TW202139866A - Inhaling device, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An objective of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can improve accuracy of inhaling detection. A inhaling device of the present invention includes: a heating part which heats an aerosol source; a temperature change part which is heated by heat due to heating of the heating part, and cooled by inhaling of aerosol which is generated by the aerosol source heated by the heating part; and a control unit which detects inhalation of the aerosol when the mode of temperature drop of the temperature change unit satisfies a detection criterion, whereincj the control unit changes the detection criterion based on the elapsed time since the heating unit starts heating the aerosol source.

Description

Absorption device, control method and program

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

Inhalation devices such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers that produce substances for users to inhale have been widely used. For example, the inhalation device uses: a mist source for generating mist (aerosol, also known as aerosol), and a substrate containing a fragrance source for imparting flavor components to the generated mist, to generate mist imparting flavor components . The user can taste the flavor by inhaling (hereinafter, also referred to as inhaling) the mist imparting fragrance components generated by the inhalation device.

The current consideration is to provide various services corresponding to the detection results by detecting the progress of the suction in the suction device. Although there are a variety of suction detection methods, as one example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses: focusing on the phenomenon that the temperature of the suction part decreases with suction, and detecting the suction effect based on the temperature drop of the heating part Technology.

(Prior technical literature)

(Patent Document)

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6143784 Specification

However, the technology for detecting suction based on the temperature drop has not been developed since it was developed, and it is eagerly expected to further improve the accuracy.

Therefore, the present invention has been developed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can improve the accuracy of suction detection.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, an inhalation device is provided. The inhalation device is provided with: a heating part that heats the mist source; and a temperature change part that is caused by the heating performed by the heating part. The temperature rises due to the heat of the heating part, and the mist generated by the mist source heated by the heating part is inhaled to lower the temperature; and the control part detects when the temperature drop of the temperature change part meets the detection criterion The mist is inhaled; wherein the control unit changes the detection criterion based on the elapsed time since the heating unit starts heating the mist source.

The control unit may also control the heating unit to perform heating along a predetermined heating curve, and change the detection criterion according to the elapsed time since the heating unit starts heating along the heating curve.

The aforementioned detection criterion may be that the deviation width between the temperature as the criterion and the temperature of the temperature change portion is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

Alternatively, when the elapsed time is less than the first time, the control unit adopts the first threshold as the predetermined threshold, and when the elapsed time is more than the first time, the control unit adopts the second threshold as the predetermined threshold. The aforementioned predetermined threshold.

The aforementioned first threshold may also be smaller than the aforementioned second threshold.

Alternatively, when the elapsed time is greater than the first time and less than the second time, the control unit adopts the second threshold as the pre-defined threshold, and when the elapsed time is greater than the second time, The control unit adopts the third threshold as the aforementioned predetermined threshold.

The aforementioned third threshold may also be smaller than the aforementioned second threshold.

The aforementioned third threshold may also be greater than the aforementioned first threshold.

When the temperature of the temperature change part at the time of detecting an input instructing the start of heating by the heating part is a predetermined value or more, the control part may not perform the heating by the heating part.

The control unit may change the detection criterion in accordance with whether or not the temperature of the temperature change unit at the time of the input instruction to start the heating by the heating unit is higher than a predetermined value.

The control unit may also compare the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is above the predetermined value and the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is less than the predetermined value, and use a value closer to the second threshold value as the first Threshold.

The control unit may also compare the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is above the predetermined value and the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is less than the predetermined value, and use a value closer to the third threshold as the second Threshold.

The control unit may also compare the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is above the predetermined value and the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is less than the predetermined value, and use an earlier time as the first time.

The control unit may also compare the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is above the predetermined value and the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is less than the predetermined value, and use an earlier time as the second time.

The detection criterion may be that the temperature of the temperature change portion becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

The control unit may start the detection of the inhalation of the mist after the elapsed time becomes a predetermined time or more.

The control unit may also change the detection criterion based on the temperature assumed to be the temperature of the temperature change unit in the elapsed time.

In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a control method is provided. The control method controls the inhalation device. The inhalation device has: a heating part for heating the mist source; and a temperature changing part The temperature rises by the heat caused by the heating performed by the heating part, and the mist generated by the mist source heated by the heating part is inhaled to reduce the temperature; the control method includes: according to the heating When the elapsed time since the heating of the mist source is started, the detection criterion is changed; and when the state of the temperature drop of the temperature changing section meets the detection criterion, it is detected that the mist is inhaled.

In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided to make a computer that controls the inhalation device execute processing. The inhalation device has: a heating part that heats the mist source; and temperature changes The part is heated by the heat caused by the heating by the heating part, and the temperature is reduced by the mist generated by the mist source heated by the heating part. The treatment includes: according to the heating The part starts the process of changing the detection criterion after the elapsed time from the heating of the mist source; and the process of detecting that the mist is inhaled when the state of the temperature drop of the temperature changing part meets the detection criterion.

As explained above, according to the present invention, a mechanism that can improve the detection accuracy of suction is provided.

10: line

20: line

90: line

100: suction device

111: Power Supply Department

112: Sensor Department

113: Notification Department

114: Memory Department

115: Ministry of Communications

116: Control Department

121: Heating part

140: holding part

141: Internal Space

142: Open

143: bottom

144: Insulation Department

150: Rod type substrate

151: Base material part

152: Suction

900: suction device

910: Heating Department

920: Temperature change part

930: Control Department

T ₀ : time

T ₁ : time

T ₂ : time

TH _a : Threshold

TH _A : Threshold

TH _b : Threshold

TH _B : Threshold

TH _C : Threshold

TMP _DIFF : Deviation amplitude

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the inhalation device of the first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a graph showing an example of a heating curve.

Fig. 3 is a graph for explaining a first control example of the first puff detection threshold in the same embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a graph for explaining a second control example of the first puff detection threshold in the same embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the suction detection process executed by the suction device of the same embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the inhalation device in the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the suction detection process executed by the suction device of the same embodiment.

Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. In addition, in this specification and the drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

<<1. The first implementation type>>

<1.1. Example of the structure of the suction device>

The inhalation device is a device that produces a substance for the user to inhale. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the inhalation device will be described as mist. In addition, the substance produced by the inhalation device can also be a gas.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the inhalation device. As shown in FIG. 1, the tasting device 100 of this configuration example includes: a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, and a holding unit 140 , And insulation 144.

The power supply unit 111 stores electric power. In addition, the power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each component of the inhalation device 100 in accordance with the control performed by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 can be constituted by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

The sensor unit 112 obtains various information about the inhalation device 100. For one example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, etc., and obtains a value accompanying the taste of the user. In another example, the sensor unit 112 is constituted by an input device, which is a button or switch that accepts input of information from the user.

The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is composed of, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

The storage unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the inhalation device 100. The storage unit 114 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

The communication unit 115 is a communication interface that can perform communication according to a wired or wireless communication standard. As for the communication standard, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) (Bluetooth), etc. can be used.

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

The holding part 140 has an internal space 141 and accommodates a part of the rod-shaped base material 150 in the internal space 141 to hold the rod-shaped base material 150. The holding portion 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside, and holds the rod-shaped base 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding portion 140 is a cylindrical body having an opening 142 and a bottom 143 as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding portion 140 also has a function of defining a flow path for supplying air to the rod-shaped base 150. The air inflow hole through which the air flows into the inlet of the flow path is arranged at the bottom 143, for example. On the other hand, the air outflow hole of the outlet from which the air flows out of the flow path is an opening 142.

The rod-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The base part 151 contains a mist source. In addition, in this configuration example, the mist source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. In the state where the rod-shaped base 150 is held by the holding portion 140, at least a part of the base portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the suction port 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Also, when the user grips the mouthpiece 152 protruding from the opening 142 to inhale, air will flow into the internal space 141 from an air inflow hole (not shown), and reach the inner space 141 together with the mist generated from the base part 151. In the user's mouth.

The heating part 121 heats the mist source, thereby atomizing the mist source and generating mist. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating part 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding part 140. In addition, when the heating portion 121 generates heat, the base portion 151 of the rod-shaped base 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and mist is generated. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 111, the heating unit 121 generates heat. For one example, power can also be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user starts to inhale and/or inputs predetermined information. In addition, the sensor unit 112 can also detect that the user has finished inhaling and/or input predetermined information to stop the power supply.

The heat insulation part 144 prevents the heating part 121 from transferring heat to other components. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 is composed of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

The configuration example of the inhalation device 100 has been described above. Of course, the structure of the inhaling device 100 is not limited to the above, and various structures as illustrated below can be adopted.

For one example, the heating part 121 may also be configured in a blade shape and arranged to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding part 140 toward the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating portion 121 is inserted into the base portion 151 of the rod-shaped base 150 to heat the base portion 151 of the rod-shaped base 150 from the inside. For another example, the heating part 121 may also be configured to cover the bottom 143 of the holding part 140. In addition, the heating portion 121 may also be a combination of two or more of the first heating portion covering the outer circumference of the holding portion 140, the blade-shaped second heating portion, and the third heating portion covering the bottom 143 of the holding portion 140 Constituted.

In another example, the holding portion 140 may also include an opening and closing mechanism such as a hinge, and the opening and closing mechanism opens and closes a part of the housing forming the internal space 141. In addition, the holding portion 140 may also clamp the rod-shaped base 150 inserted into the internal space 141 by opening and closing the housing. In this case, the heating part 121 may also be arranged at the clamping part of the holding part 140 and heat the rod-shaped base 150 while pressing it.

In addition, the means for atomizing the mist source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the mist source may also be induction heating.

<1.2. Technical Features>

(1) The temperature change of the temperature change part

The heating part 121 heats the mist source. In detail, the heating part 121 heats the rod-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding part 140 to thereby heat the mist source contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150. As a result, mist is generated.

The sensor part 112 includes a temperature change part as a temperature sensor. The temperature change part is a member that moves in heat to increase and decrease the temperature.

The temperature change part is heated by the heat caused by the heating by the heating part 121. For one example, the temperature change part may also be provided near the heating part 121. In this case, the temperature change department The self-heating unit 121 is heat-transferred via the frame to increase the temperature. In another example, the temperature change part may be provided near the air flow path from the air inflow hole to the air outflow hole. In this case, when the mist flow generated by the mist source heated by the heating part 121 exits the flow path, the temperature change part is heated by the heat transferred by the mist.

The temperature change part is cooled by inhaling the mist generated by the mist source heated by the heating part 121. In detail, when the user sucks, external air flows into the air flow path in exchange for the user to inhale the mist. The outside air is not affected by the heating performed by the heating unit 121, so the temperature is lower than the existing air in the flow path. Therefore, when external air flows into the air flow path, the components in the vicinity of the flow path are cooled by the external air. Along with this, the temperature of the temperature change part will also decrease.

The control part 116 detects the temperature of the temperature change part. For example, the temperature change part may be a thermistor. Thermistor is a component whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes. In this case, the control unit 116 detects the temperature of the temperature change part based on the resistance of the thermistor.

Furthermore, the control unit 116 may also detect the temperature of the heating unit 121. For one example, the heating part 121 may also include a conductive track, and the conductive track includes a resistor. In this case, the control unit 116 detects the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the resistance of the conductive track. In another example, a thermistor may be provided near the heating part 121. In this case, the control unit 116 detects the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the resistance of the thermistor.

(2) Heating along the heating curve

The control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to perform heating along a predetermined heating curve. The heating curve is information defining the temperature of the heating portion 121, and the temperature of the heating portion 121 changes with the elapsed time since the start of heating. The control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 so that the heating unit 121 realizes the same temperature change as the temperature change in the heating curve. The heating part 121 can be controlled by, for example, The power supply from 111 to the heating part 121 is realized. The power supply control can also be performed by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, for example.

When the heating part 121 performs heating along the heating curve, the temperature change of the temperature change part can be presupposed. Fig. 2 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the heating curve and the assumed temperature of the temperature change portion. The assumed temperature here is the temperature assumed as the temperature of the temperature change part. The horizontal axis of this graph represents the elapsed time since the heating by the heating unit 121 started. The vertical axis of this graph is temperature. Line 90 shows an example of a heating curve. Line 10 shows an example of the temperature change assumed for the temperature change part. The inhalation device 100 controls the heating part 121 so that the heating part 121 realizes the same temperature change as the temperature change of the heating curve shown by the line 90. As a result, the temperature change shown by line 10 is realized in the temperature change part. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature increase rate of the temperature change portion is assumed to be slower than the temperature increase rate of the heating portion 121. This is because heat transfer will have a time lag (lag). In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the maximum temperature of the temperature change part is assumed to be lower than the maximum temperature of the heating part 121. This is because the heating part 121 and the temperature change part are provided in separate positions.

The heating performed by the heating unit 121 can be classified into preliminary heating and main heating. Preliminary heating refers to heating performed until a predetermined time elapses from the start of heating along the heating curve, or until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a predetermined temperature. Main heating refers to heating performed after preliminary heating. In the example shown in FIG. 2, _{the heating performed until the time T 0} elapses is preliminary heating, and the heating performed after the time T ₀ elapses is the main heating. Hereinafter, the elapsed time from the start of heating may be simply referred to as elapsed time.

The assumed temperature of the temperature change portion in the sequence at which the preliminary heating ends is also referred to as the first target temperature. The first target temperature assumes that when the temperature of the temperature changing portion reaches the first target temperature due to the heating of the rod-shaped substrate 150 by the heating portion 121, the rod-shaped substrate 150 will sufficiently generate mist. temperature. For example, when the temperature of the temperature change part reaches the first target temperature, a large amount of Give the user a taste of the mist. Therefore, the user holds the rod-shaped substrate 150 and inhales after the preliminary heating, so that a sufficient amount of mist can be inhaled. In addition, the first target temperature is a temperature higher than the lower limit of the temperature of the temperature change part where mist is assumed to be generated. That is, even if the temperature of the temperature change portion does not reach the first target temperature, mist may be generated.

The temperature change part not only raises the temperature during the preliminary heating, but may also raise the temperature during the main heating. As a result, the temperature of the temperature change portion reaches the second target temperature higher than the first target temperature. With such a configuration, a sufficient amount of mist can be continuously generated from the rod-shaped base 150. Referring to the line 10 in FIG. 2, it is assumed that by heating along the heating curve, the temperature change portion increases in temperature until it reaches the second target temperature, and then continues to be maintained at the second target temperature.

(3) Suction detection

The suction device 100 of the present embodiment performs suction detection focusing on a situation in which the temperature of the temperature change portion decreases with suction. In detail, when the temperature drop of the temperature change part meets the detection criterion, it is detected that the mist is inhaled, that is, the inhalation is detected. In particular, the control unit 116 changes the detection criterion in accordance with the elapsed time for the heating unit 121 to start heating the mist source. The state in which the temperature of the temperature change portion of the suction drops can be changed in accordance with the elapsed time from the start of heating. In this regard, with this configuration, the accuracy of suction detection can be improved.

Specifically, the control unit 116 changes the detection criterion in accordance with the elapsed time from the start of the heating of the heating unit 121 along the heating curve. The state of the temperature drop of the temperature change part with the suction can be changed according to the heating curve. In this regard, with this configuration, the accuracy of suction detection can be improved.

The detection criterion may be such that the deviation width between the temperature of the criterion and the temperature of the temperature change portion is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter, also referred to as the first puff detection threshold value). That is, when the deviation width between the reference temperature and the temperature of the temperature change portion is greater than or equal to the first puff detection threshold, the control portion 116 detects Measure the suction. On the other hand, when the deviation width between the reference temperature and the temperature of the temperature change portion is less than the first puff detection threshold value, the control section 116 does not detect puff. For one example, the temperature used as a reference may be the assumed temperature of the temperature change part. In this case, when the temperature of the temperature change portion in a certain elapsed time and the assumed temperature of the temperature change portion in the same elapsed time have a deviation width greater than or equal to the first puff detection threshold, the control section 116 detects puff. In another example, the temperature used as a reference may be the temperature of the temperature change portion before a predetermined time. In this case, when the temperature of the temperature change portion in a certain elapsed time and the temperature of the temperature change portion before the same elapsed time predetermined time (for example, just before the elapsed time), the deviation width is greater than or equal to the first puff detection threshold , The control unit 116 detects suction. With such a configuration, it is possible to detect puffing based on the temperature drop width of the temperature change portion with puffing.

In order to determine the life of the rod-shaped substrate 150, a suction test may also be performed. The life of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is the period until the source of mist contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150 is exhausted. The more the amount of mist generated by the heating by the heating part 121 increases, or the more the mist is sucked by suction, the life of the rod-shaped base 150 will be shortened.

(4) Control of testing standards

As explained above, the state of the temperature drop of the temperature change portion accompanying the suction can be changed in accordance with the elapsed time from the start of heating. Specifically, the temperature drop range of the temperature change portion accompanying the suction can be changed in accordance with the elapsed time from the start of heating. Therefore, if the same value is continuously used as the first puff detection threshold regardless of the elapsed time from the start of heating, the accuracy of puff detection may be reduced. For example, there may be situations in which even if the user actually took a suction, the suction is still not detected; or even if the user does not actually take the suction, the user may still misrecognize and detect the suction.

Therefore, as a method of changing the detection criterion, the control unit 116 performs control to change the first puff detection threshold. With this configuration, the accuracy of suction detection can be improved. Hereinafter, a control example of the first puff detection threshold will be described.

-The first control example

The longer the time elapses since the start of heating, the more the temperature of the temperature change part rises. That is, the temperature difference between the temperature change part and the outside air changes with the elapsed time from the start of heating, so the temperature drop width of the temperature change part with suction also changes. Therefore, if the same value is continuously used as the first puff detection threshold regardless of the elapsed time from the start of heating, the accuracy of puff detection may be reduced.

In view of the above-mentioned problem, when the elapsed time is less than the first time, the control unit 116 adopts the first threshold value as the first puff detection threshold value. In addition, when the elapsed time is longer than the first time, the control unit 116 adopts the second threshold value as the first puff detection threshold value. With such a configuration, it is possible to change the detection criterion corresponding to the change in the temperature drop width of the temperature change portion with suction, so it is expected to improve the detection accuracy of suction. In addition, the first threshold is smaller than the second threshold. With this configuration, as will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3, the detection accuracy of suction can be improved.

Fig. 3 is a graph for explaining a first control example of the first puff detection threshold in this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph represents the elapsed time since the heating by the heating unit 121 started. The vertical axis of this graph is temperature. Line 10 shows an example of the temperature change assumed for the temperature change part. The line 20 shows an example of the actual temperature change of the temperature change part. Time T ₁ is an example of the first time. The threshold TH _a is an example of the first threshold. The threshold TH _b is an example of the second threshold. That is, the threshold TH _{a is} smaller than the threshold TH _b .

_{When the deviation width TMP DIFF} between the assumed temperature of the temperature change portion and the actual temperature of the temperature change portion is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH _a before the elapse of the time T ₁ , the control portion 116 detects the suction. As shown in FIG 3, after a temperature of the temperature change section before the time T ₁ lower than after the elapsed time T _1. Thus, after the change of the temperature difference with the outside air system is small after the time T ₁ until _a ratio of the elapsed time T, it is considered that a small temperature change of the temperature along the suction portion decline. At this point, the suction detection is performed according to a relatively small threshold TH _a , thereby improving the accuracy of suction detection. For example, it is possible to prevent a situation that is not detected even if the user takes a puff.

On the other hand, after _a while, when the magnitude of the actual temperature deviates from the temperature assumed temperature change unit temperature change portion TMP _DIFF less than the threshold value TH _b time T, the control unit 16 detects the suction system. As shown, after a temperature of _a high temperature portion than the time T ₁₃ before the elapsed time T. Thus, after the change of the temperature difference with the outside air through the system a large amplitude greater than before the time T _1, it is considered that the temperature change of the suction portion concomitant fall time T _1. At this point, the suction detection is performed according to a relatively large threshold TH _b , thereby improving the accuracy of suction detection. For example, it is possible to prevent misrecognition and detection of suction due to a small temperature drop of the degree of wind entering the air flow path.

-Second control example

The longer the time elapses since the start of heating, the more the temperature of the temperature change part rises. However, the temperature distribution in the temperature change part is not limited to the same, and it is presumed that a higher temperature part and a lower temperature part will be mixed in the temperature change part. For example, when it is detected that the temperature of the temperature change portion reaches the second target temperature, the temperature change portion may actually include a portion that has not reached the second target temperature. In addition, as time elapses since it is detected that the temperature of the temperature change portion reaches the second target temperature, the portion of the temperature change portion that has not reached the second target temperature decreases. The subsequent increase in the amount of heat stored in the entire temperature change portion reduces the cooling effect of the outside air, and as a result, the temperature drop of the temperature change portion due to suction becomes smaller. Therefore, if such a change in the temperature distribution of the temperature change portion is not considered, the accuracy of the suction detection will be reduced.

In view of the above-mentioned problem, when the elapsed time is less than the first time, the control unit 116 adopts the first threshold value as the first puff detection threshold value. In addition, when the elapsed time is longer than the first time and less than the second time, the control unit 116 adopts the second threshold value as the first puff detection threshold value. In addition, when the elapsed time is longer than the second time, the control unit 116 adopts the third threshold value as the first puff detection threshold value. With such a configuration, it is possible to change the detection criterion corresponding to the change in the temperature drop width of the temperature change portion with suction, so it is expected to improve the detection accuracy of suction. In addition, the first threshold is smaller than the second threshold; in addition, the third threshold is smaller than the second threshold. With such a configuration, as will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, the detection accuracy of suction can be improved.

FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining a second control example of the first puff detection threshold in this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph represents the elapsed time since the heating by the heating unit 121 started. The vertical axis of this graph is temperature. Line 10 shows an example of the temperature change assumed for the temperature change part. The line 20 shows an example of the actual temperature change of the temperature change part. Time T ₁ is an example of the first time. Time T ₂ is an example of the second time. The threshold TH _A is an example of the first threshold. The threshold TH _B is an example of the second threshold. The threshold TH _C is an example of the third threshold. That is, the threshold TH _A will be smaller than the threshold TH _B. Moreover, the threshold TH _C will be smaller than the threshold TH _B.

Up until time T _1, when the magnitude of the actual temperature deviates from the temperature assumed temperature change unit temperature change portion TMP _DIFF than the threshold value TH _A, the control unit 116 through the suction line is detected. With such a configuration, as described in the first control example, the detection accuracy of suction can be improved.

After a time T _1, and time T elapsed between the date _2, when the actual temperature deviates from the amplitude of temperature change is assumed that the temperature of the portion of the temperature change of TMP _DIFF TH portion _B is more than the threshold value, the control unit 116 detects a suction system. With such a configuration, as described in the first control example, the detection accuracy of suction can be improved.

Furthermore, after the time T _{2 has elapsed, when the deviation width TMP DIFF} between the assumed temperature of the temperature change portion and the actual temperature of the temperature change portion is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH _C , the control portion 116 detects the suction. As described above, it can be inferred that the longer the time elapses since the temperature of the temperature change portion is detected to reach the second target temperature, the smaller the temperature drop rate of the temperature change portion with suction becomes. For example, suppose the time point at time T ₂ as the temperature decrease of the aspiration, the suction with the temperature would decrease at a time smaller than the time point T _1. At this point, the puff detection is performed based on the threshold TH _{C which is smaller than the threshold TH B} , so that the accuracy of puff detection can be improved. For example, it is possible to prevent a situation that is not detected even if the user takes a puff.

Here, the third threshold may also be larger than the first threshold. That is, the threshold value TH _A <the threshold value TH _C <the threshold value TH _B may also be adopted. As shown, after _2, temperature changes in the higher portion than the time T ₁₄ before the elapsed time T. Thus, after _2, temperature changes in the outside air portion through a larger difference than ₁ before the time T, the temperature it is possible to imagine variations with temperature of the portion of a larger decline in suction time T. At this point, the suction detection is performed according to a relatively large threshold TH _C , so that the detection accuracy of suction can be improved. For example, it is possible to prevent misrecognition and detection of suction due to a small temperature drop of the degree of wind entering the air flow path.

(5) Other features related to suction detection

The control unit 116 may start the puff detection after the elapsed time becomes a predetermined time or more. An example of the predetermined time is the time to reach the first target temperature. That is, the control unit 116 may start the suction detection after the preliminary heating is completed and the transition to the main heating is completed. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the control unit 116 may start the puff detection _{after the time T 0 has elapsed.} During the preliminary heating, the rod-shaped base 150 is not sufficiently heated, and the amount of mist generated is less than during the main heating. Therefore, even if suction is performed, it is difficult to shorten the life of the rod-shaped base 150. Therefore, when the suction test is performed for the life judgment of the rod-shaped substrate 150, with such a configuration, the object of the suction detection during preheating is excluded, thereby improving the life judgment of the rod-shaped substrate 150. accuracy.

The control unit 116 may also not execute the heating performed by the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the temperature change unit at the time of detecting an input instructing the start of heating performed by the heating unit 121 is a predetermined value (hereinafter, also referred to as a residual heat determination threshold) or higher Heating. When the time interval between the previous heating and the current heating is short, excess heat caused by the previous heating may be generated in the temperature change portion. If heating is started in such a state, the temperature of the temperature change portion will deviate from the assumed temperature even in a state where suction is not performed, which may result in a decrease in the accuracy of detection of suction. At this point, with such a configuration, heating is not originally performed, so suction detection is not performed. Therefore, erroneous detection of suction can be prevented.

Of course, the control unit 116 may still perform the heating by the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the temperature change unit at the time of detecting an input instructing the start of heating by the heating unit 121 is greater than or equal to the residual heat determination threshold. In this case, the control unit 116 changes the detection criterion in accordance with whether the temperature of the temperature change unit when the input for instructing the start of heating by the heating unit 121 is detected is equal to or higher than the residual heat determination threshold value. As described above, when the time interval between the current heating and the current heating is short, the temperature change portion may generate residual heat caused by the previous heating. If heating is started in such a state, the temperature of the temperature change part will deviate from the assumed temperature even in a state where suction is not performed. Therefore, the control unit 116 sets the first puff detection threshold in consideration of the deviation. With this configuration, even if the time interval between the previous heating and this heating is short, the detection accuracy of suction can be maintained.

Regarding the first example of the change of the detection criterion, the control unit 116 may compare the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is above the residual heat determination threshold value and the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is less than the residual heat determination threshold value, and adopt The value closer to the second threshold is used as the first threshold. In other words, the control unit 116 may compare the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is equal to or higher than the residual heat judgment threshold value and the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is less than the residual heat judgment threshold value, and adopt a higher value as the first threshold value. . For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 116 may bring the threshold TH _a closer to the threshold TH _b . This is because under the influence of the residual heat, the temperature drop of the temperature change part with suction in the interval where the first threshold is applied is close to the temperature with the suction in the interval where the second threshold is applied The state where the temperature of the changing part has dropped. With this configuration, the accuracy of suction detection can be maintained.

On the other hand, the control unit 116 may compare the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is greater than or equal to the residual heat determination threshold value and the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is less than the residual heat determination threshold value, and use a value closer to the third threshold value as The second threshold. In other words, the control unit 116 may also compare the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is above the residual heat determination threshold value and the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is less than the residual heat determination threshold value, and adopt a lower value as the second threshold value. . For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 116 may also bring the threshold TH _B closer to the threshold TH _C. This is because under the influence of the residual heat, the temperature drop of the temperature change part with suction in the interval where the second threshold is applied will be close to the temperature with the suction in the interval where the third threshold is applied. The state where the temperature of the changing part has dropped. With this configuration, the accuracy of suction detection can be maintained.

Regarding the second example of the change of the detection criterion, the control unit 116 may compare the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is equal to or higher than the residual heat judgment threshold value and the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is less than the residual heat judgment threshold value, and adopt The earlier time is the first time. This is because the timing for applying the second threshold will come earlier due to the influence of the remaining heat. From another point of view, the control unit 116 can also compare the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is greater than or equal to the residual heat determination threshold and the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is less than the residual heat determination threshold to shorten the application first. The period of the threshold. With this configuration, the accuracy of suction detection can be maintained.

Similarly, the control unit 116 may compare a case where the temperature of the temperature change part is equal to or higher than the remaining heat determination threshold value and a case where the temperature of the temperature change part is less than the remaining heat determination threshold value, and adopt an earlier time as the second time. This is because the timing for applying the third threshold will come earlier due to the influence of the remaining heat. From another point of view, the control unit 116 can also compare the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is above the residual heat determination threshold value and the case where the temperature of the temperature change part is less than the residual heat determination threshold value to shorten the application of the second The period of the threshold. With this configuration, the accuracy of suction detection can be maintained.

(6) Processing flow

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the puff detection process executed by the puffing device 100 of the same embodiment. This flow is an example of the flow of the suction detection processing in the example shown in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, the inhalation device 100 determines whether a user's heating start instruction is detected (step S102). For example, the inhalation device 100 determines whether a button provided on the inhalation device 100 is pressed. When the user's heating start instruction is not detected (step S102: No), the inhalation device 100 will wait until the user's heating start instruction is detected.

When the user's heating start instruction is detected (step S102: Yes), the inhalation device 100 will start heating according to the heating curve (step S104).

Next, the tasting device 100 determines whether the time T ₀ has passed (step S106). When it is determined that the time T ₀ has not yet elapsed (step S106: No), the inhalation device 100 waits until the time T ₀ elapses.

When it is determined that the time T _{0 has} elapsed (step S106: Yes), the inhalation device 100 _{detects a puff based on the threshold TH A} (step S108). _{For example, when the deviation width TMP DIFF} between the assumed temperature of the temperature change portion and the actual temperature of the temperature change portion is greater than or equal to the threshold TH _A , the control portion 116 detects a puff.

Next, the tasting device 100 determines whether the time T ₁ has passed (step S110). When it is determined that the time T ₁ has not elapsed (step S110: NO), until the suction time T ₁ until the taste, after the process of step S108 based apparatus 100.

When the elapsed time T ₁ is determined (step S110: YES), the suction device 100 to try to detect the suction line (step S112) based on the threshold value TH _{B. For example, when the deviation width TMP DIFF} between the assumed temperature of the temperature change part and the actual temperature of the temperature change part is _{equal to or greater than the TH B} threshold, the control unit 116 detects a puff.

Next, the tasting device 100 determines whether the time T ₂ has elapsed (step S114). (: NO in step S114), the suction device 100 based taste elapses until time T _2, the processing of step S112 determines that the time T ₂ has not elapsed when.

When it is determined that the time T ₂ has elapsed (step S114: YES), the device 100 detects a suction line (step S116) based on the threshold value TH _C suck taste. _{For example, when the deviation width TMP DIFF} between the assumed temperature of the temperature change portion and the actual temperature of the temperature change portion is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH _C , the control portion 116 detects a puff.

In the foregoing, an example of the flow of the suction detection processing has been described. In addition, the processing in step S116 described above can also be continuously executed until the heating along the heating curve ends.

<<2. The second implementation type>>

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a configuration example of the inhalation device 900 of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the tasting device 900 includes a heating unit 910, a temperature changing unit 920, and a control unit 930.

The heating part 910 heats the mist source.

The temperature change part 920 is heated by the heat caused by the heating by the heating part 910, and is cooled by the mist generated from the mist source heated by the heating part 910 being inhaled.

The control unit 930 detects that the mist is inhaled when the temperature drop of the temperature change unit 920 satisfies the detection criterion. In particular, the control unit 930 changes the detection criterion in accordance with the elapsed time for the heating unit 910 to start heating the mist source.

Next, the processing flow of the inhalation device 900 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the inhalation device 900 of this embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 7, first, the control unit 930 changes the detection criterion based on the elapsed time since the heating unit 910 starts heating the mist source (step S202).

Next, the control unit 930 detects that the mist has been inhaled when the temperature drop of the temperature change unit 920 satisfies the detection criterion (step S204).

The state in which the temperature of the temperature change part 920 decreases with the inhalation of the mist can be changed in accordance with the elapsed time since the heating part 910 starts to heat the source of the mist. At this point, according to the present embodiment, the detection reference system changes in accordance with the elapsed time since the heating unit 910 starts to heat the mist source. Therefore, the control unit 930 can detect that the mist is inhaled by corresponding to the state in which the temperature of the temperature change portion 920 decreases with the inhalation of the mist. That is, according to this embodiment, the accuracy of detecting the inhaled mist can be improved.

Therefore, also in this embodiment, the same effect as the above-mentioned first embodiment can be exerted.

<<3. Summary>>

Above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains should be aware that various changes or amendments can be considered within the scope of the technical ideas described in the scope of the patent application. Of course, these changes or amendments should also be understood as belonging to this The technical scope of the invention.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the detection criterion is described as an example in which the deviation width between the reference temperature and the temperature of the temperature change portion is greater than or equal to the first puff detection threshold, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the detection criterion may be that the temperature of the temperature change portion is below a predetermined threshold (hereinafter, also referred to as the second puff detection threshold). For example, the second puff detection threshold may be set to a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the assumed temperature of the temperature change part. However, the control unit 116 changes the second puff detection threshold in a manner corresponding to the elapsed time, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment. With this configuration, the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment can be achieved.

On the one case, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, to ₁ until the elapsed time T, the control unit 116 may use the presumed temperature from the temperature variation value TH _a portion obtained by subtracting the threshold as the second suction Detection threshold. Similarly, after time T _1, the control unit 116 may employ variations from the assumed temperature of the portion minus the threshold value TH _b second suction obtained as the detection threshold.

As another example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 116 may use the value _{obtained by subtracting the threshold value TH A} from the assumed temperature of the temperature change unit as the second suction _{until the time T 1 elapses.} Detection threshold. Similarly, after time T _1, and time T elapsed between the date _2, the control unit 116 may employ variations from the assumed temperature of the portion subtracting the threshold value TH _B obtained as the second suction detection threshold. In addition, after the time T _{2 has elapsed, the control unit 116 may adopt a value obtained by subtracting the threshold value TH C} from the assumed temperature of the temperature change unit as the second puff detection threshold value.

Further, to ₁ until the elapsed time T between the assumed temperature change portion rises, therefore a second suction detection threshold will also increase. It can also be replaced with: a fixed value is used as the second puff detection threshold until the _{time T 1 elapses.} With such a configuration, the processing load for controlling the second puff detection threshold can be reduced. In addition, the second puff detection threshold may be set in advance based on the assumed temperature of the temperature change part.

In addition to the above, for example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the detection criterion is changed in accordance with the elapsed time from the start of heating as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the control unit 116 may change the detection criterion based on the elapsed time since the start of heating and the assumed temperature of the temperature change portion in the elapsed time since the start of heating, or may substitute the elapsed time since the start of heating with a reference The assumed temperature of the temperature change part in the elapsed time from the start of heating changes the detection standard. For one example, the assumed temperature of the temperature change part may further increase or decrease after reaching the second target temperature. In this case, the control unit 116 will change the detection criterion in response to such a change in the assumed temperature. For example, the control unit 116 may decrease the assumed temperature of the temperature change unit to decrease the first puff detection threshold. This is because it is assumed that the lower the assumed temperature of the temperature change part, the smaller the assumed temperature difference between the temperature change part and the outside air, and the smaller the temperature drop of the temperature change part due to suction. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may also increase the first suction detection threshold as the assumed temperature of the temperature change unit increases. This is because it is assumed that as the assumed temperature of the temperature change part increases, the assumed temperature difference between the temperature change part and the outside air will become larger, and the temperature drop rate of the temperature change part with the suction will increase. . With this configuration, an appropriate detection standard corresponding to the assumed temperature difference between the temperature change part and the outside air can be used. The assumed temperature difference changes in accordance with the assumed temperature of the temperature change part, so it can be improved. The detection accuracy of suction.

In addition, a series of processing performed by each device described in this specification can also be implemented using any one of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. The programs that make up the software, for example, are pre-stored in a recording medium (non-transitory media: non-transitory media) installed inside each device or installed outside. In addition, each program is read into RAM when executed by a computer, and is executed by a processor such as a CPU. The above-mentioned recording media are, for example, magnetic discs, optical discs, magneto-optical discs, flash memory, etc. In addition, the above-mentioned computer program can also be distributed via the Internet without using a recording medium.

In addition, the processes described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in this specification need not necessarily be executed in the order shown in the drawings. Certain processing steps can also be executed in parallel. In addition, additional processing steps may be adopted, and a part of the processing steps may also be omitted.

10: line

20: line

T ₀ : time

T ₁ : time

TH _a : Threshold

TH _b : Threshold

TMP _DIFF : Deviation amplitude

Claims (19)

A kind of tasting device, which is equipped with: The heating part heats the mist source; The temperature change part is heated by the heat caused by the heating performed by the heating part, and the mist generated by the mist source heated by the heating part is inhaled to lower the temperature; and The control part detects that the mist is inhaled when the temperature drop of the temperature change part meets the detection criterion; The control unit changes the detection criterion in accordance with the elapsed time since the heating unit starts heating of the mist source. The inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit to heat along a predetermined heating curve, and according to the elapsed time since the heating unit starts heating along the heating curve Time to change the aforementioned detection criteria. The inhalation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned detection criterion is that the deviation width of the temperature as the criterion and the temperature of the temperature change portion is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The inhaling device according to claim 3, wherein when the elapsed time is less than the first time, the control unit adopts the first threshold as the predetermined threshold, and when the elapsed time is more than the first time, The aforementioned control unit adopts the second threshold value as the aforementioned predetermined threshold value. The tasting device according to claim 4, wherein the aforementioned first threshold is smaller than the aforementioned second threshold. The inhalation device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, when the elapsed time is greater than the first time and less than the second time, the control unit uses the second threshold as the pre-recorded prediction When the elapsed time is longer than the second time, the control unit adopts the third threshold as the predetermined threshold. The tasting device according to claim 6, wherein the aforementioned third threshold is smaller than the aforementioned second threshold. The inhalation device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the aforementioned third threshold is greater than the aforementioned first threshold. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, when the temperature of the temperature change portion at the time of detecting an input instructing to start heating by the heating portion is a predetermined value or more, the control The part system does not perform the aforementioned heating by the aforementioned heating part. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit should detect whether the temperature of the temperature change portion is a predetermined when an input instructing to start heating by the heating portion is detected Value above, to change the aforementioned detection criteria. The inhalation device according to claim 10 of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the control unit compares the temperature of the temperature change portion with the temperature of the temperature change portion being equal to or higher than the predetermined value. In the case that the aforementioned predetermined value is not reached, a value closer to the aforementioned second threshold is adopted as the aforementioned first threshold. The inhalation device according to claim 10 of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the control unit compares the temperature of the temperature change portion with the temperature of the temperature change portion being equal to or higher than the predetermined value. In the case of less than the aforementioned predetermined value, a value closer to the aforementioned third threshold is adopted as the aforementioned second threshold. The inhalation device according to claim 10 of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the control unit compares the case where the temperature of the temperature change portion is the aforementioned predetermined value or more, with the aforementioned When the temperature of the temperature change portion is less than the aforementioned predetermined value, an earlier time is adopted as the aforementioned first time. The inhalation device according to claim 10 of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the control unit compares the temperature of the temperature change portion with the temperature of the temperature change portion being equal to or higher than the predetermined value. In the case of less than the aforementioned predetermined value, an earlier time is adopted as the aforementioned second time. The inhalation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection criterion is that the temperature of the temperature change portion becomes less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the control unit starts the detection of the inhalation of the mist after the elapsed time becomes a predetermined time or more. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the control unit also changes the detection criterion based on the temperature assumed to be the temperature of the temperature change portion in the elapsed time. A control method is to control the inhalation device, the inhalation device has: a heating part that heats the mist source; and a temperature change part that is heated by the heat caused by the heating by the heating part, and The mist generated by the mist source heated by the heating part is inhaled to lower the temperature; the control method includes: Changing the detection criterion according to the elapsed time since the heating of the mist source started by the heating part; and When the state of the temperature drop of the temperature change portion meets the detection criterion, it is detected that the mist is inhaled. A program that is used to make a computer that controls the inhalation device execute processing. The inhalation device has: a heating part that heats the mist source; and a temperature change part that is caused by the heating performed by the heating part The heat increases, and the mist generated by the mist source heated by the heating part is inhaled to lower the temperature. The above treatment includes: A process of changing the detection criterion based on the elapsed time since the heating of the mist source started by the heating unit; and When the state in which the temperature of the temperature change portion is lowered satisfies the detection criterion, the process in which the mist is inhaled is detected.

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