WO2024038531A1

WO2024038531A1 - Inhalation device, control method, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2024038531A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/031137
Authority: WO
Inventors: 寛手塚
Original assignee: 日本たばこ産業株式会社
Priority date: 2022-08-17
Filing date: 2022-08-17
Publication date: 2024-02-22

Abstract

A control unit (116B) for an inhalation device (100B) acquires elevation information indicating the height at which the inhalation device (100B) is positioned, determines whether or not the height at which the inhalation device (100B) is positioned is less than a threshold value on the basis of the acquired elevation information, and restricts a prescribed operation in the inhalation device (100B) when it is determined that the height at which the inhalation device (100B) is positioned is less than the threshold value.

Description

Suction device, control method, and program

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

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, for example, a suction device is known that generates an aerosol to which a flavor component is added and allows a user to inhale the generated aerosol. Such inhalers typically heat the substrate comprising the aerosol source with a heating section (also referred to as a "heating element") that is an electrical resistance or induction heater. The aerosol generated by this process is delivered to the user. In addition, some such suction devices have a so-called "child resistance feature" to prevent inconveniences due to misuse by children (e.g. infants and young children).

For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses that a child resistance function requires a combination of two or more different actions, such as pressing while rotating the cap, in order to restrict access to the contents of the container. ing.

Furthermore, in Patent Document 2 listed below, a mouthpiece that moves relative to the main body between a first position and a second position is provided with a spring or the like so as to switch the device between a stopped state and an activated state. It is disclosed that the device is biased to a first position by a predetermined biasing force to maintain the device in a stopped state. And it is disclosed that the predetermined biasing force can be selected to exceed the normal forces (expected hand forces) of the infant in order to make the switching of the device to the activated state child-resistant. ing.

Japan Special Table No. 2020-506121 Japan Special Table No. 2019-505190

However, the history of technological development of suction devices is still young. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the child resistance function of the suction device from the viewpoint of improving its performance.

The present invention provides a suction device, a control method, and a program that can further suppress the occurrence of inconveniences due to misuse by children.

The first invention is
A suction device for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, the suction device comprising:
comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the suction device,
The control unit includes:
obtaining altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located;
Determining whether the height is less than a threshold based on the altitude information,
restricting a predetermined operation of the suction device when it is determined that the height is less than the threshold;
It is a suction device.

The second invention is
a computer controlling operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source;
obtaining altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located;
Determining whether the height is less than a threshold based on the altitude information,
restricting a predetermined operation of the suction device when it is determined that the height is less than the threshold;
This is a control method for executing processing.

The third invention is
a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source;
obtaining altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located;
Determining whether the height is less than a threshold based on the altitude information,
restricting a predetermined operation of the suction device when it is determined that the height is less than the threshold;
This is a program that executes processing.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a suction device, a control method, and a program that can further suppress the occurrence of inconveniences due to misuse by children.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of a suction device. FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the suction device. FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100B. FIG. 3 is a top view of the suction device 100B. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the suction device 100B with the panel 10 removed. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a threshold value that is a condition for limiting the operation of the suction device 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the height at which the suction device 100 is located and the color of light emitted from the light emitting device 23a. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modification of the light emitting device 23a. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the height at which the suction device 100 is located and the number of light emitting elements that emit light. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display device 23b. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the height at which the suction device 100 is located and the display mode of the indicator I on the display device 23b. FIG. 11 is a flowchart (Part 1) illustrating an example of processing executed by the control unit 116. FIG. 12 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of the process executed by the control unit 116.

Hereinafter, a suction device, a control method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the following, the same or similar elements may be given the same or similar symbols, and the description thereof may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

<<1. Configuration example of suction device >>
The suction device of this embodiment is a device that generates a substance that is suctioned by a user. In the following description, it is assumed that the substance generated by the suction device is an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance produced by the suction device may be a gas.

(1) First configuration example FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of a suction device. As shown in FIG. 1A, a suction device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. 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 guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. Flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124 . An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.

The power supply unit 111A stores power. The power supply section 111A supplies power to each component of the suction device 100A under the control of the control section 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be configured with a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, for example.

The sensor unit 112A acquires various information regarding the suction device 100A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A includes a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., and acquires a value associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device such as an operation button or a switch that receives information input from the user.

For example, the sensor unit 112A includes a pressure sensor (also referred to as a "puff sensor") that detects a change in the pressure (i.e., internal pressure) within the suction device 100A caused by suction by the user. The sensor unit 112A also includes a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate generated by suction by the user, a temperature sensor (also referred to as a "puff thermistor") that detects the heating unit 121A or the temperature around the heating unit 121A, and the like. You may be

Further, the sensor section 112A may include an altitude sensor that detects the height at which the suction device 100A is located. As an example, the altitude sensor is configured by a pressure sensor (ie, an atmospheric pressure sensor) that detects atmospheric pressure applied to the suction device 100A. As another example, the altitude sensor may be configured with a distance sensor that detects the distance between the suction device 100A and the target object. The distance measurement sensor can be, for example, a radar sensor that detects the distance to the target by irradiating the target with predetermined radar waves. In that case, a laser, a microwave, a millimeter wave, an ultrasonic wave, or the like may be employed as the radar wave.

The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A is configured by, for example, a light emitting device that emits light (for example, a light emitting device 23a described below), a display device that displays an image (for example, a display device 23b that will be described later), a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, or the like. configured.

The storage unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100A. The storage unit 114A is composed of, for example, a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

The communication unit 115A is a communication interface that can perform communication compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. Such communication standards include, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). Standards etc. may be adopted.

The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls overall operations within the suction device 100A according to various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

The liquid storage section 123 stores an aerosol source. That is, the cartridge 120 having the liquid storage section 123 that stores an aerosol source is an example of a base material having an aerosol source. Aerosols are generated by atomizing the aerosol source. Aerosol sources are, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, or liquids such as water. The aerosol source may include flavor components of tobacco or non-tobacco origin. If the suction device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug.

The liquid guide section 122 guides and holds an aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123, from the liquid storage section 123. The liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In that case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid reservoir 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

The heating unit 121A atomizes the aerosol source to generate aerosol by heating the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the heating section 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guiding section 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, and an aerosol is generated. The heating section 121A generates heat when supplied with power from the power supply section 111A. As an example, when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started suctioning and/or that predetermined information has been input, power may be supplied to the heating unit 121A. Then, when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has finished suctioning and/or that predetermined information has been input, the power supply to the heating unit 121A may be stopped. Note that the user's suction operation with respect to the suction device 100A can be detected based on, for example, the pressure (internal pressure) inside the suction device 100A detected by a puff sensor exceeding a predetermined threshold.

The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol. Flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

The air flow path 180 is a flow path for air drawn in by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure having an air inflow hole 181 that is an inlet of air into the air flow path 180 and an air outflow hole 182 that is an outlet of air from the air flow path 180 at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path 180, the liquid guide part 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). Air flowing in through the air inflow hole 181 as a result of suction by the user is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A, and is transported to the air outflow hole 182 through the flavor source 131 as shown by arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

The mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the user's mouth during suction. 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 sucking the mouthpiece 124 in the mouth.

The configuration example of the suction device 100A has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and may take various configurations as exemplified below.

As an example, the suction device 100A may not include the flavor imparting cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with a mouthpiece 124.

As another example, the suction device 100A may further include a second heating section that heats the flavor source 131. In that case, the second heating section is configured in a film shape, for example, and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the flavor imparting cartridge 130. The second heating section generates heat when supplied with electric power from the power supply section 111A, and heats the flavor imparting cartridge 130 from the outer periphery. By providing such a second heating section, the temperature of the flavor source 131 can be increased compared to the case where the second heating section is not provided, and the amount of flavor components imparted to the aerosol can be increased. becomes possible. Note that when such a second heating section is provided, the electric power supplied to the second heating section can be controlled so that the temperature of the second heating section becomes a predetermined target temperature.

Furthermore, as another example, the suction device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Other types of aerosols may be generated by mixing a plurality of types of aerosols generated from a plurality of types of aerosol sources in the air flow path 180 and causing a chemical reaction.

Further, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means of atomizing the aerosol source may be vibratory atomization, or induction heating.

(2) Second configuration example FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 1B, the suction device 100B according to the present configuration example includes a power supply section 111B, a sensor section 112B, a notification section 113B, a storage section 114B, a communication section 115B, a control section 116B, a heating section 121B, a storage section 140, and A heat insulating section 144 is included.

Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, storage unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example. It is.

The accommodating part 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the stick-type base material 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-type base material 150 in the internal space 141. The accommodating part 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside, and accommodates the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the accommodating 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 . An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the housing section 140 . An air inflow hole, which is an inlet of air to the air flow path, is arranged on a side surface of the suction device 100, for example. An air outlet hole, which is an outlet for air from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged at the bottom 143, for example.

The stick-type base material 150 includes a base portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. Base portion 151 includes an aerosol source. That is, the stick-type base material 150 is another example of a base material containing an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes flavor components of tobacco or non-tobacco origin. If the suction device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water, containing flavor components of tobacco or non-tobacco origin, and containing flavor components of tobacco or non-tobacco origin. It may be solid. In a state where the stick-shaped base material 150 is held in the housing section 140, at least a portion of the base material section 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece section 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the mouthpiece 152 protruding from the opening 142 and sucks it, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown), and enters the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from the base member 151. reach.

In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the heating section 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the housing section 140. When the heating part 121B generates heat, the base material part 151 of the stick-type base material 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an airgel heat insulating material, or the like.

The configuration example of the suction device 100B has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and may take various configurations as exemplified below.

As an example, the heating section 121B may be configured in a blade shape and arranged to protrude from the bottom 143 of the housing section 140 into the internal space 141. In that case, the blade-shaped heating section 121B is inserted into the base material part 151 of the stick-type base material 150 and heats the base material part 151 of the stick-type base material 150 from inside. As another example, the heating part 121B may be arranged to cover the bottom part 143 of the housing part 140. The heating unit 121B is a combination of two or more of a first heating unit that covers the outer periphery of the housing unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit that covers the bottom portion 143 of the housing unit 140. It may be configured as

As another example, the housing section 140 may include an opening/closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The accommodating part 140 may accommodate the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while sandwiching it by opening and closing the outer shell. In that case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the relevant clamping location in the storage unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means of atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100B includes at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field instead of the heating unit 121B. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B, or may be included in the stick-shaped base material 150.

Further, the suction device 100B may further include a heating section 121A, a liquid guide section 122, a liquid storage section 123, and an air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 is connected to the internal space 141. Air may be supplied. In this case, 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 user's oral cavity.

<<2. External configuration example of suction device >>
Next, an example of the external configuration of the suction device 100 (100A, 100B) of this embodiment will be described. In addition, although the description will be made here assuming that the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same can be applied to the case where the suction device 100 is the suction device 100A shown in FIG. 1A. .

(1) An example of a suction device with a panel attached FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100B. Further, FIG. 3 is a top view of the suction device 100B, and specifically, FIG. (b) shows the suction device 100B with the opening 142 open.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the suction device 100B includes a panel 10, a main body housing 20 to which the panel 10 can be attached and detached, and a shutter 50 that is slidable with respect to the main body housing 20. The panel 10 and the main body housing 20 are constructed from separate members.

The panel 10 is mainly composed of a member that serves as a cover that forms at least a part of the outermost housing 40 (described later) of the suction device 100B. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the panel 10 includes a display section 18 and an operation section 19 on its surface (outer surface). The display section 18 is made of a transparent material through which light can pass. Although details will be described later, a light emitting device 23a as an example of the notification section 113B is provided inside the suction device 100B (inside the main body 30, which will be described later). The user can visually recognize the light from the light emitting device 23a from the outer surface of the panel 10 via the display section 18.

The operating portion 19 is configured to form a recess toward the main body housing 20, for example. Thereby, the position of the operation unit 19 can be guided to the user. Further, the position of the operation section 19 may be guided to the user by printing a predetermined mark (mark) on the surface of the panel 10 or the like.

The main body housing 20 accommodates the main body 30 of the suction device 100B. The main body 30 houses, for example, each component of the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B.

By attaching the panel 10 to the main body housing 20, it constitutes the outermost housing 40 of the suction device 100B. For example, the user can make the appearance of the suction device 100B suit his or her tastes by attaching a panel 10 with a design that suits his or her tastes. Further, by including the panel 10, the suction device 100B can buffer the heat released to the outside even if the main body 30 generates heat. That is, the panel 10 can function, for example, to insulate heat generated from the heating section 121B.

The housing 40 is preferably sized to fit in the user's hand. For example, the user holds the suction device 100B with one hand while touching the surface of the panel 10 with a fingertip. Then, when the user presses the operating section 19 with a fingertip, the panel 10 is deformed so that the operating section 19 is further recessed toward the main body housing 20. As a result of such deformation of the panel 10, the bottom of the operating portion 19 comes into contact with an operating button 22 (described later) provided on the surface of the main body housing 20, and the operating button 22 is pressed down. As an example, the user can turn on the power of the suction device 100B by pushing the operation part 19 with a finger and pressing the operation button 22.

Note that FIGS. 2 and 3(a) show the suction device 100B with the opening 142 closed by the shutter 50. When the suction device 100B is in the state shown in FIG. 3(a), when the user slides the shutter 50 with a finger, the shutter 50 is moved from above the opening 142 as shown in FIG. 3(b). Then, the opening 142 is opened. In this manner, the user can insert the stick-shaped base material 150 into the opening 142 by operating the shutter 50 to open the opening 142.

(2) An example of the suction device with the panel removed FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the suction device 100B with the panel 10 removed, and specifically, the panel 10 is removed from the main body housing 20. The outer surface of the main body housing 20 is shown as exposed. That is, the outer surface of the main housing 20 shown in FIG. 4 is covered by the panel 10 when the panel 10 is attached to the main housing 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, the outer surface of the main body housing 20 is provided with, for example, a magnet 21a, a magnet 21b, an operation button 22, and a display window 23. Further, in addition to these, a sensor for detecting attachment of the panel 10 to the main body housing 20 may be provided on the outer surface of the main body housing 20, for example.

The

magnets

21a and 21b attract the panel 10 to the main body housing 20 by magnetic force (magnetic attraction). Thereby, the panel 10 is held by the main body housing 20. More specifically, magnets (not shown) corresponding to the

magnets

21a and 21b are provided on the inner surface of the panel 10, which faces the outer surface of the main body housing 20 when the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20. It is provided. The panel 10 is held in the main housing 20 by the magnets provided on the panel 10 and the

magnets

21a and 21b being attracted to each other. The magnet 21a, the magnet 21b, and the magnet of the panel 10 are preferably constituted by permanent magnets, for example.

The operation button 22 is provided at a position corresponding to the operation section 19 of the panel 10 when the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20. This allows the user to operate the operation button 22 via the operation unit 19 of the panel 10, as described above.

The display window 23 is an opening aligned with the light emitting device 23a provided in the main body 30, and allows light from the light emitting device 23a to pass through to the display section 18 of the panel 10. Thereby, as described above, the user can visually recognize the light from the light emitting device 23a from the outer surface of the panel 10.

The light emitting device 23a is an example of a light emitting section that emits light, and is composed of one or more light emitting elements, for example. For example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) may be used as the light emitting element of the light emitting device 23a. As an example, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the light emitting device 23a has a plurality of LEDs that emit light of different colors, and is configured to be able to emit light in a plurality of colors including blue, yellow, and red.

The light emitting device 23a notifies the user of predetermined information by emitting light in a predetermined light emission mode. Here, the light emitting mode may be, for example, the color of the emitted light, but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, the intensity of the lighting intensity (in other words, the brightness), the lighting pattern (for example, blinking at a predetermined time interval), etc. It's okay.

Examples of notifications made by the light emitting device 23a include notifications of operation information of the suction device 100B indicating whether the power of the suction device 100B is on (that is, in a powered-on state). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light emitting device 23a can notify the user of information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 of this embodiment including the suction device 100B is located (described later).

<<3. Example of suction device operation >>
Next, an example of the operation of the suction device 100 of this embodiment will be described. The control unit 116 (116A, 116B) can operate the suction device 100 based on input from the user. As an example, the control unit 116 causes the suction device 100 to generate an aerosol in response to an aerosol generation request from a user.

The aerosol generation request can be, for example, an operation that instructs to start heating (hereinafter also referred to as "heating start operation"). As an example, the heating start operation can be performed by pressing the operation button 22. As another example, the heating start operation may be a suction operation for the suction device 100. Further, the aerosol generation request is not limited to a direct operation on the suction device 100, and may be, for example, a reception of predetermined information from another device that can communicate with the suction device 100, such as a smartphone. The control unit 116 can detect an aerosol generation request based on information acquired by the sensor unit 112 or the communication unit 115, for example.

For example, when the suction device 100 is the suction device 100A shown in FIG. 1A, when the control unit 116A detects a suction operation for the suction device 100A based on the detection result of the puff sensor, the control unit 116A supplies predetermined power to the heating unit 121A. This causes aerosol generation. At this time, the power supplied to the heating unit 121A is predetermined by the manufacturer of the suction device 100A so that an appropriate amount of aerosol containing an appropriate amount of flavor components is generated. Thereby, a high quality smoking experience can be provided to the user.

Further, when the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, when the control section 116B detects a heating start operation (for example, pressing the operation button 22), the control section 116B controls the heating section 121B based on a heating profile prepared in advance. Aerosol generation is achieved by controlling the temperature. Here, the heating profile is information that defines a time-series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating section 121B, and is stored in advance in the storage section 114B, for example.

To explain in detail the temperature control of the heating section 121B based on the heating profile (hereinafter also referred to as "heating control based on the heating profile"), the control section 116B corresponds to the elapsed time after starting the heating control based on the heating profile. The temperature of the heating section 121B is controlled based on the deviation between the target temperature and the actual temperature of the heating section 121B (hereinafter also referred to as "actual temperature"). More specifically, at this time, the control unit 116B controls the temperature of the heating unit 121B so that the time-series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 121B becomes similar to the time-series transition of the target temperature specified in the heating profile. control.

The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the temperature of the heating section 121B based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user enjoys can be optimized, and a high-quality smoking experience can be provided to the user.

By the way, a suction device such as the suction device 100 that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user has a so-called "child resistance" in order to prevent problems caused by misuse by children (for example, infants and young children). function (hereinafter also referred to as “CR function”)” may be implemented. The CR function of such a suction device includes, for example, a specific operation on the suction device (for example, a so-called "long press" of the operation button of the suction device, multiple presses, etc. It is conceivable to make it necessary to press the button twice. Here, if the specific operation is made complicated, it will be possible to prevent misuse by children, but it will also be troublesome for adults who are legitimate users of the suction device.

It is desired that the CR function of such a suction device be capable of suppressing inconveniences caused by misuse by children without impairing as much as possible the convenience for adults who are legitimate users of the suction device. However, the history of technological development of suction devices is still young, and there is room for improvement in the CR function of suction devices.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a child of an age who would play tricks on the suction device 100 (for example, an infant or young child under 3 years old; hereinafter also simply referred to as a "child") can be a legitimate user of the suction device 100. Focusing on the fact that the height of the patient is shorter than that of an adult, the structure is configured so that predetermined operations in the suction device 100 are restricted depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located. As a result, the suction device 100 can be prevented from performing a predetermined operation at a low position where a child is assumed to be playing a trick, while the suction device 100 can be prevented from performing a predetermined operation at a high position where an adult is assumed to be using the suction device 100. It becomes possible to perform a predetermined operation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconveniences due to misuse by children, and to suppress a decrease in convenience for adults who are legitimate users of the suction device 100. Therefore, the performance of the CR function in the suction device 100 can be improved, and the marketability of the suction device 100 can be improved. Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the suction device 100 will be described in more detail.

The control unit 116 of the suction device 100 acquires "altitude information" that is information indicating the height at which the suction device 100 is located at a predetermined timing. Here, the height at which the suction device 100 is located is the distance from a predetermined base point to the suction device 100 in the vertical direction. For example, when the suction device 100 is outdoors, the base point (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "base point") that serves as the reference for the height at which the suction device 100 is located is the ground where the user holding the suction device 100 is located (i.e. ground surface). Further, when the suction device 100 is located indoors (including inside a car or the like), the base point can be the floor surface of the place where the user who has the suction device 100 is present.

Note that the base point is not limited to the ground or the floor surface, and may be set by the user, for example. This allows the user to set an appropriate position as a base point, taking into account his or her location. As an example, the base point may be set by the user performing a predetermined operation on the suction device 100 or another device that can communicate with the suction device 100.

The control unit 116 acquires altitude information, for example, based on the detection result of an altitude sensor included in the sensor unit 112 (112A, 112B).

For example, when a barometric pressure sensor is employed as the altitude sensor, the control unit 116 acquires altitude information based on the detection result (i.e., barometric pressure) of the barometric sensor. More specifically, in this case, the suction device 100 allows the user to set an arbitrary vertical position near the floor (or ground) where the user is, for example. Then, the suction device 100 calculates the atmospheric pressure at the base point and the atmospheric pressure at a position where the suction device 100 is lifted upward to some extent away from the base point (for example, the position when the suction device 100 is normally used by an adult). Have the user measure using a barometric pressure sensor.

Then, the control unit 116 derives the altitude (that is, the height from the mean sea level) at each of the base point and the lifted position from the atmospheric pressure at each of the base point and the lifted position detected by the above measurement, and Altitude information is obtained in which the altitude difference is the height at which the suction device 100 is located. Thereby, even when altitude information is acquired based on the detection result of the atmospheric pressure sensor, altitude information indicating an appropriate value as the height at which the suction device 100 is located can be acquired.

Note that if the altitude sensor is a sensor that can detect altitude (can output information indicating the altitude as a detection result), the control unit 116 controls the altitude at each of the above-mentioned base point and lifted position detected by the altitude sensor. Altitude information may be obtained by deriving these altitude differences from the altitude and using the altitude differences as the height at which the suction device 100 is located.

Furthermore, when a distance sensor is employed as the altitude sensor, the control unit 116 acquires altitude information based on the detection result of the distance sensor. More specifically, in this case, the suction device 100 allows the user to measure the distance from the floor (or ground, i.e., base point) where the user is located to the suction device 100 using a distance sensor, for example. . Then, the control unit 116 acquires altitude information that indicates the distance detected by this measurement as the height at which the suction device 100 is located. Thereby, even when altitude information is acquired based on the detection result of the ranging sensor, altitude information indicating an appropriate value as the height at which the suction device 100 is located can be acquired.

Further, the control unit 116 acquires altitude information based on information received via the communication unit 115 (115A, 115B) from another device (that is, external to the suction device 100) that can communicate with the suction device 100, for example. It's okay. As an example, the control unit 116 may acquire altitude information based on information received from a wearable device (for example, a smart watch worn by the user) that includes an altitude sensor (for example, an atmospheric pressure sensor).

For example, the control unit 116 acquires altitude information when a predetermined operation is performed on the suction device 100. As a result, compared to the case where altitude information is acquired periodically (for example, every minute) without user operation, the number of times altitude information is acquired can be reduced, and the suction caused by altitude information acquisition can be reduced. It becomes possible to suppress an increase in power consumption of the device 100.

The operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information can be, for example, an operation of sliding the shutter 50 to open the aperture 142. Further, when the suction device 100 is the suction device 100A shown in FIG. 1A, the operation that triggers the acquisition of the altitude information may be an operation of attaching the flavor imparting cartridge 130 to the suction device 100A. As another example, when the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, the operation that triggers the acquisition of the altitude information may be an operation of inserting the stick-shaped base material 150 into the opening 142.

In this embodiment, the operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information is an operation of sliding the shutter 50 to open the aperture 142, and when this operation is detected, the control unit 116 starts acquiring the altitude information. shall be taken as a thing. Then, while the aperture 142 is open, the control unit 116 acquires altitude information at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 0.1 [s]). Thereby, while the opening 142 is open, the control unit 116 can acquire altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device 100 is located in real time.

By the way, it is also possible that the operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information is repeated multiple times in a short period of time due to tampering with the suction device 100. In such a case, if altitude information is acquired every time an operation that triggers altitude information acquisition is performed, the number of times altitude information is acquired increases, and the power consumption of the suction device 100 increases as altitude information is acquired. It is possible.

Therefore, the control unit 116 may start acquiring the altitude information when a predetermined period (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed since the operation that triggered the acquisition of the altitude information was performed. Thereby, even if the operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information is repeated multiple times within a short period of time, it is possible to suppress the number of times altitude information is acquired from increasing. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption of the suction device 100 due to acquisition of altitude information. Note that here, the predetermined period can be determined as appropriate by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

As an example, assume that the operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information is an operation of sliding the shutter 50 to open the aperture 142. In that case, when the shutter 50 is slid to open the opening 142 and the opening 142 remains open for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 116 starts acquiring the altitude information. You can do it like this.

As another example, assume that the operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information is the operation of installing the flavor imparting cartridge 130. In that case, when the operation to attach the flavor imparting cartridge 130 is performed and the state in which the flavor imparting cartridge 130 is attached is maintained for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 116 may start acquiring the altitude information. good.

Further, as another example, suppose that the operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information is an operation of inserting the stick-shaped base material 150 into the opening 142. In that case, when the stick-type base material 150 is inserted into the opening 142 and the inserted state of the stick-type base material 150 is maintained for a predetermined period, the control unit 116 starts acquiring the altitude information. You may also do so.

Upon acquiring the altitude information, the control unit 116 determines whether the height at which the suction device 100 is located is less than a threshold value based on the acquired altitude information. For example, each time the control unit 116 acquires altitude information, it determines whether the height indicated by the acquired altitude information is less than a threshold value. Here, the threshold value is determined by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, for example, taking into consideration the typical height of a child of an age who would play tricks on the suction device 100.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a threshold value that is a condition for limiting the operation of the suction device 100. In this embodiment, children targeted by the CR function (ie, operation restriction) of the suction device 100 are infants and young children under the age of three. The average height of a 3-year-old child (that is, a child considered to have the highest average height among children targeted by the CR function of the suction device 100) is about 100 [cm].

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the threshold value that is a condition for limiting the operation of the suction device 100 is set to 130 [cm]. As a result, the threshold can be set to a height at which not only infants but also young children with a height of about 100 [cm] would not reach even if they extended their arms upwards. On the other hand, the threshold value of 130 cm is lower than the average height of adults (for example, the average height of adult women). This prevents the threshold value, which is a condition for limiting the operation of the suction device 100, from reaching a height that is difficult even for adults. Note that this threshold value may be set by the user. In this way, the user can set a desired threshold value in consideration of his or her child's height.

When the control unit 116 determines whether the height at which the suction device 100 is located is less than the threshold, it limits predetermined operations in the suction device 100 based on the determination result. More specifically, when the control unit 116 determines that the height at which the suction device 100 is located is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control unit 116 does not restrict the predetermined operation of the suction device 100. That is, in this case, the control unit 116 can cause the suction device 100 to perform a predetermined operation in response to input from the user. As a result, an adult who is able to raise the suction device 100 to a height above the threshold value can lift the suction device 100 to a height above the threshold value to cancel the restriction on the predetermined operation and use the suction device 100 can be made to perform predetermined operations as appropriate. Therefore, predetermined operations can be restricted while suppressing a decrease in convenience for adult users.

On the other hand, when the control unit 116 determines that the height at which the suction device 100 is located is less than the threshold value, the control unit 116 limits the predetermined operation of the suction device 100. That is, in this case, the control unit 116 does not cause the suction device 100 to perform a predetermined operation even if there is an input from the user. Thereby, it is possible to suppress performing a predetermined operation on a child who has difficulty raising the suction device 100 to a height equal to or higher than the threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences from occurring due to misuse by children.

Furthermore, the predetermined operations that are restricted depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located include, for example, the generation of aerosol in response to an aerosol generation request from a user. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of aerosol for children who have difficulty raising the suction device 100 to a height above the threshold value.

More specifically, for example, when the suction device 100 is the suction device 100A shown in FIG. 1A, the predetermined operation may be power supply to the heating unit 121A in accordance with the suction operation for the suction device 100A. . Further, for example, when the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, the predetermined operation may be heating control based on a heating profile according to the heating start operation.

As another example, the predetermined operation is an operation of turning on the power of the suction device 100 (i.e., an operation of starting the suction device 100) in response to a power-on operation by the user (for example, pressing the operation button 22). Good too. In addition to these, any operation other than the operation related to canceling the operation restriction (ie, CR function) in the suction device 100 may be used as the above-mentioned predetermined operation.

Further, if the control unit 116 determines that the height at which the suction device 100 is located is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and there is a request for aerosol generation after a predetermined operation is performed, the control unit 116 responds to the aerosol generation request. Alternatively, an aerosol may be generated. In this way, since it is necessary to go through a plurality of processes before aerosol is generated, it is possible to further suppress the generation of aerosol against children.

As an example, the control unit 116 turns on the power of the suction device 100 when determining that the height at which the suction device 100 is located is equal to or higher than a threshold value, and when the operation button 22 is pressed for a long time or pressed multiple times. You can do it like this. Thereafter, when the operation button 22 is further pressed for a long time or pressed multiple times while the suction device 100 is powered on, the control unit 116 may cause the aerosol to be generated.

More specifically, for example, when the suction device 100 is the suction device 100A shown in FIG. The suction device 100A may be powered on when the button is pressed for a long time or multiple times. Then, when the operation button 22 is further pressed for a long time or multiple times while the suction device 100A is powered on, the control section 116 controls the heating section 121A according to the suction operation for the suction device 100A. The power may be supplied.

Further, when the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, the control unit 116B determines that the height at which the suction device 100 is located is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and the operation button 22 is pressed for a long time or multiple times. When pressed, the suction device 100B may be powered on. Thereafter, when the operation button 22 is further pressed for a long time or pressed multiple times while the suction device 100B is powered on, the control unit 116 starts heating control based on the heating profile. Good too.

As another example, when the suction apparatus 100 is the suction apparatus 100B shown in FIG. Alternatively, when the button is pressed multiple times, the suction device 100B may be powered on. Thereafter, when the stick-type base material 150 is inserted into the opening 142 while the suction device 100B is powered on, the control unit 116 starts heating control based on the heating profile. good.

Furthermore, even if the user is an adult, such as when the user is inside a car, it may be difficult to raise the suction device 100 to a height above a threshold value (for example, 130 [cm]). In such a case, if the user is an adult but cannot use the suction device 100, the convenience of the suction device 100 may decrease, and the marketability of the suction device 100 may decrease.

Therefore, when the control unit 116 receives an input of predetermined release information, the control unit 116 may disable the restriction on the predetermined operation of the suction device 100 for a certain period of time from the time when the input of the release information is received. . That is, when the control unit 116 receives input of release information, the control unit 116 allows the suction device 100 to perform a predetermined operation for a certain period thereafter, regardless of the height at which the suction device 100 is located. Good too. As a result, even if it is difficult for the user to raise the suction device 100 to a height above the threshold value, the user can use the suction device 100 by inputting the release information, thereby reducing the convenience of the suction device 100. can be suppressed.

As an example, the release information may be input to the control unit 116 by the user performing a predetermined operation on the suction device 100 or another device that can communicate with the suction device 100. That is, the control unit 116 may acquire the release information via the sensor unit 112 or the communication unit 115.

Note that when the operation that triggers the input of release information is a direct operation on the suction device 100, this operation may be a somewhat complicated operation, such as a long press or multiple presses of the operation button 22. is desirable. By doing so, it is possible to prevent release information from being inputted unintentionally due to tampering with the suction device 100.

Further, the release information may be input when the user's biometric authentication (for example, fingerprint authentication) is performed by the suction device 100 or another device that can communicate with the suction device 100. In this way, it is possible to more firmly prevent release information from being inputted unintentionally. Of course, other methods of user authentication such as gesture authentication, PIN (Personal Identification Number) authentication, password authentication, or voice authentication may be used instead of biometric authentication.

Furthermore, for example, there are users who smoke using two or more stick-shaped substrates 150 in succession, so-called "chain smoking." For example, if such users are made to perform an operation to cancel the operation restriction (i.e., CR function) in the suction device 100 every time they use a new stick-type base material 150, chain smoke may occur. This may increase the user's effort and reduce the convenience of the suction device 100.

Therefore, when a predetermined operation is performed in the suction device 100, the control unit 116 may disable the restriction on the predetermined operation in the suction device 100 for a certain period of time after the completion of the predetermined operation. good. That is, when a predetermined operation is performed in the suction device 100, the control unit 116 causes the suction device 100 to perform the predetermined operation for a certain period thereafter, regardless of the height at which the suction device 100 is located. You can also get it. In addition, in this case, a certain period from when the predetermined operation in the suction device 100 is completed (i.e., a period during which the restriction on the predetermined operation is disabled) will also be referred to as an "invalidation period" hereinafter. The length of the invalidation period is predetermined, for example, by the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

As an example, the control unit 116 may limit the operation of the suction device 100 if there is a request for aerosol generation from the user within a certain period after the heating control based on the heating profile is completed (i.e., within the invalidation period). Heating control based on the heating profile may be restarted without requiring any operation to cancel. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an increase in the user's effort when chain smoking, and to improve the convenience of the suction device 100.

Here, the period from when the heating control based on the heating profile is started until the heating control is completed is assumed to be X [s] (for example, 300 [s]). Typically, a user who performs chain smoking restarts the heating control based on the heating profile before 2×X [s] has elapsed after the heating control based on the heating profile is completed. In other words, if the heating control based on the heating profile is not restarted before 2×X [s] has elapsed after the heating control based on the heating profile is completed, there is a high possibility that the user has no intention of chain smoking. .

Therefore, the invalidation period is set to be a period twice as long as the period from when the heating control based on the heating profile is started until the heating control is completed, that is, a period with a length of 2×X [s]. You can also use it as Thereby, it is possible to set an appropriate length of period as the invalidation period while suppressing an increase in the user's effort when chain smoking.

It is also assumed that it is difficult for the user to understand how far the suction device 100 should be lifted in order to release the restriction on the operation of the suction device 100.

Therefore, the control unit 116 may notify the user of information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located via the notification unit 113 (113A, 113B) based on the acquired altitude information. This makes it possible for the user to grasp the height at which the suction device 100 is located, and it becomes possible to get an idea of how much the suction device 100 should be lifted.

The information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located can be, for example, information indicating the height at which the suction device 100 is located. In that case, the information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located is not limited to information that clearly indicates the height at which the suction device 100 is located, such as "○○ [cm]"; for example, the information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located is The information may be suggested to the extent that the user can roughly understand the situation. Further, the information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located may be, for example, information indicating whether or not there is an operation restriction depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is currently located.

As an example, in this embodiment, as described above, the notification unit 113 includes the light emitting device 23a configured to emit light in a plurality of colors including blue, yellow, and red. Then, the control unit 116 notifies the user of information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located by changing the color of the light emitted from the light emitting device 23a depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located. Thereby, the height at which the suction device 100 is located can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the height at which the suction device 100 is located and the color of the light emitted by the light emitting device 23a. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 116 causes the light emitting device 23a to emit red light, for example, when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 0 [cm] or more and less than 100 [cm].

Furthermore, for example, when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 100 [cm] or more and less than 130 [cm], the control unit 116 causes the light emitting device 23a to emit yellow light.

Then, for example, when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 130 [cm] or more, the control unit 116 causes the light emitting device 23a to emit light in blue.

In this way, by making the emitted light color of the light emitting device 23a different depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located, the user can roughly understand the height at which the suction device 100 is located based on the emitted light color of the light emitting device 23a. becomes possible.

More specifically, as shown by the white arrow α in FIG. Assume that the suction device 100 can be lifted to a height of 130 cm or higher. At this time, the emitted light color of the light emitting device 23a first changes from red to yellow, and then from yellow to blue. Therefore, by lifting the suction device 100 while checking the color of the light emitted from the light emitting device 23a, the user can efficiently lift the suction device 100 to a height at which the operation restriction of the suction device 100 is lifted. .

Note that in the example described above, information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located is notified to the user by changing the emitted light color of the light emitting device 23a depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located. However, it is not limited to this. Hereinafter, each example will be described in which information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located is notified to the user by a method other than the color of the light emitted by the light emitting device 23a.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modification of the light emitting device 23a. As shown in FIG. 7, in this example, the light emitting device 23a includes a first light emitting element 23a_1, a second light emitting element 23a_2, and a third light emitting element 23a_3. For example, LEDs may be used as the first light emitting element 23a_1, the second light emitting element 23a_2, and the third light emitting element 23a_3. Note that the first light emitting element 23a_1, the second light emitting element 23a_2, and the third light emitting element 23a_3 may emit light of the same color or different colors.

In the case of this example, for example, the control unit 116 changes the number of light-emitting elements that emit light from among the light-emitting elements included in the light-emitting device 23a depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is positioned. inform the user of information about the height. Thereby, the height at which the suction device 100 is located can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the height at which the suction device 100 is located and the number of light emitting elements that emit light. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 0 [cm] or more and less than 100 [cm], the control unit 116 controls one of the light emitting elements included in the light emitting device 23a. The light emitting elements (for example, the first light emitting element 23a_1) are caused to emit light.

Further, for example, when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 100 [cm] or more and less than 130 [cm], the control unit 116 controls two light emitting elements ( For example, the first light emitting element 23a_1 and the second light emitting element 23a_2) are caused to emit light.

For example, when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 130 [cm] or more, the control unit 116 controls three light emitting elements (i.e., the first light emitting element) among the light emitting elements included in the light emitting device 23a. 23a_1, second light emitting element 23a_2, and third light emitting element 23a_3) to emit light.

In this way, by varying the number of light emitting elements that emit light among the light emitting elements included in the light emitting device 23a depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located, the suction device 100 can be adjusted depending on the number of emitted light emitting elements. It becomes possible for the user to roughly grasp the height at which the user is located.

More specifically, as shown by the white arrow β in FIG. Assume that the suction device 100 can be lifted to a height of 130 cm or higher. At this time, the number of light emitting elements that emit light among the light emitting elements included in the light emitting device 23a first changes from one to two, and then from two to three. Therefore, by lifting the suction device 100 while checking the number of light-emitting elements emitting light, the user can efficiently lift the suction device 100 to a height at which the operation restriction of the suction device 100 is lifted. becomes.

In addition, the control unit 116 changes the light-emitting elements that emit light from among the light-emitting elements included in the light-emitting device 23a depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located, so that information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located is provided to the user. may be notified. Also in this case, the height at which the suction device 100 is located can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

More specifically, for example, when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is greater than or equal to 0 [cm] and less than 100 [cm], the control unit 116 causes the first light emitting element 23a_1 to emit light.

Further, when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 100 [cm] or more and less than 130 [cm], the control unit 116 causes the second light emitting element 23a_2 to emit light.

Then, when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 130 [cm] or more, the control unit 116 causes the third light emitting element 23a_3 to emit light.

In this way, by changing the light emitting elements that emit light among the light emitting elements included in the light emitting device 23a depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located, the height at which the suction device 100 is located depends on the light emitting elements that emit light. This allows the user to roughly understand. Therefore, by lifting the suction device 100 while checking the light emitting element that is emitting light, the user can efficiently lift the suction device 100 to a height at which the operation restriction of the suction device 100 is lifted. .

Further, when the notification unit 113 includes a display unit that displays an image, the control unit 116 controls the height at which the suction device 100 is located by changing the display mode of the display unit depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located. The user may be notified of information regarding the current status. Also in this case, the height at which the suction device 100 is located can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located is notified to the user via the display device 23b, which is an example of a display section included in the notification section 113.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display device 23b. The display device 23b is provided at a position in the suction device 100 that is visible to the user. As the display device 23b, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display may be adopted.

In this example, the display device 23b displays, for example, an indicator I as an image for notifying the user of information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located. Indicator I indicates the height at which the suction device 100 is located in three stages.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the height at which the suction device 100 is located and the display mode of the indicator I on the display device 23b. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 0 [cm] or more and less than 100 [cm], the control unit 116 displays the indicator I on the display device 23b in one step. shall be.

Further, for example, when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 100 [cm] or more and less than 130 [cm], the control unit 116 displays the indicator I on the display device 23b in two stages.

Then, for example, when the height at which the suction device 100 is located is 130 [cm] or more, the control unit 116 displays the indicator I on the display device 23b in three stages.

In this way, by changing the display mode of the display device 23b (in the example described here, the display mode of the indicator I) depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located, the display mode of the display device 23b allows the suction device It becomes possible for the user to grasp the height at which 100 is located.

More specifically, as shown by the white arrow γ in FIG. Assume that the suction device 100 can be lifted to a height of 130 cm or higher. At this time, the indicator I on the display device 23b first changes from a 1-stage display to a 2-stage display, and then from a 2-stage display to a 3-stage display. Therefore, by lifting the suction device 100 while checking the indicator I on the display device 23b, the user can efficiently lift the suction device 100 to a height at which the operation restriction of the suction device 100 is lifted. .

Note that in each of the examples described above, the user is notified of the height at which the suction device 100 is located in three stages, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the user may be notified of the height at which the suction device 100 is located in two stages: less than a threshold of 130 [cm] or more than 130 [cm]. Alternatively, the user may be notified of the height at which the suction device 100 is located in four or more stages.

Further, when the notification unit 113 includes a vibrating device (so-called vibrator), the control unit 116 may notify the user of information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located, based on the vibration mode of the vibrating device. . In that case, the number of vibrations of the vibration device or the vibration pattern may be changed depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located.

Furthermore, when the notification unit 113 includes a sound output device (for example, a speaker) that outputs sound, the control unit 116 notifies the user of information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located using the sound output from the sound output device. You may also do so.

<<4. An example of processing executed by the control unit >>
Next, an example of processing executed by the control unit 116 will be described. Here, as an example, a process executed by the control unit 116 will be described when the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of the process executed by the control unit 116. Further, FIG. 12 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an example of the process executed by the control unit 116.

As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 116 first determines whether or not it is within the invalidation period (step S1). If it is determined that it is within the invalidation period (step S1: Yes), the control unit 116 proceeds to the process of step S7.

If it is determined that it is not within the invalidation period (step S1: No), the control unit 116 determines whether or not input of cancellation information has been received (step S2). If it is determined that the input of release information has been received (step S2: Yes), the control unit 116 proceeds to the process of step S7.

If it is determined that the input of release information has not been received (step S2: No), the control unit 116 determines whether there is an operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information (step S3). If it is determined that there is no operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information (step S3: No), the control unit 116 returns to the process of step S1.

If it is determined that there is an operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information (step S3: Yes), the control unit 116 starts acquiring the altitude information and determines the height at which the suction device 100 is located based on the acquired altitude information. The user is notified of the information via the notification unit 113 (step S4).

More specifically, in this embodiment, as described above, when there is an operation to slide the shutter 50 as an operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information, the control unit 116 starts acquiring altitude information. . Then, while the opening 142 is open, the control unit 116 acquires altitude information at a predetermined period (that is, in real time). Furthermore, each time the control unit 116 acquires altitude information, it notifies the user of information regarding the height indicated by the acquired altitude information (that is, the height at which the suction device 100 is currently located) using the light emitting device 23a or the like.

Furthermore, each time the control unit 116 acquires altitude information, it determines whether the height indicated by the acquired altitude information is less than a threshold (step S5). If it is determined that the height indicated by the acquired altitude information is less than the threshold (step S5: Yes), the control unit 116 acquires the altitude information at a predetermined period until a timeout occurs (step S6: No). While continuing to notify information regarding the height at which the suction device 100 is located, the process of step S5 is performed every time altitude information is acquired. Furthermore, when the timeout occurs (step S6: Yes), the control unit 116 directly ends the series of processes shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

In addition, in step S6, the control unit 116 determines that a timeout has occurred, for example, on the condition that a predetermined period (for example, 180 [s]) has elapsed since the operation that triggered the acquisition of altitude information. Good too.

Furthermore, if it is determined that the height indicated by the acquired altitude information is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S5: No), the control unit 116 determines whether a power-on operation has been performed (step S7). If it is determined that there is no power-on operation (step S7: No), the control unit 116 repeats the process of step S7 until a timeout occurs (step S8: No). Furthermore, when the timeout occurs (step S8: Yes), the control unit 116 directly ends the series of processes shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Note that in step S8, similarly to step S6, the control unit 116 may determine that a timeout has occurred on the condition that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the operation that triggered the acquisition of altitude information, for example. good.

If it is determined that there has been a power-on operation (step S7: Yes), the control unit 116 turns on the power of the suction device 100 (step S9). Then, the control unit 116 determines whether a heating start operation has been performed (step S10). If it is determined that there is no heating start operation (step S10: No), the control unit 116 repeats the process of step S10 until a timeout occurs (step S11: No). Furthermore, when the timeout occurs (step S11: Yes), the control unit 116 directly ends the series of processes shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Note that in step S11, similarly to steps S6 and S8, the control unit 116 determines that a timeout has occurred, for example, on the condition that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the operation that triggered the acquisition of altitude information. You can also do this.

If it is determined that a heating start operation has been performed (step S10: Yes), as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 116 starts heating control based on the heating profile (step S12). Then, the control unit 116 waits for the heating control to be completed (step S13: No), and when the heating control is completed (step S13: Yes), sets a certain period after the completion of the heating control as an invalidation period ( Step S14), the series of processes shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are completed.

As explained above, according to the suction device 100, a predetermined operation (for example, generation of aerosol) in the suction device 100 is restricted depending on the height at which the suction device 100 is located. As a result, it is possible to prevent the suction device 100 from performing a predetermined operation at a low position where a child is assumed to be playing a trick, while at a high position where it is assumed that an adult who is a legitimate user is using the suction device 100. Then, it becomes possible to cause the suction device 100 to perform a predetermined operation (that is, to use the suction device 100 normally). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconveniences due to misuse by children, and to suppress a decrease in convenience for adults who are legitimate users of the suction device 100. That is, according to the suction device 100, an appropriate CR function can be provided to the user, and the marketability of the suction device 100 can be improved.

Note that the method of controlling the suction device 100 described in the above embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer (processor). This program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. Further, this program may be provided in a form stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. Further, the computer that executes this program can be, for example, a computer included in the suction device 100 (for example, a CPU included in the suction device 100), but is not limited to this, and other devices that can communicate with the suction device 100 ( For example, it may be included in a smartphone or a server device).

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, and these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood. Further, each component in the embodiments described above may be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

This specification etc. describes at least the following matters. In parentheses, corresponding components in the embodiment described above are shown as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

(1) A suction device (

suction device

100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a base material having an aerosol source (cartridge 120, flavoring cartridge 130, stick type base material 150),
A control unit (

control unit

116, 116A, 116B) that controls the operation of the suction device,
The control unit includes:
obtaining altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located;
Determining whether the height is less than a threshold based on the altitude information,
restricting a predetermined operation of the suction device when it is determined that the height is less than the threshold;
Suction device.

According to (1), when it is determined that the height at which the suction device is located is less than the threshold, certain operations of the suction device are restricted, so children who have difficulty raising the suction device to a height above the threshold It is possible to prevent a predetermined operation from being performed on the object. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences from occurring due to misuse by children.

(2) The suction device according to (1),
The suction device further includes a heating unit (heating unit 121, 121B) that heats the base material to generate the aerosol,
The control unit controls the temperature of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, in response to an aerosol generation request from a user. causing the suction device to generate the aerosol;
The predetermined operation includes generating the aerosol in response to the aerosol generation request.
Suction device.

According to (2), since the predetermined operation that is limited depending on the height at which the suction device is located includes the generation of aerosol, it is difficult to raise the suction device to a height above the threshold, so that the aerosol is not generated. It is possible to suppress generation.

(3) The suction device according to (1),
The suction device further includes a heating unit (heating unit 121, 121A) that heats the base material and generates the aerosol by being supplied with electric power,
The control unit causes the suction device to generate the aerosol by supplying a predetermined power to the heating unit in response to an aerosol generation request from a user,
The predetermined operation includes generating the aerosol in response to the aerosol generation request.
Suction device.

According to (3), since the predetermined operation that is limited depending on the height at which the suction device is located includes the generation of aerosol, it is difficult to raise the suction device to a height above the threshold, so that the aerosol is not generated. It is possible to suppress generation.

(4) The suction device according to (2) or (3),
When the control unit determines that the height is greater than or equal to the threshold value and there is a request for generation of the aerosol after a predetermined operation is performed, the control unit generates the aerosol in response to the aerosol generation request. make them do
Suction device.

According to (4), since it is necessary to go through multiple processes before aerosol is generated, it is possible to further suppress the generation of aerosol against children.

(5) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (4),
The suction device further includes a notification unit (

notification units

113, 113A, 113B) that can notify a user of predetermined information,
The control unit further notifies the user of information regarding the height via the notification unit based on the altitude information.
Suction device.

According to (5), information regarding the height at which the suction device is located can be notified to the user via the notification unit, thereby enabling the user to grasp the height at which the suction device is located.

(6) The suction device according to (5),
The notification section includes a light emitting section (light emitting device 23a) that emits light,
The control unit notifies the user of information regarding the height by changing the light emission mode of the light emitting unit depending on the height.
Suction device.

According to (6), since the light emitting mode of the light emitting unit is changed depending on the height at which the suction device is located, the height at which the suction device is located can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

(7) The suction device according to (6),
The light emitting unit is configured to be able to emit light in a plurality of colors,
The control unit changes the emission color of the light emitting unit depending on the height,
Suction device.

According to (7), since the emitted light color of the light emitting unit is changed depending on the height at which the suction device is located, the height at which the suction device is located can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

(8) The suction device according to (6),
The light emitting section is configured by a plurality of light emitting elements (first light emitting element 23a_1, second light emitting element 23a_2, third light emitting element 23a_3),
The control unit changes the number of the light emitting elements to emit light or the number of the light emitting elements to emit light among the plurality of light emitting elements, depending on the height.
Suction device.

According to (8), among the plurality of light emitting elements included in the light emitting unit, the number of light emitting elements that emit light or the number of light emitting elements that emit light is varied depending on the height at which the suction device is located. The height can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

(9) The suction device according to (5),
The notification unit includes a display unit (display device 23b) that displays an image,
The control unit notifies the user of information regarding the height by changing a display mode of the display unit depending on the height.
Suction device.

According to (9), since the display mode of the display unit is changed depending on the height at which the suction device is located, the height at which the suction device is located can be notified to the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

(10) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (9),
The control unit acquires the altitude information when there is an operation that triggers the acquisition of the altitude information.
Suction device.

According to (10), altitude information is acquired when there is an operation that triggers the acquisition of altitude information. The number of times information is acquired can be reduced, and an increase in power consumption of the suction device due to acquisition of altitude information can be suppressed.

(11) The suction device according to (10),
The control unit starts acquiring the altitude information when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since an operation that triggered the acquisition of the altitude information was performed.
Suction device.

According to (11), since the acquisition of altitude information starts when a predetermined period of time has passed after the operation that triggered the acquisition of altitude information, the operation that triggered the acquisition of altitude information is performed within a short period of time. Even if it is repeated multiple times, it is possible to suppress the number of times altitude information is acquired from increasing.

(12) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (11),
When the control unit receives an input of predetermined release information, the control unit disables the restriction on the predetermined operation for a certain period of time from the time when the input of the release information is received.
Suction device.

According to (12), even when it is difficult for the user to raise the suction device to a height above the threshold, the user can use the suction device by inputting release information, reducing the convenience of the suction device. can be suppressed.

(13) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (12),
When the predetermined operation is performed, the control unit disables the restriction on the predetermined operation for a certain period of time from the completion of the predetermined operation.
Suction device.

According to (13), compared to the case where an operation for canceling the restriction on a predetermined action is required for each predetermined action, an increase in the user's effort can be suppressed.

(14) The suction device according to (13),
The suction device further includes a heating unit that heats the base material to generate the aerosol,
The control unit controls the temperature of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, in response to an aerosol generation request from a user. causing the suction device to generate the aerosol;
The predetermined operation includes generating the aerosol in response to the aerosol generation request,
When the aerosol generation is performed, the control unit disables the predetermined operation restriction for the certain period of time from the time when the aerosol generation is completed,
The certain period is twice as long as the period from when the heating control based on the heating profile is started until the heating control is completed.
Suction device.

According to (14), it is possible to set an appropriate length of period as a period for invalidating the restriction on a predetermined operation while suppressing an increase in the user's effort when performing so-called "chain smoking."

(15) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (14),
The control unit acquires the altitude information indicating a vertical distance from a predetermined base point to the suction device as the height;
The base point is user configurable;
Suction device.

According to (15), it is possible to set an appropriate position as a base point.

(16) A computer (control unit 116) that controls the operation of a suction device (

suction devices

100, 100A, 100B) that generates aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source (cartridge 120, flavoring cartridge 130, stick-type substrate 150). , 116A, 116B) are
obtaining altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located;
Determining whether the height is less than a threshold based on the altitude information,
restricting a predetermined operation of the suction device when it is determined that the height is less than the threshold;
A control method for performing processing.

According to (16), if the height at which the suction device is located is determined to be less than the threshold, certain operations of the suction device are restricted, so children who have difficulty raising the suction device to a height above the threshold. It is possible to prevent a predetermined operation from being performed on the object. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences from occurring due to misuse by children.

(17) A computer (control unit 116) that controls the operation of a suction device (

suction device

100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source (cartridge 120, flavoring cartridge 130, stick type substrate 150). , 116A, 116B),
obtaining altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located;
Determining whether the height is less than a threshold based on the altitude information,
restricting a predetermined operation of the suction device when it is determined that the height is less than the threshold;
A program that executes processing.

According to (17), when it is determined that the height at which the suction device is located is less than the threshold, certain operations of the suction device are restricted, so children who have difficulty raising the suction device to a height above the threshold It is possible to prevent a predetermined operation from being performed on the object. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences from occurring due to misuse by children.

100, 100A,

100B Suction device

113, 113A,

113B Notification section

116, 116A,

116B Control section

121, 121A, 121B Heating section 23a Light emitting device (light emitting section)
23a_1 First light emitting element (light emitting element)
23a_2 Second light emitting element (light emitting element)
23a_3 Third light emitting element (light emitting element)
23b Display device (display section)

Claims

A suction device for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, the suction device comprising:
comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the suction device,
The control unit includes:
obtaining altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located;
Determining whether the height is less than a threshold based on the altitude information,
restricting a predetermined operation of the suction device when it is determined that the height is less than the threshold;
Suction device.
The suction device according to claim 1,
The suction device further includes a heating unit that heats the base material to generate the aerosol,
The control unit controls the temperature of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, in response to an aerosol generation request from a user. causing the suction device to generate the aerosol;
The predetermined operation includes generating the aerosol in response to the aerosol generation request.
Suction device.
The suction device according to claim 1,
The suction device further includes a heating unit that heats the base material and generates the aerosol by being supplied with electric power,
The control unit causes the suction device to generate the aerosol by supplying a predetermined power to the heating unit in response to an aerosol generation request from a user,
The predetermined operation includes generating the aerosol in response to the aerosol generation request.
Suction device.
The suction device according to claim 2 or 3,
When the control unit determines that the height is greater than or equal to the threshold value and there is a request for generation of the aerosol after a predetermined operation is performed, the control unit generates the aerosol in response to the aerosol generation request. make them do
Suction device.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The suction device further includes a notification section capable of notifying a user of predetermined information,
The control unit further notifies the user of information regarding the height via the notification unit based on the altitude information.
Suction device.
The suction device according to claim 5,
The notification section includes a light emitting section that emits light,
The control unit notifies the user of information regarding the height by changing the light emission mode of the light emitting unit depending on the height.
Suction device.
The suction device according to claim 6,
The light emitting unit is configured to be able to emit light in a plurality of colors,
The control unit changes the emission color of the light emitting unit depending on the height,
Suction device.
The suction device according to claim 6,
The light emitting section is composed of a plurality of light emitting elements,
The control unit changes the number of the light emitting elements to emit light or the number of the light emitting elements to emit light among the plurality of light emitting elements, depending on the height.
Suction device.
The suction device according to claim 5,
The notification section includes a display section that displays an image,
The control unit notifies the user of information regarding the height by changing a display mode of the display unit depending on the height.
Suction device.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The control unit acquires the altitude information when there is an operation that triggers the acquisition of the altitude information.
Suction device.
The suction device according to claim 10,
The control unit starts acquiring the altitude information when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since an operation that triggered the acquisition of the altitude information was performed.
Suction device.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
When the control unit receives an input of predetermined release information, the control unit disables the restriction on the predetermined operation for a certain period of time from the time when the input of the release information is received.
Suction device.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
When the predetermined operation is performed, the control unit disables the restriction on the predetermined operation for a certain period of time from the completion of the predetermined operation.
Suction device.
a computer controlling operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source;
obtaining altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located;
Determining whether the height is less than a threshold based on the altitude information,
restricting a predetermined operation of the suction device when it is determined that the height is less than the threshold;
A control method for performing processing.
a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source;
obtaining altitude information indicating the height at which the suction device is located;
Determining whether the height is less than a threshold based on the altitude information,
restricting a predetermined operation of the suction device when it is determined that the height is less than the threshold;
A program that executes processing.