TW201940083A - Aerosol generating apparatus, method and program for operating the aerosol generating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The purpose of present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of determining whether an aerosol source is insufficient while suppressing fluctuation of aerosol generation amount during suction of an aerosol by a user. Provided is an aerosol generating device having: a power supply 110; an aerosol base material holding a reservoir or aerosol source for storing an aerosol source; a load 132 atomizing the aerosol source by the heat generated by the power supply from the power supply 110 and changing the electric resistance value according to the temperature; first sensors 112B and 112D for outputting values relating to the electric resistance value of the load 132; a second sensor for receiving an aerosol generation request from the user to generate an output; a first circuit 202 connected in series between the power supply 110 and the load 132 and having a first switch Q1; a second circuit 204 connected in parallel to the first circuit 202 and having a second switch Q2 and having an electric resistance value higher than that of the first circuit 202; a control unit 106 for controlling the first switch Q1 and the second switch Q2. The control unit 106 is configured to perform the control as: based on the values output by the first sensors 112B and 112D when the second switch Q2 is in the ON state, estimates the remaining amount of the aerosol source; the period during the output by the second sensor is generating includes the timing that the second switch Q2 is turned on when the first switch Q1 is in the ON state or the timing that the first switch Q1 is turned OFF and the second switch Q2 is turned on at the same time.

Description

Mist generating device and method and program for operating the device

The present invention relates to a mist generating device for generating aerosol tasted by a user, and a method and program for causing the device to operate.

In a general mist generating device such as an electronic cigarette, a heating cigarette, a sprayer and the like for generating a mist inhaled by a user, if the mist source which becomes mist by being atomized is insufficient, if the user smokes, It is impossible to supply sufficient mist to the user. In addition, in the case of an electronic cigarette or a heated cigarette, a problem may occur in that it is impossible to generate a mist with an intended fragrance to taste.

As a solution to this problem, Patent Document 1 has disclosed a technique for measuring the temperature of a heater after a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the mist generation phase, and determining a liquid level of the liquid storage section. Patent Document 2 discloses a method for measuring electrical parameters of a heater while the heater is not operating, and based on the amount of electric power supplied to the heater obtained from the measurement result and the temperature change generated by the heater. Detect Techniques for measuring liquid depletion.

However, since the prior art cannot detect the liquid level or the liquid exhausted outside the period when the heater is not operating, the opportunity to determine whether the mist source is insufficient is limited.

[Prior technical literature] [Patent Literature]

Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2017/144191

Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2017/084818

The present invention has been developed in view of the problems described above.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mist generating device capable of determining whether a mist source is insufficient during a user's mist suction, and a method and a program for operating the device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device may be provided, which includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; and a first sensor for receiving power from a power source. The heat generated by the power supply atomizes the mist source, and outputs a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature; the second sensor generates an output according to the user's request for mist generation A first circuit connected in series between the aforementioned power source and the aforementioned load, and having A first switch; a second circuit connected in parallel with the first circuit and having a second switch with a resistance greater than that of the first circuit; and a control unit for controlling the first switch and the first circuit Two shutters; the aforementioned control unit is structured as follows: based on the aforementioned value output by the first sensor when the aforementioned second shutter is on, the residual amount of the mist source is estimated, and The period during which the second sensor generates the output includes the point in time when the second switch is turned on when the first switch is in the on state, or when the first switch is turned off while the first switch is in the off state. The two shutters are controlled in such a way that they become on-time.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to make the second shutter in a conducting state after the first shutter is in a conducting state, and simultaneously send an opening signal to the first shutter and to open and close the second shutter. Signal of the device.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to make the first shutter into a conducting state after the second shutter is in a conducting state, and simultaneously send a conduction signal to the first shutter and to the second opening and closing state. Disconnection signal.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to send a conduction signal to the other of the first shutter and the second shutter when one of the first shutter and the second shutter is in an on state.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured so that the first shutter is turned on only at a predetermined time, and After a shutter sends a conduction signal or after the first shutter becomes conductive, before the time obtained by subtracting the turn-on time of the second shutter from the predetermined time, it is sent to the second The on signal of the switch.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to send a conduction signal to the other one of the first shutter and the second shutter, and then to the one of the first shutter and the second shutter. Send a disconnect signal.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to send one of the first shutter and the second shutter to the other of the first shutter and the second shutter when the turn is turned off. Turn on the signal.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to send an off signal to the other of the first shutter and the second shutter when one of the first shutter and the second shutter is turned on.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to estimate the remaining amount of the mist source based on the value output from the first sensor after the disconnection signal is sent to the first switch.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to be based on the value output from the first sensor after the turn-off time of the first shutter has passed since the disconnection signal was sent to the first shutter. To estimate the residual amount of the mist source.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to cause the first control unit to generate the first output during a period when the output is generated by the second sensor. The shutter is always in a conducting state, and the second shutter is intermittently in a conducting state.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to, during a period when the output is generated by the second sensor, form a time during which the first shutter is in a conducting state to be in a conducting state longer than that of the second shutter. It's still a long time.

In one embodiment, a voltage converter connected between a node and the power supply is included, and the node can be connected to the high voltage side of the first circuit and the high voltage side of the second circuit; the control unit is configured as The voltage converter controls the voltage converter to output a rated voltage while the second shutter is in an on state.

In one embodiment, the first shutter and the second shutter are formed of any one of a switch having the same characteristics, a transistor having the same characteristics, and a contactor having the same characteristics.

In an embodiment, the second sensor detects a flow rate or flow rate generated by a user's taste of the mist generating device, and only when the flow rate or flow rate exceeds a first threshold value and is not low. The aforementioned output is generated only during the second threshold.

In one embodiment, the second sensor detects a pressure change generated by a user's taste of the mist generating device, and only when the pressure is lower than a first threshold and does not exceed a second The aforementioned output is generated only during the threshold.

In one embodiment, while the shutter is in the ON state, the current flowing through the shutter is larger than a predetermined value until The period during which the shutter is lowered to the predetermined value is the period during which the shutter is in the OFF state, and the period during which the shutter is not in the ON state.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an operation method of a mist generating device may be provided. The mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; a first sensor to The aforementioned mist source is atomized by the heat generated by the power supply from the power supply, and a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes according to temperature is output; the second sensor accepts the user's An output is generated upon request; a first circuit is connected in series between the aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load and has a first shutter; a second circuit is connected in parallel with the aforementioned first circuit and has a second shutter and has a resistance value ratio The first circuit is still large; and a control unit that controls the first shutter and the second shutter; the method includes: the control unit outputs based on the first sensor when the second shutter is in an on state A step of estimating the remaining amount of the mist source by the aforementioned value of the above value; and a period in which the aforementioned output is generated by the aforementioned second sensor includes the aforementioned first opening While the time point of the second shutter will be turned on when the device is turned on state, or the first shutter OFF state of the second shutter will be the point of time the conduction state in a manner to perform the step of controlling.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device may be provided, including: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; and a first sensor for supplying power from a power supply station. Heat generated to atomize the mist source, and output a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes according to temperature; the second sensor accepts the An output is generated by the user's requirements regarding the generation of mist; a first circuit is connected in series between the aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load and has a first shutter; a second circuit is connected in parallel with the aforementioned first circuit and has a second A shutter with a resistance value greater than that of the first circuit; and a control unit that controls the first shutter and the second shutter; the control unit is configured as follows: based on the foregoing when the second shutter is in an on state; The foregoing value output by the first sensor is used to estimate the remaining amount of the mist source, and is controlled by the power supply provided by the power supply during the period when the output is generated by the second sensor. The first shutter and the second shutter.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an operation method of a mist generating device may be provided. The mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; a first sensor to The aforementioned mist source is atomized by the heat generated by the power supply from the power supply, and a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes according to temperature is output; the second sensor accepts the user's An output is generated upon request; a first circuit is connected in series between the aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load and has a first shutter; a second circuit is connected in parallel with the aforementioned first circuit and has a second shutter and has a resistance value ratio The first circuit is still large; and a control unit that controls the first shutter and the second shutter; the method includes: the control unit is based on the first sensor unit when the second shutter is in an on state. A step of estimating the remaining amount of the mist source by outputting the aforementioned value; and while the aforementioned output is generated by the aforementioned second sensor, the above-mentioned value is continued by the aforementioned Whom power source way A step of controlling the aforementioned first shutter and the aforementioned second shutter.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device may be provided, including: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; and a first sensor for supplying power from a power supply station. The generated heat will atomize the mist source, and output a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature. The second sensor generates an output according to the user's request for mist generation. A circuit connected in series between the power supply and the load and having a first switch; a second circuit connected in parallel with the first circuit and having a second switch, and having a resistance value greater than that of the first circuit; And a control unit that controls the first shutter and the second shutter; the control unit is configured to generate the output by the second sensor based on that the second shutter is in an on state, and When the mist is generated by the load or the value output by the first sensor immediately after the generation of the mist generated by the load is stopped, the remaining amount of the mist source is estimated

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an operation method of a mist generating device may be provided. The mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; a first sensor to The aforementioned mist source is atomized by the heat generated by the power supply from the power supply, and a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes according to temperature is output; the second sensor accepts the user's An output is generated upon request; a first circuit is connected in series between the aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load and has a first shutter; a second circuit is connected in parallel with the aforementioned first circuit and has a second shutter and has a resistance value ratio The aforementioned first circuit is still large; And a control unit that controls the first shutter and the second shutter; the method includes the following steps: the control unit generates the foregoing by the second sensor based on that the second shutter is in an on state; Output, and when the mist is generated by the load or the value output by the first sensor immediately after the generation of the mist for the load is stopped, the remaining amount of the mist source is estimated.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device may be provided, including: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; and a first sensor for supplying power from a power supply station. The generated heat will atomize the mist source, and output a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature. The second sensor generates an output according to the user's request for mist generation. A circuit connected in series between the power supply and the load and having a first switch; a second circuit connected in parallel with the first circuit and having a second switch, and having a resistance value greater than that of the first circuit; And a control unit that controls the first shutter and the second shutter; the control unit is structured as follows: based on the value output from the first sensor when the second shutter is in an on state, the foregoing is estimated Residual amount of the mist source; during a period in which the output is generated by the second sensor, the period including the period in which the first shutter is in an on state, and the first opening From the time when the period when the switch is in the ON state ends, the period of time after the ON signal is sent to the second switch and before the time when the second switch is in the ON state ends, the communication to the second switch is sent. number.

In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a An operation method of a mist generating device, the mist generating device comprising: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; a first sensor for misting by heat generated by power supply from a power source Convert the aforementioned mist source, and output a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes with temperature; the second sensor generates an output in response to the user's request for mist generation; the first circuit is connected in series with A first switch is provided between the power supply and the load, a second circuit is connected in parallel with the first circuit and has a second switch, and the resistance value is greater than the first circuit; and a control unit controls The first shutter and the second shutter; the method includes: the control section estimates the residue of the mist source based on the value output from the first sensor when the second shutter is in an on state. A step of measuring; and a period including a period in which the first switch is in an on state during a period in which an output is generated by the second sensor, and the first opening and closing From the time point when the period of the ON state ends, after the time when the ON signal is sent to the second switch and before the time before the second switch becomes the ON state, the ON signal is sent to the second switch. A step of.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device may be provided, including: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; and a first sensor for supplying power from a power supply station. The generated heat will atomize the mist source, and output a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature. The second sensor generates an output according to the user's request for mist generation. A circuit connected in series between the aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load, and having a first switch; Two circuits, which are connected in parallel with the first circuit and have a second switch with a resistance value greater than that of the first circuit; and a control unit that controls the first switch and the second switch; the control unit is The structure is as follows: the remaining amount of the mist source is estimated based on the value output by the first sensor when the second switch is in the on state, while the output is generated by the second sensor When the disconnection signal is sent to the first switch, the turn-on signal is sent to the second switch; the turn-off time of the first switch is after the turn-on signal is sent to the second switch until the aforementioned More than the time until the second shutter is turned on.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an operation method of a mist generating device may be provided. The mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; a first sensor to The aforementioned mist source is atomized by the heat generated by the power supply from the power supply, and a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes according to temperature is output; the second sensor accepts the user's An output is generated upon request; a first circuit is connected in series between the aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load and has a first shutter; a second circuit is connected in parallel with the aforementioned first circuit and has a second shutter and has a resistance value ratio The first circuit is still large; and a control unit for controlling the first shutter and the second shutter; the method includes: the control unit is based on the first sensing when the second shutter is in an on state; A step of estimating the remaining amount of the mist source by the foregoing value output from the sensor; and going to the first opening and closing during the period when the output is generated by the second sensor Off signal is transmitted, the step of transmitting to the ON signal of the second shutter; the first opening of the shutter switch The off time is longer than the time after the on-signal is transmitted to the second shutter until the second shutter is turned on.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a program can be provided that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to execute the method.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mist generating device capable of judging whether a mist source is insufficient, and a method and a program for operating the device during the mist sampling by a user.

100, 100A, 100B ‧‧‧ Mist generating device

102‧‧‧The body (first component)

104A‧‧‧Box (second component)

104B‧‧‧Mist-generating items (second component, smart stick)

106‧‧‧Control Department

108‧‧‧Notification Department

110‧‧‧Power

112, 112A to 112D‧‧‧ sensors

114‧‧‧Memory

116A‧‧‧Storage Department

116B‧‧‧Mist substrate

118A, 118B‧‧‧Atomization Department

120‧‧‧Air intake channel

121‧‧‧Mist flow path

122‧‧‧Nozzle

130‧‧‧holding department

132‧‧‧Load

134, 200‧‧‧ circuits

202‧‧‧First Circuit

204‧‧‧Second Circuit

206, 210, 214‧‧‧FET

208‧‧‧ Conversion Department

212‧‧‧Resistor

216‧‧‧diode

218‧‧‧Inductor

220‧‧‧Capacitor

402‧‧‧Signal to switch

Gate-source voltage of FET included in 404‧‧‧switch

406‧‧‧ Current flowing to the drain-source of the FET included in the switch

502‧‧‧ The amount of the mist source held by the holding portion 130

512‧‧‧Load temperature

514‧‧‧Load resistance

Output values of 602, 1402‧‧‧ sensors

604、1404‧‧‧Signal to switch Q1

606, 1406‧‧‧Signal to switch Q2

634‧‧‧ Current flowing to the drain-source of the FET included in switch Q1

636‧‧‧ Current flowing to the drain-source of the FET included in the switch Q

Q1, Q2‧‧‧ Switch

Fig. 1A is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a mist generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a mist generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary circuit configuration of a part of a mist generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for determining whether a mist source is insufficient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining terms related to switches in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a principle of determining whether a mist source is insufficient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6A shows an example of the accompanying determination of whether the fog source is insufficient A schematic diagram of an example of a change in the output value or signal of a sensor over time.

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a change in the output value or signal of the sensor over time accompanying the exemplary processing for determining whether the mist source is insufficient.

FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram showing an example of a change in the output value or signal of the sensor over time accompanying the exemplary processing for determining whether the mist source is insufficient.

FIG. 6D is a schematic diagram showing an example of a change in the output value or signal of the sensor over time accompanying the exemplary processing for determining whether the mist source is insufficient.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a more specific illustrated process included in the illustrated process of determining whether the mist source is insufficient.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a change example of a signal with time, which is accompanied by a detailed process of determining whether the mist source is insufficient or not.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a more specific illustrated process included in the illustrated process of determining whether the mist source is insufficient.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a variation example of time-varying signals with more detailed signals accompanying the illustrated processing for determining whether the mist source is insufficient.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a more specific illustrated process included in the illustrated process of determining whether the mist source is insufficient.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a variation example of a signal with time, which is accompanied by an exemplary process for determining whether the mist source is insufficient.

FIG. 13 shows whether the mist source according to an embodiment of the present invention is not A flowchart of an example of the processing.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a variation example of a signal with time, which is accompanied by a detailed process of determining whether the mist source is insufficient or not.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, although the embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic cigarette, a heating cigarette, and a sprayer, it is not limited to these. Embodiments of the present invention can include various kinds of mist generating devices for generating mists tasted by a user.

FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a mist generating device 100A according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows the components of the mist generating device 100 roughly and conceptually. It should be noted that the components, the shape, size, and positional relationship of the mist generating device 100A are not shown.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the mist generating device 100A includes a first member 102 (hereinafter, referred to as a “body 102”) and a second member 104A (hereinafter, referred to as a “box 104A”). As shown in the figure, as an example, the main body 102 may include a control unit 106, a notification unit 108, a power supply 110, a sensor 112, and a memory 114. The mist generating device 100A may also include sensors such as a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, and a voltage sensor, and these are collectively referred to as "sensor 112" in the present invention. The body 102 may further include a circuit 134 described later. As an example, the case 104A may include a storage portion 116A, an atomization portion 118A, an air intake flow path 120, a mist flow path 121, a nozzle portion 122, a holding portion 130, and a load 132. Components included in the body 102 A part may also be contained in the box 104A. A part of the components included in the box 104A may also be included in the body 102. The box body 104A may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the main body 102. Alternatively, all the components included in the body 102 and the box 104A may be included in the same frame to replace the body 102 and the box 104A.

The storage unit 116A may be configured as a tank for accommodating a mist source. In this case, the mist source is, for example, a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, polyalcohol, or water. When the mist generating device 100A is an electronic cigarette, the mist source in the storage portion 116A may include a cigarette raw material or an extract derived from the cigarette raw material that releases flavor and taste components by heating. The holding unit 130 holds a mist source. For example, the holding portion 130 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and is held as a liquid mist source in the gaps between the fibers or the pores of the porous material. As the fibrous or porous material described above, for example, cotton, glass fiber, or a cigarette material can be used. When the mist generating device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the mist source may further include a medicine for inhalation by a patient. As another example, the storage unit 116A may have a structure capable of replenishing a consumed mist source. Alternatively, the storage section 116A may be configured to be exchangeable when the mist source has been consumed. The mist source is not limited to a liquid, but may be a solid. In a case where the mist source is solid, the storage portion 116A may be a hollow container.

The atomizing unit 118A is configured to generate a mist by atomizing a mist source. When a sucking action is detected by the sensor 112, the fog The chemical conversion unit 118A generates mist. For example, the holding portion 130 is provided so as to connect the storage portion 116A and the atomizing portion 118A. In this case, a part of the holding portion 130 is opened to the inside of the storage portion 116A and is in contact with the mist source. The other part of the holding part 130 extends toward the atomizing part 118A. Furthermore, the other part of the holding part 130 extended to the atomizing part 118A may be stored in the atomizing part 118A, or may pass through the atomizing part 118A to the inside of the storage part 116A again. The mist source is transported from the storage portion 116A to the atomization portion 118A by the capillary effect of the holding portion 130. As an example, the atomizing unit 118A includes a heater including a load 132 electrically connected to the power source 110. The heater is disposed so as to be in contact with or adjacent to the holding portion 130. When a sucking action is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomizing unit 118A, and heats the mist source carried by the holding unit 130, thereby atomizing the mist source. Another example of the atomizing unit 118A may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes a mist source by ultrasonic oscillation. An air intake flow path 120 is connected to the atomizing section 118A, and the air intake flow path 120 is connected to the outside of the mist generating device 100A. The mist generated in the atomizing section 118A is mixed with the air taken in through the air intake flow path 120. The mixed flow system of mist and air is sent to the mist flow path 121 as shown by arrow 124. The mist flow path 121 has a tubular structure for transferring a mixed fluid of mist and air generated in the atomizing section 118A to the nozzle section 122.

The nozzle portion 122 is located at the end of the mist flow path 121 and is configured to open the mist flow path 121 to the outside of the mist generating device 100A. The user sucks and tastes by holding the nozzle portion 122 to Air including mist is taken into the mouth.

The notification unit 108 may include a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a display, a speaker, a vibrator, and the like. The notification unit 108 is configured to notify the user of a certain type by emitting light, displaying, sounding, vibrating, or the like as necessary.

The power supply 110 is a component of the mist generating device 100A that supplies power to the notification unit 108, the sensor 112, the memory 114, the load 132, and the circuit 134. The power source 110 may also be a primary battery or a secondary battery that can be charged by being connected to an external power source through a predetermined port (not shown) of the mist generating device 100A. It is also possible to simply remove the power supply 110 from the main body 102 or the mist generating device 100A, and exchange it with a new power supply 110. In addition, the entire body 102 may be exchanged with the new body 102, thereby exchanging the power supply 110 with the new power supply 110.

The sensor 112 may include one or a plurality of sensors used to obtain a value of a voltage applied to the entire or a specific portion of the circuit 134, a value of a resistance value of the load 132, or a value of a temperature. The sensor 112 may also be built in the circuit 134. The function of the sensor 112 may also be built in the control unit 106. The sensor 112 may further include a pressure sensor that detects a change in pressure in the air intake flow path 120 and / or a mist flow path 121 or a flow sensor that detects a flow rate. The sensor 112 may further include a weight sensor that detects a weight of a component such as the storage portion 116A. The sensor 112 can also count actions performed by a user using the mist generating device 100A. By the number of puffs. The sensor 112 may also be configured to accumulate the energization time to the atomizing unit 118A. The sensor 112 may be configured to detect the height of the liquid surface in the storage portion 116A. The sensor 112 may also be configured by obtaining or detecting a state of charge (SOC), a current accumulation value, and a voltage of the power supply 110. The SOC can also be obtained by a current accumulation method (coulomb counting method) or an SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method. The sensor 112 may also be an operation key that can be operated by a user.

The control unit 106 may be an electronic circuit module constituting a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The control unit 106 may be configured in such a manner that the computer-executable command stored in the memory 114 controls the operation of the mist generating device 100A. The memory 114 refers to a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, and the like. In addition to the computer-executable commands described above, the memory 114 can also store setting data required for controlling the mist generating device 100A. For example, the memory 114 may also store the control method (such as light emission, sound, vibration, etc.) of the notification unit 108, the value obtained and / or detected by the sensor 112, and the value of the atomization unit 118A. Various materials such as heating resumes. The control unit 106 reads data from the memory 114 as needed and uses it to control the mist generating device 100a, and stores the data in the memory 114 as needed.

Fig. 1B is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a mist generating device 100B according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the mist generating device 100B has a configuration similar to that of the mist generating device 100A of FIG. 1A. However, the configuration of the second member 104B (hereinafter referred to as "aerosol-generating article 104B" or "stick 104B") is different from that of the second member 104A. As an example, the mist generating article 104B may include a mist base material 116B, an atomizing portion 118B, an air intake flow path 120, a mist flow path 121, and a nozzle portion 122. A part of the components included in the body 102 may also be included in the mist generating article 104B. A part of the components included in the mist generating article 104B may also be included in the body 102. The mist-generating article 104B may be configured to be capable of being inserted into and removed from the body 102. Alternatively, all the components included in the body 102 and the mist-generating article 104B may be included in the same frame, instead of the body 102 and the mist-generating article 104B.

The mist base material 116B may constitute a solid supporting a mist source. As in the case of the storage portion 116A in FIG. 1A, the mist source is, for example, a liquid such as glycerol or propylene glycol, a polyol, or water. The mist source in the mist base material 116B may include a cigarette raw material or an extract derived from a cigarette raw material that releases flavor and taste components by heating. When the mist generating device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the mist source may further include a medicine for inhalation by a patient. The mist base material 116B may also be configured to exchange the mist base material 116B itself when the mist source has been consumed. The mist source is not limited to a liquid, but may be a solid.

The atomizing unit 118B is configured to generate a mist by atomizing a mist source. When a taste action is detected by the sensor 112, the atomizing part 118B generates a mist. The atomizing part 118B is provided with electrical connection A heater (not shown) connected to a load of the power supply 110. When the sucking action is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomizing unit 118B and heats the mist source supported in the mist base material 116B, thereby atomizing the mist source. Another example of the atomizing part 118B may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes a mist source by ultrasonic oscillation. An air intake flow path 120 is connected to the atomizing part 118B, and the air intake flow path 120 is connected to the outside of the mist generating device 100B. The mist generated in the atomizing part 118B is mixed with the air taken in through the air intake flow path 120. The mixed flow system of mist and air is sent to the mist flow path 121 as shown by arrow 124. The mist air flow path 121 has a tubular structure for transmitting a mixed fluid of mist and air generated in the atomizing section 118B to the nozzle section 122.

The control unit 106 is configured to control the mist generating devices 100A and 100B (hereinafter, also collectively referred to as the “mist generating device 100”) in various ways according to the embodiments of the present invention.

When the mist source is insufficient in the mist generating device, the user cannot supply sufficient mist to the user when the user is inhaling. In addition, in the case of e-cigarettes or heated cigarettes, it is possible to release a mist with an unintended scent and taste (this phenomenon is also referred to as an "unintended act"). Except when the mist source in the storage portion 116A or the mist base material 116B is insufficient, even if there is a sufficient mist source in the storage portion 116A but the mist source in the holding portion 130 is temporarily insufficient, unintended actions may occur . The inventors of the present invention have invented a mist generating device that performs appropriate control when the mist source is insufficient, and a method and program for operating the device. In the following, it is assumed that the mist generating device has the structure shown in FIG. 1A. Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. However, a case where the mist generating device has the configuration shown in FIG. 1B will be described as necessary. It will be apparent to those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains that the embodiment of the present invention can be applied even when the mist generating device has various configurations other than the configurations of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary circuit configuration of a part of the mist generating device 100A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2 includes a power source 110, a control unit 106, sensors 112A to 112D (hereinafter, also collectively referred to as "sensor 112"), and a load 132 (hereinafter, also referred to as "heater resistance" ), A first circuit 202, a second circuit 204, a switch Q1 including a first field effect transistor (FET) 206, a conversion section 208, a switch Q2 including a second FET 210, and a resistor 212 (hereinafter, also referred to as "shunt circuit" Resistor (shunt resistor) "). The resistance value of the load 132 varies with temperature. The shunt resistor 212 is connected in series with the load 132 and has a known resistance value. The resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 may not change depending on the temperature. The shunt resistor 212 has a resistance value larger than that of the load 132. Depending on the embodiment, the sensors 112C and 112D may be omitted. It will be apparent to those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains that not only FETs but also various components such as IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) and contactors can be used as the switches Q1 and Q2. . The switches Q1 and Q2 preferably have the same characteristics. Therefore, FETs, IGBTs, The contactor and the like preferably have the same characteristics. This is because the switches Q1 and Q2 have the same characteristics, so that the processes described below can be easily installed.

The conversion unit 208 is, for example, a switching converter, and may include a FET 214, a diode 216, an inductor 218, and a capacitor 220. The control unit 106 may also control the conversion unit 208 so that the conversion unit 208 converts the output voltage of the power supply 110 and applies the converted output voltage to the entire circuit. Here, the conversion unit 208 is preferably configured to output a constant voltage at least while the switch Q2 is in an on state (described later) by the control performed by the control unit 106. In addition, the conversion unit 208 can also be configured by controlling the control unit 106 and outputting a constant voltage or constantly outputting a constant voltage while the switch Q1 is in an on state. In addition, a certain voltage output by the conversion unit 208 is controlled by the control unit 106 during the period when the switch Q1 is on, and a control is controlled by the control unit 106 during the period when the switch Q2 is on. The constant voltage output by the conversion unit 208 may be the same or different. In these different cases, a certain voltage output by the conversion unit 208 under the control of the control unit 106 during the period when the switch Q1 is in the on state can also be compared with that during the period when the switch Q2 is in the on state. The control performed by the control unit 106 causes the certain voltage output by the conversion unit 208 to be higher or lower. According to such a configuration, the parameters of voltage and voltage measurement (to be described later) are stable, so that the estimation accuracy of the residual amount of mist can be improved. In addition, the conversion unit 208 may also be configured to be controlled by the control unit 106 so that the output voltage of the power source 100 is directly applied to the first power source during a period in which only the switch Q1 is in an on state. road. The conversion unit 208 is not a necessary component, but can be omitted.

The circuit 134 shown in FIG. 1A is electrically connected to the power source 110 and the load 132, and can include a first circuit 202 and a second circuit 204. The first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204 are connected in parallel to the power source 110 and the load 132. The first circuit 202 can include a switch Q1. The second circuit 204 can include a switch Q2 and a resistor 212 (and an optional sensor 112D). The first circuit 202 may also have a smaller resistance value than the second circuit 204. In this example, the sensors 112B and 112D are voltage sensors, and respectively detect the potential difference between the two ends of the load 132 and the resistor 212 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "voltage" or "voltage value"). Made up. However, the configuration of the sensor 112 is not limited to this. For example, the sensor 112 can also be a current sensor, and can also detect the value of the current flowing through the load 132 and / or the resistor 212.

As indicated by the dotted arrows in FIG. 2, the control unit 106 can control the switches Q1, Q2, and the like, and can obtain the values detected by the sensor 112. The control unit 106 makes the first circuit 202 function by switching the switch Q1 from the off state to the on state, and makes the second circuit 204 function by switching the switch Q2 from the off state to the on state. By the way. The control unit 106 may alternately switch the switches Q1 and Q2 so that the first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204 function alternately.

The first circuit 202 is used for atomization of a mist source. When the switch Q1 is switched to the on state and the first circuit 202 is enabled, Electricity is supplied to the heater (ie, the load 132 in the heater), and the load 132 is heated. By the heating of the load 132, the mist source held by the holding portion 130 in the atomizing portion 118A (in the case of the mist generating device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, the mist source supported on the mist base material 116B) will be Atomize and generate mist.

The second circuit 204 is used to obtain the value of the voltage applied to the load 132, the value of the resistance value of the load 132, the value of the voltage applied to the resistor 212, and the like. As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, a case where the sensors 112B and 112D included in the second circuit 204 are voltage sensors is considered. When the switch Q2 is turned on and the second circuit 204 functions, a current flows through the switch Q2, the resistor 212, and the load 132. With the sensors 112B and 112D, the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 and the value of the voltage applied to the resistor 212 can be obtained. The value of the current flowing through the load 132 can be obtained by using the value of the voltage applied to the resistor 212 obtained by the sensor 112D and the known resistance value R _{shunt of the} resistor 212. Since the total value of the resistance values of the resistor 212 and the load 132 can be obtained based on the output voltage V _{out of the} conversion section 208 and the current value, the known resistance value R _shunt is subtracted from the total value, The resistance value R _{HTR of} the load 132 can be obtained. In the case where the load 132 has a positive or negative temperature coefficient characteristic in which the resistance value changes depending on the temperature, the relationship between the resistance value of the load 132 and the temperature and the resistance of the load 132 obtained as described above can be based on The value R _{HTR is} used to estimate the temperature of the load 132. It is understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains that the resistance value or temperature of the load 132 can be estimated using the value of the current flowing through the resistor 212. The value associated with the resistance value of the load 132 in this example can include a voltage value, a current value, and the like of the load 132. A specific example of the sensors 112B and 112D is not limited to a voltage sensor, but may include other elements such as a current sensor (for example, a Hall element).

The sensor 112A detects the output voltage of the power supply 110. The sensor 112C detects the output voltage of the conversion section 208. Alternatively, the output voltage of the conversion unit 208 may be a target voltage determined in advance. These voltages refer to voltages applied to the entire circuit.

The resistance value R _HTR of the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 is T _HTR can be expressed as follows.

R _HTR (T _HTR ) = (V _HTR × R _shunt ) / (V _Batt -V _HTR ) (1)

Here, V _Batt is a voltage applied to the entire circuit. When the conversion section 208 is not used, the V _Batt is the output voltage of the power supply 110. When the conversion unit 208 is used, the output voltage V _{out of the} V _Batt conversion unit 208 is equivalent to a target voltage. V _HTR is the voltage applied to the heater. Instead of V _HTR, a voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 may also be used.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 300 for determining whether a mist source is insufficient according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a case where the control unit 106 executes all the steps will be described. However, it should be noted that part of the steps may be performed by other components of the mist generating device 100.

Processing begins in step 302. In step 302, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the start of the inhalation by the user has been detected based on the information obtained from the pressure sensor, the flow sensor, and the like. example For example, the control unit 106 may determine that the start of the taste by the user is detected when the output value of the pressure sensor, that is, the pressure has fallen below a predetermined threshold. In addition, for example, the control unit 106 may determine that the start of the taste by the user is detected when the output value of the flow sensor, that is, when the flow has exceeded a predetermined threshold. In such a determination method, since a mist can be generated that is suitable for the user's sense, a flow sensor is particularly suitable. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the start of the taste by the user is detected when the output values of these sensors start to change continuously. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the start of the inhalation by the user is detected based on that the key for starting the generation of the mist has been pressed.

In the case where the start of the smoking is not detected (NO in step 302), the processing in step 302 is repeated.

When it is determined that the start of the smoking is detected (YES in step 302), the process proceeds to step 304. In step 304, the control unit 106 performs a trial of mist generation, and turns on the switch Q2 to measure the voltage or current.

Here, the switch Q1 or Q2 in FIG. 2 is taken as an example, and the terms related to the switch being “on” and other switches will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

402 shows a variation example of the signal S ("L" or "H") which changes from time t to the switch Q1 or Q2 transmitted from the control unit 106. 404 shows an example of a change in the gate-source voltage V _GS of the first FET 206 or the second FET 210 with time t. 406 shows an example of a change in the current t _DS between the drain-source current I _DS of the first FET 206 or the second FET 210 over time t. In addition, the changes in the signals and the like shown in FIG. 4 are merely examples, and it should be noted that the vertical size relationship or timing at various points in time are not limited to those shown in the figure.

t1 is the time point at which the display signal S transitions from L (low) to H (high). t2 is a point in time when the voltage V _GS is higher than a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as “first threshold”), and t3 is a time when the current I _DS is higher than a predetermined threshold Value (hereinafter, referred to as the "second threshold"). t4 is the time point at which the display voltage V _{GS is} higher than a predetermined threshold for the first time after time point t2 (hereinafter, referred to as the “third threshold”), t5 is the time when the display current I _{DS is} higher than the time point at t3 The time point of the predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth threshold"). t6 shows the time point when the surge or instantaneous voltage fluctuation of the voltage V _GS has stabilized, t7 shows the time point when the surge or instantaneous current fluctuation of the current I _DS has stabilized. t8 indicates the time point at which the signal S migrates from H to L. t9 is a time point when the display voltage V _GS has fallen below a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter, referred to as the "fifth threshold value") after time point t6, and t10 is a display current I _DS which is lower than time point t7 Time point of a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as a "sixth threshold"). Furthermore, the fifth threshold value and the sixth threshold value may be the same as or different from the third threshold value and the fourth threshold value, respectively. t11 is the time point until the display voltage V _GS has decreased to above a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the “seventh threshold”), and t12 is the predetermined threshold when the display current I _DS has decreased to above zero. The time limit (hereinafter referred to as the "eighth threshold value"). Furthermore, the seventh threshold and the eighth threshold may be the same as or different from the first threshold and the second threshold, respectively.

In this embodiment, at the time point t1 and the time point t8, it is defined that the "on signal" and the "off signal" have been transmitted to the switches, respectively.

In this embodiment, the "on-time" of the switch is defined as a period p1 that starts at time point t1 and ends at time point t5. In another embodiment, the "on time" may be defined as ending at another time point including time points t4, t6, and t7. The length of the "on time" is referred to as the "on time". In this embodiment, the "turn-off time" of the switch is defined as a period p2 that starts at time point t8 and ends at time point t12. In another embodiment, the "turn-off time" may be defined as ending at another time point including the time point t11. The length of the "turn-off time" is referred to as the "turn-off time".

In the present embodiment, the period in which the switch is in the "on state" is defined as a period p3 that starts at time point t3 and ends at time point t12. In another embodiment, the period in which the switch is in the “on state” may be defined as starting from another time point including the time point t2. In another embodiment, the period in which the switch is in the “on state” may be defined as ending at another time point including the time point t11. Furthermore, the period in which the switch is in the "off state" is defined as the period in which the switch is not in the "on state".

When returning to FIG. 3, the voltage or current measured in step 304 is the voltage V _HTR applied to the load 132 in this embodiment. In another embodiment, the current I _HTR flowing through the load 132 or the voltage V _shunt applied to the shunt resistor 212 or the flowing current I _{shunt may be used} . This step may also include the step of calculating the voltage or current of the other one when the voltage or current of one of the load 132 and the shunt resistor 212 has been measured. Furthermore, more specific processing included in step 304 will be described later.

Processing proceeds to step 306. In step 306, the control unit 106 estimates the residual amount of the mist source based on the voltage or current measured in step 304. Processing then proceeds to step 308. In step 308, the control unit 106 determines whether it is estimated that the mist source is insufficient. Here, the principle of the estimated shortage of the mist source will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

When the heater is in operation, when the mist source is sufficiently supplied from the storage section 116A, the supply amount of the mist source and the generation amount of the mist are balanced, and a certain amount of the mist source is held in the holding section 130. However, at least when the mist source in the storage section 116A is insufficient, the supply becomes insufficient, and the amount of the mist source held in the holding section 130 is gradually reduced.

Fig. 5 shows an example of changes in the physical quantities over time when the heater operates. 502 shows an example of a change in the amount of the mist source held in the holding unit 130 over time t. 504 indicates the amount of the mist source held in the holding portion 130 when the mist source in the storage portion 116A is insufficient, and 506 indicates zero. 512 and 514 are examples of changes in the temperature T _{HTR of the} load 132 and the elapsed time t of the resistance value R _HTR , respectively. As described above, as long as the load 132 has a positive or negative temperature coefficient characteristic, the variation examples of the temperature T _HTR and the resistance value R _HTR of the load 132 with time t will be the same.

FIG. 5 shows that when the amount of the mist source held in the holding portion 130 starts to decrease at the time point 522, the temperature T _{HTR of the} load 132 starts to rise together, and the resistance value R _{HTR of the} load 132 also starts. Increase. In other words, the time point 522 is a time point at which the temperature T _HTR or the resistance value R _HTR starts to increase.

Here, if the temperature T _HTR or the resistance value R _HTR of the load 132 at the time point 524 when the amount of the mist source held in the holding unit 130 becomes zero is obtained in advance as the threshold value T _Thre or R _Thre , By calculating the temperature T _HTR or resistance value R _{HTR of the} load 132 from the measured voltage or current, and determining whether it is greater than or more than the threshold T _Thre or R _Thre , it can be estimated whether the mist source is insufficient. Furthermore, the threshold T _Thre or R _Thre does not need to be the temperature T _HTR or the resistance value R _HTR at the time point 524 strictly, but also the time point 522, that is, the temperature T _HTR starts to rise or the resistance value R _HTR starts The temperature T _HTR or the resistance value R _HTR at a predetermined time point after the increase time point. _An example of the threshold T _Thre is 300 ° C to 400 ° C.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 2, when the switch Q1 is in the off state and the switch Q2 is in the on state, the relationship between the resistance value R _HTR and the voltage V _HTR of the load 132 is expressed by the aforementioned formula (1). Equation (1) indicates that the resistance value R _HTR is a function of the voltage V _HTR of the load 132, and the resistance value R _HTR increases as the voltage V _HTR increases. Therefore, as long as the voltage V _HTR of the load 132 at a predetermined time point including the time point 524 and the time point 522 is obtained in advance as a threshold value, it is determined whether the voltage V _HTR is greater than the threshold value or From the above, it can be estimated whether the mist source is insufficient.

The relationship between the resistance value R _{HTR of the} load 132 and the current I _HTR (= current flowing to the shunt resistor 212) flowing to the load 132 is shown below.

R _HTR = V _Batt / I _HTR -R _shunt (2)

Equation (2) indicates that the resistance value R _HTR is a function of the current I _HTR , and the resistance value R _HTR increases as the current I _HTR decreases. Therefore, as long as the current I _HTR of the load 132 at a predetermined time point including the time point 524 and the time point 522 is obtained in advance as a threshold value, it is determined whether the current I _HTR is smaller than the threshold value or In the following, it can be estimated whether the mist source is insufficient.

The relationship between the resistance value R _{HTR of the} load 132 and the voltage V _shunt applied to the shunt resistor 212 is shown below.

R _HTR = ((V _Batt -V _shunt ) / V _shunt ) × R _shunt (3)

Equation (3) indicates that the resistance value R _HTR is a function of the voltage V _shunt , and the resistance value R _HTR increases as the voltage V _shunt decreases. Therefore, as long as the voltage V _{shunt at} a predetermined time point including the time point 524 and the time point 522 is obtained in advance as a threshold value, it is determined whether the voltage V _shunt is smaller than or lower than the threshold value. It can be estimated whether the mist source is insufficient.

Furthermore, it is clear that even when both switches Q1 and Q2 are in an on state, as long as the substantial resistance value of the first circuit 202 other than the load 132 is considered, it can be achieved by the same principle as described above. It is estimated whether the residual amount of the mist source is insufficient.

Therefore, returning to FIG. 3, step 308 may also include: determining whether the value of the current or voltage measured in step 304 is smaller than or larger than a predetermined threshold, or is the following or more. In addition, step 306 may include a step of calculating the resistance value R _HTR of the load 132, and step 308 may also include a step of determining whether the resistance value R _HTR is greater than or greater than the threshold R _Thre . _Furthermore , step 306 may include a step of calculating the temperature T _HTR of the load 132, and step 308 may also include a step of determining whether the temperature T _HTR is greater than or greater than the threshold T _Thre .

When it is estimated that the mist source is insufficient (YES in step 308), the process proceeds to step 310. In step 310, the control unit 106 detects that the mist source is insufficient, and executes a desired process.

When the remaining amount of the mist source is not estimated to be insufficient (NO in step 308), the process proceeds to step 312. In step 312, the control unit 106 determines whether the end of the smoking performed by the user has been detected based on the information obtained from the pressure sensor, the flow sensor, and the like. For example, the control unit 106 may determine that the end of the taste performed by the user has been detected when the output value of the pressure sensor, that is, the pressure has exceeded a predetermined threshold. In addition, for example, the control unit 106 may determine that the end of the inhalation by the user has been detected when the output value of the flow sensor, that is, the flow rate or the flow rate has fallen below a predetermined threshold which may be 0. Here. Furthermore, the threshold value may be larger than the threshold value in step 302, may be equal to the threshold value, or may be smaller than the threshold value. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the end of the smoking performed by the user has been detected based on that the key for starting the generation of the mist has been released.

Undetected at the end of a user's taste In the case (NO in step 312), the process returns to step 304.

When the end of the taste is detected by the user (YES in step 312), the process ends.

Figures 6A to 6D show changes in the output value or signal of the sensor over time following processing 300 in Figure 3, respectively. Examples 600, 625, 650, and 675. 602 shows flow sensors. Example of a change in the output value with time as a function of time t. 604 and 606 are examples of changes in time t of the signals sent to the switches Q1 and Q2, respectively. Series 612 shows the time point when the output value of the flow sensor, etc. has exceeded the threshold, and the time point when the initiation of the tasting has been detected in step 302. Series 614 shows the time point when the output value has fallen below the threshold value . In the present embodiment, the period 616 starting from the time point 612 and ending at the time point 614 is defined as a period in which an output value is generated by the sensor. In addition, as described above, the thresholds at time points 612 and 614 may be the same or may be larger. 618 shows the point in time at which the mist source is estimated to be insufficient in step 308. 620 are periods corresponding to signal changes caused by one execution of step 304, that is, switching periods.

When the control unit 106 controls the switches Q1 and Q2 according to the signal variation examples shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the switch Q1 is turned on during a period 616 in which an output value is generated by the sensor. Is longer than the time during which the switch Q2 is turned on. In more detail, when the control unit 106 controls the switches Q1 and Q2 according to the signal variation examples shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in a period 620, the time during which the switch Q1 is turned on becomes longer than the switch Q2 is on It's still a long time. In addition, when the control unit 106 controls the switches Q1 and Q2 according to the signal variation example shown in FIG. 6C, a period in which the plurality of switches Q2 are in the ON state can be generated at intervals in one period 620, However, in this case, the time during which the switch Q1 is in the on state during a period 620 becomes longer than the accumulated time of the time during which the switch Q2 is in the on state. Furthermore, when the control unit 106 controls the switches Q1 and Q2 according to the signal change example shown in FIG. 6D, a period in which the plurality of switches Q1 are in the ON state can be generated at intervals in one period 620. However, in this case, in a period 620, the accumulated time of the time during which the switch Q1 is in the on state will also be longer than the time during which the switch Q2 is in the on state. In this way, by setting the time when the switch Q1 for generating the mist source is in the ON state longer than the time when the switch Q2 for detecting the deficiency of the mist source is in the ON state, the mist generation amount can be stabilized. In addition, in FIG. 6D, although the period in which the switch Q1 is in the on state in one period 620 is twice in a row, it should be noted that it may be three or more times in a row.

It should be noted that the changes in the signals shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D are merely examples after all. Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 7 to FIG. 12, several examples of changes in the signal due to one execution of step 304 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a more specific first illustrated process 700 flowchart that step 304 may include.

702 is a step in which the display control unit 106 sets the switches Q1 and Q2 to an on state and an off state, respectively. In order to enable in step 702 The switches Q1 and Q2 are turned on and off, respectively, and the control unit 106 sends on and off signals to the switches Q1 and Q2, respectively. In step 702, the timing at which the switch Q1 is turned on and the timing at which the switch Q2 is turned off may be at the same time or earlier. In addition, the transmission of the on-signal to the switch Q1 and the transmission of the off-signal to the switch Q2 may be at the same time or some earlier. Moreover, the main purpose of making the switch Q1 in the ON state in step 702 is to generate mist.

Processing proceeds to step 704. In step 704, the control unit 106 turns on the switch Q2 while the switch Q1 is turned off. In order to make the switch Q1 into an off state and the switch Q2 into an on state in step 702, the control unit 106 sends an off signal and an on signal to the switches Q1 and Q2, respectively.

Here, referring to FIG. 8, an example 800 of a change in the elapsed time of the signal of the processing 700 shown in the first example will be described. Reference numerals 634 and 636 indicate modified examples of I _DS of the first FET 206 and the second FET 210, respectively. Symbols 802 and 804 indicate the time points at which the period 806 at which the switch Q1 is turned on starts and ends, respectively. In the modified example 800, the time point 804 is also the time point at which the period 808 when the switch Q2 is turned on is started. The symbol 810 indicates the time point when the ON signal is sent to the switch Q2, and the symbol 812 indicates the period between the time point 810 and the time point 804. Figure 8 shows that at time point 814, switch Q1 is turned off, and at time point 810, switch Q2 is turned on. At time point 804, switch Q1 is turned off and switch Q2 is turned on. . Here, the turn-off time of the switch Q1 (the length of the period 816) and the time (the length of the period 812) until the switch Q2 is turned on after the on-signal is sent to the switch Q2 are provided by the first FET 206 and The predetermined length is determined by the characteristics of the second FET 210 (and a circuit including a path from the control unit 106 to the first FET 206 and the second FET 210). Therefore, the control unit 106 can obtain the time point 810 by adding the time after the time period 814 minus the length of the period 812 from the turn-off time of the switch Q1.

In addition, the control unit 106 may also transmit an ON signal to the switch Q2 when the rotation of the switch Q1 is turned off (period 816), and more preferably from the time point 814 to the time point 810. In addition, the control unit 106 may transmit a conduction signal to the switch Q2 during a period 806 during which the switch Q1 is on, and more preferably from a time point 802 to a time point 810. In other words, the control unit 106 may be in a period included in the period 806 in which the switch Q1 is in the on state, and from the time point 804 when the period in which the switch Q1 is in the on state ends, until the switch Q2 is turned on after the on signal is sent to the switch Q2. During the period up to the time (length of period 812), an ON signal is transmitted to the switch Q2. By sending a conduction signal to the switch at such a timing, the time when the battery is not energized to the load 132 or the time when the battery as the power source 110 is not discharged is reduced (in other words, the abrupt change in the discharge rate can be suppressed), and the amount of mist generation can be suppressed. And battery deterioration.

Returning to FIG. 7, the process proceeds to step 706. In step 706, the control unit 106 measures a voltage or a current. Here, the measurement timing of voltage or current will be described with reference to FIG. 8 again. 822 indicates the time point when the surge or instantaneous current fluctuation of the current I _DS of the second FET 210 has stabilized (time point t7 in the fourth figure), 824 indicates the time when the current I _DS has fallen below a predetermined value Point (time point t10 in Figure 4), 826 shows the period between these time points. The control unit 106 preferably measures the voltage or current in the period 808 after the time point 814 after the disconnection signal has been sent to the switch Q1.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a more specific second exemplary process 900 that step 304 may include. 902 is a step of the display control unit 106 turning the switch Q1 on, 904 is a step of the display control unit 106 turning the switch Q2 on, and 906 is a step of the display control unit 106 turning the switch Q1 on. In order to turn on the switch Q1, turn on the switch Q2, and turn off the switch Q1 in steps 902, 904, and 906, respectively, the control unit 106 sends a turn-on signal and a turn-off signal to the switch Q1, and A switch-on signal is sent to the switch Q2.

Here, referring to FIG. 10, a second example 1000 of the time-varying variation of the signal of the processing 900 is illustrated. 1002 shows the time point at which the OFF signal is sent to the switch Q1. In the variation 1000, the time point 1002 is also the time point when the disconnection signal is sent to the switch Q2. The 1004 series shows the point in time when the switch Q2 is in the on state 1006, and the 1008 series shows the point in time when the switch Q1 is in the on state 1010 ends. In the variation 1000, the length of the period 1012 when the switch Q1 is turned off is larger than the length of the period 1014 between the time point 1002 and the time point 1004.

Figure 10 shows that at time 1002, the switch Q1 is sent an off signal while the switch Q2 is turned on, so that the switch Q1 is turned off before the time point 1008, which is the on state. At this time, the switch Q2 is turned on at the time point 1004. Furthermore, it should be noted that as long as the length of the period 1012 is longer than the length of the period 1014, that is, as long as the turn-off time of the switch Q1, the switch Q1 sends a turn-on signal to the switch Q2 while More than the time until the switch Q2 is turned on after the switch Q2 sends the on signal, the switch Q2 will be turned on when the switch Q1 is turned on, or the switch Q2 will be turned on while the switch Q1 is turned off. By simultaneously transmitting the off signal and the on signal in this way, the time when the power is not applied to the load 132 or the time when the battery belonging to the power supply 110 is not discharged is reduced, and the variation in the amount of mist generation and the battery degradation can be suppressed at the same time. In addition, Fig. 10 also shows that when the switch Q1 is in an on state, an on signal is sent to the switch Q2. In addition, in order to make the switch Q2 into an on state when the switch Q1 is in an on state, the control unit 106 may send an on signal to the switch Q2 before or after the time point when the off signal is sent to the switch Q1. By transmitting an ON signal to the other switch while the other switch is in the ON state, the time when the switch is not energized to the load 132 or the time when the battery as the power source 110 is not discharged is reduced, and the fog can be suppressed at the same time. Changes in the amount of production and deterioration of the battery.

When returning to FIG. 9, the process proceeds to step 908. In step 908, the control unit 106 measures a voltage or a current. The control unit 106 can measure voltage or current at the same timing as described above with reference to FIG. 8.

Processing proceeds to step 910. In step 910, the control unit 106 turns off the switch Q2. In order to enable in step 910 The switch Q2 is turned off, and the control unit 106 can send a switch-off signal to the switch Q2.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a more specific third exemplary processing 1100 that step 304 may include.

1102 is a step in which the display control unit 106 turns on the switch Q1. In order to turn on the switch Q1 in step 1102, the control unit 106 sends a turn-on signal to the switch Q1.

1104 is a step shown in the illustrated process 1100 in which the control unit 106 initializes the variable t for controlling the timing of sending the off signal to the switch Q1 and the timing of sending the on signal to the switch Q2 to zero.

Processing proceeds to step 1106. In step 1106, the control unit 106 determines whether the variable t is equal to or greater than a value obtained by subtracting the turn-on time t _{turn_on} and the offset t _offset of the switch Q2 from the time t _on when the switch Q1 is _on . The offset time t _offset can be set to any value satisfying 0 ≦ t _offset <t _on -t _{turn_off} .

In the variable t is not determined t _{on -t} turn_on -t _offset case where the above (step 106, "NO"), the process proceeds to step 1108 system, and in step 1108, the control unit 106 based on the variable t plus Δt, and returns to step 1106. It should be noted that step 1108 is performed a plurality of times until the process proceeds to step 1110. The value of Δt in step 1108 is a value showing the elapsed time from the time point after the last execution of step 1108 (in the case of the first execution of step 1108, the time point after the execution of step 1104).

When t is determined that the variable _{t on} -t turn_on when -t _offset above (step 1106 of "Yes"), the process proceeds to step 1110, and in step 1110, the control unit 106 based on signal transmission switch Q2.

Processing proceeds to step 1112. In step 1112, the control unit 106 determines whether the variable t is a value obtained by subtracting the turn-off time t _{turn_off} of the switch Q1 from the time t _{on when} the switch Q1 is _on .

In _on at least -t _{turn_off} situation is not determined variable t to t (step 1112's "No"), the processing system proceeds to step 1114. In step 1114, the control unit 106 adds Δt to the variable t, and returns to step 1112. It should be noted that step 1114 is performed a plurality of times until the process proceeds to step 1116. The value of △ t in step 1114 is displayed at the point in time after the last step of step 1114 (in the case of the first step of step 1114, it is the point in time after the last step of step 1108 (in case of step 1108 not even once) If it is executed, it is the value of the elapsed time from the time point after step 1104)).

When it is determined when the variable t is t _on -t _{turn_off} above (step 1112 of "Yes"), the process proceeds to step 1116, and in step 1116, the control unit 106 based on the switch Q1 OFF signal transmission.

Here, a change example 1200 of the signal over time of the process 1100 of the third example will be described with reference to FIG. 12. 1202 and 1204 respectively show the time points at which the switch Q1 is turned on and the period 1206 starts and ends. In the variation 1200, the time point 1204 is also the time point at which the period 1208 ends when the rotation of the switch Q2 is turned off. 1210 refers to the time point when the ON signal is sent to the switch Q2, and is the time point when the period 1208 of the switch Q2 turns on. 1212 shows the time point when switch Q1 is turned off. Therefore, 1214 shows the time when switch Q1 turns off Period. Furthermore, 1216 is a period when the display switch Q1 is on, and 1218 is a period when the display switch Q2 is on.

FIG. 12 shows that after the on signal is sent to the switch Q2 at the time point 1210, the off signal is sent to the switch Q1 at the time point 1212. In this way, by sending an off signal to one switch after the on signal is sent to the other switch, the current flowing to the switch in the on state can be stabilized. Moreover, FIG. 12 also shows that the time point 1210 is from the time point 1202, after the time t _on (the length of the period 1206) from the time when the switch Q1 is _on is subtracted from the time t _{turn_on} (the length of the period 1208) Point in time. It can be understood that as long as step 1104 is performed immediately after step 1102, t _{offset in} step 1106 is set to zero, Δt in step 1108 is made sufficiently small, and execution is performed immediately after the determination in step 1106. Formed by the method of step 1110, the control unit 106 can send the ON signal to the switch Q2 at the time point 1210 by the third illustrated process 1100. Furthermore, it can be understood that by setting the t _offset to an appropriate value, the control unit 106 can perform a subtraction after the switch Q1 is turned on at an arbitrary time point from the time 1202 to the time point 1210. Before the time when the switch Q2 is turned on or the time after the turn-on time of the switch Q2 is turned on, a turn-on signal is sent to the switch Q2. Therefore, the control unit 106 may also send a conduction signal to the switch Q2 during the period 1216 when the rotation of the switch Q1 is on. In this way, before the remaining time of the switch of one switch becomes shorter than the turn-off time of the switch of the other switch, a switch-on signal is sent to the switch of the other switch. The time during which the battery as the power source 110 is not discharged is reduced, and the variation in the amount of mist generation and the deterioration of the battery can be suppressed at the same time. In addition, the control unit 106 may replace the time point 1202 in the above description with the time point 1202 'at which the ON signal is transmitted to the switch Q1 to control the transmission timing of the ON signal to the switch Q2.

In addition, FIG. 12 shows that the time point 1212 is the time t _on (the length of the period 1206) minus the turn-off time t _{turn_off of the} switch Q1 from the time point 1202 (the period 1214). Time). It can be understood that as long as it is constituted by sufficiently reducing Δt in step 1114 and executing step 1116 immediately after the determination in step 1112, the control unit 106 can use the third example of processing 1100 at the time 1212 sends a disconnect signal to switch Q1.

When returning to FIG. 11, the process proceeds to step 1118. In step 1118, the control unit 106 measures a voltage or a current. Here, the measurement timing of voltage or current will be described with reference to FIG. 12 again.

The control unit 106 can measure the voltage or current at the time point 1212 at which the open signal to the switch Q1 is transmitted. In addition, the control unit 106 can measure a voltage or a current during a period 1218 after the transmission time point 1212 of the off signal to the switch Q1 and the switch Q2 is on. In this way, by sending a disconnection signal to one switch and measuring the voltage or current, and calculating, for example, the resistance value, the current flowing to the other switch is likely to become stable, so the estimation accuracy of the residual amount of the mist source can be improved. . More preferably, the control unit 106 can send a disconnect signal to the switch Q1 at the time point 1112. During the period 1218 after the switch-off time (length of the period 1214) of the switch Q1 has elapsed and the switch Q2 is on, the voltage or current is measured. In this way, since the voltage or current is measured after one switch has been turned off, and the resistance value is calculated, for example, the current flowing to the other switch can easily become more stable, so the residue of the mist source can be improved. The estimated accuracy of the quantity.

In addition, in the case where the voltage or current is measured immediately after the transmission time point 1212 of the off signal to the switch Q1, the switch Q1 is still on at the measurement time point, and in principle, a mist source is generated. The exception is that even in the case where the mist source is insufficient, the mist is not estimated in step 308 of FIG. 3 performed before step 1118 of voltage or current measurement (contained in step 304 of FIG. 3). The source is insufficient, so the measurement time point becomes the generation of the mist source just after stopping. The measurement time point is within a period 1218 during which the switch Q2 is in an on state, and within a period 616 during which an output value of a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, or the like is generated. Therefore, according to the process 1100 illustrated in the third example, the control unit 106 can execute the output generated by the above-mentioned sensor when the switch Q2 is in the on state, and is generated when the mist is generated by the load 132 or the load 132 Immediately after the generation of the mist is stopped, step 308 of measuring the voltage or current and estimating the residual amount of the mist source is performed.

Returning to FIG. 11 again, the process proceeds to step 1120. In step 1120, the control unit 106 causes the switch Q2 to be turned off. In order to turn off the switch Q2 in step 1120, the control unit 106 sends an off signal to the switch Q2.

Figure 8, Figure 10 and Figure 12 show switch Q1 When the switch Q2 is in the conductive state, the switch Q2 is turned on, or when the switch Q1 is turned off and the switch Q2 is turned on, the signal changes of the switches Q1 and Q2 are 800, 1000, and 1200. Here, the control unit 106 may also send a switch-on signal and switch-off to the switches Q1 and Q2 so that the switch Q2 is turned on when the switch Q2 is turned on or the switch Q1 is turned on while the switch Q2 is turned off. On signal. The signal changes of the switches Q1 and Q2 used in this way correspond to the situation after the switches Q1 and Q2 have been replaced in the description so far.

Furthermore, when the switch Q1 is on, the switch Q2 is turned on or the switch Q1 is turned off while the switch Q2 is turned on. When the switch Q2 is turned on, the switch Q1 is turned on or the switch Q2 is turned off. When the switch Q1 is turned on at the same time, the period 616 (see FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D) during which an output is generated by a sensor such as a pressure sensor or a flow sensor is excluded from the mist. After the time when the source is insufficient, at least one of the switch Q1 and the switch Q2 is turned on. Therefore, the power supply from the power supply 110 is continued, and in particular, the power supply to the load 132 is continued. In other words, in principle, that is, as long as the exceptional fog source is excluded, the control unit 106 may be configured to be controlled in order to continue the power supply by the power supply 110 during the period when the output is generated by the sensor. Switch Q1 and switch Q2. According to this configuration, at least one of the switch Q1 for generating mist and the switch Q2 for detecting the shortage of the mist source is turned on during the inhalation. Therefore, the residual of the mist source is estimated even during the inhalation. In the case of the amount of electricity, the fluctuation of the amount of mist generated and the battery as the power source 110 can be suppressed at the same time. Of degradation.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 1300 for determining whether a mist source is insufficient according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a description will be given of all steps performed by the control unit 106. However, it should be noted that part of the steps may be performed by another component of the mist generating device 100.

Processing begins in step 1302. Step 1302 is the same step as step 302 in FIG. 3.

When it is determined that the start of smoking has been detected (YES in step 1302), the process proceeds to step 1304. In step 1304, the control unit 106 turns on the switch Q1. In order to turn on the switch Q1 in step 1304, the control unit 106 sends a turn-on signal to the switch Q1.

Processing proceeds to step 1306. In step 1306, the control unit 106 turns on the switch Q2. In order to turn on the switch Q2 in step 1306, the control unit 106 sends an on signal to the switch Q2.

Processing continues after step 1308 and proceeds to step 1310. Step 1308 is the same step as steps 706, 908, and 1118 in FIG. 7, FIG. 9, and FIG. 11, and step 1310 is the same step as step 306 in FIG.

Processing proceeds to step 1312. In step 1312, the control unit 106 turns off the switch Q2. In order to make the switch Q2 into the off state in step 1312, the control unit 106 sends an interrupt to the switch Q2. On signal.

Processing continues after step 1314 and proceeds to step 1316 or 1318. Steps 1314, 1316, and 1318 are the same steps as steps 308, 310, and 312 in FIG. 8, respectively.

1320 is a step in which the display control unit 106 sets the switch Q1 to the off state. In order to make the switch Q1 into an off state in step 1320, the control unit 106 sends an off signal to the switch Q1.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the output value or signal of the sensor over time following processing 1300 of FIG. 13. 1402, 1404, 1406, 1412, 1414, and 1416 are shown as the same as 602, 604, 606, 612, 614, and 616 in Figs. 6A to 6D, respectively. The 1418 series shows a point in time at which the mist source is estimated to be insufficient in step 1316. 1421 is a period corresponding to a change in a signal caused by execution at least once from steps 1304 to 1312, and 1422 is a period corresponding to a change in a signal caused by execution at least once from steps 1306 to 1312. 1423 is a period corresponding to a change in the signal caused by executing at least once from steps 1306 to 1312.

FIG. 14 shows a period 1416 during which an output is generated by a sensor such as a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, and the like, except for a point 1418 at which the mist source is estimated to be insufficient, the switch Q1 is always turned on. The switch Q2 is turned on intermittently, that is, continues to be powered by the power supply 110. In other words, according to the illustrated process 1300, in principle, that is, as long as the exception is that the mist source is insufficient, the control unit 106 makes the switch Q1 constant during the period when the sensor generates an output. It is configured to be in a conducting state and to make the switch Q2 intermittently in a conducting state. According to such a configuration, the time during which the load is not energized to the load 132 or the time during which the battery as the power source 110 is not discharged is reduced, and variations in the amount of mist generation and battery deterioration can be suppressed. In particular, when the resistance value of the resistor 212 is sufficiently larger than the resistance value of the load 132, it becomes small enough to neglect the degree of change in the discharge rate of the power supply 110 caused by the intermittent conduction of the switch Q2. Therefore, the period 1416 during which an output is generated by a sensor such as a flow sensor is effective after the time point 1418 at which the mist source is estimated to be insufficient, since the discharge rate of the power supply 110 is approximately constant, so it can be effectively used The deterioration of the power source belonging to the power source 110 is suppressed.

In the above description, the embodiment of the present invention has been described as a mist generating device and a method of operating the mist generating device. However, it can be understood that the present invention can be implemented in the form of a program that causes the processor to execute the method when executed by a processor, or a computer-readable memory medium storing the program.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that changes, additions, improvements, and the like of the embodiment can be appropriately performed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by any of the embodiments described above, but is defined only by the scope of patent applications and their equivalents.

Claims (27)

A mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; a first sensor for atomizing the mist source by heat generated by power supply from a power source, and outputting A value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes according to temperature; the second sensor generates an output in response to a user's request for the generation of mist; the first circuit is connected in series between the aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load And has a first shutter; a second circuit connected in parallel with the first circuit and having a second shutter with a resistance greater than that of the first circuit; and a control unit that controls the first shutter and the aforementioned The second shutter; the aforementioned control unit is structured as follows: based on the aforementioned value output by the first sensor when the aforementioned second shutter is in an on state, the residual amount of the mist source is estimated; The period during which the sensor generates the output includes the point in time when the first switch is turned on when the first switch is turned on, or when the first switch is turned on. Point mode OFF state simultaneously the second shutter will be turned on to control the time. The mist generating device according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein: The control unit is configured to make the second shutter in a conducting state after the first shutter is in a conducting state, and simultaneously send an opening signal to the first shutter and a conducting signal to the second shutter. The mist generating device according to item 1 or item 2 of the scope of patent application, wherein the control unit is configured to make the first shutter into a conductive state after the second shutter is in a conducting state, and simultaneously send the first shutter to the foregoing. The on signal of the first shutter and the off signal to the second shutter. The mist generating device according to item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the control unit is configured such that when one of the first shutter and the second shutter is in a conductive state, the first shutter and the second shutter The other side of the shutter sends a conduction signal. The mist generating device according to item 4 of the scope of patent application, wherein the control unit is configured to make the first shutter to be ON only at a predetermined time, and after the ON signal is sent to the first shutter, or After the first shutter is turned on, a conduction signal is sent to the second shutter before a time after the turn-on time of the second shutter is subtracted from the predetermined time. According to the mist generating device described in claim 4 or 5, the control unit is configured to send a conduction signal to the other one of the first shutter and the second shutter, and then to The one of the first shutter and the second shutter sends a disconnect signal. The mist generating device according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the control unit is configured to turn one of the first shutter and the second shutter to the first shutter and the second shutter. The other side of the shutter sends a conduction signal. The mist generating device according to item 1 or item 7 of the scope of patent application, wherein the control unit is configured to conduct conduction to one of the first shutter and the second shutter, and to the first shutter and the second shutter. The other side of the second shutter sends a disconnect signal. The mist generating device according to claim 1, 2, 6, or 7, wherein the control unit is configured based on the first after the disconnection signal is sent to the first shutter. The aforementioned value output by the sensor is used to estimate the residual amount of the aforementioned mist source. According to the mist generating device described in claim 1, 2, 6, or 7, wherein the control unit is configured to pass the first section based on the time when the disconnection signal is sent to the first shutter. The residual value of the mist source is estimated by the aforementioned value output by the aforementioned first sensor after a shutter opening and closing time. The mist generating device according to item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the control unit is configured to keep the first switch constantly in a conductive state during a period when the output is generated by the second sensor, The second shutter is turned on intermittently. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in the scope of the patent application, wherein the control unit is configured to change the first output during a period when the output is generated by the second sensor. Shutter The time during which the second switch is in the on state is formed longer than the time during which the second shutter is in the on state. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 of the scope of patent application, further comprising a voltage converter connected between a node and the aforementioned power supply, the node being a high voltage available for the aforementioned first circuit The side is connected to the high-voltage side of the second circuit; the control unit is configured to perform control so that the voltage converter outputs a rated voltage while the second switch is in an on state. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in the scope of the patent application, wherein the first switch and the second switch are switches with the same characteristics, transistors with the same characteristics, and the same characteristics. Made of any of the contactors. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 in the scope of the patent application, wherein the second sensor detects a flow rate or a flow rate generated by a user's inhalation of the mist generating device. The flow rate, and the aforementioned output is generated only during a period when the aforementioned flow rate or velocity exceeds the first threshold value and is not lower than the second threshold value. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 in the scope of the patent application, wherein the second sensor detects a pressure change generated by a user's inhalation of the mist generating device. , And the aforementioned output is generated only during a period when the aforementioned pressure is lower than the first threshold and does not exceed the second threshold. Fog as described in any one of the scope of application for items 1 to 16 A generation device in which a period in which the shutter is in an on state is a period after the current flowing to the shutter is larger than a predetermined value and is reduced to the aforementioned predetermined value; and a period in which the shutter is in an off state is this Period when the shutter is not in the ON state. A method for operating a mist generating device. The mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; and a first sensor for misting by heat generated by power supply from a power source. Convert the aforementioned mist source, and output a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes with temperature; the second sensor generates an output in response to the user's request for mist generation; the first circuit is connected in series with A first switch is provided between the power supply and the load, a second circuit is connected in parallel with the first circuit and has a second switch, and the resistance value is greater than the first circuit; and a control unit controls The first shutter and the second shutter; the method includes the following steps performed by the control unit: estimating based on the aforementioned value output by the first sensor when the aforementioned second shutter is in an on state; The remaining amount of the mist source; and The period during which the output is generated by the second sensor includes a point in time when the first switch is turned on when the first switch is on, or when the first switch is turned off. At the same time, the aforementioned second shutter will be controlled in such a manner that it will be turned on at a point in time. A mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; a first sensor for atomizing the mist source by heat generated by power supply from a power source, and outputting A value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes according to temperature; the second sensor generates an output in response to a user's request for the generation of mist; the first circuit is connected in series between the aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load And has a first shutter; a second circuit connected in parallel with the first circuit and having a second shutter with a resistance greater than that of the first circuit; and a control unit that controls the first shutter and the aforementioned The second shutter; the control unit is structured as follows: based on the aforementioned value output by the first sensor when the second shutter is in an on state, the remaining amount of the mist source is estimated; During the period when the two sensors generate the aforementioned output, the aforementioned power source continues to control the aforementioned output. The first shutter and the aforementioned second shutter. A method for operating a mist generating device. The mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; and a first sensor for misting by heat generated by power supply from a power source. Convert the aforementioned mist source, and output a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes with temperature; the second sensor generates an output in response to the user's request for mist generation; the first circuit is connected in series with A first switch is provided between the power supply and the load, a second circuit is connected in parallel with the first circuit and has a second switch, and the resistance value is greater than the first circuit; and a control unit controls The first shutter and the second shutter; the method includes the following steps performed by the control unit: estimating based on the aforementioned value output by the first sensor when the aforementioned second shutter is in an on state; A step of the remaining amount of the mist source; and a mode in which the power is continuously supplied by the power source while the output is generated by the second sensor And the step of controlling the second shutter opening and closing first. A mist generating device includes: The storage part that stores the mist source or the mist base material that holds the mist source; the first sensor atomizes the mist source by the heat generated by the power supply from the power supply, and the output and resistance values will change depending on the temperature The value related to the resistance value of the load; the second sensor generates an output in response to the user's request for the generation of mist; the first circuit is connected in series between the aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load, and has a first shutter; A second circuit, which is connected in parallel with the first circuit and has a second shutter with a resistance value greater than that of the first circuit; and a control unit that controls the first shutter and the second shutter; the control unit The system is configured based on the aforementioned state that the second switch is in an on state, the aforementioned output is generated by the aforementioned second sensor, and the mist is generated by the aforementioned load, or immediately after the generation of the mist by the aforementioned load is stopped. The aforementioned value output by the first sensor is used to estimate the residual amount of the aforementioned mist source. A method for operating a mist generating device. The mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; and a first sensor for misting by heat generated by power supply from a power source. To the aforementioned mist source, and the output and resistance values will change depending on the temperature The value related to the resistance value of the load; the second sensor generates an output in response to the user's request for the generation of mist; the first circuit is connected in series between the aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load, and has a first shutter; A second circuit, which is connected in parallel with the first circuit and has a second shutter with a resistance value greater than that of the first circuit; and a control unit that controls the first shutter and the second shutter; the method is Including: The control unit is based on when the second switch is in an on state, generates the output by the second sensor, and generates mist by the load, or immediately after the generation of mist by the load is stopped. The remaining value output from the first sensor is used to estimate the remaining amount of the mist source. A mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; a first sensor for atomizing the mist source by heat generated by power supply from a power source, and outputting A value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes according to temperature; the second sensor generates an output in response to a user's request for the generation of mist; the first circuit is connected in series between the aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load , And has a first shutter; a second circuit connected in parallel with the first circuit and having a second shutter with a resistance greater than that of the first circuit; and a control unit that controls the first shutter and the first circuit Two shutters; the aforementioned control unit is structured as follows: based on the aforementioned value output by the first sensor when the aforementioned second shutter is in an on state, the remaining amount of the mist source is estimated; The period during which the output is generated by the tester includes the period including the period during which the first switch is in the ON state, and the period when the period during which the first switch is in the ON state ends, and the ON signal is sent to the second switch. Thereafter, a period of time until the time when the second shutter is turned on is completed, and a conduction signal is transmitted to the second shutter. A method for operating a mist generating device. The mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; and a first sensor for misting by heat generated by power supply from a power source. Convert the aforementioned mist source, and output a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes with temperature; the second sensor generates an output in response to the user's request for mist generation; the first circuit is connected in series with Between the aforementioned power source and the aforementioned load, And has a first shutter; a second circuit connected in parallel with the first circuit and having a second shutter with a resistance greater than that of the first circuit; and a control unit for controlling the first shutter and The second shutter; the method includes the following steps performed by the control unit: estimating the residual amount of the mist source based on the value output by the first sensor when the second shutter is in an on state And from the time point when the period in which the output is generated by the second sensor includes the period in which the first switch is in the on state and the period in which the first switch is in the on state ends, A step of transmitting a conduction signal to the second shutter during a period ending after the time when the second shutter sends the on signal and before the time when the second shutter turns on. A mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; a first sensor for atomizing the mist source by heat generated by power supply from a power source, and outputting A value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes according to temperature; the second sensor generates an output in response to a user's request for the generation of mist; the first circuit is connected in series between the aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load , And has a first shutter; a second circuit connected in parallel with the first circuit and having a second shutter with a resistance greater than that of the first circuit; and a control unit that controls the first shutter and the first circuit Two shutters; the aforementioned control unit is structured as follows: based on the aforementioned value output by the first sensor when the aforementioned second shutter is in an on state, the remaining amount of the mist source is estimated; When a disconnection signal is sent to the first switch during the period during which the output is generated by the tester, a turn-on signal is sent to the second switch; the turn-off time of the first switch is for the second switch. More than the time after the switch sends the on signal until the second switch is turned on. A method for operating a mist generating device. The mist generating device includes: a storage part storing a mist source or a mist base material holding the mist source; and a first sensor for misting by heat generated by power supply from a power source. Convert the aforementioned mist source, and output a value related to the resistance value of the load whose resistance value changes with temperature; the second sensor generates an output in response to the user's request for mist generation; the first circuit is connected in series with Between the aforementioned power source and the aforementioned load, And has a first shutter; a second circuit connected in parallel with the first circuit and having a second shutter with a resistance greater than that of the first circuit; and a control unit that controls the first shutter and the first circuit Two shutters; the aforementioned method includes the following steps performed by the aforementioned control unit: the aforementioned control unit estimates the residue of the mist source based on the aforementioned value output by the aforementioned first sensor when the aforementioned second shutter is on A step of measuring; and a step of sending a turn-on signal to the second switch when the disconnection signal is sent to the first switch while the output is generated by the second sensor; the first switch is turned on and off The turn-off time of the switch is longer than the time after the ON signal is sent to the second switch until the second switch is turned on. A program that, when executed by a processor, causes the aforementioned processor to execute the method described in any one of the 18th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, and 26th scope of the patent application.