TW202236987A - Inhalation device, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is providing a mechanism that can further improve the quality of user experience.

The solution of the present invention is an inhalation device, which includes: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power; a heating unit for heating a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate aerosol; and a control unit for controlling the electric power from the power supply unit to the heating unit according to heating conditions. The heating conditions include: heating setting contents that specifies the transition of target temperature belonging to a temperature target value of the heating unit, and information specifying a heating period in which the substrate is heated and a non-heating period in which the substrate is not heated. The control unit controls the electric power supplied to the heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit rises to and stops at the target temperature in a state of alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period.

Description

Tasting device, control method and program

The present invention relates to a tasting device, a control method and a program.

Smoking devices such as electronic cigarettes and atomizers that generate substances that users inhale are widely used. For example, the inhalation device uses a base material including a mist source for generating mist (Aerosol; also called aerosol), and a fragrance source for imparting fragrance components to the generated mist, etc. of mist. The user can taste the aroma by inhaling the mist of the aroma component generated by the inhalation and tasting device.

Typically, an inhalation device heats a substrate to generate a mist. Since the quality of user experience is greatly affected by the temperature at which the substrate is heated, technology development is ongoing to achieve proper temperature control. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for temperature control in three stages of raising the temperature of the heater, then lowering it, and then raising it again.

[Prior Art Literature]

[Patent Document]

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6125008

However, only performing three-stage temperature control may not necessarily provide sufficient quality user experience.

Therefore, the present invention is developed in view of the above problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can further improve the quality of user experience.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to a certain viewpoint of the present invention, a kind of inhalation device is provided, which is equipped with: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power; a heating unit for heating a base material containing a mist source to generate mist; and A control unit that controls the power supply from the aforementioned power supply unit to the aforementioned heating unit; the aforementioned heating conditions include: the content of the heating setting that specifies the transition of the target temperature belonging to the temperature target value of the aforementioned heating unit, and the period that specifies the period of heating the aforementioned substrate Information on the heating period and the non-heating period which is a period in which the base material is not heated; the control unit alternately switches the heating period and the non-heating period while raising the temperature of the heating unit to the target temperature , to control the power supply to the aforementioned heating unit.

The control unit may also supply power to the heating unit during the heating period.

In the heating period, the control unit may alternately switch between power supply to the heating unit and stop power supply to the heating unit.

The control unit may stop the power supply to the heating unit over the entire non-heating period.

The length of each of the heating period and the non-heating period may be longer than the time required for the user to inhale the generated mist at least once.

The length of each period of the heating period and the non-heating period may be two seconds or more.

The heating period and the non-heating period may be set in a period during which the temperature of the heating portion rises in the heating setting content.

The aforementioned heating setting content may also include: an initial heating period during which the temperature of the aforementioned heating portion rises from the initial temperature; a midway cooling period during which the temperature of the aforementioned heating portion decreases after the aforementioned initial heating period; and a midway cooling period belonging to the aforementioned Afterwards, the reheating period during which the temperature of the heating portion rises; the heating period and the non-heating period may be set in the reheating period.

The control unit may switch between the heating period and the non-heating period according to the passage of time.

When the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature during the heating period, the control unit may control to maintain the temperature of the heating unit at the target temperature until switching to the non-heating period.

Even when the temperature of the heating part does not rise to the target temperature during the heating period, the control part may stop power supply to the heating part during the subsequent non-heating period.

In the case where the temperature of the heating part does not rise to the target temperature during the heating period, the control part may set the temperature of the heating part to the target temperature in the next heating period compared to the case where the temperature of the heating part rises to the target temperature during the heating period. Control is performed in such a way that the amount of power supplied during the aforementioned heating period increases.

When the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature, the control unit may switch from the heating period to the non-heating period.

The control unit may switch from the non-heating period to the heating period when the temperature of the heating unit falls to the lower limit temperature belonging to the lower limit value of the temperature of the heating unit.

The aforementioned heating conditions may further include changes in the aforementioned lower limit temperature.

The control unit may switch the target temperature according to the passage of time.

The control unit may also switch the target temperature by switching the target temperature according to the number of times the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature, or switch the target temperature according to the number of times the heating period and the non-heating period are switched.

The control unit may control the number of times the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature as a basis for switching the target temperature, or the number of times the heating period and the non-heating period are switched.

In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another viewpoint of the present invention, a control method is provided, which is for controlling a taste device, and the taste device is equipped with: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power; and a heating source containing mist The base material is a heating part that generates mist; the aforementioned control method includes: according to the heating conditions, while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period, while raising the temperature of the aforementioned heating part to the target temperature, controlling the temperature from the aforementioned electric For the power supplied by the source to the heating unit, the heating conditions include: the heating setting content that specifies the change of the target temperature belonging to the temperature target value of the heating unit, and the heating period that specifies the heating period that belongs to the substrate. Information on the aforementioned non-heating period during which the aforementioned substrate is not heated.

In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer that controls a sampling device to execute steps. The sampling device includes: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power and heating the base material containing the mist source to generate the heating part of the mist; the aforementioned program is to make the aforementioned computer execute: according to the heating conditions, to alternately switch the heating period and the non-heating period while making the temperature of the aforementioned heating part rise to the target temperature In the above method, the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit is controlled, and the heating conditions include: the heating setting content that specifies the transition of the target temperature belonging to the temperature target value of the heating unit, and the heating setting that belongs to heating the aforementioned substrate. Information about the aforementioned heating period of the period and the aforementioned non-heating period belonging to the period of not heating the aforementioned substrate.

As explained above, according to the present invention, a mechanism for further improving the quality of user experience is provided.

100: Tasting device

111: Power supply department

112: Sensor Department

113: Notification Department

114: memory department

115: Department of Communications

116: control department

121: heating part

140: Keeping Department

141: Internal space

142: opening

143: bottom

144: heat insulation department

150: Rod base material

151: Substrate Department

152: Suction part

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a tasting device.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the temperature of the heating part when normal temperature control is performed based on the heating setting contents shown in Table 1. FIG.

Fig. 3 shows the heating part when normal temperature control is performed outside the reheating period according to the heating settings shown in Table 1, and the temperature control including switching between heating period and non-heating period is performed during the reheating period A graph of an example of temperature change.

Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the switching between the heating period and the non-heating period in this embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the switching between the heating period and the non-heating period in this embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the switching between the heating period and the non-heating period in this embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the switching between the heating period and the non-heating period in this embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the switching between the heating period and the non-heating period in this embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example of the flow of temperature control processing executed by the tasting device of this embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the notification of information reminding to suck in the present embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the notification of information reminding to suck in the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of notification processing of information reminding to puff, which is executed by the smoking device of this embodiment.

The preferred implementation forms of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, the same symbols are attached to the constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration, and repeated explanations are omitted.

<1. Configuration example>

An inhalation device is a device that generates a substance that a user inhales. The following is a description of the situation where the substance generated by the inhalation device is a mist. In addition, the substance generated by the tasting device can also be a gas.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a tasting 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 memory unit 114 , a communication unit 115 , a control unit 116 , a heating unit 121 , and a holding unit 140 and a thermal insulation portion 144 .

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

The sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the tasting device 100 . For example, the sensor unit 112 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., and obtains a value accompanying the user's taste. In another example, the sensor unit 112 is constituted by an input device such as a button or a switch that receives information input from the user.

The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is constituted by, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, an audio output device that outputs sound, or a vibrating device that generates vibration.

The memory unit 114 stores various information for operating the tasting device 100 . The storage unit 114 is constituted by, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication according to any wired or wireless communication standard. As this communication standard, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like can be used.

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

The holding part 140 has an inner space 141 , accommodates a part of the rod-shaped base material 150 in the inner space 141 and holds the rod-shaped base material 150 . The holding part 140 has an opening 142 connecting the inner space 141 to the outside, and holds the rod-shaped base material 150 inserted into the inner space 141 through the opening 142 . For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom 143 as the bottom surface, and partitions the columnar inner space 141 . The holding part 140 also has the function of partitioning the flow path of the air supplied to the rod-shaped base material 150 . An air inflow hole serving as an inlet of air flowing into the flow path is arranged in the bottom portion 143, for example. On the other hand, the air outflow hole which is the outlet of the air flowing out from the flow path is the opening 142 .

The rod-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a suction port 152 . The base portion 151 includes a mist source. In this configuration example, the mist source is not limited to liquid, but may be solid. In the state where the rod-shaped base material 150 is held by the holding part 140 , at least a part of the base material part 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141 , and at least a part of the suction port part 152 protrudes from the opening 142 . Then, when the user sucks the mouthpiece 152 protruding from the opening 142, the air flows into the inner space 141 from the air inflow hole not shown in the figure, and the mist generated from the base material 151 arrives at the inside the user's mouth.

The heating unit 121 heats the mist source to atomize the mist source to generate mist. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140 . Then, when the heating part 121 generates heat, the base material part 151 of the rod-shaped base material 150 is heated from the outer periphery to generate mist. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 111, the heating unit 121 generates heat. For example, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user starts to taste and/or input predetermined information, power can be supplied. Then, when the sensor part 112 detects that the user finishes sucking and/or inputs predetermined information, the power supply can be stopped.

The heat insulating part 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating part 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulation part 144 is comprised with a vacuum heat insulation material, an airgel heat insulation material, etc. FIG.

The configuration example of the tasting device 100 has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the tasting device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations exemplified below may be employed.

For example, the heating part 121 is configured in a blade shape, and is arranged so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding part 140 toward the inner space 141 . In this case, the blade-shaped heating part 121 is inserted into the substrate part 151 of the rod-shaped substrate 150 to heat the substrate part 151 of the rod-shaped substrate 150 from inside. In another example, the heating unit 121 is arranged to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 . In addition, the heating unit 121 may be composed of two or more of the first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, the blade-shaped second heating unit, and the third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. .

As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of the housing that forms the internal space 141 . Then, the holding part 140 can hold the rod-shaped base material 150 inserted into the inner space 141 by opening and closing the housing. In this case, the heating part 121 may be provided at the clamped position of the holding part 140 and heat while pressing the rod-shaped base material 150 .

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

Hereinafter, the situation where the user inhales the mist generated by the tasting device 100 is also referred to as inhalation or inhalation action.

<2. Technical features>

(1) Contents of heating setting

The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 according to the heating conditions. The operation control of the heating unit 121 is realized by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 .

The heating condition is information that defines the operation of the heating unit 121 to heat the rod-shaped base material 150 . The heating conditions include at least heating setting content. The heating setting contents are described in detail below.

The content of the heating setting is information that defines the transition of the target temperature belonging to the temperature target value of the heating unit 121 . The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the change of the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as actual temperature) is the same as the change of the target temperature specified in the heating setting content. Typically, the heating setting is designed in such a way that when the user inhales the mist generated from the rod-shaped substrate 150, the aroma tasted by the user becomes optimal. Therefore, by controlling the power supply to the heating part 121 according to the heating setting content, the aroma tasted by the user can be optimized.

The heating setting content is a combination of more than one target temperature and information showing the timing of temperature control based on the target temperature. Then, when heating according to the heating setting content, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 according to the deviation between the current corresponding target temperature and the current actual temperature. The temperature control of the heating part 121 can be realized by, for example, generally known feedback control. Feedback control, for example, can be PID control (Proportional- Integral-Differential Controller: proportional integral differential control). The control unit 116 can supply the electric power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 according to the pulse type of pulse width modulation (PWM: Pulse Width Modulation) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM: Pulse Frequency Modulation). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulse during the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on/off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may also perform the heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and stop the heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and stop the heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature is lower than the target temperature. , the heating by the heating unit 121 is performed again. In addition, the control unit 116 can also adjust the voltage during the feedback control. Hereinafter, this temperature control is also referred to as normal temperature control.

The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified by, for example, measuring or estimating the resistance value of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor constituting the heating unit 121 ). This is because the resistance value of the heating resistor changes with temperature. The resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In other examples, the temperature of the heating part 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermal resistor disposed near the heating part 121 .

Hereinafter, the period from the start to the end of the process of generating the mist using the rod-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating period. In other words, the so-called heating period refers to the period during which the power supply to the heating part 121 is controlled according to the heating condition (ie, the heating setting content). The start period of the heating period is the time when the heating starts according to the heating setting content. The end of the heating period is when a sufficient amount of mist is no longer generated. The heating period is composed of the first half of the warm-up period and the second half of the pumping period formed between. The so-called inhalable period is assumed to be the period during which a sufficient amount of mist is generated. The so-called warm-up period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the pumpable period. The heating performed during the preheating period is also called preheating.

The information showing the timing of temperature control according to the target temperature in the heating setting content is defined by the elapsed time from the start of heating according to the heating setting content to define the start period and end period, which can be used for displaying the time interval Information. That is, in the heating setting content, the target temperature to be reached can be set in each interval of one or more time intervals. In this case, the control unit 116 switches the target temperature according to the elapse of time. That is, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of heating according to the heating setting content. Thereby, the temperature of the heating part 121 can be changed similarly to the change of the target temperature prescribed|regulated by the heating setting content.

An example of heating setting contents is shown in Table 1 below.

[Table 1]

The transition of the temperature of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 performs normal temperature control in accordance with the heating setting contents shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121 when normal temperature control is performed based on the heating setting contents shown in Table 1. As shown in FIG. The horizontal axis of this curve is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121 . The line 21 in this graph represents the change of the temperature of the heating part 121 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes in the same manner as the target temperature specified in the heating setting content.

As shown in Table 1, the heating setting content initially includes an initial heating period. The so-called initial temperature rise period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 starts to rise from the initial temperature. The term "initial temperature" means the temperature of the heating unit 121 before heating is started. As shown in FIG. 2 , in the initial temperature rise period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 reached 295° C. 25 seconds after the start of heating, and maintained at 295° C. until 35 seconds after the start of heating. Accordingly, it is assumed that the temperature of the rod-shaped base material 150 reaches a temperature at which a sufficient amount of mist is generated. Immediately after the heating starts, the temperature is raised to 295°C in one breath, so that the preheating can be ended earlier and the puffing period can be started earlier. In FIG. 2 , an example is shown in which the initial temperature rise period coincides with the preheat period, but they may be different.

As shown in Table 1, the heating setting content then includes a cooling period in the middle. The midway temperature drop period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is lowered. As shown in FIG. 2 , during the temperature drop period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is lowered from 295° C. to 230° C. from 35 seconds to 45 seconds after the start of heating. During this period, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be stopped. Even in this case, a sufficient amount of mist is generated by the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the rod-shaped base material 150 . Here, when the heating unit 121 is kept at a high temperature, the mist source contained in the rod-shaped base material 150 is rapidly consumed, and the fragrance may be deteriorated such that the fragrance tasted by the user becomes too strong. In this regard, By setting a mid-way cooling period, the deterioration of the fragrance can be avoided and the quality of the user's smoking experience can be improved.

As shown in Table 1, the heating setting content then includes a reheating period. The reheating period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is raised. As shown in FIG. 2 , in the reheating period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases stepwise from 230° C. to 260° C. through 240° C. and 250° C. from 45 seconds to 355 seconds after the start of heating. When the temperature of the heating part 121 is continuously lowered, the temperature of the rod-shaped base material 150 is also lowered, so the amount of mist generated is reduced, and the fragrance tasted by the user may be deteriorated. In addition, as the heating proceeds toward the second half of the set content, the remaining amount of the mist source contained in the rod-shaped base material 150 decreases, so even if the heating is continued at the same temperature, the amount of mist generation tends to decrease. In this regard, by raising the temperature again to increase the amount of mist generation, it is possible to make up for the reduction in the amount of mist generation that is accompanied by the reduction in the remaining amount of the mist source. Thereby, even in the latter half of the heating period, deterioration of the flavor tasted by the user can be prevented.

As shown in Table 1, during the reheating period, the target temperature can be increased step by step. According to this configuration, the decrease in the remaining amount of the mist source that progresses toward the second half of the heating setting content can be appropriately compensated by the stepwise increase in the target temperature.

As shown in Table 1, the heating setting content finally includes the heating end period. The so-called heating end period is a period after the reheating period, and is a period of non-heating. The target temperature may not be set. As shown in FIG. 2 , the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreased after 355 seconds from the start of heating. The power supply to the heating unit 121 may be terminated after 355 seconds from the start of heating. Even in this case, a sufficient amount of mist is temporarily generated by the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the rod-shaped base material 150 . In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the smokeable period, ie, the heating period, ends after 365 seconds from the start of heating.

The user may be notified of the start timing and the end timing of the puffable period. Furthermore, the user may be notified of a timing before the end of the puffable period (for example, timing of ending power supply to the heating unit 121 ) before a predetermined time. In this case, the user can take a puff during the puffable period by referring to the notification.

(2) Switching between heating period and non-heating period

In addition to the above-mentioned heating setting content, the heating conditions may also include information specifying heating periods and non-heating periods. This information specifies a heating period and a non-heating period among the periods during which temperature control according to the heating setting content is performed. The so-called heating period refers to the period during which the rod-shaped base material 150 is heated. The so-called non-heating period is a period in which the rod-shaped base material 150 is not heated. The control unit 116 controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 so as to raise the temperature of the heating unit 121 to the target temperature while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period. According to this configuration, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be changed in the same way as the change of the target temperature according to the content of the heating setting in a state where the temperature rise during the heating period and the temperature drop during the non-heating period are alternately repeated.

In addition, since the rod-shaped base material 150 can be heated while repeating short-term heating and cooling, rapid temperature changes of the rod-shaped base material 150 can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the fragrance caused by the rapid rise or fall of the temperature of the rod-shaped base material 150 .

In addition, since the non-heating period is provided, the time during which the temperature of the rod-shaped base material 150 becomes high can be shortened compared to normal temperature control without a non-heating period. Thereby, consumption of the mist source becomes gentle, and the life of the rod-shaped base material 150 can be extended. The so-called lifespan of the rod-shaped substrate 150 refers to the period when the source of mist contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150 is exhausted, in other words, it means the period during which the user can taste a sufficient fragrance.

The information specifying the heating period and the non-heating period includes information showing the basis for switching between the heating period and the non-heating period. For example, when switching between the heating period and the non-heating period according to the passage of time, the information specifying the heating period and the non-heating period may include information indicating the length of each period of the heating period and the non-heating period . As another example, in the case of switching between the heating period and the non-heating period in response to the temperature of the heating unit 121, the information specifying the heating period and the non-heating period may include the temperature of the heating unit 121 that is the basis for switching. information.

The control unit 116 executes power supply to the heating unit 121 during the heating period. According to this configuration, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be raised during the heating period.

In particular, the control unit 116 can alternately switch between the execution of the power supply to the heating unit 121 and the stop of the power supply to the heating unit 121 during the heating period. For example, the control unit 116 can supply power while finely switching the power supply ON/OFF by PWM control, PFM control, or the like during the heating period. According to this configuration, excessive rapid temperature rise can be prevented during the heating period.

The control part 116 stops the power supply to the heating part 121 over the whole non-heating period. According to this configuration, since power supply is stopped during the non-heating period, power consumption can be reduced compared to normal temperature control in which the non-heating period is not provided.

The length of each of the heating period and the non-heating period is longer than the time required for the user to inhale the generated mist at least once. Taking cigarettes as an example, in the non-patent literature "Review of human smoking behavior and recommendations for a new ISO standard for the machine smoking of cigarettes", ISO/TR 17219:2013(en), [searched on March 17, 2021], Internet <URL: https://www. iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:tr:17219:ed-1:v1:en> etc., it is known that the time spent for one pumping action is about 2 seconds. Therefore, the length of each period of the heating period and the non-heating period may be 2 seconds or more. An upper limit can be set for the lengths of the heating period and the non-heating period. For example, the upper limit of the length of the heating period and the non-heating period may be 30 seconds. According to this configuration, at least one of the following four patterns of relationships is established between the 2-second puffing period during which the puffing action is performed, and the heating period and the non-heating period. The relationship of the four modes includes: a mode that includes a suction period during a heating period; a mode that includes a suction period during a non-heating period; a mode that switches from a heating period to a non-heating period during a suction period; and a mode that includes a suction period during a suction period Switch from non-heating period to heating period mode. Therefore, the user can taste different fragrances in the four modes.

The heating period and the non-heating period are periods during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises according to the heating setting content. According to this configuration, while raising and lowering the temperature of the rod-shaped base material 150 in a short period of time, it is possible to raise it gradually as a whole. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the fragrance caused by an excessively rapid rise in the temperature of the rod-shaped base material 150 .

Specifically, the heating period and the non-heating period are set in the reheating period. As described above, the reheating period is set to compensate for the decrease in the remaining amount of the mist source in the second half of the heating setting content. In this regard, according to this configuration, it is possible to simultaneously prevent the deterioration of the fragrance caused by the reduction of the remaining amount of the mist source and prevent the fragrance caused by an excessively rapid rise in the temperature of the rod-shaped base material 150. deteriorating.

On the other hand, normal temperature control such as PWM control or PFM control may be performed outside the reheating period. According to this configuration, the transition of the target temperature specified by the heating setting content and the transition of the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be more closely aligned with each other than during the reheating period, except during the reheating period. In this regard, it is described with reference to FIG. 3 .

Fig. 3 is a view of the heating part showing normal temperature control outside the reheating period based on the heating settings shown in Table 1, and performing temperature control including switching between the heating period and the non-heating period during the reheating period A graph of an example of temperature change. The horizontal axis of this curve is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121 . The ground line 21 in this graph shows the change of the temperature of the heating part 121 . As shown in FIG. 3 , since the heating period and the non-heating period repeatedly appear during the reheating period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature during the peak, and falls below the target temperature before and after the peak. On the other hand, in other periods, especially in the period of 25 seconds to 35 seconds in the initial temperature rise period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the target temperature.

The temperature control of the heating part 121 will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8 . 4 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the switching between the heating period and the non-heating period in this embodiment. In these figures, a graph showing the change of the temperature of the heating part 121 during the reheating period is shown. The horizontal axis of the graph is the elapsed time (seconds) from the start of the heating period. The vertical axis of the graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121 . The line 21A shows the change of the temperature of the heating part 121 in a heating period. The line 21B shows the change of the temperature of the heating part 121 in the non-heating period.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control part 116 switches a heating period and a non-heating period every 10 seconds. That is, the control unit 116 switches between the heating period and the non-heating period according to the elapse of time. Of course, the lengths of the heating period and the non-heating period are not limited to 10 seconds. In addition, the length of the heating period and the length of the non-heating period may be the same or different. According to this configuration, since the heating period and the non-heating period can be switched in a predetermined cycle, the processing load on the control unit 116 can be reduced. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature at the end of the heating period.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the heating period is 15 seconds, and the non-heating period is 10 seconds. In the middle of the heating period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature, and then the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the target temperature. In this way, when the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to reach the target temperature during the heating period, the control unit 116 may control to maintain the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the target temperature until switching to the non-heating period. According to this configuration, even when the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises faster than originally assumed due to the high outside air temperature, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be prevented from exceeding the target temperature. This can prevent the deterioration of the fragrance and the shortening of the lifespan due to the excessively high temperature of the rod-shaped base material 150 .

In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the control unit 116 switches the heating period and the non-heating period every 10 seconds, and the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not rise to the target temperature at the end of the first half of the heating period. In this way, even when the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not rise to the target temperature during the heating period, the control unit 116 stops power supply to the heating unit 121 during the subsequent non-heating period. According to this configuration, since the heating period and the non-heating period can be switched in a predetermined cycle, the processing load on the control unit 116 can be reduced.

When the temperature of the heating part 121 has not risen to the target temperature during the heating period, the control part 116 can also supply power for the next heating period compared with the case where the temperature of the heating part 121 rises to the target temperature during the heating period. control by increasing the amount. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , since the temperature of the heating unit 121 has not risen to the target temperature at the end of the first half of the heating period, the control unit 116 supplies more power in the second half of the heating period than in the first half of the heating period. power supply. This makes the slope of line 21A steeper in the second half of the heating period, and the temperature of heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature at the end of the second half of the heating period. According to this configuration, even if the temperature of the heating part 121 is lower than the original temperature due to low outside air temperature, etc. In the case where it is less likely to rise as previously assumed, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be raised to reach the target temperature.

The control unit 116 may also control the temperature of the heating unit 121 according to the lower limit temperature. The lower limit temperature is included in heating conditions, for example. The lower limit temperature refers to the lower limit value of the temperature of the heating unit 121 . For example, when the temperature of the heating unit 121 is lower than the lower limit temperature, sufficient mist cannot be generated or sufficient fragrance cannot be delivered to the user. Specifically, when the temperature of the heating unit 121 falls to the lower limit temperature, the control unit 116 switches from the non-heating period to the heating period. According to this structure, even when the temperature of the heating part 121 falls more easily than expected due to low outside air temperature, etc., the temperature of the heating part 121 can be kept from falling below the lower limit temperature. Thereby, occurrence of defects such as insufficient mist generation or difficulty in delivering sufficient fragrance to the user can be suppressed. In this regard, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 .

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the control part 116 switches a heating period and a non-heating period every 20 seconds. Then, at any timing, the temperature of the heating unit 121 will not be lower than the lower limit temperature.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the heating period is 20 seconds, and the non-heating period is 20 seconds, but in the middle of the non-heating period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to the lower limit temperature. Therefore, the control unit 116 interrupts the non-heating period for 10 seconds and switches to the heating period. However, for 10 seconds until the end of the original non-heating period, the control unit 116 controls so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the lower limit temperature. By this control, the temperature of the heating part 121 can be prevented from rising excessively during the heating period longer than the original heating period.

The heating conditions may also include changes in the lower limit temperature. For example, the lower limit temperature may be changed together with the change of the target temperature as a predetermined temperature lower than the target temperature. in heating equipment In the second half of the fixed content, the remaining amount of the mist source contained in the rod-shaped base material 150 is reduced. Therefore, in the second half of the heating setting content, at a higher temperature than in the first half of the heating setting content, sufficient mist may not be generated or it may be difficult to deliver sufficient fragrance to the user. In this regard, by raising the lower limit temperature according to the increase in the target temperature during the reheating period, the occurrence of this loss can be suppressed.

The flow of the temperature control process in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 9 .

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example of the flow of temperature control processing executed by the tasting device 100 of this embodiment. In this process, the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled according to the heating settings shown in Table 1.

As shown in FIG. 9 , first, the tasting device 100 accepts a user's operation instructing to start heating (step S102 ). An example of the user's operation instructing the start of heating is an operation of pressing a button provided on the tasting device 100 .

Next, the tasting device 100 performs power supply during the initial temperature rise period (step S104). For example, the control part 116 performs power supply to the heating part 121 by PWM control or PFM control which makes 295 degreeC a target temperature.

Next, the tasting device 100 stops supplying power during the cooling-down period (step S106). For example, the control part 116 stops the power supply to the heating part 121 from the time when 35 seconds elapsed from the start of heating to the time when 45 seconds elapsed from the start of heating.

Next, the tasting device 100 performs power supply while switching between a heating period and a non-heating period during the reheating period (step S108 ). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121 has risen to the target temperature or whether the temperature of the heating unit 121 has decreased according to the elapse of time. Power is supplied during the heating period while switching between the heating period and the non-heating period based on various criteria such as the lower limit temperature.

Then, the tasting device 100 stops supplying power (step S110). For example, the control unit 116 stops the power supply to the heating unit 121 when 355 seconds have elapsed from the start of heating.

(3) Notification of reminder of suction information

The notification unit 113 notifies the user of the information reminding the user to inhale the mist during the heating period, that is, notifies the information reminding to inhale. For example, the notification unit 113 notifies information reminding to pump by emitting light, displaying images, vibrating and/or sounding. The user can taste a better fragrance by inhaling while referring to the notification.

The notification unit 113 notifies a plurality of times of puff reminder information during the heating period. The user can taste a better fragrance over a plurality of times by referring to the notification and taking a puff.

The timing of notifying information reminding to smoke (hereinafter also referred to as the notification timing) corresponds to the timing suitable for inhaling the mist (hereinafter also referred to as the timing suitable for smoking). During the heating period, there are a plurality of opportunities suitable for smoking. Therefore, the notification unit 113 notifies the information reminding to puff at each of the plurality of notification timings corresponding to each of the plurality of timings suitable for puffing. The user can taste a better fragrance over a plurality of times by referring to the notification and taking a puff.

The notification timing may be earlier than the timing suitable for puffing. For example, the notification timing may be a timing several seconds before a timing suitable for puffing. It may be considered that there is a time delay between the notification of the information reminding to puff and the time when the user refers to the notification to puff. In this regard, according to this configuration, the information reminding to puff can be notified in advance in consideration of the time delay. because Therefore, the user can puff after being notified of the information reminding to puff, and can puff naturally at a suitable timing for puffing. Thereby, the user can taste a better fragrance.

The notification unit 113 can notify information showing the arrival of the timing suitable for puffing from before the timing suitable for puffing to the timing suitable for puffing. For example, the notification unit 113 can display the time until the timing suitable for puffing arrives in a countdown form. According to this configuration, since the user can wait for the timing suitable for puffing, it is possible to easily perform puffing at the timing suitable for puffing.

The notification unit 113 may notify different information at the timing suitable for puffing and before and after the timing. One example is that the notification unit 113 can output red light before and after the timing suitable for puffing, and output green light during the timing suitable for puffing. According to this configuration, the user can separately grasp the timing suitable for inhalation and the timing not suitable for inhalation.

The timing suitable for smoking is at least included in the period during which smoking is possible. During the smoking period, although the mist can be tasted, there may be a mixture of timings suitable for smoking and timings not suitable for smoking. In this regard, the notification of information reminding to puff in the notification timing corresponding to the timing suitable for puffing is different from the notification of the start timing and end timing of the above-mentioned puffable period. By notifying the information reminding to puff at the notification timing corresponding to the timing suitable for puffing, it is possible to remind the user to puff at a timing particularly suitable for puffing during the puffable period.

The notification unit 113 may also notify the information reminding to puff at the timing included in the period in which the heating period and the non-heating period are set. When a heating period and a non-heating period are set in the reheating period, the notification unit 113 may notify the information to remind the puff at the timing included in the reheating period. That is, the notification timing may be a timing included in a period in which a heating period and a non-heating period are set, especially a timing included in a reheating period. heating during heating The temperature of the portion 121 rises, and the temperature of the heating portion 121 decreases during the non-heating period. Therefore, in the period in which the heating period and the non-heating period are set, it can be considered that timings suitable for puffing and timings unsuitable for puffing exist mixedly. In this regard, according to this configuration, even when the timing suitable for inhalation and the timing unsuitable for inhalation are mixed, the user can taste a preferable fragrance.

An example of the timing suitable for puffing is the timing of switching from the heating period to the non-heating period. The timing of switching from the heating period to the non-heating period is typically the timing when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a peak value. When the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a peak, it can be considered that the amount of mist generated also reaches a peak. Therefore, the user can fully taste the fragrance by referring to the notification and inhaling.

An example of the timing suitable for puffing is the timing when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature. In this case, the user can taste the optimum fragrance designed according to the content of the heating setting by referring to the notification and smoking.

Hereinafter, the notification of the information reminding to puff during the reheating period will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 . Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are diagrams for explaining the notification of information reminding to suck in the present embodiment. In these figures, a graph showing the change of the temperature of the heating part 121 during the reheating period is shown. The horizontal axis of the graph is the elapsed time (seconds) from the start of the heating period. The vertical axis of the graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121 . The line 21A shows the change of the temperature of the heating part 121 in a heating period. The line 21B shows the change of the temperature of the heating part 121 in the non-heating period. Point 22 shows the notification timing.

The notification unit 113 may also notify the information reminding to puff at the timing included in the heating period. That is, the notification timing may be a timing included in the heating period. As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11, The dot 22 showing the notification timing is included in the heating period. On the other hand, the timing suitable for puffing is the timing of switching from the heating period (period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is raised or maintained) to the non-heating period (period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is lowered). As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the point 22 showing the notification timing is a timing corresponding to the aforementioned time delay earlier than a timing suitable for puffing. Therefore, the user can refer to the notification of information reminding to take a puff in point 22, and take a puff at a suitable timing for puffing. In addition, since the suction is performed during at least the heating period if the suction is performed from the notification timing to the timing suitable for suction, the temperature drop of the heating part 121 accompanying the suction can be reduced, and Prevents deterioration of fragrance.

The notification unit 113 may notify the information reminding to puff at a timing after a predetermined time from the timing of switching from the non-heating period to the heating period. That is, the notification timing may be a timing after a predetermined time from the timing of switching from the non-heating period to the heating period. As shown in FIG. 10 , when the heating period is 10 seconds, the notification unit 113 may notify the puff reminder information when 8 seconds have elapsed from the timing of switching from the non-heating period to the heating period. According to this configuration, since the timing of the notification can be made earlier than the timing suitable for puffing by the amount of the time delay, the user can enjoy a better fragrance by referring to the notification of information prompting puffing. Here, the aforementioned predetermined time is set according to the length of the heating period. The length of the predetermined time is preferably set to a length equal to or more than half of the length of the heating period, such as 2/3 of the length of the heating period. This is because the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises sufficiently in the second half of the heating period. According to this configuration, even if the puff is performed from the notification timing to the timing suitable for puffing, since the puffing is performed during the heating period when the temperature of the heating part 121 is relatively high, the user can Taste the best aroma.

The notification unit 113 may also notify the information reminding the puff when a predetermined time elapses after the heating period starts. That is, the notification timing may be when a predetermined time elapses after the heating period starts. The aforementioned predetermined time is set as time assumed to be an opportunity included in the heating period. In addition, it is preferable that the said predetermined time is set as the time which assumes that the timing which switches from a non-heating period to a heating period will be a predetermined time later. As shown in FIG. 10 , the notification unit 113 may notify and display information at timings of 120 seconds and 140 seconds from the start of the heating period, as information to remind puffing. These timings are included in the heating period, and are timings 8 seconds after switching from the non-heating period to the heating period. According to this configuration, as described above, the user can enjoy a better fragrance by referring to the notification of the information reminding to puff and puffing.

The notification unit 113 may notify the information reminding to puff when the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to a predetermined temperature. That is, the notification timing may be a timing until the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature above is assumed to be the temperature at which a sufficient amount of mist is generated. According to this configuration, the user can inhale a sufficient amount of mist by referring to the notification and inhaling.

The predetermined temperature mentioned above can be set according to the target temperature. As shown in FIG. 10 , for example, the predetermined temperature can be set as the target temperature minus 5° C. and so on. When the target temperature is 250° C., the notifying unit 113 may notify the puff reminder at the timing when the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to 245° C. during the heating period. According to this configuration, the predetermined temperature of the notification timing can be changed according to the change of the target temperature. As described above, in the reheating period, the target temperature is increased stepwise in order to compensate for the decrease in the remaining amount of the mist source contained in the rod-shaped base material 150 . In this regard, by making the given temperature follow the rise of the target temperature, it is possible to complement the rod-shaped base material. When the remaining amount of the mist source contained in 150 is reduced, the suction is reminded. That is, according to this configuration, the user can be reminded when the temperature rises to a temperature that is expected to generate a sufficient amount of mist even in consideration of the decrease in the remaining amount of the mist source contained in the rod-shaped base material 150. suction.

The notification unit 113 may also notify the information reminding to puff when the temperature of the heating unit 121 stops rising. That is, the notification timing may be the timing when the temperature of the heating unit 121 stops rising. As shown in FIG. 11 , when the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature during the heating period, temperature control can be performed to maintain the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the target temperature until the heating period ends. In this case, the notification unit 113 may notify the information reminding to puff when the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature. According to this configuration, since the timing suitable for puffing continues after the notification timing, the user can puff while referring to the notification and enjoy a better flavor.

The control unit 116 can also switch the heating setting content to be used from a plurality of usable heating setting content. For example, the storage unit 114 stores a plurality of usable heating setting contents. The control unit 116 selects the heating setting content to be used from the plurality of usable heating setting content stored in the storage unit 114 . For example, which heating setting to use can be set by the user.

The notification unit 113 may also notify the puff reminder information at different timings depending on the content of the heating setting used. If the content of the heating setting is different, the timing suitable for pumping may also be different. In this regard, according to this configuration, the user can be reminded to perform puffing at a suitable timing for puffing which may vary depending on the content of the heating setting.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the following describes the flow of notification processing of information reminding to suck in this embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the notification process of the information to prompt puffing executed by the smoking device 100 of the present embodiment. The processing of this flow is executed, for example, before the processing of step S108 shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the notification timing has come (step S202). An example of the notification timing is the timing included in the heating period. Another example of the notification timing is a timing after a predetermined time from the timing of switching from the non-heating period to the heating period. Another example of the notification timing is when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the heating period. Another example of the notification timing is the timing until the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to a predetermined temperature set based on the target temperature. Another example of the notification timing is the timing when the temperature of the heating unit 121 stops rising.

When it is determined that the notification timing has not come yet (step S202: NO), the control unit 116 waits until the notification timing comes.

When it is judged that the notification timing has come (step S202: YES), the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 in an informative way of notifying a puff reminder (step S204).

Then, the control section 116 determines whether to end the heating period (step S206). For example, when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the heating period, the control unit 116 determines to end the heating period.

When it is determined that the heating period is not to be ended (step S206: NO), the process returns to step S202 again.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the heating period ends (step S206: YES), the processing is ended.

<3. Supplement>

The above is a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings, but the present invention is not limited to this example. Those who have ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains will understand that various changes or amendments can be conceived within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims and can understand such changes or amendments. Of course, it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) First Supplement

In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example of switching from a heating period to a non-heating period according to the lapse of time was described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature, the control unit 116 may switch from the heating period to the non-heating period. According to this structure, the temperature of the heating part 121 can be raised reliably to a target temperature in a heating period. Then, the control unit 116 may switch from the non-heating period to the heating period according to the elapse of time.

In addition, the lengths of the heating period and the non-heating period are not limited to the examples described above. The lengths of the heating period and the non-heating period may be the same or different. For example, the heating period is 10 seconds, and the non-heating period is 5 seconds. The heating period may be longer than the non-heating period. In this case, the temperature of the heating part 121 may be increased step by step. For example, in the example of the heating setting content shown in Table 1, it is preferable to make the heating period longer than the non-heating period in the timing of switching the target temperature after 110 seconds, 180 seconds, and 260 seconds from the start of heating. . In this case, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be raised to the target temperature after switching earlier.

In addition, the lengths of the heating period and the non-heating period can also be extended or shortened. For example, the heating period is 10+α seconds, and the non-heating period is 10 seconds, and α can be increased as it progresses to the second half of the heating setting content. According to this configuration, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be increased more easily as the heating setting progresses toward the latter half.

(2) Second Supplement

In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which the target temperature is switched according to the lapse of time is described, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

One example is that the control unit 116 can switch the target temperature according to the number of times the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature. For example, the control unit 11 switches the target temperature when the target temperature reaches the target temperature three times during the reheating period. The number of times may be different or the same for each target temperature. In this case, the information showing the timing of temperature control according to the target temperature in the heating setting content is defined by the number of times the temperature of the heating part 121 reaches the target temperature after the heating is started.

According to this configuration, even when the temperature of the heating unit 121 is less likely to rise than expected due to low outside air temperature, the target temperature can be switched after the number of times to reach the target temperature reaches a predetermined number of times. Therefore, heating suitable for environments such as external air temperature can be realized.

As another example, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature according to the number of switching between the heating period and the non-heating period. For example, the control unit 116 switches the target temperature when the combination of the heating period and the non-heating period is repeated three times in the reheating period. The number of times may be different or the same for each target temperature. In this case, the information showing the timing of temperature control according to the target temperature in the heating setting content is defined by the number of times of switching between the heating period and the non-heating period.

According to this configuration, since the timing of switching the target temperature can be matched with the timing of switching between the heating period and the non-heating period, temperature control can be simplified.

Here, the control unit 116 may control the number of times the temperature of the heating unit 121 as a switching reference of the target temperature rises to the target temperature, or the number of times of switching between the heating period and the non-heating period. Hereinafter, the number of times until the temperature of the heating unit 121 is raised to the target temperature and the number of times of switching between the heating period and the non-heating period are collectively referred to as the number of peaks. This is because a peak appears in the temperature change of the heating unit 121 at the timing until the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises to the target temperature and at the timing of switching from the heating period to the non-heating period.

One example is that the control unit 116 may also gradually reduce the number of peak values used as a reference for switching the target temperature. For example, regarding the heating setting contents shown in Table 1, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 240° C. when four peaks appear in the target temperature of 230° C. Next, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 250° C. when the peak value appears three times in the target temperature of 240° C. Then, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 260°C when the peak value appears twice in the target temperature of 250°C. According to this structure, the number of times that the heating part 121 becomes high temperature can be reduced, that is, the number of times that the rod-shaped base material 150 becomes high temperature can be reduced. Therefore, the reduction of the mist source is moderated, so the life of the rod-type base material 150 can be extended.

As another example, the control unit 116 may gradually increase the number of peak values used as a reference for switching the target temperature. For example, regarding the heating setting contents shown in Table 1, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 240° C. when the peak value appears twice in the target temperature of 230° C. Next, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 250° C. when the peak value appears three times in the target temperature of 240° C. Then, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 260° C. when four peaks appear in the target temperature of 250° C. According to this structure, the number of times that the heating part 121 becomes high temperature can be increased, that is, the number of times that the rod-shaped base material 150 becomes high temperature can be increased. therefore, The more you proceed to the second half of the heating setting, the more you can increase the amount of fragrance delivered to the user with each puff, and the satisfaction of each puff will be improved.

In another example, the control part 116 may make the number of the peak values used as the reference|standard of switching target temperature the same. For example, regarding the heating setting contents shown in Table 1, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 240°C when the peak value appears three times in the target temperature of 230°C. Next, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 250° C. when the peak value appears three times in the target temperature of 240° C. Then, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 260°C when the peak value appears three times in the target temperature of 250°C. According to this configuration, the extension of the life of the rod-shaped base material 150 and the improvement of the satisfaction of each puff can be achieved at the same time.

As another example, the control unit 116 may randomly change the number of peak values used as a reference for switching the target temperature. For example, regarding the heating setting contents shown in Table 1, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 240°C when the peak value appears three times in the target temperature of 230°C. Next, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 250° C. when four peaks appear in the target temperature of 240° C. Then, the control unit 116 may switch the target temperature to 260°C when the peak value appears twice in the target temperature of 250°C. According to this configuration, the user can taste a randomly generated fragrance.

The number of peaks to be used as a reference for switching the target temperature can also be set by the user. In this case, the user can taste the fragrance he or she likes.

(3) The third supplement

The temperature increase range of the target temperature in the reheating period can be set arbitrarily.

For example, the temperature increase range of the target temperature during the reheating period may be the same. For example, as in the example shown in Table 1, the target temperature in the reheating period can be set to be initially 230 °C, then 240 °C, then 250 °C, and finally 260 °C. In this case, the temperature rise is constant at 10°C. According to this structure, since the temperature of the heating part 121 rises gradually, the lifetime of the rod-shaped base material 150 can be extended.

In another example, the temperature increase range of the target temperature during the reheating period may be increased stepwise. For example, the target temperature in the reheating period can be set to 230°C at first, then to 240°C, then to 255°C, and finally to 275°C. In this case, the temperature increase range is increased stepwise by 10°C, 15°C, and 20°C. According to this configuration, the more the heat is set to the second half, the more the amount of fragrance delivered to the user per puff can be increased, and the satisfaction of each puff can be improved.

(4) Others

In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example of notifying information reminding to puff during the reheating period was described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The notification unit 113 can also notify the information reminding the puff during the initial temperature rise period or midway temperature drop period.

A series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be realized using any one of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. A program constituting the software may be stored in advance in a recording medium (non-transitory media: non-transitory media) installed inside or outside each device, for example. Then, each program is read into RAM when executed by, for example, a computer which controls each device described in this specification, and is executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium mentioned above is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, and the like. In addition, the above-mentioned computer program may be distributed via a network, for example, without using a recording medium.

In addition, the processes described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in this specification do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown in the drawings. It is also possible to perform several processing steps in parallel. In addition, additional processing steps may also be employed, and some processing steps may also be omitted.

The following constitutions also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) A taste-absorbing device comprising:

The power supply unit stores and supplies electricity;

The heating part is for heating the substrate containing the mist source to generate mist; and

The control part controls the power supply from the power supply part to the heating part according to the heating conditions;

The aforementioned heating conditions include: the content of heating setting that specifies the change of the target temperature belonging to the temperature target value of the aforementioned heating part, and the heating period that is defined as the period of heating the aforementioned substrate and the non-heating period that is the period of not heating the aforementioned substrate. the information of

The control unit controls power supply to the heating unit so as to raise the temperature of the heating unit to the target temperature while alternately switching the heating period and the non-heating period.

(2) The tasting device according to (1) above, wherein the control unit supplies power to the heating unit during the heating period.

(3) The tasting device described in (2) above, wherein, during the heating period, the control unit alternately switches between power supply to the heating unit and power supply to the heating unit. stop.

(4) The tasting device described in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the control unit stops power supply to the heating unit over the entire non-heating period.

(5) The tasting device described in any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the length of each period of the aforementioned heating period and the aforementioned non-heating period is such that the user can perform at least one tasting experience. The length of time required for the motion of the aforementioned mist to be generated.

(6) The tasting device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the length of each of the heating period and the non-heating period is two seconds or more.

(7) The tasting device described in any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the heating period and the non-heating period are the temperature rise of the heating part set in the heating setting content. period.

(8) The tasting device as described in (7) above, wherein the aforementioned heating setting content includes:

an initial temperature rise period which is a period during which the temperature of the heating portion rises from the initial temperature;

a midway temperature-down period which is a period during which the temperature of the aforementioned heating portion is lowered after the aforementioned initial temperature-rising period; and

A reheating period that is a period during which the temperature of the heating part rises after the aforementioned intermediate cooling period;

The heating period and the non-heating period are set in the reheating period.

(9) The tasting device according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the control unit switches between the heating period and the non-heating period according to the passage of time.

(10) The tasting device according to (9) above, wherein when the temperature of the heating part rises to the target temperature during the heating period, the control part maintains the temperature of the heating part at the target temperature Control until switching to non-heating period.

(11) The tasting device as described in (9) or (10) above, wherein even when the temperature of the heating portion does not rise to the target temperature during the heating period, the control portion The power supply to the heating part is stopped during the non-heating period.

(12) The tasting device described in any one of (9) to (11) above, wherein when the temperature of the heating unit does not rise to the target temperature during the heating period, the control unit operates by The control is performed so that the power supply amount in the next heating period is increased compared to when the temperature of the heating portion rises to the target temperature during the heating period.

(13) The tasting device according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein when the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature, the control unit switches from the heating period to the aforementioned non-heating period.

(14) The tasting device according to any one of (1) to (13) above, wherein when the temperature of the heating part falls to the lower limit temperature belonging to the lower limit value of the temperature of the heating part , the control unit switches from the non-heating period to the heating period.

(15) The tasting device as described in (14) above, wherein the heating conditions further include changes in the lower limit temperature.

(16) The tasting device according to any one of (1) to (15) above, wherein the control unit switches the target temperature according to the passage of time.

(17) The tasting device described in any one of (1) to (15) above, wherein the control unit switches the target temperature according to the number of times the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature, or The number of times of the aforementioned heating period and the aforementioned non-heating period is switched to switch the aforementioned target temperature.

(18) The tasting device according to (17) above, wherein the control unit controls the number of times the temperature of the heating unit as a basis for switching the target temperature rises to the target temperature, or switches the heating period and The number of the aforementioned non-heating periods.

(19) A control method for controlling a taste absorbing device, the aforementioned taste absorbing device having: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power; and a heating unit for heating a substrate containing a mist source to generate mist; the aforementioned control method Departments include:

According to the heating conditions, the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit is controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period. The heating conditions include: The heating setting content of the change of the target temperature of the temperature target value of the heating part, and information specifying the heating period during which the substrate is heated and the non-heating period during which the substrate is not heated.

(20) A program for executing steps by a computer controlling a taste absorbing device, the aforementioned taste absorbing device having: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power; and a means for heating a substrate containing a mist source to generate mist Heating section; the aforementioned program is to make the computer perform the following steps:

According to the heating conditions, the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit is controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period. The heating conditions include: The heating setting content of the change of the target temperature of the temperature target value of the heating part, and information specifying the heating period during which the substrate is heated and the non-heating period during which the substrate is not heated.

100: Tasting device

111: Power supply department

112: Sensor Department

113: Notification Department

114: memory department

115: Department of Communications

116: control department

121: heating part

140: Keeping Department

141: Internal space

142: opening

143: bottom

144: heat insulation department

150: Rod base material

151: Substrate Department

152: Suction part

Claims (20)

An inhalation and tasting device is provided with: The power supply unit stores and supplies electricity; The heating part is for heating the substrate containing the mist source to generate mist; and The control part controls the power supply from the power supply part to the heating part according to the heating conditions; The aforementioned heating conditions include: the content of heating setting that specifies the change of the target temperature belonging to the temperature target value of the aforementioned heating part, and the heating period that is defined as the period of heating the aforementioned substrate and the non-heating period that is the period of not heating the aforementioned substrate. the information of The control unit controls power supply to the heating unit so as to raise the temperature of the heating unit to the target temperature while alternately switching the heating period and the non-heating period. The tasting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit supplies power to the heating unit during the heating period. The tasting device according to claim 2, wherein, during the heating period, the control unit alternately switches between power supply to the heating unit and stop of power supply to the heating unit. The tasting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit stops power supply to the heating unit covering the entire non-heating period. The tasting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the length of each of the aforementioned heating period and the aforementioned non-heating period is such that the user performs at least one action of inhaling the generated aforementioned mist The length of time spent above. The tasting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the length of each of the heating period and the non-heating period is two seconds or more. The tasting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating period and the non-heating period are periods during which the temperature of the heating part rises in the heating setting content. The tasting device as described in Claim 7, wherein the aforementioned heating setting content includes: an initial temperature rise period which is a period during which the temperature of the heating portion rises from the initial temperature; a midway temperature-down period which is a period during which the temperature of the aforementioned heating portion is lowered after the aforementioned initial temperature-rising period; and A reheating period that is a period during which the temperature of the heating part rises after the aforementioned intermediate cooling period; The heating period and the non-heating period are set in the reheating period. The tasting device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit switches between the heating period and the non-heating period according to the passage of time. The tasting device according to claim 9, wherein when the temperature of the heating part rises to the target temperature during the heating period, the control part keeps the temperature of the heating part at the target temperature until switching to a non- The control is carried out in the manner up to the heating period. The tasting device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, even if the temperature of the heating unit does not rise to the target temperature during the heating period, the control unit stops processing during the subsequent non-heating period. Power supply for heating part. The tasting device according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, wherein, when the temperature of the heating portion does not rise to the target temperature during the heating period, the control portion When the temperature of the heating portion rises to the target temperature during the period, the power supply amount in the next heating period is controlled to increase. The tasting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit switches from the heating period to the non-heating period when the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature. The tasting device according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein when the temperature of the heating unit drops to the lower limit temperature belonging to the lower limit value of the temperature of the heating unit, the control unit operates from The aforementioned non-heating period is switched to the aforementioned heating period. The tasting device according to claim 14, wherein the heating conditions further include changes in the lower limit temperature. The tasting device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the control unit switches the target temperature according to the passage of time. The tasting device according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein the control unit switches the target temperature according to the number of times the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature, or switches the heating period and The number of times of the aforementioned non-heating period is used to switch the aforementioned target temperature. The tasting device according to claim 17, wherein the control unit controls the number of times the temperature of the heating unit as a reference for switching the target temperature rises to the target temperature, or switches the heating period and the non-heating period the number of times. A control method is for controlling a taste absorbing device, the aforementioned taste absorbing device is equipped with: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power; and a heating unit for heating a substrate containing a mist source to generate mist; the aforementioned control method includes: According to the heating conditions, the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit is controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period. The heating conditions include: The heating setting content of the change of the target temperature of the temperature target value of the heating part, and information specifying the heating period during which the substrate is heated and the non-heating period during which the substrate is not heated. A program for executing steps by a computer controlling an inhalation device. The aforesaid inhalation device is provided with: a power supply unit for storing and supplying electric power; and a heating unit for heating a substrate containing a mist source to generate mist; The program causes the computer to perform the following steps: According to the heating conditions, the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit is controlled in such a way that the temperature of the heating unit rises to the target temperature while alternately switching between the heating period and the non-heating period. The heating conditions include: The heating setting content of the change of the target temperature belonging to the temperature target value of the heating part, and the information specifying the heating period belonging to the period heating the substrate and the non-heating period belonging to the period not heating the substrate.

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