantially the same as the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

The holding part 140E has an internal space 141E, and holds the stick-shaped base material 150E while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped base material 150E in the internal space 141E. The holding part 140E has an opening 142E that communicates the internal space 141E with the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150E inserted into the internal space 141E through the opening 142E. For example, the holding portion 140E is a cylindrical body having an opening 142E and a bottom portion 143E as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141E. The holding part 140E is configured such that the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped base material 150E at least in part in the height direction of the cylindrical body, and holds the stick-shaped base material 150E inserted into the internal space 141E. The stick-shaped base material 150E can be held by pressing from the outer periphery. The holding part 140E also has a function of defining a flow path for air supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150E. An air inflow hole, which is an entrance for air into the flow path, is arranged, for example, in the bottom portion 143E. On the other hand, the air outflow hole, which is the outlet of air from such a channel, is the opening 142E.

The stick-shaped base material 150E is a stick-shaped member. The stick-type substrate 150E includes a substrate portion 151E and a mouthpiece portion 152E. Base portion 151E includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is as described above in the first configuration example. In addition, in this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to liquid, and may be solid. At least part of the base material portion 151E is accommodated in the internal space 141E of the holding portion 140E in a state in which the stick-shaped base material 150E is held by the holding portion 140E. The mouthpiece 152E is a member held by the user when inhaling. At least part of the mouthpiece 152E protrudes from the opening 142E when the stick-shaped base material 150E is held by the holding part 140E. Then, when the user holds the mouthpiece 152E protruding from the opening 142E in his/her mouth and sucks, air flows into the holding section 140E from an air inlet hole (not shown). The inflowing air passes through the internal space 141E of the holding portion 140E and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base portion 151E.

The heating unit 121E heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. The heating part 121E is made of any material such as metal or polyimide. For example, the heating part 121E is configured in a blade shape and arranged so as to protrude from the bottom part 143E of the holding part 140E into the internal space 141E of the holding part 140E. Therefore, when the stick-shaped substrate 150E is inserted into the holding portion 140E, the blade-shaped heating portion 121E is inserted into the stick-shaped substrate 150E so as to pierce the substrate portion 151E of the stick-shaped substrate 150E. be done. Then, when the heating part 121E generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped base material 150E is heated from the inside of the stick-shaped base material 150E and atomized to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 121E generates heat when supplied with power from the power supply unit 111E. As an example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated when the sensor unit 112E detects that a predetermined user input has been performed. When the temperature of the stick-shaped base material 150E heated by the heating part 121E reaches a predetermined temperature, the suction by the user becomes possible. After that, when the sensor unit 112E detects that a predetermined user input has been performed, the power supply may be stopped. As another example, power may be supplied and aerosol may be generated during a period in which the sensor unit 112E detects that the user has inhaled.

The notification unit 113E has the same function as the notification unit 113A according to the first configuration example. Further, the notification unit 113E notifies information indicating that suction by the user has become possible. Information indicating that suction by the user is enabled is notified when the temperature of stick-shaped base material 150E heated by heating unit 121E reaches a predetermined temperature.

(2) Fifth Configuration Example The suction device according to this configuration example generates an aerosol by heating a substrate including an aerosol source from the outside of the substrate. This configuration example will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a fifth configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 5, the suction device 100F according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111F, a sensor unit 112F, a notification unit 113F, a storage unit 114F, a communication unit 115F, a control unit 116F, a heating unit 121F, a holding unit 140F, and It includes a heat insulating portion 144F. The user performs suction while the stick-shaped substrate 150F is held by the holding portion 140F. Each component will be described in order below.

Each of the power supply unit 111F, the sensor unit 112F, the notification unit 113F, the storage unit 114F, the communication unit 115F, the control unit 116F, and the holding unit 140F is the corresponding component included in the suction device 100E according to the fourth configuration example. are substantially identical. Also, the stick-shaped base material 150F is substantially the same as the stick-shaped base material 150E according to the fourth configuration example.

The heating unit 121F heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. The heating part 121F is made of any material such as metal or polyimide. For example, the heating part 121F is configured in a film shape and arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding part 140F. Then, when the heating part 121F generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped base material 150F is heated from the outer circumference of the stick-shaped base material 150F and atomized to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 121F generates heat when supplied with power from the power supply unit 111F. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112F detects that a predetermined user input has been performed. When the temperature of the stick-shaped base material 150F heated by the heating part 121F reaches a predetermined temperature, the suction by the user becomes possible. After that, when the sensor unit 112F detects that a predetermined user input has been performed, the power supply may be stopped. As another example, power may be supplied and aerosol may be generated during a period in which the sensor unit 112F detects that the user has inhaled.

The heat insulating portion 144F prevents heat transfer from the heating portion 121F to other components of the suction device 100F. The heat insulating portion 144F is arranged to contact the heating portion 121F and cover at least the outer periphery of the heating portion 121F. For example, the heat insulating part 144F is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an airgel heat insulating material, or the like. A vacuum insulation material is a heat insulation material in which the heat conduction of gas is almost zero by wrapping glass wool, silica (powder of silicon), etc. with a resin film to create a high-vacuum state.

(3) Sixth Configuration Example The suction device according to this configuration example generates an aerosol by heating a substrate including an aerosol source from inside and outside the substrate. This configuration example will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a sixth configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 6, the suction device 100G according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111G, a sensor unit 112G, a notification unit 113G, a storage unit 114G, a communication unit 115G, a control unit 116G, a heating unit 121G-1, and a heating unit 121G. -2, holding portion 140G, and insulating portion 144G. The suction is performed by the user while the stick-shaped substrate 150G is held by the holding portion 140G. Each component will be described in order below.

Each of the power supply unit 111G, the sensor unit 112G, the notification unit 113G, the storage unit 114G, the communication unit 115G, the control unit 116G, the holding unit 140G, and the heat insulating unit 144G is included in the suction device 100F according to the fifth configuration example. are substantially the same as the components that Also, the stick-shaped base material 150G is substantially the same as the stick-shaped base material 150E according to the fourth configuration example.

The heating section 121G-1 is substantially the same as the heating section 121E according to the fourth configuration example. The heating section 121G-2 is substantially the same as the heating section 121F according to the fifth configuration example. However, typically, the temperature of heating section 121G-2 is controlled to be lower than the temperature of heating section 121G-1. This is because the heat generated from the heating section 121G-2 is more easily transmitted to other components of the suction device 100G than the heat generated from the heating section 121G-1.

Although FIG. 6 shows an example in which the heating portion 121G-2 is arranged on the outer periphery of the holding portion 140G, the present configuration example is not limited to such an example. For example, the heating portion 121G-2 may be arranged to cover the bottom portion 143G of the holding portion 140G.

(4) Seventh Configuration Example The suction device according to this configuration example has a mechanism for sandwiching a substrate including an aerosol source. This configuration example will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a seventh configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 7, the suction device 100H according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111H, a sensor unit 112H, a notification unit 113H, a storage unit 114H, a communication unit 115H, a control unit 116H, a heating unit 121H-1, and a heating unit 121H. -2, a holding portion 140H, a heat insulating portion 144H-1, a heat insulating portion 144H-2, and an opening/closing mechanism 147. The user performs suction while the stick-shaped substrate 150H is held by the holding portion 140H. Each component will be described in order below.

Each of the power supply unit 111H, the sensor unit 112H, the notification unit 113H, the storage unit 114H, the communication unit 115H, and the control unit 116H is substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the suction device 100E according to the fourth configuration example. is. Also, the stick-shaped base material 150H is substantially the same as the stick-shaped base material 150E according to the fourth configuration example.

The holding portion 140H has the same configuration as the holding portion 140E according to the fourth configuration example. However, the internal space 141H of the holding portion 140H is realized as a space sandwiched between the first housing 145 and the second housing 146. As shown in FIG. Holding portion 140</b>H further includes an opening/closing mechanism 147 that opens and closes first housing 145 and second housing 146 in the direction indicated by arrow 193 . An example of opening/closing mechanism 147 is a hinge, which rotates first housing 145 in the direction indicated by arrow 193 . The holding part 140H opens and closes the first housing 145 and the second housing 146 by the opening and closing mechanism 147, and holds the stick-shaped base material 150H between the first housing 145 and the second housing 146. A stick-type substrate 150H is held.

The heating section 121H-1 and the heating section 121H-2 are substantially the same as the heating section 121F according to the fifth configuration example. However, the heating section 121H-1 is arranged in the first housing 145 and the heating section 121H-2 is arranged in the second housing 146. FIG.

The heat insulating portion 144H-1 and the heat insulating portion 144H-2 are substantially the same as the heat insulating portion 144F according to the fifth configuration example. However, the heat insulating portion 144H-1 is arranged in the first housing 145 and the heat insulating portion 144H-2 is arranged in the second housing 146. FIG.

<1.3. Induction heating suction device>
An induction heating (IH (Induction Heating)) type suction device is a suction device that generates an aerosol by induction heating. Eighth and ninth configuration examples described below are configuration examples of an induction heating type suction device.

(1) Eighth Configuration Example The suction device according to this configuration example is a substrate-integrated suction device that generates an aerosol by induction heating. This configuration example will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an eighth configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 8, the suction device 100I according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110I and a cartridge 120I. The power supply unit 110I and the cartridge 120I are configured to be detachable from each other. Aspiration by the user is performed with the cartridge 120I attached to the power supply unit 110I.

As shown in FIG. 8, the power supply unit 110I includes a power supply section 111I, a sensor section 112I, a notification section 113I, a storage section 114I, a communication section 115I, and a control section 116I. Also, the cartridge 120I includes a susceptor 161I, an electromagnetic induction source 162I, a liquid guide section 122I, a liquid storage section 123I, and a mouthpiece 124I. Further, an air flow path 180I is formed in the cartridge 120I. Each component will be described in order below.

Each component of the power supply unit 110I, the liquid guide portion 122I, the liquid storage portion 123I, the air flow path 180I, and the mouthpiece 124I are substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example. are essentially identical.

The susceptor 161I generates heat by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor 161I is made of a conductive material such as metal. The susceptor 161I is arranged close to the liquid guide portion 122I. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the susceptor 161I is made of a metal lead wire and wound around the liquid guide portion 122I.

The electromagnetic induction source 162I causes the susceptor 161I to generate heat by electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source 162I is composed of, for example, a coiled conducting wire. The electromagnetic induction source 162I generates a magnetic field when alternating current is supplied from the power supply section 111I. The electromagnetic induction source 162I is placed at a position where the susceptor 161I overlaps the generated magnetic field. Therefore, when a magnetic field is generated, an eddy current is generated in the susceptor 161I and Joule heat is generated. Then, the Joule heat heats the aerosol source held in the liquid guide portion 122I and atomizes it to generate an aerosol. As an example, power may be supplied and aerosol may be generated when the sensor unit 112I detects that the user has inhaled. As another example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated when the sensor unit 112I detects that a predetermined user input has been performed. After that, when the sensor unit 112I detects that a predetermined user input has been performed, the power supply may be stopped. As another example, power may be supplied and aerosol may be generated during a period in which the sensor unit 112I detects that the user has inhaled.

In addition, in the suction device 100I according to this configuration example, the flavor imparting cartridge 130 may be arranged on the downstream side of the cartridge 120I, similarly to the suction device 100B according to the second configuration example. In other words, the suction device 100I according to this configuration example may be composed of three parts, the power supply unit 110I, the cartridge 120I, and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 .

(2) Ninth Configuration Example The suction device according to this configuration example is a substrate-external suction device that generates an aerosol by induction heating. This configuration example will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a ninth configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 9, the suction device 100J according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111J, a sensor unit 112J, a notification unit 113J, a storage unit 114J, a communication unit 115J, a control unit 116J, a susceptor 161J, an electromagnetic induction source 162J, and A holding portion 140J is included. The user performs suction while the stick-shaped substrate 150J is held by the holding portion 140J. Each component will be described in order below.

Each of the power supply unit 111J, the sensor unit 112J, the notification unit 113J, the storage unit 114J, the communication unit 115J, the control unit 116J, and the holding unit 140J corresponds to the components included in the suction device 100E according to the fourth configuration example. are substantially identical.

The stick-shaped base material 150J has the same configuration as the stick-shaped base material 150E according to the fourth configuration example. Further, the stick-type substrate 150J includes a susceptor 161J.

The susceptor 161J generates heat by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor 161J is made of a conductive material such as metal. As an example, the susceptor 161J is a piece of metal. A susceptor 161J is placed in close proximity to the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the susceptor 161J is included in the base portion 151J of the stick-shaped base 150J.

The electromagnetic induction source 162J causes the susceptor 161J to generate heat by electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source 162J is composed of, for example, a coiled conductor wire, and is arranged so as to wind around the outer periphery of the holding portion 140J. The electromagnetic induction source 162J generates a magnetic field when alternating current is supplied from the power supply section 111J. The electromagnetic induction source 162J is arranged at a position where the internal space 141J of the holding portion 140J overlaps with the generated magnetic field. Therefore, when a magnetic field is generated while the stick-shaped base material 150J is held by the holding portion 140J, an eddy current is generated in the susceptor 161J and Joule heat is generated. Then, the Joule heat heats the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped base material 150J and atomizes it to generate an aerosol. As an example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated when the sensor unit 112J detects that a predetermined user input has been performed. When the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150J induction-heated by the susceptor 161J and the electromagnetic induction source 162J reaches a predetermined temperature, the suction by the user becomes possible. Thereafter, the power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112J detects that a predetermined user input has been performed. As another example, power may be supplied and aerosol may be generated during a period in which the sensor unit 112J detects that the user has inhaled.

<1.4. Hybrid suction device>
A hybrid-type suction device is a suction device that has both features of a substrate-integrated suction device and a substrate-external suction device. A tenth configuration example described below is a configuration example of a hybrid suction device. This configuration example will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a tenth configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 10, the suction device 100K according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111K, a sensor unit 112K, a notification unit 113K, a storage unit 114K, a communication unit 115K, a control unit 116K, a liquid guide unit 122K, and a liquid storage unit 123K. , a heating portion 121K-1, a heating portion 121K-2, a holding portion 140K, and a heat insulating portion 144K. Further, an air flow path 180K is formed in the suction device 100K. The user performs suction while the stick-shaped substrate 150K is held by the holding portion 140K. Each component will be described in order below.

Each of the power supply unit 111K, the sensor unit 112K, the notification unit 113K, the storage unit 114K, the communication unit 115K, the control unit 116K, the heating unit 121K-1, the liquid induction unit 122K, and the liquid storage unit 123K is the first configuration example. It is substantially the same as the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A. The heating section 121K-2 is substantially the same as the heating section 121E according to the fourth configuration example. The stick-shaped base material 150K is substantially the same as the stick-shaped base material 150E according to the fourth configuration example.

The holding portion 140K has the same configuration as the holding portion 140E according to the fourth configuration example. Furthermore, an air outflow hole 182K of the air flow path 180K is arranged in the bottom portion 143K of the holding portion 140K. Via the air outflow hole 182, the internal space 141K of the holding portion 140K and the air flow path 180K are communicated.

The air flow path 180K is a flow path for air sucked by the user. The air flow path 180K has a tubular structure having an air inflow hole 181K as an air inlet into the air flow path 180K and an air outflow hole 182K as an air outlet from the air flow path 180K. As the user sucks, air flows into the air flow path 180K through the air inlet holes 181K and flows out from the air outlet holes 182K into the internal space 141K of the holding portion 140K. As an example, the air inlet hole 181K is arranged at an arbitrary position of the suction device 100K. On the other hand, the air outflow hole 182K is arranged in the bottom 143K of the holding part 140K. A liquid guide portion 122K is arranged in the middle of the air flow path 180K. The aerosol generated by the heating section 121K-1 is mixed with the air flowing in from the air inlet 181K. Next, as the user inhales, the mixed fluid of aerosol and air is transported to the internal space 141K of the holding portion 140K via the air outflow hole 182K, as indicated by the arrow 190K. Then, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air transported to the internal space 141K of the holding part 140K reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated by the heating part 121K-2.

In this configuration example, instead of heating by the heating unit 121K-1, vibration by the vibrating unit 127 according to the third configuration example, or induction heating by the susceptor 161I and the electromagnetic induction source 162I according to the eighth configuration example. , aerosol generation may take place. Further, instead of heating by the heating unit 121K-2, induction heating by the susceptor 161J and the electromagnetic induction source 162J according to the ninth configuration example may be used to generate the aerosol.

<<2. one embodiment>>
<2.1. Configuration example>
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11 , system 1 includes suction device 100 , terminal device 200 and server 300 .

(1) Suction Device The suction device 100 is a device that produces a substance that is sucked by a user. In this embodiment, the suction device 100 is configured as a suction device 100E according to the fourth configuration example. That is, the suction device 100 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the suction device 100E according to the fourth configuration example. In the following, of the configuration of the suction device 100, points to be supplemented or emphasized with respect to the configuration described above as the fourth configuration example will be mainly described. In the following, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the letter "E" corresponding to the fourth configuration example is omitted from the reference numerals attached to the components according to the fourth configuration example. do.

The notification unit 113 according to this embodiment notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 includes at least one of a display device that displays information, a light emitting device that emits light, a vibration device that vibrates, or a sound output device that outputs sound. An example of a display device is a display. An example of a light emitting device is an LED. An example of a vibration device is an eccentric motor. An example of a sound output device is a speaker. The notification unit 113 notifies the user of the information input from the control unit 116 by outputting the information. For example, the notification unit 113 displays information to be notified to the user, emits light in a light emission pattern according to the information to be notified to the user, vibrates in a vibration pattern according to the information to be notified to the user, or notifies the user. Information to be played is output by voice. The vibration pattern here is a concept including amplitude, frequency, vibration timing, and the like.

The communication unit 115 according to this embodiment is an example of a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information. The communication unit 115 wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 200 .

The sensor unit 112 according to this embodiment further includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a power measurement sensor, an image sensor, and an optical sensor. The first temperature sensor detects the environmental temperature, which is the temperature around the suction device 100 . The first temperature sensor may detect the ambient temperature based on the electrical resistance of the conductor. A second temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 121 . The second temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the heating portion 121 based on the electrical resistance of the conductive tracks of the heating portion 121 . The second temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the heating part 121 as the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding part 140 . The temperature of heating unit 121 can be detected based on the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 . The power measurement sensor measures power input from the power supply unit 111 to other components. An image sensor is a sensor that captures an image. The image sensor captures an image of the internal space 141 of the holding unit 140, for example. An optical sensor is a sensor that detects light. The optical sensor detects, for example, the amount of light in the internal space 141 of the holding section 140 .

The control unit 116 according to the present embodiment controls processing for notifying the user of information regarding cleaning of the suction device 100 . This point will be described in detail later.

(2) Terminal Device The terminal device 200 is an information processing device operated by a user. The terminal device 200 transmits and receives information to and from the suction device 100 and the server 300, and outputs information based on such communication to the user. For example, the terminal device 200 is configured by a smartphone, tablet terminal, wearable device, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 11 , terminal device 200 includes sensor section 210 , notification section 220 , communication section 230 , storage section 240 and control section 250 .

The sensor unit 210 detects various information regarding the terminal device 200 . The sensor unit 210 then outputs the detected information to the control unit 250 . Sensor unit 210 includes an input unit that receives input of information from the user. The input unit includes, for example, at least one of buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, or a microphone. Sensor unit 210 also includes a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating the position of terminal device 200 . The position information acquisition unit, for example, receives a GNSS signal from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite (for example, a GPS signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite) and obtains position information consisting of the latitude and longitude of the device. To detect.

The notification unit 220 notifies the user of information. Notification unit 220 includes at least one of a display device that displays information, a light emitting device that emits light, a vibration device that vibrates, or a sound output device that outputs sound. An example of a display device is a display. An example of a light emitting device is an LED. An example of a vibration device is an eccentric motor. An example of a sound output device is a speaker. The notification unit 220 notifies the user of the information input from the control unit 250 by outputting the information. For example, the notification unit 220 displays information to be notified to the user, emits light in a light emission pattern according to the information to be notified to the user, vibrates in a vibration pattern according to the information to be notified to the user, or notifies the user. Information to be played is output by voice.

Here, the terminal device 200 such as a smartphone is becoming more sophisticated, and is equipped with a large display or surround speakers. In other words, the notification unit 220 has higher expressiveness than the notification unit 113, such as a display that is not included in the notification unit 113 or a display larger than that of the notification unit 113, or the like.

The communication unit 230 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and other devices. The communication unit 230 performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like can be adopted. The communication unit 230 is an example of a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information. The communication unit 230 wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from the suction device 100 . Also, the communication unit 230 wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from the server 300 .

The storage unit 240 stores various information for the operation of the terminal device 200 . The storage unit 240 is configured by, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

The control unit 250 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls overall operations within the terminal device 200 according to various programs. The control unit 250 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor, for example. In addition, the control unit 250 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs to be used, calculation parameters, and the like, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate. The terminal device 200 executes various processes under the control of the control unit 250 . Processing of information detected by the sensor unit 210, notification of information by the notification unit 220, transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 230, and storage and reading of information by the storage unit 240 are examples of processing controlled by the control unit 250. . Other processes executed by the terminal device 200 such as information input to each component and processing based on information output from each component are also controlled by the control unit 250 .

(3) Server The server 300 is a device that transmits information requested by the terminal device 200 to the terminal device 200 . The server 300 is configured by, for example, a web server.

<2.2. Technical features>
(1) Determination of Need for Cleaning The suction device 100 acquires suction device information. Then, the suction device 100 controls the process of transmitting the cleaning necessity information through the communication unit 115 based on the suction device information. Specifically, the suction device 100 determines whether or not to notify the user of the cleaning necessity information based on the suction device information. Then, the suction device 100 wirelessly transmits the cleaning necessity information to the terminal device 200 at the timing determined to notify. Here, the suction device information is information about the suction device 100 . The cleaning necessity information is information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device 100 . These pieces of information will be described later in detail.

When receiving the cleaning necessity information from the suction device 100 , the terminal device 200 notifies the user of the received cleaning necessity information through the notification unit 220 . For example, the notification unit 220 displays the cleaning necessity information, outputs the cleaning necessity information by voice, emits light in a light emission pattern according to the cleaning necessity information, or emits light in a vibration pattern according to the cleaning necessity information. vibrate.

Thus, the suction device 100 can notify the user of cleaning necessity information via the terminal device 200 . The terminal device 200 has higher expressive power than the suction device 100, such as a display that is not present in the suction device 100 or a display that is larger than that of the suction device 100. Therefore, by notifying the user of the cleaning necessity information via the terminal device 200, it is possible to improve the usability of cleaning.

The cleaning necessity information may be first cleaning necessity information (corresponding to first information). The first cleaning necessity information is information indicating that it is highly necessary to clean the suction device 100 . In other words, the first cleaning necessity information is information that recommends cleaning the suction device 100 . By being notified of the first cleaning necessity information, the user can perform cleaning at an appropriate timing.

The cleaning necessity information may be second cleaning necessity information (corresponding to second information). The second cleaning necessity information is information indicating that the necessity of cleaning the suction device 100 is increasing. In other words, the second cleaning necessity information is information that recommends cleaning the suction device 100 in the near future. The second cleaning necessity information may be information recommending preparation for cleaning. Preparation for cleaning means, for example, purchasing or carrying cleaning supplies used when cleaning the suction device 100 . By being notified of the second cleaning necessity information, the user can prepare for cleaning in advance.

The cleaning necessity information may include information regarding the timing of cleaning the suction device 100 . For example, the cleaning necessity information may include information indicating the date and time when the suction device 100 should be cleaned, or information indicating how many more times the suction device 100 should be suctioned before cleaning becomes necessary. Also, the first cleaning necessity information may include, for example, information indicating that the timing for cleaning the suction device 100 has come. The second cleaning necessity information may include, for example, information indicating that the timing for cleaning the suction device 100 will come in the near future. With such a configuration, the user can easily recognize the timing for cleaning.

- Control based on number of preheats The suction device information may include the number of preheats performed by the suction device 100 to allow suction to be performed by the user with the suction device 100 . As described above in the fourth configuration example, the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 heated by the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the temperature of the substrate unit 151 to be heated by the heating unit 121) or preheating When the temperature of the heating unit 121 that performs the suction reaches (exceeds, for example) a predetermined temperature (hereinafter also referred to as a suction-enabled temperature), suction by the user becomes possible. Preheating is the heating performed until the temperature of the stick-shaped base material 150 or the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a predetermined temperature. The temperature at which stick-type substrate 150 can be sucked and the temperature at which heating section 121 can be sucked may be the same or different.

The suction device 100 transmits the first cleaning necessity information as the cleaning necessity information when the number of times of preheating reaches (for example, exceeds) the first threshold. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the first cleaning necessity information via the terminal device 200 .

Preheating is performed each time the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the holding part 140, and then suction is performed by the user. After the preheating, the stick-type substrate 150 continues to be heated even while the user is sucking. Hereinafter, heating performed after preheating is also referred to as main heating. As aerosol is generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150 by preheating and main heating, the stick-shaped substrate 150 becomes brittle. Therefore, when the stick-shaped base material 150 is pulled out from the holding part 140 after the user sucks, the remaining content of the stick-shaped base material 150 (hereinafter also referred to as a cigarette butt) spills down, and the holding part 140 accumulates in In particular, in the fourth configuration example, the portion of the stick-shaped base material 150 that is pierced by the blade-shaped heating portion 121 tends to become brittle, and the cigarette butt tends to fall off. Since the number of times of preheating can be considered to be the same as the number of times the user has performed suction and the number of times the stick-shaped base material 150 has been inserted into and removed from the holding section 140, the greater the number of preheating, the more deposits are deposited on the holding section 140. It can be said that there is a large amount of cigarette butts.

Therefore, as the first threshold, the number of times of preheating is set at which it is estimated that many cigarette butts have accumulated enough to require cleaning. This makes it possible to notify the user of the first cleaning necessity information at an appropriate timing.

Note that the first threshold value may be a fixed value, or may vary depending on the type of the suction device 100, the type of the preheated stick-shaped substrate 150, and the like.

The suction device 100 may transmit the second cleaning necessity information as the cleaning necessity information when the number of times of preheating reaches (for example, exceeds) a second threshold lower than the first threshold. good. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the second cleaning necessity information via the terminal device 200 .

As a second threshold, the number of preheats is set at which it is estimated that enough cigarette butts will accumulate to require cleaning in the near future. This makes it possible to notify the user of the second cleaning necessity information at an appropriate timing.

The second threshold value may be a fixed value, or may vary according to the type of the suction device 100, the type of the preheated stick-shaped substrate 150, and the like. Also, the second threshold may be set based on the first threshold, such as 70% of the first threshold.

The number of times of preheating may be initialized when a predetermined user operation (hereinafter also referred to as a reset operation) is performed. The reset operation may be performed on the suction device 100 or the terminal device 200 . A reset operation is an operation of inputting predetermined information to the sensor unit 112 or the sensor unit 210, such as a long press of a button. Initializing the number of preheatings means setting the counted number of preheatings to zero. A reset operation is performed, for example, when the suction device 100 is cleaned. With such a configuration, it is possible to maintain the correlation between the counted number of preheating times and the amount of cigarette butts deposited on the holding unit 140, so that the notification of the necessity of cleaning based on the number of preheating times is executed at an appropriate timing. It becomes possible to

The suction device 100 may count the number of times of preheating when it is determined that preheating has been performed on a substrate that contributes to the generation of a substance to be sucked by the user when heated. The base material is, for example, a member containing an aerosol source, and corresponds to the stick-type base material 150 . The suction device 100 counts the number of times of preheating when preheating is performed while the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 140 . With such a configuration, for example, when it is assumed that cigarette butts will not accumulate on the holding part 140, such as when the holding part 140 is heated in a state where the stick-shaped base material 150 is not held, that is, when so-called empty heating is performed. , it is possible not to count the number of preheats. As a result, the correlation between the counted number of preheating times and the amount of cigarette butts deposited on the holding unit 140 can be maintained, so that the notification of cleaning necessity information based on the number of preheating times is executed at an appropriate timing. becomes possible.

It should be noted that whether or not preheating was performed while the stick-shaped base material 150 was held by the holding portion 140 depends on the internal space of the holding portion 140 during preheating, which is imaged by the image sensor included in the sensor portion 112 . It can be determined based on the image recognition results for the 141 images.

In addition, whether or not preheating has been performed while the stick-shaped base material 150 is held by the holding portion 140 is detected by an optical sensor included in the sensor portion 112. It can be determined by comparing the amount of light in the internal space 141 with a threshold value. The optical sensor may detect light emitted when the heating unit 121 generates heat. Alternatively, a light emitting portion and an optical sensor may be provided so as to face each other across the internal space 141 of the holding portion 140, and the optical sensor may detect the light emitted by the light emitting portion. When the stick-shaped base material 150 is held by the holding part 140, the light emitted by the heating part 121 or the light-emitting part is blocked by the stick-shaped base material 150, and the amount of light detected by the optical sensor becomes lower than the threshold. On the other hand, when the stick-shaped base material 150 is not held by the holding portion 140, the light emitted by the heating portion 121 or the light emitting portion directly reaches the optical sensor, so the amount of light detected by the optical sensor is lower than the threshold. get higher

The suction device 100 (for example, the storage unit 114) stores the number of times of preheating. The suction device 100 then increases the stored number of times of preheating each time preheating is performed, and updates the memory. As a result, the number of times of preheating can be continuously counted even if the power is turned on/off during the period from the previous preheating to the current preheating.

- Control based on the time required for preheating The suction device information indicates the temperature of the object to be heated or the preheating when the suction device 100 performs preheating for allowing the user to perform suction using the suction device 100. It may include the time it takes for the temperature of the heating unit 121 to reach a predetermined temperature. Such a predetermined temperature is the suckable temperature described above. The time it takes to reach the temperature at which suction is possible is hereinafter also referred to as the time required for preheating. The object to be heated is the stick-shaped substrate 150 (more precisely, the substrate portion 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150). In other words, the time required for preheating is the time it takes for the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the temperature of the heating unit 121 to reach the suction-enabled temperature after preheating is started. The temperature of the heating section 121 is detected by a second temperature sensor included in the sensor section 112, for example. On the other hand, the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is estimated based on the temperature of the heating section 121 detected by the second temperature sensor included in the sensor section 112, for example.

The suction device 100 transmits the first cleaning necessity information as the cleaning necessity information when the time required for preheating reaches (for example, exceeds) the third threshold. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the first cleaning necessity information via the terminal device 200 .

The greater the amount of cigarette butts deposited on the holding portion 140, the longer the time required for preheating. This is because the heat generated from the heating portion 121 propagates not only to the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding portion 140 but also to the cigarette butts deposited on the holding portion 140 .

Therefore, as a third threshold, the time required for preheating is set at which it is estimated that many cigarette butts have accumulated to the extent that cleaning is required. This makes it possible to notify the user of the first cleaning necessity information at an appropriate timing.

Note that the third threshold value may be a fixed value, or may vary according to the type of the suction device 100, the type of the preheated stick-shaped substrate 150, and the like. Furthermore, the suction device 100 may set the third threshold based on the environmental temperature. As an example, the suction device 100 sets the third threshold to be shorter as the environmental temperature is higher. This is because the higher the environmental temperature, the easier it is for the temperature of the stick-shaped base material 150 and the temperature of the heating part 121 to rise, and the time required for preheating becomes shorter. As another example, the suction device 100 sets the third threshold longer as the environmental temperature is lower. This is because the lower the ambient temperature, the more difficult it is for the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and the temperature of the heating part 121 to rise, and the longer the time required for preheating. With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the cleaning necessity information at an appropriate timing according to the environmental temperature. Note that the environmental temperature is detected by, for example, a first temperature sensor included in the sensor unit 112 .

The suction device 100 transmits the second cleaning necessity information as the cleaning necessity information when the required time for preheating reaches (for example, exceeds) a fourth threshold lower than the third threshold. good too. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the second cleaning necessity information via the terminal device 200 .

A fourth threshold is set for the duration of preheating, assuming that enough cigarette butts have accumulated to require cleaning in the near future. This makes it possible to notify the user of the second cleaning necessity information at an appropriate timing.

Note that the fourth threshold value may be a fixed value, or may vary according to the type of the suction device 100, the type of the preheated stick-shaped base material 150, and the like. Also, the fourth threshold may be set based on a third threshold, such as 70% of the third threshold. Furthermore, the suction device 100 may set the fourth threshold value based on the environmental temperature for the same reason as described above regarding the third threshold value.

- Control based on required power for preheating The suction device information indicates the temperature of the object to be heated or the preheating when the suction device 100 performs preheating for allowing the user to perform suction using the suction device 100. It may include electric power required for the temperature of the heating unit 121 to reach a predetermined temperature. Such a predetermined temperature is the suckable temperature described above. The electric power required to reach the suckable temperature is hereinafter also referred to as the electric power required for preheating. The object to be heated is the stick-shaped substrate 150 (more precisely, the substrate portion 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150). In other words, the power required for preheating is the total amount of power input to the heating unit 121 from the start of preheating until the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150 or the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the suction-enabled temperature. be. The power input to the heating section 121 is measured by, for example, a power measurement sensor included in the sensor section 112 .

The suction device 100 transmits the first cleaning necessity information as the cleaning necessity information when the required power for preheating reaches (for example, exceeds) the fifth threshold. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the first cleaning necessity information via the terminal device 200 .

The greater the amount of cigarette butts deposited on the holding portion 140, the longer the power required for preheating. This is because the heat generated from the heating portion 121 propagates not only to the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding portion 140 but also to the cigarette butts deposited on the holding portion 140 .

Therefore, the power requirement for preheating is set as the fifth threshold, at which it is estimated that many cigarette butts have accumulated enough to require cleaning. This makes it possible to notify the user of the first cleaning necessity information at an appropriate timing.

Note that the fifth threshold value may be a fixed value, or may vary according to the type of the suction device 100, the type of the preheated stick-shaped substrate 150, and the like. Furthermore, the suction device 100 may set the fifth threshold based on the environmental temperature. As an example, the suction device 100 sets the fifth threshold lower as the environmental temperature is higher. This is because the higher the ambient temperature, the easier it is for the temperature of the stick-shaped base material 150 and the temperature of the heating unit 121 to rise, and the power required for preheating to decrease. As another example, the suction device 100 sets the fifth threshold higher as the environmental temperature is lower. This is because the lower the ambient temperature, the more difficult it is for the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and the temperature of the heating unit 121 to rise, and the higher the power required for preheating. With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the cleaning necessity information at an appropriate timing according to the environmental temperature.

The suction device 100 transmits the second cleaning necessity information as the cleaning necessity information when the required power for preheating reaches (for example, exceeds) a sixth threshold lower than the fifth threshold. good too. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the second cleaning necessity information via the terminal device 200 .

As a sixth threshold, the power requirement for preheating is set, assuming that enough cigarette butts have accumulated to require cleaning in the near future. This makes it possible to notify the user of the second cleaning necessity information at an appropriate timing.

Note that the sixth threshold value may be a fixed value, or may vary according to the type of the suction device 100, the type of the preheated stick-shaped substrate 150, and the like. Also, the sixth threshold may be set based on the fifth threshold, such as 70% of the fifth threshold. Furthermore, the suction device 100 may set the sixth threshold based on the ambient temperature for the same reason as described above regarding the fifth threshold.

(2) Switching of Notification Means The suction device 100 may switch the notification means of the cleaning necessity information depending on whether or not the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are wirelessly connected. Specifically, the suction device 100 transmits the cleaning necessity information to the terminal device 200 through the communication unit 115 when the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are wirelessly connected. On the other hand, the suction device 100 notifies the cleaning necessity information through the notification unit 113 when the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are not wirelessly connected. Accordingly, when wirelessly connected, the cleaning necessity information can be notified via the terminal device 200 having high expressiveness. Also, when there is no wireless connection, although the expressiveness is inferior to the case where the terminal device 200 notifies the information, at least it is possible to notify the cleaning necessity information without delay.

The suction device 100 does not need to notify the cleaning necessity information by the notification unit 113 when the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are wirelessly connected. That is, when the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are wirelessly connected, the suction device 100 only wirelessly transmits the cleaning necessity information by the communication unit 115 instead of notifying the cleaning necessity information by the notification unit 113. you can go This makes it possible to suppress the power consumption required for notification by the suction device 100 .

Of course, the suction device 100 may notify the cleaning necessity information by the notification unit 113 even when the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are wirelessly connected. That is, when the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are wirelessly connected, the suction device 100 notifies the cleaning necessity information by the notification unit 113 and wirelessly transmits the cleaning necessity information by the communication unit 115 . good too. This makes it possible to notify the user of the information more reliably than when only one of the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 notifies.

(3) Other Processing Related to Cleaning - Reminder The terminal device 200 notifies the user of cleaning necessity information through the notification unit 220 . Thereafter, when information indicating that the suction device 100 is not to be cleaned is input to the sensor unit 210 , the terminal device 200 makes settings for notifying the cleaning necessity information again by the notification unit 220 . As an example, the terminal device 200 may automatically set the timing of notifying the cleaning necessity information again after a predetermined time. As another example, the terminal device 200 may receive user input of information indicating the timing of notifying the cleaning necessity information again, and perform setting based on the input information. In any case, it is possible to set a reminder in a situation where it is difficult to perform cleaning at the timing when the cleaning necessity information is notified due to circumstances such as the user not carrying cleaning supplies.

- Notification of cleaning method information The terminal device 200 may notify the information indicating the method of cleaning the suction device 100 through the notification unit 220 . Such information is hereinafter also referred to as cleaning method information. The cleaning method information may include, for example, how to use cleaning supplies used to clean the suction device 100, how to disassemble the suction device 100, and the like. For example, the terminal device 200 notifies the cleaning method information together with the cleaning necessity information. With such a configuration, the user can easily know the cleaning method at the timing when the suction device 100 should be cleaned.

When the terminal device 200 receives cleaning necessity information from the suction device 100 , the terminal device 200 may transmit information requesting cleaning method information. With this configuration, the terminal device 200 can acquire the cleaning method information and notify the user of it even when the cleaning method information is unknown, such as when the user replaces with a new suction device 100 .

The destination of the information requesting the cleaning method information may be the server 300 . In this case, the information requesting the cleaning method information may include information indicating the type of the suction device 100, for example. The server 300 generates cleaning method information according to the type of the suction device 100 based on this information. Then, when the server 300 returns the cleaning method information, the terminal device 200 notifies the user of the cleaning method information received from the server 300 .

The destination of the information requesting the cleaning method information may be the suction device 100 . In this case, the suction device 100 transmits cleaning method information to the terminal device 200 in response to such a request. Of course, the suction device 100 may voluntarily transmit the cleaning method information other than when the cleaning method information is requested. For example, the suction device 100 may transmit cleaning method information together with cleaning necessity information. In any case, when the terminal device 200 receives the cleaning method information from the suction device 100, the terminal device 200 notifies the received cleaning method information to the user. With such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can notify the user of the cleaning method information even when communication with the server 300 is difficult.

-Notification of Store Information on Cleaning Products The terminal device 200 may notify the information of stores that sell cleaning products used for cleaning the suction device 100 through the notification unit 220 . Such information is hereinafter also referred to as store information. The store information may include, for example, information indicating the location of a store near the location of the suction device 100, information indicating the sales price of each store, and the like. Also, the store here may be a virtual store such as an online shop. This allows the user to easily obtain cleaning supplies.

The terminal device 200 may transmit information requesting store information to the server 300 . For example, when the terminal device 200 receives cleaning necessity information from the suction device 100 , the terminal device 200 may transmit information requesting store information to the server 300 . The information requesting the store information may include, for example, information indicating the type of the suction device 100, position information of the terminal device 200, and the like. Based on this information, the server 300 searches for a store nearest to the user that sells cleaning supplies corresponding to the type of the suction device 100, and generates store information. Then, when the server 300 returns the shop information, the terminal device 200 notifies the user of the shop information received from the server 300 . With such a configuration, the user can easily obtain cleaning supplies at the timing when the suction device 100 should be cleaned.

<2.3. Process Flow>
FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of cleaning necessity information notification processing executed by the system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the suction device 100, the terminal device 200, and the server 300 are involved in this sequence.

As shown in FIG. 12, the suction device 100 first acquires suction device information (step S102). For example, the suction device 100 acquires at least one of the number of times of preheating, the time required for preheating, or the power required for preheating, based on the detection result of the sensor unit 112 .

Next, based on the suction device information, the suction device 100 determines whether or not to notify the user of the cleaning necessity information (step S104). For example, the suction device 100 compares the number of times of preheating with a first threshold value or a second threshold value, compares the time required for preheating with a third threshold value or a fourth threshold value, and calculates the power required for preheating. Compare with a fifth threshold or a sixth threshold. Then, when at least one of the number of times of preheating, the time required for preheating, and the power required for preheating reaches (for example, exceeds) the threshold value to be compared, the suction device 100 displays the cleaning necessity information is determined to be notified. On the other hand, the suction device 100 determines not to notify the cleaning necessity information when none of the number of times of preheating, the time required for preheating, and the power required for preheating reaches the comparison threshold. .

If it is determined not to notify the cleaning necessity information (step S104/NO), the process returns to step S102 again. On the other hand, if it is determined to notify the cleaning necessity information (step S104/YES), the suction device 100 determines whether or not it is wirelessly connected to the terminal device 200 (step S106).

When it is determined that the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are wirelessly connected (step S106/YES), the suction device 100 transmits cleaning necessity information to the terminal device 200 (step S108). When the terminal device 200 receives the cleaning necessity information, the terminal device 200 transmits to the server 300 information requesting cleaning method information and information requesting cleaning product store information (step S110). After that, the server 300 returns the cleaning method information and the store information requested by the terminal device 200 to the terminal device 200 (step S112). Then, the terminal device 200 notifies the user of the received cleaning necessity information, cleaning method information, and store information through the notification unit 220 (step S114).

When it is determined that the suction device 100 and the terminal device 200 are not wirelessly connected (step S106/NO), the suction device 100 notifies the user of the cleaning necessity information through the notification unit 113 (step S116).

<<3. Supplement >>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can conceive of various modifications or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. It is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the suction device 100 is configured as the suction device 100E according to the fourth configuration example, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The suction device 100 may be configured as another substrate-integrated suction device according to the fifth to seventh configuration examples. Of course, the suction device 100 may be configured as a suction device according to the first to third configuration examples or the eighth to tenth configuration examples.

For example, in the above embodiment, the suction device 100 controls the process of notifying the cleaning necessity information based on the suction device information, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the suction device 100 may transmit suction device information to the terminal device 200 . Then, when the terminal device 200 receives the suction device information from the suction device 100, the terminal device 200 may control the process of notifying the cleaning necessity information based on the suction device information. Specifically, the terminal device 200 determines whether or not to notify the user of the cleaning necessity information based on the suction device information. Then, the terminal device 200 notifies the user of the cleaning necessity information through the notification unit 220 at the timing determined to notify. With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the cleaning necessity information via the terminal device 200, as in the above-described embodiment, so that usability regarding cleaning can be improved.

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

A series of processes by each device described in this specification may be realized using any of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. Programs constituting software are stored in advance in a storage medium (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside each device, for example. Each program, for example, is read into a RAM when executed by a computer, and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The storage medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, or the like. Also, the above computer program may be distributed, for example, via a network without using a storage medium.

1: System 100: Suction device
110: power supply unit
111: power supply unit 112: sensor unit 113: notification unit 114: storage unit 115: communication unit 116: control unit
120: Cartridge
121: Heating unit
122: liquid guide part
123: liquid reservoir
130: Flavor imparting cartridge
131: Flavor source
140: Holding unit 141: Internal space 150: Stick-type base material 151: Base material unit 200: Terminal device 210: Sensor unit 220: Notification unit 230: Communication unit 240: Storage unit 250: Control unit 300: Server

Claims (25)

a suction device,
a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information;
a control unit that acquires information about the suction device and controls a process of transmitting information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device based on the acquired information about the suction device from the wireless communication unit;
with
the information about the suction device includes the number of preheats performed by the suction device to enable suction by a user using the suction device;
The control unit controls the wireless communication unit to transmit first information as information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device when the number of times of preheating reaches a first threshold.
suction device. The suction device according to claim 1 , wherein the number of times of preheating is initialized when a predetermined user operation is performed. The control unit counts the number of times of preheating when it is determined that the preheating has been performed on a base material that contributes to the generation of a substance that is sucked by a user when heated. 3. The suction device according to 1 or 2 . The suction device further comprises a storage unit,
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the storage unit stores the number of times of preheating. The control unit is configured to transmit second information as information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device when the number of times of preheating reaches a second threshold lower than the first threshold. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , which controls a wireless communication unit. The information about the suction device is such that when the suction device performs preheating for allowing the user to perform suction using the suction device, the temperature of the heating target or the temperature of the heating unit that performs the preheating is Including the time it takes to reach the specified temperature,
When the time required for the temperature of the object to be heated or the temperature of the heating unit to reach the predetermined temperature reaches the third threshold, the control unit provides information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the wireless communication section is controlled to transmit first information. The suction device according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit sets the third threshold value based on an environmental temperature that is the ambient temperature of the suction device. The control unit activates the suction device when the time required for the temperature of the object to be heated or the temperature of the heating unit to reach the predetermined temperature reaches a fourth threshold lower than the third threshold. The suction device according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the wireless communication unit is controlled to transmit second information as information indicating the necessity of cleaning. The information about the suction device is such that when the suction device performs preheating for allowing the user to perform suction using the suction device, the temperature of the heating target or the temperature of the heating unit that performs the preheating is including the power required to reach a given temperature,
When the electric power required for the temperature of the object to be heated or the temperature of the heating unit to reach the predetermined temperature reaches a fifth threshold, the control unit provides information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the wireless communication unit is controlled to transmit first information. The suction device according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit sets the fifth threshold value based on an environmental temperature that is the temperature around the suction device. The control unit activates the suction device when the electric power required for the temperature of the object to be heated or the temperature of the heating unit to reach the predetermined temperature reaches a sixth threshold lower than the fifth threshold. 11. The suction device according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein said wireless communication unit is controlled to transmit second information as information indicating the need for cleaning. The suction device includes a notification unit that notifies the user of information,
The control unit controls the wireless communication unit to transmit information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device to the other device when the suction device and the other device are wirelessly connected, and The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the notification unit is controlled to notify information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device when the suction device and the other device are not wirelessly connected. suction device. 13. The suction according to claim 12 , wherein the control unit does not notify the information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device by the notification unit when the suction device and the other device are wirelessly connected. Device. The suction device according to claim 12 or 13 , wherein the notification unit includes at least one of a display device, a light emitting device, a vibration device, and a sound output device. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 , wherein the control section controls the wireless communication section to transmit information indicating how to clean the suction device. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , wherein the information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device includes information regarding timing of cleaning the suction device. a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information;
a notification unit for notifying the user of information;
an input unit for receiving input of information;
a control unit that controls the notification unit to notify information indicating the need to clean the suction device when information indicating the need to clean the suction device is received by the wireless communication unit from the suction device;
with
After the information indicating the need to clean the suction device is notified to the user by the notification unit, the control unit controls the suction device when information indicating that the suction device is not to be cleaned is input to the input unit. configure settings for re-notification of the need to clean the device;
Terminal equipment. 18. When the wireless communication unit further receives information indicating a method for cleaning the suction device, the control unit controls the notification unit to notify the information indicating the method for cleaning the suction device. The terminal device described in . 18. When receiving information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device, the control unit controls the wireless communication unit to transmit information requesting information indicating a method of cleaning the suction device. Or the terminal device according to 18 . When receiving information indicating the need to clean the suction device, the control unit causes the wireless device to transmit information requesting information on stores that sell cleaning supplies used to clean the suction device. The terminal device according to any one of claims 17 to 19 , which controls a communication unit. 21. The control unit according to any one of claims 17 to 20 , wherein, when receiving information about the suction device from the suction device, the control unit controls a process of notifying the notification unit of information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device. or the terminal device according to claim 1. An information processing method performed by a suction device,
obtaining information about the suction device;
controlling a process of wirelessly transmitting information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device based on the acquired information about the suction device;
including
the information about the suction device includes the number of preheats performed by the suction device to enable suction by a user using the suction device;
The controlling includes controlling to transmit first information as information indicating the need to clean the suction device when the number of times of preheating reaches a first threshold.
Information processing methods. A method performed by a terminal device, comprising:
Notifying information indicating the need to clean the suction device when information indicating the need to clean the suction device is wirelessly received from the suction device;
After the user is notified of the information indicating the need to clean the suction device, if the user inputs the information indicating that the suction device is not to be cleaned, the information indicating the need to clean the suction device is notified again. and
Information processing method including. A computer that controls a suction device having a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information ,
a control unit that acquires information about the suction device and controls a process of transmitting information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device based on the acquired information about the suction device from the wireless communication unit;
function as
the information about the suction device includes the number of preheats performed by the suction device to enable suction by a user using the suction device;
The control unit controls the wireless communication unit to transmit first information as information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device when the number of times of preheating reaches a first threshold.
program. A computer that controls a terminal device having a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits and receives information, a notification unit that notifies a user of information, and an input unit that receives input of information,
a control unit for controlling the notification unit to notify information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device when information indicating the necessity of cleaning the suction device is received by the wireless communication unit from the suction device;
function as
After the information indicating the need to clean the suction device is notified to the user by the notification unit, the control unit controls the suction device when information indicating that the suction device is not to be cleaned is input to the input unit. configure settings for re-notification of the need to clean the device;
program.

Images