Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
  • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
  • A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
  • A24F40/57—Temperature control
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/65—Devices with integrated communication means, e.g. wireless communication means

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a flavor suction device or an aerosol generator (hereinafter referred to as "flavor suction device or the like").
• Cited Document 1 discloses an aerosol generating device capable of notifying a user of information such as the start and completion of preheating, the remaining battery level, and the completion of charging of a holder by vibration.
• the preheating time is usually about ten seconds to several tens of seconds.
• the user After the heating of the flavor inhaler or the like is started, the user has to wait until the preheating is completed before inhaling.
• This waiting time is a time not found in a cigarette that can be lighted with a lighter and immediately sucked, and for a user who wants to smoke immediately, who is at a loss for what to do during this time, it takes about ten seconds to several tens of seconds. There were situations such as feeling that it was too long.
• the present invention provides a flavor inhaler that can improve the value of a flavor inhaler or the like by providing a stimulus to the user during the waiting time for preheating, and provides a psychological effect to the user during the waiting time for preheating.
• the purpose is to provide
• one aspect of the present invention is a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generator, comprising a tactile stimulus element and a control unit that controls the tactile stimulus element, the control A part is a device that operates the tactile stimulus element during preheating of the flavor or aerosol source.
• control unit operates the tactile sense stimulation element multiple times during the preheating.
• Another aspect of the present invention is the device described above, wherein the controller operates the tactile sense stimulation element at regular intervals during the preheating.
• control unit changes an interval between operations of the tactile stimulation element during the preheating.
• Another aspect of the present invention is the device described above, wherein the controller changes the operating intensity of the tactile stimulation element during the preheating.
• control unit acquires a signal regarding the temperature of the flavor source or the aerosol source or the temperature of the heating unit included in the device during the preheating, and according to the signal, The above device for altering the behavior of the tactile stimulation element.
• control unit operates the tactile stimulus element at the start or end of preheating of the flavor source or the aerosol source.
• Another aspect of the present invention is the device described above, wherein the operation of the tactile sense stimulation element during the preheating is different from the operation at the start or end of the preheat.
• Another aspect of the present invention is the above device, wherein the operation of the tactile stimulation element is vibration.
• Another aspect of the present invention is the device described above, wherein the vibration is composed of a plurality of primary vibrations, and each of the plurality of primary vibrations is composed of a set of a plurality of vibrations.
• Another aspect of the present invention is the above device, wherein the set of vibrations is a set of vibrations whose intensity gradually decreases.
• Another aspect of the present invention is the device described above, wherein the vibration is one continuous vibration, and the intensity of the vibration changes in a certain pattern over time.
• Another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a device, which is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generator, comprising a tactile stimulus element and a flavor source or an aerosol source, wherein the flavor source or the aerosol source is A control method comprising operating the tactile stimulation element during preheating.
• the processor of the device which is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generator comprising a tactile stimulus element and a flavor source or an aerosol source, during preheating of the flavor source or the aerosol source,
• a program for executing a step of operating the tactile sense stimulus element
• FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a heating profile; It is a figure which illustrates the variation of a tactile sense stimulus. It is a figure which illustrates the variation of a tactile sense stimulus. It is a figure which illustrates the variation of a tactile sense stimulus. It is a figure which illustrates the variation of a tactile sense stimulus. It is a figure which illustrates the variation of a tactile sense stimulus. It is a figure which illustrates the variation of a tactile sense stimulus. FIG.
• FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of samples (constant vibration) presented to subjects in tests relating to the flavor inhaler or the like according to the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of samples (variation vibrations) presented to subjects in a test on the flavor inhaler or the like according to the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is a diagram showing test results of the flavor inhaler and the like according to the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is a diagram showing test results of the flavor inhaler and the like according to the present invention. It is a figure which illustrates the variation of a tactile sense stimulus. It is a figure which illustrates the variation of a tactile sense stimulus. It is a figure which illustrates the variation of a tactile sense stimulus. It is a figure which illustrates the variation of a tactile sense stimulus.
• FIG. 4 is a diagram showing test results of the flavor inhaler and the like according to the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is a diagram showing test results of the flavor inhaler and the like according to the present invention. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the system containing the flavor suction instrument etc. which concern on this invention.
• the flavor inhaler or the like provides a tactile sensation to the user during the preheating period, thereby reducing hand-holding during the preheating period and allowing the user to feel that the time until preheating is completed is shorter. It is a flavor suction device etc. that can be used.
• the flavor inhaler or the like is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating device, and is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by the user.
• a substance generated by a flavor inhaler or the like may be an aerosol or a non-aerosol gas.
• the flavor suction device is a device for inhaling flavor, and may be, but is not limited to, devices for electronic cigarettes, heat-not-burn cigarettes, conventional cigarettes, and the like.
• the aerosol generator is a device for inhaling the generated aerosol, and may be, but is not limited to, devices such as electronic cigarettes, heat-not-burn cigarettes, medical nebulizers, and the like. Flavor inhalers and the like also include so-called RRP (Reduced-Risk Products).
• FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of a flavor inhaler or the like.
• a flavor inhaler or the like 100A includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge .
• the power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a storage section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A.
• the cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guide section 122, and a liquid storage section 123.
• Flavoring cartridge 130 includes flavor source 131 and mouthpiece 124 .
• An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 .
• the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 are examples of so-called "refills.” At least a portion of one or both of the refills 120 and 130 may be colored according to the type of refill. Moreover, the color according to the type is not limited to the refill, and may be any component attached to the flavor suction device 100A, such as the flavor suction device.
• the power supply unit 111A accumulates power. Then, the power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of 100A, such as the flavor inhaler, under the control of the control unit 116A.
• the power supply unit 111A may be composed of, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.
• the sensor unit 112A acquires various kinds of information about the flavor suction device 100A.
• the sensor unit 112A may include a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like. Further, the sensor unit 112A may include an input device such as a button or switch that receives input of information from the user. Further, the sensor portion can include a sensor configured to detect movement of a flavor suction device or the like.
• the notification unit 113A has a function of notifying the user of various types of information.
• the notification unit 113A in the present embodiment is particularly configured to provide a tactile sensation to the user, such as a vibrating device including a vibrator, a thermoelectric element for transferring heat to the user, or a device for providing electrical stimulation to the user. It may include tactile stimulation elements such as electrodes.
• the vibrator may be, for example, a vibrating motor, a linear vibrating actuator, a piezo element, or the like.
• the thermoelectric element may be, for example, a Peltier element.
• the notification unit 113A further includes a display device for displaying messages and images, a light-emitting device or light-emitting element such as a light-emitting LED (Light Emitting Diode), or a sound output device or acoustic element for outputting sound.
• a display device for displaying messages and images
• a light-emitting device or light-emitting element such as a light-emitting LED (Light Emitting Diode), or a sound output device or acoustic element for outputting sound.
• the storage unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the flavor suction device 100A.
• the storage unit 114A is configured by, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.
• Storage unit 114A may include a volatile memory that provides a work area for control by control unit 116A.
• the storage unit 114A also holds a heating profile and data for controlling the tactile stimulus element, which will be described later.
• the communication unit 115A can include a communication interface (including a communication module) conforming to a predetermined LPWA wireless communication standard or a wireless communication standard with similar restrictions. As such a communication standard, Sigfox, LoRA-WAN, etc. can be adopted.
• the communication unit 115A may be a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like, for example, can be adopted as such a communication standard.
• the control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the general operations within the flavor inhaler 100A according to various programs.
• the control unit 116A is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.
• the control unit 116A performs control for performing heat treatment of the aerosol source in the heating unit 121A.
• controller 116A can control the heating process according to a heating profile that indicates how the aerosol source should be heated.
• the control unit 116A can control the tactile sense stimulus elements in accordance with data indicating how to give tactile sense stimuli to the user of the flavor inhaler 100A during the preheating period.
• the liquid storage unit 123 stores an aerosol source.
• An aerosol is generated by atomizing the aerosol source.
• Aerosol sources are, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and liquids such as water.
• the aerosol source may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavoring ingredients. If the flavored inhaler or the like 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.
• the liquid guide section 122 guides the aerosol source, which is the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123, from the liquid storage section 123 and holds it.
• the liquid guiding part 122 is a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In that case, the aerosol source stored in liquid reservoir 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.
• the heating unit 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol.
• the heating section 121A is configured as a coil and wound around the liquid guiding section 122.
• the heating part 121A When the heating part 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide part 122 is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol.
• the heating unit 121A generates heat when supplied with power from the power supply unit 111A.
• the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started sucking, that predetermined information has been input, that the user has operated a button or switch at an arbitrary timing, or the like. may be powered. Then, the power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects one or both of the fact that the user has finished sucking and the fact that the predetermined information has been input.
• the flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol.
• the flavor source 131 may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.
• the air flow path 180 is a flow path of air sucked by the user.
• the air flow path 180 has a tubular structure having an air inlet hole 181 as an air entrance into the air flow path 180 and an air outflow hole 182 as an air outlet from the air flow path 180 at both ends.
• the liquid guide portion 122 is arranged on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is arranged on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet hole 182).
• the air that flows in through the air inflow hole 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A, passes through the flavor source 131, and is transported to the air outflow hole 182 as indicated by the arrow 190.
• the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor component contained in the flavor source 131 is imparted to the aerosol.
• the mouthpiece 124 is a member held by the user when inhaling.
• An air outlet hole 182 is arranged in the mouthpiece 124 . The user can take the mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity by holding the mouthpiece 124 and sucking.
• flavor suction device 100A An example configuration of the flavor suction device 100A has been described above.
• the structure of 100A such as a flavor suction instrument, is not limited to the above, and can take various structures illustrated below.
• the flavor suction device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130.
• the cartridge 120 is provided with a mouthpiece 124 .
• the flavor suction device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Further types of aerosols may be generated by mixing multiple types of aerosols generated from multiple types of aerosol sources in the air flow path 180 and causing chemical reactions.
• the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121A.
• the means of atomizing the aerosol source may be vibrational atomization or induction heating.
• FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the flavor inhaler or the like.
• the flavor inhaler or the like 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, and a holding unit 140. , and the heat insulating portion 144 .
• Each of the power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the storage unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B is substantially the corresponding component included in the flavor inhaler 100A according to the first configuration example. is identical to
• the holding part 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped base material 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped base material 150 in the internal space 141 .
• the stick-type base material 150 is also an example of a so-called "refill”.
• the holding part 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142 .
• the holding portion 140 is a cylindrical body having an opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141 .
• the holding part 140 also has a function of defining a flow path for air supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150 .
• An air inlet hole which is an inlet of air to such a channel, is arranged, for example, in the bottom portion 143 .
• the air outflow hole which is the exit of air from such a channel, is the opening 142 .
• the stick-type base material 150 includes a base material portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152 .
• Substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source.
• the aerosol source can be solid or liquid and is atomized by heating to produce an aerosol.
• the aerosol source may be tobacco-derived, such as, for example, processed pieces of cut tobacco or tobacco material formed into granules, sheets, or powder. Aerosol sources may also include non-tobacco sources made from plants other than tobacco, such as mints and herbs. By way of example, the aerosol source may contain perfume ingredients such as menthol. If the flavored inhaler or the like 100 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain a medicament for inhalation by the patient.
• the stick-shaped base material 150 When the stick-shaped base material 150 is held by the holding part 140 , at least part of the base material part 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141 and at least part of the mouthpiece part 152 protrudes from the opening 142 .
• the user sucks the mouthpiece 152 protruding from the opening 142, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base member 151.
• the heating section 121B has the same configuration as the heating section 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in FIG. 1B, the heating portion 121B is configured in a film shape and arranged so as to cover the outer circumference of the holding portion 140. As shown in FIG. Then, when the heating part 121B generates heat, the base material part 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.
• the heat insulation part 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating part 121B to other components.
• the heat insulating part 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an airgel heat insulating material, or the like.
• a configuration example of the flavor suction device 100B has been described above.
• the configuration of the flavor inhaler or the like 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations exemplified below can be employed.
• the heating part 121B may be configured in a blade shape and arranged to protrude from the bottom part 143 of the holding part 140 into the internal space 141 .
• the blade-shaped heating part 121B is inserted into the base material part 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 and heats the base material part 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 from the inside.
• the heating portion 121B may be arranged to cover the bottom portion 143 of the holding portion 140 .
• the heating part 121B is a combination of two or more of the first heating part covering the outer periphery of the holding part 140, the blade-shaped second heating part, and the third heating part covering the bottom part 143 of the holding part 140. may be configured as
• the holding part 140 may include an opening/closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens/closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141 .
• the holding part 140 may hold the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 by opening and closing a part of the outer shell.
• the heating part 121B may be provided at the holding part 140 at the holding part 140 and heat the stick-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.
• the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B.
• the means of atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.
• the flavor inhaler 100B itself does not have a heating element, and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may have a heating element.
• the flavor inhaler or the like 100B may send a certain kind of energy to the heating element of the stick-shaped base material 150 to atomize the aerosol source contained in the base material part 151 .
• a susceptor is embedded in the stick-shaped base material 150 in advance, and the flavor suction device 100B is equipped with a coil for generating a magnetic field so that the aerosol source is atomized by induction heating. can be
• the flavor inhaler or the like 100B may further include a heating portion 121A, a liquid guiding portion 122, a liquid storing portion 123, and an air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example.
• the hole 182 may also serve as an air inflow hole to the internal space 141 .
• the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141, is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.
• FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a heating profile.
• the heating profile is a graph representing the change over time of the target temperature in the control of the heating section 121.
• Temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized by, for example, known feedback control.
• the control unit 116 can supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM).
• PWM pulse width modulation
• PFM pulse frequency modulation
• the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse.
• the control unit 116 measures or estimates the temperature of the heating unit 121, and based on the difference between the measured or estimated temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature, the power supplied to the heating unit 121, for example , controls the aforementioned duty ratio.
• Feedback control may be PID control, for example.
• the temperature of the heating part 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor constituting the heating part 121, for example. This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor changes according to the temperature.
• the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor.
• the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor.
• the temperature of heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor installed near heating unit 121 .
• the control unit 116 controls the electric power supplied to the heating unit 121 so that the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 approaches the target temperature of the heating profile.
• power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 is started by triggering, for example, detection of insertion of the stick-shaped base material 150, a request for starting heating by pressing a button or the like from the user, or the like.
• the control unit 116 first controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 toward the first target temperature TA1 during the first period P1. That is, the control unit 116 heats the heating unit 121 from the initial temperature toward the first target temperature TA1. In the first period P1, when the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature TA1, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 to maintain the first target temperature TA1.
• the first target temperature TA1 is preferably 225-240°C, typically 230°C, and may be 300°C or 350°C.
• the temperature rise rate of the heating unit 121 can be increased.
• the control unit 116 is configured to notify the user that the suckable period has started during the first period P1 and during the period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the first target temperature TA1. good. Notification that the suckable period has started can be performed by the control of the notification unit 113, for example, by changing the emission color of a light emitting element such as an LED, changing the emission pattern, or a combination thereof. be able to.
• the notification that the suckable period has started is performed at timing T2. More specifically, the notification that the suction-enabled period has started is given at timing T2 when a predetermined period of time P1b has elapsed since the temperature of the heating unit 121 reached the first target temperature, and when power supply to the heating unit 121 has stopped. It may be performed at a timing after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start, whichever is earlier.
• the predetermined period P1b is preferably 20-26 seconds and may typically be 23 seconds.
• the controller 116 may be configured to notify that the suckable period has started in the latter half of the first period P1.
• the latter half of the first period P1 means a period after the middle of the first period P1.
• the control unit 116 shifts to a second period P2, which will be described later, at a timing T3 when a predetermined period P1c has passed from the timing T2 at which the start of the aspirable period is notified.
• the predetermined period P1c is 5 to 15 seconds. According to this, it is assumed that the user performs the first suction operation during the first period P1. That is, the user can be made to perform the first suction operation while the heater temperature is maintained near the first target temperature TA1, which is the maximum temperature of the heating profile.
• the first period P1 varies depending on the heating state of the heating unit 121 and the smoking article 110, the ambient temperature, etc., but may typically be in the range of 35 to 55 seconds. Therefore, the period from timings T1 to T2 corresponds to a so-called preheating period, and in the present embodiment, the preheating period is assumed to be about ten seconds to several tens of seconds.
• the heating unit 121 is controlled so that the temperature is lowered from the first target temperature TA1 and maintained at a second target temperature TA2 that is lower than the first target temperature TA1. Further, during a third period P3 after the second period P2, the control unit 116 lowers the temperature of the heating unit 121 from the second target temperature TA2 and maintains it at a third target temperature TA3 that is lower than the second target temperature TA2.
• the heating unit 121 is controlled so as to Since the second period is a period in which the temperature is maintained higher than that in the third period P3, it is a period in which the aerosol can be stably supplied.
• control unit 116 may have a first OFF period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped from the end of the first period P1 to the beginning of the second period P2. By providing the first OFF period, the temperature can be lowered from the first target temperature TA1 to the second target temperature TA2 in the shortest time. It is envisioned that the first off period is in the range of 15-20 seconds, for example. The control unit 116 can continue measuring the temperature of the heating unit 121 even during the first off period. In this case, the control unit 116 may be configured to resume power supply to the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to near the second target temperature TA2.
• the control unit 116 stops power supply to the heating unit 121 at the end of the third period P3.
• the control unit 116 notifies the end of the suckable period at a timing T7 after a predetermined period of time has passed since the power supply to the heating unit 121 was stopped (timing T6).
• timing T6 the control unit 116 notifies the end of the suckable period at a timing T7 after a predetermined period of time has passed since the power supply to the heating unit 121 was stopped.
• timing T6 the control unit 116 notifies the end of the suckable period at a timing T7 after a predetermined period of time has passed since the power supply to the heating unit 121 was stopped.
• the end of the suckable period can be notified by the notification unit 113, for example, by changing the emission color of a light emitting element such as an LED, changing the emission pattern, or a combination thereof. can.
• control unit 116 may notify the user that the end of the suction-enabled period is approaching at timing T5, which is earlier than the timing T7 at which the end of the suction-enabled period is notified by a predetermined period Pe.
• Such notification can be made, for example, 20 to 40 seconds before the end of the suckable period.
• Such notification can be performed by the notification unit 113, and can be performed by controlling, for example, changing the emission color of a light emitting element such as an LED, changing the emission pattern, or a combination thereof.
• control unit 116 stops power supply to the heating unit 121 at the end of the third period P3.
• control unit 116 may stop power supply to the heating unit 121 even within the second period P2 or the third period P3. good.
• the suction action by the user can be detected, for example, by the temperature sensor described above.
• the control of the heating unit 121 can be executed during the suckable period.
• the control unit 116 controls the tactile stimulus element included in the notification unit 113 during the above-described preheating period (timing T0 to T2 in FIG. 2) to provide the user with a tactile sensation. Inspire. Variations of tactile stimulation will be described below. In the following description, as an example, a case where the tactile sense stimulus element of the notification unit 113 is a vibrating device such as a vibrator and vibration is given to the user will be described.
• FIGS. 3 to 6 are diagrams illustrating variations of tactile stimulation.
• the horizontal axis of the graph represents time, and the vertical axis represents the intensity of vibration. That is, each bar shown in the graph represents the timing and strength at which the control unit 116 controls and vibrates a vibrating device such as a vibrating element that is the notification unit 113 .
• the example shown in FIG. 3 represents a case where the control unit 116 controls the vibrating device (the notification unit 113) so that the interval of vibration given to the user is constant and the intensity of the vibration is constant. Also, at the start of preheating and at the end of preheating, the notification unit 113 performs notification using a different element or device from that during preheating (a period excluding the start of preheating and the end of preheating in the preheating period). There is At the start of preheating and at the end of preheating, for example, other than vibration, change the emission color of a light emitting element such as an LED, change the emission pattern (lighting, blinking, etc.), output sound, or display images, characters, etc.
• a light emitting element such as an LED
• control unit 116 may perform control for outputting symbols and the like. Furthermore, at the start of preheating and at the end of preheating, a tactile sense stimulus element (thermoelectric element, electrode, etc.) different from the tactile sense stimulus element (vibration device in this example) used during preheating is used to stimulate the user. It may be designed to give (These embodiments may be similarly applied to other examples of tactile stimulation described hereafter.)
• the same element or device as during preheating may be used to notify.
• the vibration device may vibrate at the start of preheating, during preheating, and at the end of preheating.
• the vibration pattern may be different from that during preheating when preheating is started and when preheating is finished.
• vibration may be stronger, weaker, longer, shorter, or more times than during preheating.
• the example shown in FIG. 4 represents a case where the control unit 116 controls the vibration device (notification unit 113) so that the intensity of the vibration given to the user is constant, but the interval between vibrations gradually shortens.
• the vibration interval may be shortened linearly or may be shortened non-linearly.
• the interval from the (N ⁇ 1)th vibration to the Nth vibration may be (predicted number of vibrations+1 ⁇ N) seconds.
• the interval between vibrations may be shortened exponentially.
• the control unit 116 may control the vibrating device (the notification unit 113) so that the intervals between vibrations are gradually lengthened. In this case as well, the interval between vibrations may increase linearly or non-linearly.
• the interval from the (N ⁇ 1)th vibration to the Nth vibration may be N seconds.
• the vibration interval may be exponentially lengthened.
• the vibration interval may change periodically.
• the intervals between vibrations may be alternately long and short.
• the example shown in FIG. 5 represents a case where the control unit 116 controls the vibration device (notification unit 113) so that the interval of vibration given to the user is constant, but the intensity gradually increases.
• the intensity of vibration may increase linearly or may increase non-linearly.
• the intensity of the N-th vibration may be A (predetermined intensity)*N.
• the intensity of vibration may increase exponentially.
• the control unit 116 may control the vibration device (the notification unit 113) so that the intensity of vibration gradually decreases.
• the intensity of vibration may decrease linearly or may decrease non-linearly.
• the intensity of the N-th vibration may be A (predetermined intensity)*(predicted number of vibrations+1-N).
• the intensity of vibration may decrease exponentially.
• the intensity of the vibration may change periodically. For example, the intensity of vibration may alternate between strong and weak.
• control unit 116 may control the vibrating device (the notification unit 113) so that the interval and intensity of vibration change each time it vibrates. For example, the intensity of vibration may be increased or decreased while the intervals between vibrations are shortened. Alternatively, the intensity of vibration may increase or decrease as the interval between vibrations increases.
• the vibration time of each vibration may be fixed or variable.
• the vibration time may increase or decrease each time the vibrating device vibrates.
• the vibration time of each vibration may change linearly or may change non-linearly.
• the control unit 116 may control the vibration device (the notification unit 113) so that the vibration time of the N-th vibration is X (predetermined length of time)*N, or X (predetermined length of time)*
• the control unit 116 may control the vibrating device (the notification unit 113) so that (predicted number of vibrations +1-N).
• the vibration time may change periodically.
• the vibration time may be alternately long and short.
• each vibration may be a collection of multiple vibrations. That is, the controller 116 may perform each control as described above, regarding multiple vibrations as one operation.
• FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where each vibration is a group of multiple vibrations. As shown in FIG. 6, the vibration device vibrates once at the start of preheating, vibrates three times at short intervals at the end of preheating, and vibrates twice at short intervals during preheating. It may be repeated while gradually increasing the intensity of vibration (or while gradually decreasing the intensity of vibration).
• the user can be clearly notified when preheating is started and when preheating is finished only by the vibrating device, and the user can feel that the waiting time until the completion of preheating is short and that he/she will not be busy during preheating. expected to be effective.
• the vibrating device at the start of preheating, during preheating, and at the end of preheating, there is no need to provide other types of elements or devices, which contributes to weight reduction of the flavor inhaler 100 and the like.
• a device or device different from that used during preheating may be used to notify. This allows the user to clearly distinguish between the notification of the start of preheating and the end of preheating and the vibration pattern during preheating.
• the vibration may change in relation to the temperature of the heating unit 121 .
• the vibration interval of the vibrating device may become shorter or longer, the vibration intensity may rise or fall, or the vibration time may become longer or shorter.
• the control unit 116 can determine the temperature of the heating unit 121 by using signals from a thermometer provided near the heating unit 121, the electric resistance of the heater, the inductance of the coil, and the like.
• vibration with a long vibration time may be given to the user once during preheating.
• the vibration may be of constant intensity or may be of varying intensity.
• the intensity of the vibration during the vibration may change periodically, for example, the user may be alternately given a strong vibration and a weak vibration every three seconds.
• the intensity of the vibration during vibration may change so as to periodically increase or decrease.
• the vibration time at each intensity may change periodically.
• vibration may be provided to the user at all times during preheating.
• the tactile stimulation element is a vibrating device such as a vibrator, and the user is provided with vibration.
• the tactile stimulus element may be a thermoelectric element and adapted to transfer heat to the user.
• the tactile stimulation element may be an electrode and adapted to provide electrical stimulation to the user.
• the tactile sense stimulation to the user by the tactile sense stimulus element described above during preheating as some kind of notification to the user, the light emission color of the light emitting element such as an LED is changed, the light emission pattern is changed (lighting, blinking, etc.). ), audio output, or output of images, characters, symbols, or the like to a display.
• the tactile sense stimulation to the user by the tactile sense stimulus element described above during preheating as some kind of notification to the user, the light emission color of the light emitting element such as an LED is changed, the light emission pattern is changed (lighting, blinking, etc.). ), audio output, or output of images, characters, symbols, or the like to a display.
• test The inventors conducted the following tests on the flavor inhaler and the like according to the present invention.
• Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the outline of the above (i) constant vibration.
• the vibrator was controlled to vibrate briefly twice at the start and end of the experience (hereinafter referred to as "notification vibration").
• the vibrator was controlled so that the constant vibration was started 0.5 seconds after the occurrence of the notification vibration, and the notification vibration was generated 0.5 seconds after the termination of the constant vibration.
• FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of the above (ii) variation vibration.
• the vibrator was controlled so that notification vibration (short vibration twice) was generated at the start and end of the experience.
• the vibrator was controlled so that the change vibration was started 0.5 seconds after the notification vibration was generated, and the notification vibration was generated 0.5 seconds after the change was completed.
• the vibrator was controlled so that the vibration occurred at regular intervals and the strength of the vibration increased linearly.
• FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing the answers of the subjects to the question (2) above.
• Fig. 9 shows the responses of the subjects to the question "How many seconds did you feel the duration of the sample?"
• the "10-control" graph represents user responses to the (iii) control sample above, where the sample duration is 10 seconds.
• the duration of "constant vibration” was felt to be shorter than that of "control” for both sample durations of 10 seconds and 20 seconds, and furthermore, “variable vibration” ” seemed to have a shorter duration.
• the average value of "10-constant” exceeds 10 seconds, but the average value of "10-change” is less than 10 seconds, and the average value of "20-constant” is about 17.6 seconds. and the average value of "20-change” is less than 17 seconds. It was found that the effect of shortening the waiting time for preheating can be fully expected.
• FIG. 10 shows the responses of the subjects to the question "How quickly did the time pass?" Represents the result of taking the average value after answering numerically how it felt. According to the results of FIG. 10, the time passed faster with “constant vibration” than with “control” at both sample durations of 10 seconds and 20 seconds. It can be seen that the "change vibration” felt the time to pass more quickly. According to the results of FIG. 10, it was found that the flavor inhaler or the like according to the present invention can be sufficiently expected to have the effect of shortening the waiting time for preheating.
• FIGS. 11A-D are diagrams illustrating examples of visual stimulus variations described below. As shown in FIGS. 11A-D, the following four tactile stimulus patterns are described in this example. ⁇ Pattern 1 (Fig. 11A) ⁇ Pattern 2 (Fig. 11B) ⁇ Pattern 3 (Fig. 11C) ⁇ Pattern 4 (Fig. 11D)
• Pattern 1 is a pattern in which the intensity of vibration given to the user is constant, but the interval between vibrations gradually shortens.
• the horizontal direction from left to right represents the passage of time, and each short horizontal line indicates the vibration that occurs.
• the asterisks at both ends indicate the start and end of preheating.
• Pattern 2 is a "heartbeat-simulating" vibration, and is a pattern in which one main vibration is composed of a set of multiple vibrations with gradually weakening intensities.
• one main vibration is composed of three vibration sets, but is not limited thereto, and one vibration is composed of two or four or more vibration sets. good too.
• the intensity of the main vibration gradually decreases.
• the intensity of a plurality of main vibrations gradually weakens, but this is just an example.
• the intensity of multiple dominant vibrations may be progressively stronger, stronger and weaker, constant, and the like.
• the interval between major vibrations may be constant, or may be gradually shortened or gradually lengthened. In this example, it is assumed that the intervals between major vibrations are gradually shortened.
• Pattern 3 is a single continuous vibration, and is a pattern in which the intensity of the vibration rises and falls with the passage of time.
• the horizontal axis of the graphs of FIGS. 11B and 11C represents time
• the vertical axis represents the intensity of vibration.
• the bars at both ends of these graphs mean the start and end of preheating.
• Pattern 4 is a pattern in which the intensity and intervals of vibration change randomly.
• the horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 11D represents time, and the vertical axis represents the intensity of vibration.
• test The inventors experimentally experienced a flavor sucking device or the like that gives tactile stimulation of patterns 1 to 4 to 12 subjects with respect to the vibration patterns illustrated in FIGS. 11A to 11D. Evaluation items were evaluated on a 7-point scale. The details of the test are as follows.
• the time from the start to the end of vibration for each pattern shall be 25 seconds.
• the order of presentation of patterns 1 to 4 is random for each subject.
• the presentation method of each pattern is as follows.
• the start and end of the test are notified to the subject by vibration, and a "heartbeat-simulating" vibration is presented from the start to the end.
• the test used the vibration pattern described with reference to FIG. 11B. As time passes, the intensity of the vibration gradually decreases, and the interval between vibrations gradually shortens.
• the vibration at the start and end of the test is composed of a set of multiple vibrations, or composed of vibrations that continue for a certain period of time (about 0.5 to 1 second).
• the start and end vibrations may be configured in different forms).
• the time from the end of the vibration at the start of the test to the start of the vibration at the end of the test is 25 seconds. Note that this is the same for other vibration patterns 1, 3, and 4 as well.
• Procedure Subjects are provided with a test device equivalent to the flavor inhaler of this example. Vibrations are presented by the subject pressing a button on the testing device or by the tester operating a control computer. A subjective evaluation of the vibration experience is answered by the subject himself/herself inputting answers to the computer device regarding the items displayed on the screen of the computer device.
• Evaluation items For each of the five evaluation items, diametrically opposite evaluations are presented in a horizontal direction, and the subject's subjective evaluation is given as "very much, quite, somewhat, neither, somewhat, considerably.” - Have the examinee respond with a score value of 7 levels of "extremely”. The evaluation items were (i) whether the vibration presentation was enjoyable, (ii) whether the vibration presentation was the time to calm down, (iii) whether the vibration presentation was the time to concentrate, and (iv) the duration of the vibration presentation. (v) Whether or not the vibration was comfortable during presentation. In addition, the opposite evaluation of each evaluation item is as follows.
• FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing test results.
• FIG. 12 shows the results for item iv.
• FIG. 13 shows test results for item i.
• the bar graphs in FIGS. 12 and 13 show the average scores of the 12 subjects for each vibration pattern.
• all vibration patterns had higher score values than no vibration (NoVibration). That is, it can be said that the subjects felt that "time passed faster” significantly when any of the vibration patterns was presented than when no vibration was present.
• no vibration patterns had higher score values than no vibration (NoVibration). In other words, it can be said that the subjects felt that "the time was more enjoyable” when one of the vibration patterns was presented than when there was no vibration.
• the vibration patterns other than the pattern 2 are significant, and that the pattern 2 has a significant tendency.
• the vibration patterns 1 to 4 when accompanied by vibration patterns 1 to 4, the user feels more happy while preheating the flavor suction device, etc. than when there is no vibration, and the waiting time for preheating passes faster. It turned out that the effect can be fully expected.
• a target temperature for preheating is determined in advance as shown in FIG.
• the preheating time is known (determined) in advance. Therefore, for example, in the case of a vibration pattern as shown in FIG. 11B, if the entire preheating time is divided by the rate of shortening the vibration interval (or a constant interval), at what timing the tactile sense stimulus element (notification unit 113) to vibrate.
• the time when preheating is completed is unknown.
• the past preheating time is stored in the storage unit 114, and this past preheating time, or if a plurality of past preheating times are stored, the average time of these is the future preheating time.
• this assumed preheating time in consideration of the rate at which the interval of vibration is shortened (or a certain interval), it is possible to determine at what timing the tactile sense stimulus element (notification unit 113) is to be vibrated. can be determined.
• each pre-programmed vibration pattern is reproduced regardless of the assumed preheating time, and if the actual preheating time is shorter than the reproduction time of the vibration pattern, the vibration pattern is reproduced for the remaining time. It may be set so that it is not vibrated (no vibration).
• the tactile sense stimulation as described above is realized by the control unit 116 controlling the tactile sense stimulus elements (notification unit 113) using the data for controlling the tactile sense stimulus elements held in the storage unit 114. sell.
• data for controlling the tactile sense stimulus element data of a specific tactile sense stimulus pattern may be stored in advance in the storage unit 114, for example, stored in advance when the flavor inhaler 100 is manufactured.
• the data of the tactile stimulation pattern specified by the user is stored in the storage unit 114 of the flavor suction device 100 from the server device holding the data of various tactile stimulation patterns by operating the user's smartphone or the like. may be downloaded to
• FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a system when tactile stimulation pattern data is downloaded from a server device to the flavor inhaler 100 or the like.
• the system may include, for example, the flavor inhaler or the like 100, the user device 200, and the server device 300 according to the present embodiment.
• the user device 200 is a device used by a user of the flavor inhaler 100 or the like.
• the user device 200 can be configured as a general computing device, but is more preferably a portable computing device such as a smart phone, feature phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), notebook computer, or tablet computer. However, it is not limited to this.
• User device 200 may be, for example, a stationary computing device such as a desktop computer.
• the flavor inhaler or the like 100 and the user device 200, and the user device 200 and the server apparatus 300 can transmit and receive data to and from each other by wired or wireless communication technology.
• User device 200 and server device 300 may have the same hardware configuration as a general computer device.
• the user device 200 and the server device 300 include, for example, a control unit, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a built-in hard disk device, an external hard disk device, a CD, a DVD, a USB memory, a memory Removable memory such as a stick or SD card, and an input/output user interface (keyboard, mouse, touch panel, speaker, microphone, LED (light emitting diode ), etc.), a wired/wireless communication interface capable of communicating with other computer devices, and a display device such as a display.
• a display device such as a display.
• the control unit can be realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU and a microprocessor, for example.
• the control unit appropriately reads programs stored in a storage area such as a hard disk device or a ROM and data necessary for processing to a memory area such as a RAM and executes each process in the user device 200 and the server device 300. can be executed.
• the server device 300 pre-stores a plurality of tactile stimulation pattern data in a storage area such as RAM, ROM, or an internal hard disk device.
• the user device 200 appropriately receives a list of data of a plurality of tactile sensation patterns held by the server device 300 from the server device 300, and stores the list in a storage area such as a RAM or an internal hard disk device.
• the user confirms the list displayed on the display device of the user device 200 and selects one or a plurality of tactile stimulation patterns to be downloaded to the flavor inhaler or the like 100 .
• Data indicating one or more tactile stimulation patterns selected by the user is transmitted to server device 300 by wired or wireless communication.
• server device 300 Upon receiving the data indicating the one or more tactile stimulation patterns, server device 300 transmits the corresponding one or more tactile stimulation pattern data to user data 200 .
• the user device 200 receives one or more tactile stimulation pattern data from the server device 300, the user device 200 transmits this data to the flavor suction device or the like 100, for example, via Bluetooth communication or other wired or wireless communication.
• the flavor inhaler or the like 100 stores data of one or more tactile stimulation patterns received from the user device 200 in the storage unit 114 .
• the control unit 116 of the flavor inhaler or the like 100 controls the tactile stimulus element (notification unit 113) using the data of the one or more tactile stimulus patterns to perform tactile stimulus according to the user's desired tactile stimulus pattern.
• the element (notification unit 113) is vibrated.
• a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generator, a tactile stimulation element; a control unit that controls the tactile stimulation element; with The device, wherein the controller operates the tactile stimulus element during preheating of the flavor source or the aerosol source.
• control unit operates the tactile sense stimulation element at regular intervals during the preheating.
• control unit changes the operating intensity of the tactile stimulation element during the preheating.
• the control unit acquires a signal regarding the temperature of the flavor source or the aerosol source or the temperature of the heating unit included in the device during the preheating, and changes the operation of the tactile stimulation element according to the signal.
• the device according to any one of (1) to (5) above.
• control unit operates the tactile stimulus element at the start or end of preheating of the flavor source or the aerosol source.
• a method for controlling a device which is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generator, comprising a tactile stimulus element and a flavor source or an aerosol source, A control method comprising operating the tactile stimulus element during preheating of the flavor source or the aerosol source.

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• 2023
  • 2023-02-16 EP EP23756423.2A patent/EP4480335A4/en active Pending
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