EP4635349A1

EP4635349A1 - Inhalation device control method, inhalation device power supply unit, and program for inhalation device

Info

Publication number: EP4635349A1
Application number: EP23903386.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Shuhei Tagaya; Toru Nagahama
Original assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Current assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date: 2022-12-16
Filing date: 2023-12-06
Publication date: 2025-10-22
Also published as: WO2024127660A1; TW202432016A; KR20250121384A; WO2024128097A1; JPWO2024128097A1; TW202425850A; CN120475917A

Abstract

Provided is a control method for a power supply unit of an inhalation device that can generate aerosol by heating an aerosol source, the control method comprising: a detection step (504) for detecting another inhalation device on the basis of a first signal received from another inhalation device satisfying a prescribed condition; a transmission step (509) for transmitting, to the another inhalation device, a second signal requesting to establish a communication connection if the number of times the another inhalation device has been detected reaches a prescribed number of times which is two or more; a determination step (510) for determining, on the basis of a response signal to the second signal having been received from the another inhalation device, that the communication connection with the another inhalation device is successful; and a transition step (511) for transitioning, on the basis of it having been determined that the communication connection is successful, to a state in which prescribed data regarding heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling an inhalation device for inhaling aerosol, gas, and the like, a power supply unit for the inhalation device, and a program for the inhalation device.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, techniques for communicating between electronic cigarettes have been developed. For example, techniques have been developed for P2P (peer-to-peer) communication between an electronic cigarette and another electronic cigarette.
PTL 1 ( WO 2015/149339 A1 ) discloses the feature that one electronic cigarette transmits request information for requesting tobacco tar flavor information, and another electronic cigarette that has received the request information generates and returns response information for conveying the tobacco tar flavor in accordance with the request information.

CITATION LIST

PATENT LITERATURE

PTL 1 WO 2015/149339 A1

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

Now, when one electronic cigarette performs P2P, if there are a plurality of electronic cigarette in the vicinity, there is a risk that the electronic cigarette will connect to an electronic cigarette other than the desired electronic cigarette. If one electronic cigarette is connected to another electronic cigarette other than the desired electronic cigarette, there is a risk that information may be transmitted to an unintended destination.
However, although PTL 1 discloses a technique for communicating between electronic cigarettes to convey the tobacco tar flavor, a technique for connecting to a desired electronic cigarette is not disclosed. Consequently, the electronic cigarette described in PTL 1 may transmit the tobacco tar flavor to an unintended counterpart.
In view of the above problem, the objective of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables desired inhalation devices to connect to one another when the inhalation devices establish a P2P connection.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

In order to solve the first problem, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a power supply unit of an inhalation device capable of heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the method comprising: a detection step for detecting another inhalation device on the basis that a first signal received from the other inhalation device satisfies a predetermined condition; a transmission step for transmitting a second signal to the other inhalation device requesting establishment of a communication connection when the number of times that the other inhalation device has been detected reaches a predetermined number equal to or greater than two; a determination step for determining that a communication connection with the other inhalation device has been successful on the basis that a response signal to the second signal has been received from the other inhalation device; and a transition step for transitioning to a state in which predetermined data relating to heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received, on the basis of the determination that the communication connection has been successful.
In one embodiment of the control method, in the detection step, it can be determined whether or not each of a plurality of first signals received from each of a plurality of other inhalation devices satisfies a predetermined condition, and another inhalation device that has transmitted a first signal satisfying the predetermined condition, among the plurality of other inhalation devices, can be detected.
In one embodiment of the control method, in the detection step, detection of the other inhalation devices can continue until there is an inhalation device, among the plurality of other inhalation devices, for which the number of detections has reached the predetermined number.
In one embodiment of the control method, in the detection step, detection of the other inhalation devices can end when there is an inhalation device, among the plurality of other inhalation devices, for which the number of detections has reached the predetermined number.
In one embodiment, the control method can further comprise a storage step for storing the number of detections of the other inhalation devices when the other inhalation devices have been detected in the detection step, wherein, in the storage step, the number of detections is stored for each of the plurality of other inhalation devices.
In one embodiment of the control method, in the storage step, information included in the first signal and related to the detected other inhalation devices can be stored, and in the transmission step, the second signal can be transmitted to the other inhalation device on the basis of the stored information relating to the other inhalation device.
In one embodiment, the control method can further comprise a determination step for determining, on the basis that the number of detections of the other inhalation device has reached the predetermined number equal to or greater than two, that said other inhalation device is the inhalation device to be connected to.
In one embodiment, the control method may further comprise a reception step for starting to scan for the first signals from the other inhalation devices on the basis that a predetermined action of a user has been sensed, wherein, in the reception step, the scanning is not started during heating of the aerosol source even if the predetermined action of the user is sensed.
In one embodiment, the control method may further comprise a reception step for starting to scan for the first signal from the other inhalation devices on the basis that a predetermined action of a user has been sensed, wherein, in the reception step, the scanning is not started if a user terminal of the user of the inhalation device is communicatively connected to the inhalation device, even if the predetermined action of the user is sensed.
In one embodiment: the first signal may be an advertising packet; the second signal may be a connection request signal; the other inhalation devices may be detected on the basis that the advertising packet received from each other inhalation device satisfies a predetermined condition; and in the transmission step, the connection request signal may be transmitted to the other inhalation device, among the plurality of other inhalation devices, for which the number of detections has reached the predetermined number.
In order to solve the above problem, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a power supply unit of an inhalation device capable of heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the power supply unit including a communication portion that receives a first signal from another inhalation device, and a control portion that detects the other inhalation device on the basis that the received first signal satisfies a predetermined condition, wherein: the communication portion transmits a second signal to the other inhalation device requesting establishment of a communication connection when the number of times that the other inhalation device has been detected reaches a predetermined number equal to or greater than two; and the control portion determines that a communication connection with the other inhalation device has been successful on the basis that a response signal to the second signal has been received from the other inhalation device, and transitions to a state in which predetermined data relating to heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received, on the basis of the determination that the communication connection has been successful.
In order to solve the above problem, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program for causing a computer to perform predetermined processing to control a power supply unit of an inhalation device capable of heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the program causing the computer to execute: a detection step for detecting another inhalation device on the basis that a first signal received from the other inhalation device satisfies a predetermined condition; a transmission step for transmitting a second signal to the other inhalation device requesting establishment of a communication connection when the number of times that the other inhalation device has been detected reaches a predetermined number equal to or greater than two; a determination step for determining that a communication connection with the other inhalation device has been successful on the basis that a response signal to the second signal has been received from the other inhalation device; and a transition step for transitioning to a state in which predetermined data relating to heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received, on the basis of the determination that the communication connection has been successful.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

The embodiments of the present disclosure make it possible to provide a technique that enables desired inhalation devices to connect to one another when the inhalation devices establish a P2P connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device.
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an inhalation device.
Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for starting a P2P connection.
Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing when the start of the P2P connection is not accepted.
Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing when the P2P connection processing is aborted.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when P2P connection processing is executed.
Fig. 7A is a flowchart illustrating another (first) example of processing when P2P connection processing is executed.
Fig. 7B is a flowchart illustrating the other (first) example of processing when P2P connection processing is executed.
Fig. 8A is a flowchart illustrating another (second) example of processing when P2P connection processing is executed.
Fig. 8B is a flowchart illustrating the other (second) example of processing when P2P connection processing is executed.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

1 Configuration of inhalation device

A configuration example of an inhalation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described.

<<1. Configuration example of inhalation device>>

An inhalation device is a device for generating a substance to be inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as being an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

(1) First configuration example

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in fig. 1, an inhalation device 100A according to the present configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 comprises a power supply portion 111A, a sensor portion 112A, a notification portion 113A, a memory portion 114A, a communication portion 115A, and a control portion 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating portion 121A, a liquid guiding portion 122, and a liquid storage portion 123. The flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow passage 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.
The power supply portion 111A stores electrical power. The power supply portion 111A then supplies the electric power to each component of the inhalation device 100A on the basis of control performed by the control portion 116A. The power supply portion 111A may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.
The sensor portion 112A acquires various types of information relating to the inhalation device 100A. As an example, the sensor portion 112A is configured by a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor or a temperature sensor, etc., and acquires values associated with inhalation by a user. As another example, the sensor portion 112 is configured by an input device, such as a button or switch, for accepting input of information from the user.
The notification portion 113A notifies the user of information. The notification portion 113 is configured by a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibrating device that vibrates, for example.
The memory portion 114A stores various types of information for the operation of the inhalation device 100A. The memory portion 114A is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.
The communication portion 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards that may be used include standards that employ Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near-Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), for example.
The control portion 116A functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls overall operation within the inhalation device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control portion 116A is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor, for example.
The liquid storage portion 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water, for example. The aerosol source may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug.
The liquid guiding portion 122 guides the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123, and holds the aerosol source. The liquid guiding portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting either a fibrous material such as glass fibers or a porous material such as a porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.
The heating portion 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating the aerosol. In the example shown in fig. 1, the heating portion 121A is configured as a coil wrapped around the liquid guiding portion 122. When the heating portion 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding portion 122 is heated and atomized, generating the aerosol. The heating portion 121A generates heat when supplied with electricity from the power supply portion 111A. By way of example, electricity may be supplied when the sensor portion 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and/or that predetermined information has been input. The supply of electricity may then be stopped when the sensor portion 112A detects that the user has finished inhaling and/or that predetermined information has been input.
The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.
The air flow passage 180 is a flow passage for air to be inhaled by the user. The air flow passage 180 has a tubular structure with an air inflow hole 181, which is an inlet for air into the air flow passage 180, and an air outflow hole 182, which is an outlet for air from the air flow passage 180, at the two ends thereof. Midway along the air flow passage 180, the liquid guiding portion 122 is disposed on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inflow hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outflow hole 182). Air that flows in through the air inflow hole 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating portion 121A and is transported through the flavor source 131 to the air outflow hole 182, as shown by the arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor component contained in the flavor source 131 is imparted to the aerosol.
The mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the user's mouth during inhalation. The air outflow hole 182 is disposed in the mouthpiece 124. The user holds the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth to make it possible to draw the mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity.
A configuration example of the inhalation device 100A has been described above. The inhalation device 100A is, of course, not limited to the configuration described above, and various configurations, such as those illustrated below by way of example, may be adopted.
As an example, the inhalation device 100A need not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In this case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.
As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include a plurality of types of aerosol sources. A plurality of types of aerosol generated from the plurality of types of aerosol sources may be mixed within the air flow passage 180 to cause a chemical reaction, thereby generating yet more other types of aerosol.
Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating portion 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

(2) Second configuration example

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an inhalation device. As illustrated in Fig. 2, an inhalation device 100B according to the present configuration example comprises a power source portion 111B, a sensor portion 112B, a notification portion 113B, a memory portion 114B, a communication portion 115B, a control portion 116B, a heating portion 121B, an accommodating portion 140, and a heat insulating portion 144.
The power supply portion 111B, the sensor portion 112B, the notification portion 113B, the memory portion 114B, the communication portion 115B, and the control portion 116B are each substantially identical to the corresponding component included in the inhalation device 100A according to the first configuration example.
The accommodating portion 140 has an internal space 141, and holds a stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The accommodating portion 140 has an opening 142 allowing the internal space 141 to communicate with the outside, and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the accommodating portion 140 is a cylindrical body comprising the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defines the columnar internal space 141. An air flow passage for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the accommodating portion 140. An air inflow hole, which is an inlet for air into the air flow passage, is disposed in a side surface of the inhalation device 100, for example. An air outflow hole, which is an outlet for air from the air flow passage to the internal space 141, is disposed in the bottom portion 143, for example.
The stick-type substrate 150 comprises a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. If the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may, for example, be a liquid such as water or a polyhydric alcohol, for example glycerol or propylene glycol, containing the tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or may be a solid including the tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. In a state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is being held in the accommodating portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when the user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via the air flow passage, which is not illustrated on the drawings, and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.
In the example illustrated in fig. 2, the heating portion 121B is configured in a film shape and is disposed so as to cover the outer periphery of the accommodating portion 140. Then, when the heating portion 121B generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating the aerosol.
The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating portion 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 is configured from a vacuum heat insulating material or an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.
A configuration example of the inhalation device 100B has been described above. The inhalation device 100B is, of course, not limited to the configuration described above, and various configurations, such as those illustrated below by way of example, may be adopted.
As one example, the heating portion 121B may have a blade-like form and may be disposed so as to protrude into the internal space 141 from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. In this case, the blade-like heating portion 121B is inserted into the substrate portion 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate portion 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating portion 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. Furthermore, the heating portion 121B may be configured from a combination of two or more from among a first heating portion covering the outer periphery of the accommodating portion 140, a blade-like second heating portion, and a third heating portion covering the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140.
As another example, the accommodating portion 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism such as a hinge for opening and closing part of an outer shell that forms the internal space 141. Then, by opening and closing the outer shell, the accommodating portion 140 may clamp and accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating portion 121B may be provided on the clamping part of the accommodating portion 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing the same.
Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating portion 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In this case, the inhalation device 100B comprises at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil for generating a magnetic field, instead of the heating portion 121B. A susceptor that generates heat by means of induction heating may be provided in the inhalation device 100B, or may be contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150.
Furthermore, the inhalation device 100B may additionally include the heating portion 121A, the liquid guiding portion 122, the liquid storage portion 123 and the air flow passage 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow passage 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol generated by the heating portion 121A and air flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating portion 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

<<2. Example of operation of inhalation device>>

2 Processing performed by inhalation device

The inhalation device 100A, etc., according to the embodiments of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "inhalation device 100" without distinction) is configured to control the heating operation using a heating profile.Is configured to control the heating operation using the heating profile.
Next, an operation example of the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Specifically, an example of the processing that can be executed by the control portion 116A, etc., (hereinafter referred to as 'control portion 116') of the inhalation device 100 will be described.An example of processing that can be executed by the first embodiment will be described. It should be noted that the processing example described below may be processing that a program causes the inhalation device 100 to execute. Furthermore, the program can be stored in the memory portion 114A, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "memory portion 114") of the inhalation device 100.In this case, the number of the first and second storage means can be

2-1 Processing example for starting P2P connection

Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for a plurality of inhalation devices to start a P2P connection. In the processing example illustrated in fig. 3, examples of the processing performed by two inhalation devices 100, 100 (inhalation device A and inhalation device B) are shown, including interactions with the users (user A and user B) of the inhalation devices. It should be noted that in fig. 3, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the inhalation device A and the inhalation device B in terms of processing, "inhalation device 100" is used in the description. Furthermore, in fig. 3, when it is not necessary to distinguish between user A and user B in terms of processing, "user" is used in the description.
In step 200 (in fig. 3, "step" is abbreviated to "S"), the inhalation device 100 senses a predetermined action by the user. The predetermined action is an action that the user of the inhalation device 100 performs on the inhalation device 100. The predetermined action is, for example, an action of the user shaking the inhalation device 100, an action of the user tracing a predetermined path or letter using the inhalation device 100, or an action of the user tapping the inhalation device 100. It should be noted that the predetermined action is not limited to these examples.
Moreover, the inhalation device 100 includes a sensor (such as a motion sensor or an acceleration sensor) for sensing movement of the inhalation device 100, and uses the sensor to sense the predetermined action on the inhalation device 100. For example, a motion sensor of the inhalation device 100 senses the action of the user shaking the inhalation device 100.
It should be noted that the predetermined action may be any action provided that the user performs the action on the inhalation device 100. For example, it may be an action of the user pressing a predetermined button, etc., provided on the inhalation device 100.
In step 201, the inhalation device 100 transitions to a P2P mode in response to the sensing of the predetermined action. The inhalation device 100 transitions to the P2P mode and starts connection processing with other inhalation devices 100. The P2P mode is a mode for executing processing to connect to another inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 transitions from another mode to the P2P mode in response to the sensing of the predetermined action.
It should be noted that the P2P mode may, for example, be a sleep mode of the inhalation device 100. That is, the sleep mode may include the P2P mode. The sleep mode is a mode in which the inhalation device 100 stops some of the functions of the inhalation device 100 in order to save power. Furthermore, the P2P mode may be a charging mode, which is a mode for charging the power supply portion 111 of the inhalation device 100, or an active mode in which many functions of the inhalation device 100 are activated, for example. That is, the charging mode or the active mode may include the P2P mode. The P2P mode is not limited to these modes, and may be included in at least one mode that the inhalation device 100 can adopt.
In step 202, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI (User Interface) indicating that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode, for example. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode by, for example, causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, the notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode by, for example, vibrating in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, if the inhalation device 100 is provided with a display serving as the notification portion 113, the notification portion 113 notifies the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode by, for example, displaying, on the display, information indicating that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode. It should be noted that any approach may be adopted for the inhalation device 100 to notify the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode.
In step 203, the inhalation device 100 starts transmitting advertising packets and scanning for advertising packets from other inhalation devices 100. The transmission and scanning of advertising packets will be described later.
In step 204, the inhalation device 100 starts a timer for aborting the processing for starting a P2P connection due to a timeout. If the timer times out, the inhalation device 100 aborts the processing for starting a P2P connection.
In step 205, the inhalation device 100 broadcasts the advertising packets to notify other inhalation devices 100 that the inhalation device 100 is in a connection waiting state. The inhalation device 100 transmits the advertising packets to notify other inhalation devices 100 that the inhalation device 100 is capable of establishing a P2P connection.
The inhalation device 100 may store information relating to the inhalation device 100 itself in the advertising packet. The inhalation device 100 may, for example, include an identifier capable of uniquely identifying the inhalation device 100 in the advertising packet. Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 may include, for example, an identifier (for example, a company ID (identification)) indicating the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100 in the advertising packet. Further, the inhalation device 100 may include, for example, information indicating an attribute of the inhalation device 100 in the advertising packet. The information indicating an attribute of the inhalation device 100 may include, for example, the device type, model number, version information, etc., of the inhalation device 100.
In step 206, the inhalation device 100 scans for advertising packets from other inhalation devices 100. The inhalation device 100, for example, receives an advertising packet from each of a plurality of other inhalation devices 100, and determines whether or not the advertising packet satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition will be described later. Moreover, in step 206, the inhalation device 100 may determine, for example, whether or not the advertising packet meets each of a plurality of predetermined conditions.
In step 207, the inhalation device 100 detects another inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) that satisfies the predetermined condition. Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 recognizes that the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) is present in the vicinity when the number of detections detected for the other inhalation device is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, a natural number equal to or greater than two.
In step 208, the inhalation device 100 (inhalation device 100 A) transmits a connection request signal to the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B), of which the number of detections is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. The inhalation device 100 transmits the connection request signal to request establishment of a P2P connection. The inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A) requests the establishment of a BLE connection, for example.
In step 209, the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) receives the connection request signal. Upon receiving the connection request signal, the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) executes processing to establish a communication connection with the inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A).
In step 210, when the establishment of the P2P connection between the inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A) and the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) has been completed, the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) transmits a connection completion signal to the inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A). It should be noted that the processing for establishing the P2P connection may include, for example, pairing processing.
In step 211, the inhalation device 100 transitions to a P2P connection mode. The P2P connection mode is a mode indicating a state in which a plurality of inhalation devices 100 have established a P2P connection with each other and are capable of transmitting and receiving data.
Inhalation devices 100 can transmit and receive predetermined data to and from other inhalation devices 100 in the P2P connection mode. The predetermined data are, for example, data relating to heating of the aerosol source. The data relating to the heating of the aerosol source comprise a heating profile, for example. The heating portion 121 of the inhalation device 100 can control a temperature change of the heating portion 121 using a heating profile. The heating profile may represent a target temperature of the heating portion 121 over time. Alternatively, if the resistance value of the heating portion 121 changes in accordance with the temperature of the heating portion 121, the heating profile may represent a target resistance value of the heating portion 121 over time. Thus, the heating profile represents the target temperature or the target resistance value of the heating portion 121 over time.
The inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure can establish a P2P connection other inhalation devices 100, and can transmit and receive data relating to heating of the aerosol source. Specifically, the inhalation device 100 is capable of transmitting and receiving heating profiles to and from other inhalation devices 100. For example, the inhalation device 100 can transmit a heating profile stored in the inhalation device 100 to another inhalation device 100. The other inhalation device 100 can receive the heating profile from the inhalation device 100 and use the heating profile to control the temperature change of the heating portion 121. Thus, in the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure, the inhalation device 100 can establish a P2P connection and can transmit and receive heating profiles.
It should be noted that the predetermined data may be any data, such as the user's usage data, provided that the data are used or stored by the inhalation device 100.
In step 212, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode). It should be noted that the completion of the establishment of the P2P connection may constitute the transition to the P2P connection mode. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI, for example, indicating that establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode). The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (the device has transitioned to the P2P mode) by, for example, causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, the notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (the device has transitioned to the P2P mode) by, for example, vibrating in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, if the inhalation device 100 is provided with a display serving as the notification portion 113, the notification portion 113 notifies the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode by, for example, displaying, on the display, information indicating that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (the device has transitioned to the P2P mode). It should be noted that any approach may be adopted for the inhalation device 100 to notify the user that the establishment of the P2P connection has been completed (the device has transitioned to the P2P mode)
It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 may abort the P2P mode or the P2P connection mode if the device transitions to a predetermined state (predetermined mode), such as the heating portion 121 being heated or the device being connected to a user terminal (not shown in the drawing), when in the P2P mode or the P2P connection mode.
As described above, the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure transmits the connection request signal when the number of detections detected for the other inhalation device 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. It should be noted that a certain period of time may be any time, e.g., 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each inhalation device 100 is configured to establish a P2P connection when the user of each inhalation device 100 performs a predetermined action. For example, if user A and user B wish to connect the inhalation device 100A and the inhalation device 100B together, then it is conceivable for user A to perform the predetermined action on the inhalation device 100A and for user B to perform the predetermined action on the inhalation device 100B at a relatively close distance (for example, approximately 1 [m]). Then, there is a high possibility that user A and user B will remain at a relatively close distance for a certain period of time until the communication connection between the inhalation device 100A and the inhalation device 100B has been completed. That is, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is a high possibility that the inhalation devices 100 to be connected to each other will be present at a relatively close distance for a certain period of time.
If the inhalation device 100 transmits the connection request signal when the number of detections detected for another inhalation device 100 is only one, for example, there is a risk that if another inhalation device 100 that is present by chance in the vicinity is in the P2P mode, the inhalation device 100 may immediately transmit the connection request signal, resulting in an unintended communication connection between the devices.
In contrast, the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure transmits the connection request signal when the number of detections detected for the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, on the assumption that the other inhalation device is in the vicinity (at a relatively close distance). Each time an advertising packet is received, the inhalation device 100 determines whether or not the advertising packet satisfies a predetermined condition, and detects the other inhalation device 100 if the predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, in order for the number of detections to be equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the inhalation device 100 must receive an advertising packet that satisfies the predetermined condition from the other inhalation device 100 at least the predetermined number of times. In order for the inhalation device 100 to receive an advertising packet that meets the predetermined condition from the other inhalation device 100 at least the predetermined number of times, the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 must be present in the vicinity of one another (at a relatively close distance) for a certain period of time. As discussed hereinabove, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is a high possibility that the inhalation devices 100 to be connected to each other will be present at a relatively close distance for a certain period of time. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the configuration is such that the connection request signal is transmitted when the number of detections detected for the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, a communication connection can be established with the desired other inhalation device 100 that has been present at a relatively close distance to the inhalation device 100 continuously for a certain period of time.
Meanwhile, the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure does not transmit a connection request signal to other inhalation devices 100 for which the number of detections is less than the predetermined number, and does not establish a communication connection with said other inhalation devices 100. Other inhalation devices 100 for which the number of detections is less than the predetermined number are other inhalation devices 100 that have not been present at a relatively close distance for a certain period of time, and are highly likely to be other inhalation devices 100 that are present in the vicinity by chance. That is, the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure can prevent establishment of a communication connection with other inhalation devices 100 that are present in the vicinity by chance. It is thus possible to provide a technique that enables desired inhalation devices according to the present disclosure to connect to one another when the inhalation devices establish a P2P connection.

2-2 Processing example for case in which start of P2P connection is not accepted

Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when at least one of a plurality of inhalation devices does not accept the start of a P2P connection. Parts of fig. 4 that differ from fig. 3 will mainly be described. In fig. 4, "step" is also abbreviated to "S".
Since step 300 in fig. 4 is the same as step 200 in fig. 3, the description thereof will be simplified.
In step 300, the inhalation device 100 senses a predetermined action by the user.
Step 301 indicates a processing block for a case in which the start of the P2P connection processing is not accepted. In step 302, the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the device is in a predetermined state (predetermined mode). In step 303, the inhalation device 100 does not accept the start of the P2P connection processing, even if the predetermined action by the user is sensed, on the basis that the device is in the predetermined state (predetermined mode).
The predetermined state (predetermined mode) is, for example, that the heating portion 121 is being heated. In step 301 to step 303, the inhalation device 100 does not accept the start of the P2P connection processing, even if the predetermined action by the user is sensed, on the basis that the heating portion 121 is being heated. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 disables the transition to the P2P connection mode, even if the predetermined action by the user is sensed, when the heating portion 121 is being heated.
Step 304 indicates another processing block for a case in which the start of the P2P connection processing is not accepted. In step 305, the inhalation device 100 senses that it is connected to a user terminal (not shown in the drawing). In step 306, the inhalation device 100 does not accept the start of the P2P connection processing, even if the predetermined action by the user is sensed, on the basis that the device is connected to a user terminal (not shown in the drawing).
The inhalation device 100 can be connected to a user terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, a personal computer, or a laptop. The inhalation device 100 does not accept the start of the P2P connection processing, even if the predetermined action by the user is sensed, when the inhalation device 100 is connected to these user terminals. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 disables the transition to the P2P connection mode, even if the predetermined action by the user is sensed, when the inhalation device 100 is connected to a user terminal.
It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 may be configured such that, when connected to a user terminal, the connection to the user terminal is temporarily disconnected instead of disabling the transition to the P2P connection mode, and the P2P connection processing with the other inhalation device 100 is started. In this case, when the predetermined action by the user is sensed, the inhalation device 100 aborts or suspends transmission and reception of data between the inhalation device 100 and the user terminal in order to temporarily disconnect the connection with the user terminal. The inhalation device 100 then temporarily disconnects the connection with the user terminal. Then, the inhalation device 100 accepts the start of the P2P connection processing with the other inhalation devices 100. The inhalation device 100 may also be configured to automatically restore the connection with the user terminal when the P2P connection with the other inhalation device 100 has been completed. In addition, the inhalation device 100 may be configured to restore the connection with the user terminal in response to a user request (a predetermined input, etc.)when the P2P connection with the other inhalation device 100 has been completed. When the connection between the inhalation device 100 and the user terminal is restored, the transmission and reception of the aborted or suspended data may be resumed.
Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 may abort the P2P mode or the P2P connection mode if the device transitions to a predetermined state (predetermined mode), such as the heating portion 121 being heated or the device being connected to a user terminal (not shown in the drawing), when in the P2P mode or the P2P connection mode.

2-3 Processing example for case in which P2P connection processing is aborted

Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing for a case in which at least one of a plurality of inhalation devices aborts the P2P connection processing. Parts of fig. 5 that differ from fig. 3 will mainly be described. In fig. 5, "step" is also abbreviated to "S".
Since step 400 to step 408 in fig. 5 are the same as step 200 to step 208 in fig. 3, the descriptions thereof will be simplified.
In step 400, the inhalation device 100 senses a predetermined action by the user.
In step 401, the inhalation device 100 transitions to the P2P mode in response to the sensing of the predetermined action. The inhalation device 100 transitions to the P2P mode and starts connection processing with other inhalation devices 100.
In step 402, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI indicating that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode, for example.
In step 403, the inhalation device 100 starts transmitting advertising packets and scanning for advertising packets from other inhalation devices 100. The transmission and scanning of advertising packets will be described later.
In step 404, the inhalation device 100 starts a timer for aborting the processing for starting a P2P connection due to a timeout. If the timer times out, the inhalation device 100 aborts the processing for starting a P2P connection.
In step 405, the inhalation device 100 broadcasts the advertising packets to notify other inhalation devices 100 that the inhalation device 100 is in a connection waiting state. The inhalation device 100 transmits the advertising packets to notify other inhalation devices 100 that the inhalation device 100 is capable of establishing a P2P connection.
In step 406, the inhalation device 100 scans for advertising packets from other inhalation devices 100. The inhalation device 100 receives an advertising packet from another inhalation device 100 and recognizes that there is another inhalation device 100 in the vicinity of the inhalation device 100 with which a P2P connection can be established.
In step 407, the inhalation device 100 detects another inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) that satisfies a predetermined condition. Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 recognizes that the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) is present in the vicinity when the number of detections detected for the other inhalation device is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, a natural number equal to or greater than two.
In step 408, the inhalation device 100 (inhalation device 100 A) transmits a connection request signal to the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B), that satisfies a predetermined condition. The inhalation device 100 transmits the connection request signal to request establishment of a P2P connection. Other inhalation devices 100 that satisfy the predetermined condition will be discussed hereinafter.
Step 409 indicates a processing block for a case in which the inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A) aborts the P2P connection processing when another inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) satisfying the predetermined condition is not found in step 408.
In step 410, the inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A) recognizes that the timer for aborting the processing for starting the P2P connection due to a timeout has timed out. The time until timeout is, for example, 120 seconds or 5 minutes. It should be noted that the time until timeout is not limited to these times, and can be set arbitrarily.
In step 411, the inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A) stops transmitting advertising packets and scanning for advertising packets from other inhalation devices 100. That is, the inhalation device 100 aborts the P2P connection processing. It should be noted that the advertising packet transmission may be continued for the purpose of connecting to a user terminal (not shown in the drawing), for example.
In step 412, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection processing has been aborted. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays, for example, a UI indicating that the P2P connection processing has been aborted. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection processing has been aborted by, for example, causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, the notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection processing has been aborted by, for example, vibrating in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, if the inhalation device 100 is provided with a display serving as the notification portion 113, the notification portion 113 notifies the user that the P2P connection processing has been aborted by, for example, displaying, on the display, information indicating that the P2P connection processing has been aborted. It should be noted that any approach may be adopted for the inhalation device 100 to notify the user that the P2P connection processing has been aborted.
Step 413 indicates another processing block for a case in which the inhalation device 100 aborts the P2P connection processing when the user performs a cancellation operation for the P2P connection processing at any time. It should be noted that the example of fig. 5 shows a processing block for a case in which the user B executes the cancellation operation for the P2P connection processing and the inhalation device 100B aborts the P2P connection processing.
In step 414, the inhalation device 100 senses the cancellation operation for the P2P connection processing, performed by the user. The cancellation operation for the P2P connection processing is an action that the user of the inhalation device 100 executes on the inhalation device 100. The action for the cancellation operation is, for example, an action of the user opening a slider of the inhalation device 100, an action of the user shaking the inhalation device 100, an action of the user tracing a predetermined path or letter using the inhalation device 100, or an action of the user tapping the inhalation device 100. It should be noted that the action for the cancellation operation is not limited to these examples.
It should be noted that the action for the cancellation operation may be any action provided that the user performs the action on the inhalation device 100. For example, it may be an action of the user pressing a predetermined button, etc., provided on the inhalation device 100.
In step 415, the inhalation device 100 (inhalation device A) stops transmitting advertising packets and scanning for advertising packets from other inhalation devices 100. That is, the inhalation device 100 aborts the P2P connection processing. It should be noted that the advertising packet transmission may be continued for the purpose of connecting to a user terminal (not shown in the drawing).
In step 416, the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection processing has been aborted. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays, for example, a UI indicating that the P2P connection processing has been aborted. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection processing has been aborted by, for example, causing an LED to emit light in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, the notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 notifies the user that the P2P connection processing has been aborted by, for example, vibrating in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, if the inhalation device 100 is provided with a display serving as the notification portion 113, the notification portion 113 notifies the user that the P2P connection processing has been aborted by, for example, displaying, on the display, information indicating that the P2P connection processing has been aborted. It should be noted that any approach may be adopted for the inhalation device 100 to notify the user that the P2P connection processing has been aborted.
It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure may abort the P2P mode or the P2P connection mode if the device transitions to a predetermined state (predetermined mode), such as the heating portion 121 being heated or the device being connected to a user terminal (not shown in the drawing), when in the P2P mode or the P2P connection mode.

2-4 Processing example for case in which inhalation device 100 executes P2P connection processing

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when P2P connection processing is executed by at least one of a plurality of inhalation devices.
In step 500, the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not a predetermined action by the user has been sensed. The inhalation device 100 uses the control portion 116 and/or the sensor portion 112, for example, to sense the predetermined action by the user. The predetermined action is, for example, an action of the user shaking the inhalation device 100, but is not limited to this. If the predetermined action has been sensed (YES in step 500), the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 601. Meanwhile, if the predetermined action has not been sensed (NO in step 500), the inhalation device 100 repeats the confirmation of step 500 at a predetermined interval, for example. The inhalation device 100 may be configured to execute processing for sensing the predetermined action by the user only when a predetermined action by the user has been sensed.
In step 501, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the device is in a predetermined state. The predetermined state is, for example, a state in which the heating portion 121 is being heated. If the device is in the predetermined state (YES in step 501), the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 502. Meanwhile, if the device is not in the predetermined state (NO in step 501), the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 503.
In step 502, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 cancels the P2P connection processing. For example, the inhalation device 100 does not accept the start of the P2P connection processing.
In step 503, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 starts the P2P connection processing. For example, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 transitions to the P2P mode in response to the sensing of a predetermined action. Moreover, the inhalation device 100 may notify the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI indicating that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode, for example.
In step 504, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not a first signal received from the other inhalation device 100 satisfies a predetermined condition. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 505 on the basis that the first signal satisfies the predetermined condition (YES in step 504). Meanwhile, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 504 on the basis that the first signal does not satisfy the predetermined condition (NO in step 504). It should be noted that the first signal is, for example, an advertising packet. Moreover, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 may confirm whether or not each of a plurality of first signals received from each of a plurality of other inhalation devices satisfies the predetermined condition. Further, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 may confirm whether or not the first signal satisfies each of a plurality of predetermined conditions. Furthermore, the cycle at which the inhalation device 100 executes step 504 can be set arbitrarily.
If the first signal includes an identifier capable of identifying the manufacturer of the other inhalation device, the predetermined condition may be that the identifier included in the first signal is a predetermined identifier indicating a predetermined manufacturer. Furthermore, if the first signal includes a first address indicating the address of the other inhalation device, the predetermined condition may be that the first address is smaller than the value of a second address indicating the address of the inhalation device itself. If the value of the second address indicating the address of the inhalation device 100 is larger than the value of the first address indicating the address of the other inhalation device 100, the inhalation device 100 may be set as central and the other inhalation device 100 may be set as peripheral in the communication connection, and the predetermined condition may also be that the reception strength of the first signal is greater than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be set on the basis of the reception strength of the first signal when the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 are at a predetermined distance. Moreover, the predetermined condition may be part or all of a plurality of conditions. Furthermore, the predetermined condition may be a combination of a plurality of conditions.
The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 continues to detect the other inhalation devices 100 that have transmitted a first signal satisfying the predetermined condition, until the number of detections of one of the other inhalation devices 100, among the plurality of other inhalation devices 100, reaches a predetermined number equal to or greater than two. When the number of detections of one of the other inhalation devices 100, among the plurality of other inhalation devices 100, reaches the predetermined number equal to or greater than two, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 ends the detection of the other inhalation device.
In step 505, on the basis that the other inhalation device 100 has been detected, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 stores predetermined information relating to the other inhalation device 100 in the memory portion 114 of the inhalation device 100. The predetermined information relating to the other inhalation device 100 is, for example, an identifier capable of uniquely identifying the other inhalation device 100, or information indicating a device attribute of the other inhalation device 100, etc. For example, an identifier capable of uniquely identifying the other inhalation device 100 is, for example, the address of the other inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 can uniquely identify the other inhalation device 100 on the basis of the address of the other inhalation device 100. Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 can identify the device attribute, type, version, etc. of the other inhalation device 100 on the basis of the information indicating the device attribute.
In step 506, for each other inhalation device 100 of which the predetermined information was saved in step 505, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 counts the number of times the other inhalation device 100 has been detected (the number of detections).
In step 507, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the number of detections counted in step 506 has reached the predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, a predetermined number equal to or greater than two, for example three. Moreover, the predetermined number is not limited to three, and may be set arbitrarily. Moreover, in step 507, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 may confirm whether or not the number of detections counted in step 506 is greater than the predetermined number.
If the number of detections of any of the other inhalation devices 100 has reached the predetermined number (YES in step 507), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 508. Meanwhile, if the number of detections has not reached the predetermined number for any of the other inhalation devices 100 (NO in step 507), the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 504.
In step 508, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 determines that the other inhalation device 100 of which the number of detections has reached the predetermined number is the inhalation device 100 to connect to. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 determines, for example, that the other inhalation device 100 of which the number of detections has reached three is the inhalation device 100 to connect to.
In step 509, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 transmits a second signal. The second signal is, for example, a connection request signal. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 transmits the connection request signal as the second signal to request establishment of a P2P connection. Moreover, when the establishment of the P2P connection between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 has been completed, the other inhalation device 100 transmits a connection completion signal to the inhalation device 100. It should be noted that the processing for establishing the P2P connection may include pairing processing.
In step 510, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the P2P connection was successful. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the connection completion signal has been received from the other inhalation device 100. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms that the P2P connection was successful upon receiving the connection completion signal from the other inhalation device 100.
If the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 has confirmed that the P2P connection was successful (YES in step 510), the processing advances to step 511. Meanwhile, if it is not possible to confirm that the P2P connection was successful within a predetermined period of time, for example, (NO in step 510), the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 502 and cancels the P2P connection processing.
In step 511, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 transitions to the P2P connection mode. The P2P connection mode is, for example, a state in which predetermined data can be transmitted and received between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100. The predetermined data are, for example, data relating to heating of the aerosol source, including a heating profile or the like. It should be noted that the predetermined data may be any data, such as the user's usage data, provided that the data are used or stored by the inhalation device 100. Moreover, the inhalation device 100 may notify the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI indicating that the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode, for example.
It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure may abort the P2P mode or the P2P connection mode if the device transitions to a predetermined state (predetermined mode), such as the heating portion 121 being heated or the device being connected to a user terminal (not shown in the drawing), when in the P2P mode or the P2P connection mode.
As described above, the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure recognizes that another inhalation device is in the vicinity when the number of detections detected for the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, and transmits the connection request signal. With a configuration in which the inhalation device 100 recognizes that another inhalation device is present in the vicinity when the number of detections detected for the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, it is possible to transmit the connection request signal to the other inhalation device 100 that has been present in the vicinity of the inhalation device 100 continuously for a certain period of time. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure can establish a communication connection with the desired other inhalation device 100. That is, it is possible to provide a technique that enables desired inhalation devices according to the present disclosure to connect to one another when the inhalation devices establish a P2P connection.
Also, as described above, the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure may detect the other inhalation device (inhalation device B) on the basis that the first signal received from the other inhalation device (inhalation device B) satisfies each of a plurality of predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions include conditions relating to the other inhalation device 100 to which the inhalation device 100 is to be connected. By confirming whether or not a plurality of predetermined conditions are satisfied, the inhalation device 100 can confirm from a plurality of viewpoints whether or not the other inhalation device 100 is the desired inhalation device to be connected to. Then, the inhalation device 100 can transmit a connection request signal to the other inhalation device 100 when each of the plurality of predetermined conditions is satisfied. That is, it is possible to provide a technique that enables desired inhalation devices according to the present disclosure to connect to one another when the inhalation devices establish a P2P connection.

2-5 (First) Other processing example for case in which inhalation device 100 executes P2P connection processing

Fig. 7A and fig. 7B are a flowcharts showing a (first) other example of processing when P2P connection processing is executed by at least one of a plurality of inhalation devices.
In step 600, the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not a predetermined action by the user has been sensed. The inhalation device 100 uses the control portion 116 and/or the sensor portion 112, for example, to sense the predetermined action by the user. The predetermined action is, for example, an action of the user shaking the inhalation device 100, but is not limited to this. If the predetermined action has been sensed (YES in step 600), the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 601. Meanwhile, if the predetermined action has not been sensed (NO in step 600), the inhalation device 100 repeats the confirmation of step 600 at a predetermined interval, for example. The inhalation device 100 may be configured to execute processing for sensing the predetermined action by the user only when a predetermined action by the user has been sensed.
In step 601, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the device is in a predetermined state. The predetermined state is, for example, a state in which the heating portion 121 is being heated or a state in which the device is connected to a user terminal. If the device is in the predetermined state (YES in step 601), the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 602. Meanwhile, if the device is not in the predetermined state (NO in step 601), the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 603.
In step 602, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 cancels the P2P connection processing. For example, the inhalation device 100 does not accept the start of the P2P connection processing.
In step 603, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 starts the P2P connection processing. Moreover, the inhalation device 100 may notify the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI indicating that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode, for example.
In step 604, the control portion of the inhalation device 100 starts a timer for aborting the processing for starting a P2P connection due to a timeout.
In step 605, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not an advertising packet has been received from another inhalation device 100. If an advertising packet has been received from another inhalation device 100 (YES in step 605) the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 606. If an advertising packet has not been received from another inhalation device 100 (NO in step 605), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 605.
In step 606, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 includes a predetermined identifier. The predetermined identifier may be an identifier (for example, a company ID) indicating the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100. For example, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 includes a predetermined company ID.
Inhalation devices 100 manufactured by a predetermined manufacturer may be configured to transmit an advertising packet including a company ID indicating the predetermined manufacturer. In this case, all inhalation devices 100 manufactured by the same manufacturer will include the same company ID in the transmitted advertising packet. Inhalation devices 100 manufactured by the same manufacturer can, for example, establish a P2P connection with each other and transmit and receive predetermined data. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 can recognize that another inhalation device 100 is capable of establishing a P2P connection with the inhalation device 100 on the basis that the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 includes the predetermined company ID. It should be noted that the identifier indicating the predetermined manufacturer is not limited to the company ID, and may be any identifier provided that the identifier is capable of identifying the predetermined manufacturer.
The predetermined identifier may equally be, for example, an identifier that indicates an attribute of the inhalation device 100. The information indicating an attribute of the inhalation device 100 may include, for example, the device type, model number, version information, etc., of the inhalation device 100. If the device type, model number, version information, etc. of the other inhalation device 100 can be recognized, it is possible to recognize whether or not a P2P connection with the inhalation device 100 is possible. That is, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 can recognize whether or not the other inhalation device 100 can establish a P2P connection with the inhalation device 100 on the basis of an identifier indicating an attribute of the other inhalation device 100 included in the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100.
The predetermined identifier may also be, for example, an identifier capable of uniquely identifying the inhalation device 100. If the inhalation device 100 can be uniquely identified, the type, model number, version information, etc. of the inhalation device can be identified. An identifier capable of uniquely identifying the inhalation device 100 is, for example, the address of the inhalation device 100, but is not limited thereto. As a result, the inhalation device 100 can recognize whether or not the other inhalation device 100 is capable of establishing a P2P connection with the inhalation device 100. That is, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 can recognize whether or not the other inhalation device 100 can establish a P2P connection with the inhalation device 100 on the basis of an identifier capable of uniquely identifying the other inhalation device 100, included in the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100.
In step 606, if the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 includes the predetermined identifier (YES in Step 606), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 607. Meanwhile, if the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 does not include the predetermined identifier, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 605.
In step 607, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the number (value) of the address of the other inhalation device 100 included in the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 is smaller than the number (value) of the address of the inhalation device 100. If the number (value) of the address of the other inhalation device 100 is smaller than the number (value) of the address of the inhalation device 100 (YES in step 607), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 608. Meanwhile, if the number (value) of the address of the other inhalation device 100 is not smaller (is larger) than the number (value) of the address of the inhalation device 100 (NO in step 607), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 605.
In the P2P connection, one of the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 is set as central (master), and the other is set as peripheral (slave). The inhalation device 100 set as central (master) transmits a connection request signal to the other inhalation device 100 set as peripheral (slave). In the P2P connection, it is necessary to determine the inhalation device 100 that will transmit the connection request signal, that is, to determine the central (master) inhalation device 100. In the present embodiment, the inhalation device 100 having the larger address number (value) is configured to become the central (master) inhalation device 100. Accordingly, in step 607, the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the address number (value) of the other inhalation device 100, included in the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100, is smaller than the address number (value) of the inhalation device 100. Then, if the address number (value) of the other inhalation device 100 is smaller than the address number (value) of the inhalation device 100, that is, if the address number (value) of the inhalation device 100 is larger than the address number (value) of the other inhalation device 100, the inhalation device 100 becomes the central (master) device.
In step 608, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the reception strength of the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 is greater than a predetermined value. If the reception strength is greater than the predetermined value (YES in step 608), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 609. Meanwhile, if the reception strength is less than the predetermined value (NO in step 608), the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 605.
The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 can recognize the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 on the basis of the reception strength of the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100. If the reception strength is large, the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 is small. Meanwhile, if the reception strength is small, the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 is large. The smaller the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100, the larger the reception strength of the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 by the inhalation device 100.
The predetermined value that the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 compares in step 608 with the reception strength of the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 can be set to any value. For example, the predetermined value may be the value of the reception strength for a case in which the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 is a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance can be set to any distance, for example, 50 [cm] or 1 [m]. For example, if the reception strength when the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 is 1 [m] is set as the predetermined value, in step 608 the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 can recognize whether or not the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 is within 1 [m].
In step 609, on the basis that the other inhalation device 100 has been detected, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 stores predetermined information relating to the other inhalation device 100 in the memory portion 114 of the inhalation device 100. The predetermined information relating to the other inhalation device 100 is, for example, information relating to the other inhalation device 100 included in the advertising packet, which is a first signal. The predetermined information relating to the other inhalation device 100 is, for example, an identifier capable of uniquely identifying the other inhalation device 100, or information indicating a device attribute of the other inhalation device 100, etc. It should be noted that the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 may temporarily store the predetermined information relating to the other inhalation device 100 in the memory portion 114 of the inhalation device 100. The predetermined information temporarily stored in the memory portion 114 may be deleted, for example, when the device transitions to the P2P connection mode in step 615, discussed hereinafter, or when the P2P connection processing is canceled in step 602. It should be noted that the timing at which the predetermined information temporarily stored in the memory portion 114 is deleted is not limited to these examples. Any timing may be adopted, such as in step 612, discussed hereinafter, in which the inhalation device 100 to be connected to is determined.
In step 610, for each other inhalation device 100 of which the predetermined information was saved in step 609, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 counts the number of times the other inhalation device 100 has been detected (the number of detections). More specifically, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 increments the number of detections stored for each other inhalation device 100 of which the predetermined information was saved in step 609. For example, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 increments the number of detections from "0" to "1" for other inhalation devices 100 of which the predetermined information was saved for the first time in step 609. Further, in step 610 the control section 116 of the inhalation device 100 increments the number of detections from "1" to "2", for example, if the predetermined information has already been stored once.
In step 611, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the number of detections counted in step 610 has reached the predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, three. Moreover, the predetermined number is not limited to three, and may be set arbitrarily. Moreover, in step 611, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 may confirm whether or not the number of detections counted in step 610 is greater than the predetermined number.
If the number of detections of any of the other inhalation devices 100 has reached the predetermined number (YES in step 611), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 612. Meanwhile, if the number of detections has not reached the predetermined number for any of the other inhalation devices 100 (NO in step 611), the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 605.
In step 612, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 determines that the other inhalation device 100 of which the number of detections has reached the predetermined number is the inhalation device 100 to connect to. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 determines, for example, that the other inhalation device 100 of which the number of detections has reached three is the inhalation device 100 to connect to.
In step 613, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 transmits a connection request signal. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 transmits the connection request signal to request establishment of a P2P connection. Moreover, when the establishment of the P2P connection between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 has been completed, the other inhalation device 100 transmits a connection completion signal to the inhalation device 100. It should be noted that the processing for establishing the P2P connection may include pairing processing.
In step 614, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the P2P connection was successful. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the connection completion signal has been received from the other inhalation device 100. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms that the P2P connection was successful upon receiving the connection completion signal from the other inhalation device 100.
If the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 has confirmed that the P2P connection was successful (YES in step 614), the processing advances to step 615. Meanwhile, if it is not possible to confirm that the P2P connection was successful within the time period of the timer started in step 604, for example, (NO in step 614), the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 602 and cancels the P2P connection processing.
In step 615, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 transitions to the P2P connection mode. The P2P connection mode is, for example, a state in which predetermined data can be transmitted and received between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100. The predetermined data are, for example, data relating to heating of the aerosol source, including a heating profile or the like. It should be noted that the predetermined data may be any data, such as the user's usage data, provided that the data are used or stored by the inhalation device 100. Moreover, the inhalation device 100 may notify the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UIindicating that the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode, for example.
It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure may abort the P2P mode or the P2P connection mode if the device transitions to a predetermined state (predetermined mode), such as the heating portion 121 being heated or the device being connected to a user terminal (not shown in the drawing), when in the P2P mode or the P2P connection mode.
As described above, the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure recognizes that another inhalation device is in the vicinity when the number of detections detected for the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, and transmits the connection request signal, as in step 610 to step 613. With a configuration in which the inhalation device 100 recognizes that another inhalation device is present in the vicinity when the number of detections detected for the other inhalation device 100 (inhalation device B) is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, it is possible to transmit the connection request signal to the other inhalation device 100 that has been present in the vicinity of the inhalation device 100 continuously for a certain period of time. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure can establish a communication connection with the desired other inhalation device 100. That is, it is possible to provide a technique that enables desired inhalation devices according to the present disclosure to connect to one another when the inhalation devices establish a P2P connection.
Furthermore, with the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure, as in step 606 to step 608, the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure may detect the other inhalation device (inhalation device B) on the basis that the first signal received from the other inhalation device (inhalation device B) satisfies each of a plurality of predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions include conditions relating to the other inhalation device 100 to which the inhalation device 100 is to be connected. By confirming whether or not a plurality of predetermined conditions are satisfied, the inhalation device 100 can confirm from a plurality of viewpoints whether or not the other inhalation device 100 is the desired inhalation device to be connected to. Then, the inhalation device 100 can transmit a connection request signal to the other inhalation device 100 when each of the plurality of predetermined conditions is satisfied. That is, it is possible to provide a technique that enables desired inhalation devices according to the present disclosure to connect to one another when the inhalation devices establish a P2P connection.

2-6 (Second) Other processing example for case in which inhalation device 100 executes P2P connection processing

Fig. 8A and fig. 8B are a flowcharts showing a (second) other example of processing when P2P connection processing is executed by at least one of a plurality of inhalation devices.
In step 700, the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not a predetermined action by the user has been sensed. The inhalation device 100 uses the control portion 116 and/or the sensor portion 112, for example, to sense the predetermined action by the user. The predetermined action is, for example, an action of the user shaking the inhalation device 100, but is not limited to this. If the predetermined action has been sensed (YES in step 700), the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 601. Meanwhile, if the predetermined action has not been sensed (NO in step 700), the inhalation device 100 repeats the confirmation of step 700 at a predetermined interval, for example. The inhalation device 100 may be configured to execute processing for sensing the predetermined action by the user only when a predetermined action by the user has been sensed.
In step 701, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the device is in a predetermined state. The predetermined state is, for example, a state in which the heating portion 121 is being heated or a state in which the device is connected to a user terminal. If the device is in the predetermined state (YES in step 701), the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 702. Meanwhile, if the device is not in the predetermined state (NO in step 701), the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 703.
In step 702, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 cancels the P2P connection processing. For example, the inhalation device 100 does not accept the start of the P2P connection processing.
In step 703, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 starts the P2P connection processing. Moreover, the inhalation device 100 may notify the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI indicating that the device has transitioned to the P2P mode, for example.
In step 704, the control portion of the inhalation device 100 starts a timer for aborting the processing for starting a P2P connection due to a timeout.
In step 705, the controller 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the inhalation device 100 holds predetermined data. The predetermined data are, for example, data relating to heating of the aerosol source, including a heating profile or the like. It should be noted that the predetermined data may be any data, such as the user's usage data, provided that the data are used or stored by the inhalation device 100. If the inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data (YES in step 705, the processing advances to step 706. Meanwhile, if the inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data (NO in step 705), the processing advances to step 707.
In step 706, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 adds information indicating that the predetermined data are held to the advertising packet to be transmitted to the other inhalation devices 100, and transmits the advertising packet to the other inhalation devices 100. For example, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 stores, in a predetermined region of the advertising packet to be transmitted to the other inhalation devices 100, information indicating that the predetermined data are held. The predetermined region is a region for storing a flag (predetermined information) indicating whether or not the predetermined data are held. If the information "1" is stored in the predetermined region, this indicates that the inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data. Meanwhile, if information other than "1" (for example the information "0") is stored in the predetermined region, this indicates that the inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data. In step 706, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 stores the information "1" in the predetermined region of the advertising packet to be transmitted to the other inhalation devices 100. The inhalation device 100 adds the information indicating that the inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data to the advertising packet, and can therefore notify the other inhalation devices 100 that the inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data. For example, if the information "1" is stored in the predetermined region of an advertising packet received by another inhalation device 100, the other inhalation device 100 can determine that the inhalation device 100 that transmitted the advertising packet holds the predetermined data.
In step 707, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 transmits the advertising packet to the other inhalation devices 100 without adding information indicating that the predetermined data are held to the advertising packet to be transmitted to the other inhalation devices 100. For example, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 does not store in the predetermined region of the advertising packet to be transmitted to the other inhalation devices 100 information indicating that the predetermined data are held. For example, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 does not store the information "1" in the predetermined region of the advertising packet to be transmitted to the other inhalation devices 100. In this way, by not adding information indicating that the predetermined data are held (for example, the information "1") to the predetermined region of the advertising packet to be transmitted to the other inhalation devices 100, the control portion of the inhalation device 100 can notify the other inhalation devices 100 that the inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data. In this case, the predetermined region of the advertising packet may store no information, or may store information other than information (for example, the information "1") indicating that the predetermined data are held. For example, if the information "1" is not stored in the predetermined region of the received advertising packet, the other inhalation device 100 can determine that the inhalation device 100 that transmitted the advertising packet does not hold predetermined data.
In step 707, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 may add information indicating that the inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data to the advertising packet to be transmitted to the other inhalation devices 100. For example, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 stores, in the predetermined region of the advertising packet to be transmitted to the other inhalation devices 100, the information "0" indicating that the predetermined data are not held. The inhalation device 100 adds the information indicating that the inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data to the advertising packet, and can therefore notify the other inhalation devices 100 that the inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data. For example, if the information "0" is stored in the predetermined region of the received advertising packet, the other inhalation device 100 can determine that the inhalation device 100 that transmitted the advertising packet does not hold predetermined data.
In step 708, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not an advertising packet has been received from another inhalation device 100. If an advertising packet has been received from another inhalation device 100 (YES in step 708) the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 709. If an advertising packet has not been received from another inhalation device 100 (NO in step 708), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 708.
In step 709, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 includes a predetermined identifier. The predetermined identifier may be an identifier (for example, a company ID) indicating the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100. For example, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 includes a predetermined company ID.
In step 710, the controller 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the inhalation device 100 holds predetermined data. For example, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not predetermined data are stored in a memory or the like of the inhalation device 100. If the inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data (YES in step 710), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 712. If the inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data (NO in step 710), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 711.
In step 711, the controller 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the other inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data. If the other inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data (YES in step 711), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 712. For example, if the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 includes information indicating that the predetermined data are held, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 determines that the other inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data. For example, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 determines that the other inhalation device 100 holds predetermined data if the predetermined region of the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 includes the information "1". Meanwhile, if the other inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data (NO in step 711), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 708. For example, if the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 includes information indicating that the predetermined data are not held, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 determines that the other inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data. For example, if the predetermined region of the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 includes the information "0", the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 determines that the other inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data. It should be noted that the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 may determine that the other inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data if the predetermined region of the advertising packet to be transmitted to the other inhalation device 100 does not include information (the information "1", for example) indicating that the predetermined data are held. In this case, the predetermined region of the advertising packet may store no information, or may store information other than information (for example, the information "1") indicating that the predetermined data are held.
If, in step 710 or step 711, at least one of the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to the next step (step 712) of the connection processing with the other inhalation device 100. Meanwhile, if, in step 710 and step 711, neither the inhalation device 100 nor the other inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 708, and does not advance the processing to the next step (step 712). Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can permit a P2P connection with the other inhalation device 100 if either the inhalation device 100 or the other inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data. In other words, since the inhalation device 100 does not permit a P2P connection with the other inhalation device 100 if neither the inhalation device 100 nor the other inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary P2P connection from being established.
It should be noted that in fig. 8A and 8B, the order of step 710 and step 711 may be reversed. That is, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 may confirm whether or not the other inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data, and if the other inhalation device 100 does not hold the predetermined data, confirm whether or not the inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data.
In step 712, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the number (value) of the address of the other inhalation device 100 included in the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 is smaller than the number (value) of the address of the inhalation device 100. If the number (value) of the address of the other inhalation device 100 is smaller than the number (value) of the address of the inhalation device 100 (YES in step 712), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 713. Meanwhile, if the number (value) of the address of the other inhalation device 100 is not smaller (is larger) than the number (value) of the address of the inhalation device100 (NO in step 712), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 708.
In the P2P connection, one of the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 is set as central (master), and the other is set as peripheral (slave). The inhalation device 100 set as central (master) transmits a connection request signal to the other inhalation device 100 set as peripheral (slave). In the P2P connection, it is necessary to determine the inhalation device 100 that will transmit the connection request signal, that is, to determine the central (master) inhalation device 100. In the present embodiment, the inhalation device 100 having the larger address number (value) is configured to become the central (master) inhalation device 100. Accordingly, in step 712, the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the address number (value) of the other inhalation device 100, included in the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100, is smaller than the address number (value) of the inhalation device 100. Then, if the address number (value) of the other inhalation device 100 is smaller than the address number (value) of the inhalation device 100, that is, if the address number (value) of the inhalation device 100 is larger than the address number (value) of the other inhalation device 100, the inhalation device 100 becomes the central (master) device.
In step 713, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the reception strength of the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 is greater than a predetermined value. If the reception strength is greater than the predetermined value (YES in step 713), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 714. Meanwhile, if the reception strength is less than the predetermined value (NO in step 713), the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 708.
The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 can recognize the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 on the basis of the reception strength of the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100. If the reception strength is large, the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 is small. Meanwhile, if the reception strength is small, the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 is large. The smaller the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100, the larger the reception strength of the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 by the inhalation device 100.
The predetermined value that the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 compares in step 713 with the reception strength of the advertising packet received from the other inhalation device 100 can be set to any value. For example, the predetermined value may be the value of the reception strength for a case in which the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 is a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance can be set to any distance, for example, 50 [cm] or 1 [m]. For example, if the reception strength when the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 is 1 [m] is set as the predetermined value, in step 713 the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 can recognize whether or not the distance between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 is within 1 [m].
In step 714, on the basis that the other inhalation device 100 has been detected, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 stores predetermined information relating to the other inhalation device 100 in the memory portion 114 of the inhalation device 100. The predetermined information relating to the other inhalation device 100 is, for example, information relating to the other inhalation device 100 included in the advertising packet, which is a first signal. The predetermined information relating to the other inhalation device 100 is, for example, an identifier capable of uniquely identifying the other inhalation device 100, or information indicating a device attribute of the other inhalation device 100, etc. It should be noted that the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 may temporarily store the predetermined information relating to the other inhalation device 100 in the memory portion 114 of the inhalation device 100. The predetermined information temporarily stored in the memory portion 114 may be deleted, for example, when the device transitions to the P2P connection mode in step 720, discussed hereinafter, or when the P2P connection processing is canceled in step 702. It should be noted that the timing at which the predetermined information temporarily stored in the memory portion 114 is deleted is not limited to these examples. Any timing may be adopted, such as in step 717, discussed hereinafter, in which the inhalation device 100 to be connected to is determined.
In step 715, for each other inhalation device 100 of which the predetermined information was saved in step 714, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 counts the number of times the other inhalation device 100 has been detected (the number of detections). More specifically, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 increments the number of detections stored for each other inhalation device 100 of which the predetermined information was saved in step 714. For example, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 increments the number of detections from "0" to "1" for other inhalation devices 100 of which the predetermined information was saved for the first time in step 714. Further, the control section 116 of the inhalation device 100 increments the number of detections from "1" to "2", for example, if the predetermined information has already been stored once in step 714.
In step 716, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the number of detections counted in step 715 has reached the predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, three. Moreover, the predetermined number is not limited to three, and may be set arbitrarily. Moreover, in step 716, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 may confirm whether or not the number of detections counted in step 715 is greater than the predetermined number.
If the number of detections of any of the other inhalation devices 100 has reached the predetermined number (YES in step 716), the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 717. Meanwhile, if the number of detections has not reached the predetermined number for any of the other inhalation devices 100 (NO in step 716), the inhalation device 100 returns the processing to step 708.
In step 717, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 determines that the other inhalation device 100 of which the number of detections has reached the predetermined number is the inhalation device 100 to connect to. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 determines, for example, that the other inhalation device 100 of which the number of detections has reached three is the inhalation device 100 to connect to.
In step 718, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 transmits a connection request signal. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 transmits the connection request signal to request establishment of a P2P connection. Moreover, when the establishment of the P2P connection between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 has been completed, the other inhalation device 100 transmits a connection completion signal to the inhalation device 100. It should be noted that the processing for establishing the P2P connection may include pairing processing.
In step 719, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the P2P connection was successful. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms whether or not the connection completion signal has been received from the other inhalation device 100. The control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 confirms that the P2P connection was successful upon receiving the connection completion signal from the other inhalation device 100.
If the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 has confirmed that the P2P connection was successful (YES in step 719), the processing advances to step 720. Meanwhile, if it is not possible to confirm that the P2P connection was successful within the time period of the timer started in step 704, for example, (NO in step 719), the inhalation device 100 advances the processing to step 702 and cancels the P2P connection processing.
In step 720, the control portion 116 of the inhalation device 100 transitions to the P2P connection mode. The P2P connection mode is, for example, a state in which predetermined data can be transmitted and received between the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100. The predetermined data are, for example, data relating to heating of the aerosol source, including a heating profile or the like. It should be noted that the predetermined data may be any data, such as the user's usage data, provided that the data are used or stored by the inhalation device 100. Moreover, the inhalation device 100 may notify the user that the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode. The notification portion 113 of the inhalation device 100 displays a UI indicating that the device has transitioned to the P2P connection mode, for example.
It should be noted that the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure may abort the P2P mode or the P2P connection mode if the device transitions to a predetermined state (predetermined mode), such as the heating portion 121 being heated or the device being connected to a user terminal (not shown in the drawing), when in the P2P mode or the P2P connection mode.
As described above, the inhalation device 100 of the present disclosure advances the processing to the next step of the connection processing with the other inhalation device 100 if at least one of the inhalation device 100 and the other inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data, as in step 710 or step 711. Meanwhile, the inhalation device 100 does not advance the processing to the next step of the connection processing with the other inhalation device 100 if neither the inhalation device 100 nor the other inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data in step 710 or step 711. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can permit a P2P connection with the other inhalation device 100 if either the inhalation device 100 or the other inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data. In other words, since the inhalation device 100 does not permit a P2P connection with the other inhalation device 100 if neither the inhalation device 100 nor the other inhalation device 100 holds the predetermined data, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary P2P connection from being established.
Embodiments of the inhalation device power supply unit, control method and control program according to the present disclosure were described above with reference to the drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art will be able to conceive of various variant examples or modified examples within the scope set forth in the claims, and any such variant examples or modified examples are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
For example, specific numerical values described in the embodiments discussed hereinabove are merely examples and are not limiting.
Furthermore, the control method described in the embodiments discussed hereinabove can be realized by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer (processor). The program is stored on a computer-readable storage medium, and is executed by being read out from the storage medium. The program may also be provided in a form stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided over a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, the computer executing the program may be, for example, included in the inhalation device 100 (e.g., the CPU of the inhalation device 100), but this is not limiting, and the computer may also be included in another device (e.g., a smartphone or server) capable of communicating with the inhalation device 100.
The present specification, etc. describes at least the following features. Corresponding components, etc. in the embodiments described above are shown by way of example in parentheses, but there is no limitation to such components.

[Feature 1]

A method for controlling a power supply unit of an inhalation device capable of heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the method comprising:

a detection step for detecting another inhalation device on the basis that a first signal received from the other inhalation device satisfies a predetermined condition;
a transmission step for transmitting a second signal to the other inhalation device requesting establishment of a communication connection when the number of times that the other inhalation device has been detected reaches a predetermined number equal to or greater than two;
a determination step for determining that a communication connection with the other inhalation device has been successful on the basis that a response signal to the second signal has been received from the other inhalation device; and
a transition step for transitioning to a state in which predetermined data relating to heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received, on the basis of the determination that the communication connection has been successful.

[Feature 2]

The control method as disclosed in feature 1, wherein, in the detection step, it is determined whether or not each of a plurality of first signals received from each of a plurality of other inhalation devices satisfies a predetermined condition, and another inhalation device that has transmitted a first signal satisfying the predetermined condition, among the plurality of other inhalation devices, is detected.

[Feature 3]

The control method as disclosed in feature 2, wherein, in the detection step, detection of the other inhalation devices continues until there is an inhalation device, among the plurality of other inhalation devices, for which the number of detections has reached the predetermined number.

Feature 4

The control method as disclosed in feature 2 or 3, wherein, in the detection step, detection of the other inhalation devices ends when there is an inhalation device, among the plurality of other inhalation devices, for which the number of detections has reached the predetermined number.

Feature 5

The control method as disclosed in any one of features 1 to 4, further comprising a storage step for storing the number of detections of the other inhalation devices when the other inhalation devices have been detected in the detection step, wherein
in the storage step, the number of detections is stored for each of the plurality of other inhalation devices.

Feature 6

The control method as disclosed in feature 5, wherein, in the storage step, information included in the first signal and related to the detected other inhalation devices is stored, and in the transmission step, the second signal is transmitted to the other inhalation device on the basis of the stored information relating to the other inhalation device.

Feature 7

The control method as disclosed in any one of features 1 to 6, further comprising a determination step for determining, on the basis that the number of detections of the other inhalation device has reached the predetermined number equal to or greater than two, that said other inhalation device is the inhalation device to be connected to.

Feature 8

The control method as disclosed in any one of features 1 to 7, further comprising a reception step for starting to scan for the first signals from the other inhalation devices on the basis that a predetermined action of a user has been sensed, wherein,
in the reception step, the scanning is not started during heating of the aerosol source even if the predetermined action of the user is sensed.

Feature 9

The control method as disclosed in any one of features 1 to 8, further comprising a reception step for starting to scan for the first signals from the other inhalation devices on the basis that a predetermined action of a user has been sensed, wherein,
in the reception step, the scanning is not started if a user terminal of the user of the inhalation device is communicatively connected to the inhalation device, even if the predetermined action of the user is sensed.

Feature 10

The control method as disclosed in any one of features 1 to 9, wherein: the first signal is an advertising packet;

the second signal is a connection request signal;
the other inhalation devices are detected on the basis that the advertising packet received from each other inhalation device satisfies a predetermined condition; and
in the transmission step, the connection request signal is transmitted to the other inhalation device, among the plurality of other inhalation devices, for which the number of detections has reached the predetermined number.

Feature 11

The control method as disclosed in any one of features 1 to 10, further comprising a confirmation step for confirming whether or not at least one of the inhalation device and the other inhalation device holds the predetermined data, wherein,
in the detection step, if at least one of the inhalation device and the other inhalation device holds the predetermined data, the other inhalation device is detected on the basis that the first signal received from the other inhalation device satisfies the predetermined condition.

Feature 12

A power supply unit of an inhalation device capable of heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the power supply unit including

a communication portion that receives a first signal from another inhalation device, and
a control portion that detects the other inhalation device on the basis that the received first signal satisfies a predetermined condition, wherein:
- the communication portion
- transmits a second signal to the other inhalation device requesting establishment of a communication connection when the number of times that the other inhalation device has been detected reaches a predetermined number equal to or greater than two; and
  the control portion
- determines that a communication connection with the other inhalation device has been successful on the basis that a response signal to the second signal has been received from the other inhalation device, and
- transitions to a state in which predetermined data can be transmitted and received, on the basis of the determination that the communication connection has been successful.

Feature 13

A program for causing a computer to perform predetermined processing to control a power supply unit of an inhalation device capable of heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the program causing the computer to execute:

a detection step for detecting another inhalation device on the basis that a first signal received from the other inhalation device satisfies a predetermined condition;
a transmission step for transmitting a second signal to the other inhalation device requesting establishment of a communication connection when the number of times that the other inhalation device has been detected reaches a predetermined number equal to or greater than two;
a determination step for determining that a communication connection with the other inhalation device has been successful on the basis that a response signal to the second signal has been received from the other inhalation device; and
a transition step for transitioning to a state in which predetermined data can be transmitted and received, on the basis of the determination that the communication connection has been successful.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

100 inhalation device
110 power supply unit, 111 power supply portion (power supply), 112 sensor portion
113 notification portion, 114 memory portion, 115 communication portion
116 control portion (computer)
120 cartridge, 121 heating portion, 122 liquid guiding portion, 123 liquid storage portion
124 mouthpiece
130 flavoring cartridge, 131 flavor source
140 accommodating portion, 141 interior space, 142 opening, 143 bottom portion
150 stick-shaped substrate, 151 substrate portion, 152 mouthpiece portion
180 air flow passage

Claims

A method for controlling a power supply unit of an inhalation device capable of heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the method comprising:
a detection step for detecting another inhalation device on the basis that a first signal received from the other inhalation device satisfies a predetermined condition;

a transmission step for transmitting a second signal to the other inhalation device requesting establishment of a communication connection when the number of times that the other inhalation device has been detected reaches a predetermined number equal to or greater than two;

a determination step for determining that a communication connection with the other inhalation device has been successful on the basis that a response signal to the second signal has been received from the other inhalation device; and

a transition step for transitioning to a state in which predetermined data relating to heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received, on the basis of the determination that the communication connection has been successful.
The control method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the detection step, it is determined whether or not each of a plurality of first signals received from each of a plurality of other inhalation devices satisfies a predetermined condition, and another inhalation device that has transmitted a first signal satisfying the predetermined condition, among the plurality of other inhalation devices, is detected.
The control method as claimed in claim 2, wherein, in the detection step, detection of the other inhalation devices continues until there is an inhalation device, among the plurality of other inhalation devices, for which the number of detections has reached the predetermined number.
The control method as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein, in the detection step,
detection of the other inhalation devices ends when there is an inhalation device, among the plurality of other inhalation devices, for which the number of detections has reached the predetermined number.
The control method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a storage step for storing the number of detections of the other inhalation devices when the other inhalation devices have been detected in the detection step, wherein
in the storage step, the number of detections is stored for each of the plurality of other inhalation devices.
The control method as claimed in claim 5, wherein, in the storage step, information included in the first signal and related to the detected other inhalation devices is stored, and
in the transmission step, the second signal is transmitted to the other inhalation device on the basis of the stored information relating to the other inhalation device.
The control method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a determination step for determining, on the basis that the number of detections of the other inhalation device has reached the predetermined number equal to or greater than two, that said other inhalation device is the inhalation device to be connected to.
The control method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a reception step for starting to scan for the first signals from the other inhalation devices on the basis that a predetermined action of a user has been sensed, wherein,
in the reception step, the scanning is not started during heating of the aerosol source even if the predetermined action of the user is sensed.
The control method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a reception step for starting to scan for the first signal from the other inhalation devices on the basis that a predetermined action of a user has been sensed, wherein,
in the reception step, the scanning is not started if a user terminal of the user of the inhalation device is communicatively connected to the inhalation device, even if the predetermined action of the user is sensed.
The control method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: the first signal is an advertising packet;
the second signal is a connection request signal;

the other inhalation devices are detected on the basis that the advertising packet received from each other inhalation device satisfies a predetermined condition; and

in the transmission step, the connection request signal is transmitted to the other inhalation device, among the plurality of other inhalation devices, for which the number of detections has reached the predetermined number.
The control method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a confirmation step for confirming whether or not at least one of the inhalation device and the other inhalation device holds the predetermined data, wherein,
in the detection step, if at least one of the inhalation device and the other inhalation device holds the predetermined data, the other inhalation device is detected on the basis that the first signal received from the other inhalation device satisfies the predetermined condition.
A power supply unit of an inhalation device capable of heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the power supply unit including
a communication portion that receives a first signal from another inhalation device, and

a control portion that detects the other inhalation device on the basis that the received first signal satisfies a predetermined condition, wherein:
the communication portion

transmits a second signal to the other inhalation device requesting establishment of a communication connection when the number of times that the other inhalation device has been detected reaches a predetermined number equal to or greater than two; and
the control portion

determines that a communication connection with the other inhalation device has been successful on the basis that a response signal to the second signal has been received from the other inhalation device, and

transitions to a state in which predetermined data relating to heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received, on the basis of the determination that the communication connection has been successful.
A program for causing a computer to perform predetermined processing to control a power supply unit of an inhalation device capable of heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the program causing the computer to execute:
a detection step for detecting another inhalation device on the basis that a first signal received from the other inhalation device satisfies a predetermined condition;

a transmission step for transmitting a second signal to the other inhalation device requesting establishment of a communication connection when the number of times that the other inhalation device has been detected reaches a predetermined number equal to or greater than two;

a determination step for determining that a communication connection with the other inhalation device has been successful on the basis that a response signal to the second signal has been received from the other inhalation device; and

a transition step for transitioning to a state in which predetermined data relating to heating of the aerosol source can be transmitted and received, on the basis of the determination that the communication connection has been successful.