RU2782818C1 - Control device, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: control devices.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a control device, a control method and a program. The control device for controlling the inhalation device comprises a detection means that detects the user's action and a heater that heats the substrate to thereby form a material to be inhaled by the user. At the same time, the control device contains a controller that controls the heater based on the user's action detected by the detection means. The controller activates the heater in the first heating state in response to detection by the detection means of the first user action, and activates the heater in the second heating state different from the first heating state in response to detection by the detection means of the second user action different from the first user action, while the heater is driven in the first heating state. Performing the first user action is to perform the predefined user action continuously for a first duration, and performing the second user action is to perform the predefined user action continuously for a second duration that is longer than the first duration.

EFFECT: providing a mechanism by which the usability of the inhaler can be improved.

14 cl, 8 dwg

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

[0001]

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

State of the art invention

[0002]

Inhalation devices such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers that form material for inhalation by users have found wide application. For example, the inhaler device uses an aerosol source to generate an aerosol and a substrate including a flavor source to add a flavor component to the generated aerosol to produce an aerosol to which the flavor component has been added. When the user inhales the aerosol generated by the inhaler device and to which an aromatic component is added, the user can enjoy the aroma.

[0003]

Recently, various methods have been developed regarding inhalation devices. For example, Patent Document 1 in the list below discloses an inhalation device in which the heater is first turned on when a user's action is detected, and the delivery device is turned on with a delay of a few seconds.

Bibliography

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1: JP 2019-513354A

The essence of the invention

Technical task

[0005]

With the method described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, a plurality of processes are staged in response to a single user action. However, for example, it is difficult to interrupt a process while a plurality of processes are in progress, and there are opportunities to improve usability.

[0006]

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described object, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a system for achieving further improvement in the usability of an inhalation device.

The solution of the problem

[0007]

In order to solve the above problem, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control device for controlling an inhalation device, including a detection means that detects an operation of a user, and a heater that heats a substrate to thereby form a material for inhalation by the user, wherein the control device includes a controller that controls the heater based on the operation of the user detected by the detection means, whereby the controller drives the heater in the first heating state in response to detection by the detection means of the first operation of the user and drives the heater in the second heating state different from the first heating state, in response to the detection means detecting a second user action different from the first user action while the heater is being operated in the first heating state.

[0008]

The first heating state may be a state in which the upper limit temperature of the heater is lower than the upper limit temperature of the heater in the second heating state.

[0009]

The amount of material that is intended to be inhaled by the user, and which is generated due to the heating of the substrate heater at the upper limit temperature of the heater in the first heating state, may be less than the amount of material that is intended to be inhaled by the user, and which is generated due to the heating of the substrate heater at the upper limit temperature. temperature of the heater in the second heating state.

[0010]

The temperature increase rate of the heater in the first heating state and the temperature increase rate of the heater in the second heating state may be equal to each other.

[0011]

The first heating state may be a state in which the temperature increase rate of the heater is lower than the temperature increase rate of the heater in the second heating state.

[0012]

Performing the first user action may be to perform a predefined user action continuously for a first duration, and performing a second user action may be to perform a predefined user action continuously for a second duration longer than the first duration.

[0013]

The first heating state may be a state in which heating is performed when a predetermined user action is continuously performed.

[0014]

When the preset user action is no longer detected after the duration for which the preset user action is continuously performed reaches the first duration, and before the duration reaches the second duration, the controller may stop heating by the heater that operates in the first heating state. .

[0015]

The second heating state may be a state in which heating is performed in the absence of a continuously performed predetermined user action.

[0016]

The controller may stop heating with the heater when the duration for which the user's predetermined action is continuously performed reaches a third duration longer than the second duration.

[0017]

When the number of times the predetermined user action is detected reaches the predetermined number of times during the fourth time period, the controller may control the heater not to perform heating until the fifth time period has elapsed.

[0018]

The inhaler device may further include a notification device that provides information to the user, and the controller can control the notification device to provide the first information before the duration during which the user's predetermined action is continuously performed reaches the first duration.

[0019]

The inhaler device may further include a notification device that provides information to the user, and the controller can control the notification device to provide second information upon detecting a second user action.

[0020]

Performing the first user action may be to perform a predefined user action, and performing the second user action may be to perform a predefined user action continuously for a second duration.

[0021]

In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for controlling an inhalation device including a detection means that detects an operation of a user and a heater that heats a substrate to thereby form a material for inhalation by the user, when this control method is to control the heater based on the user's action detected by the detection means, and the control of the heater includes actuating the heater in the first heating state in response to detection by the detection means of the first user action and actuating the heater in the second heating state, different from the first heating state, in response to the detecting means detecting a second user action different from the first user action at the time the heater is operated in the first heating state.

[0022]

In order to solve the above problem, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for assigning to a computer, namely, a computer operating an inhalation device, including a detection means that detects a user's action, and a heater that heats a substrate to thereby to form material for inhalation by the user, set to act as a controller that controls the heater based on the user's operation detected by the detection means, whereby the controller drives the heater in the first heating state in response to detection by the detection of the user's first operation, and drives the heater in a second heating state different from the first heating state, in response to detection by the detection means of a second user action different from the first user action at the time when the heater is actuated in the first state heating.

Useful effects of the invention

[0023]

As described above, in accordance with the present invention, a system is provided for further improving the usability of an inhalation device.

Brief description of the drawings

[0024]

[Fig. 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary configuration of the inhaler device according to the first embodiment.

[Fig. 2] FIG. 2 is a graph of an example of a typical heating profile.

[Fig. 3] FIG. 3 is a graph of exemplary changes in heater temperature in accordance with the present embodiment.

[Fig. 4] FIG. 4 is a graph of exemplary changes in heater temperature in accordance with the present embodiment.

[Fig. 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining the effect of reducing user waiting time obtained by the inhaler device according to the present embodiment.

[Fig. 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary process flow performed by an inhaler device according to the present embodiment.

[Fig. 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the inhaler system according to the second embodiment.

[Fig. 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary flow of a method executed by a control apparatus in accordance with the present embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[0025]

In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the description and in the drawings, structural elements having essentially the same functional configurations are assigned the same reference designations to avoid, thereby, duplicative description.

[0026]

1. First Embodiment

1.1. Exemplary Inhalation Device Configuration The inhalation device provides a material for inhalation by a user. In the example described below, the material formed by the inhaler device is an aerosol. Alternatively, the material formed by the inhaler device may be a gas.

[0027]

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of an inhaler device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an inhalation device 100 according to the present exemplary configuration includes a power source 111, a sensor 112, a notification device 113, a memory 114, a transceiver 115, a controller 116, a heater 121, a holder 140, and a heat insulator 144.

[0028]

The power source 111 stores electricity. The power supply 111 supplies power to the components of the inhalation device 100 under the control of the controller 116. The power supply 111 may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion battery.

[0029]

Sensor 112 receives various items of information related to inhalation device 100. In an example, sensor 112 may be a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor and may receive a value generated in response to the user's inhalation. In another example, sensor 112 may be an input device that receives user input, such as a button or switch.

[0030]

The notification device 113 presents information to the user. The notification device 113 may be a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, an audio output device that emits sound, or a vibration device that produces vibration.

[0031]

Memory 114 stores various items of information for operating inhaler device 100. Memory 114 may be a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

[0032]

The transceiver 115 is a communication interface capable of communicating in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Such a communication standard may be, for example, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0033]

The controller 116 performs the functions of an arithmetic processing unit and a control circuit, and controls all operations of the inhaler device 100 according to various programs. Controller 116 includes electronic circuitry, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor.

[0034]

The holder 140 includes an internal space 141 and accommodates a stick-shaped substrate 150 (hereinafter referred to as the substrate stick) partially located in the internal space 141. The holder 140 includes an opening 142 which allows the internal space 141 to communicate with the outside. Holder 140 accommodates a substrate stick 150 that is inserted into interior space 141 through opening 142. For example, holder 140 may be a tubular body containing opening 142 and button 143 at its ends, and may define a columnar interior 141. Holder 140 may also form a flow-through the channel of air to be supplied to the substrate stick 150. For example, the bottom end 143 contains an air inlet, which is the inlet of air into the flow channel. The hole 142 serves as an air outlet, which is the outlet of air from the flow channel.

[0035]

The substrate stick 150 includes a substrate 151 and an inhalation nozzle 152. The substrate 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source according to the present exemplary configuration is not limited to liquid. The source of the aerosol may be a solid. The substrate stick 150 received by the holder 140 includes a substrate 151 at least partially housed in the interior space 141 and an inhalation nozzle 152 at least partially protruding from the opening 142. When the user inhales through the inhalation nozzle 152 protruding from the holes 142 into the user's mouth, air flows into the interior 141 through an air inlet (not shown), and the air and aerosol generated from the substrate 151 enter the user's mouth.

[0036]

The heater 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. In one example shown in FIG. 1, the heater 121 is film-shaped and surrounds the outer periphery of the holder 140. As a result, the heat generated by the heater 121 heats the substrate 151 of the substrate stick 150 from the outer periphery to form an aerosol. The heater 121 generates heat when receiving electricity from the power supply 111 . In one example, electrical power may be provided in response to sensor 112 detecting the start of a user's inhalation and/or entering predetermined information. The power supply may then be turned off in response to sensor 112 detecting the end of the user's inhalation and/or entering predetermined information.

[0037]

Heat insulator 144 prevents heat transfer from heater 121 to other structural elements. For example, heat insulator 144 may be a vacuum heat insulator or an airgel heat insulator.

[0038]

An exemplary configuration of the inhaler device 100 has been described above. The inhaler device 100 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may have a variety of configurations as illustrated in the examples below.

[0039]

In one example, the heater 121 may be blade-shaped and may be positioned so that the heater 121 protrudes from the lower end 143 of the holder 140 toward the interior space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heater 121 is inserted into the substrate 151 of the substrate stick 150 and heats substrate 151 substrate stick 150 inside. In another example, heater 121 may be positioned such that heater 121 covers bottom end 143 of holder 140. In yet another example, heater 121 may be a combination of two or more examples selected from a first heater that spans the outer periphery of holder 140. , a second heater having a blade-like shape, and a third heater that covers the bottom end 143 of the holder 140.

[0040]

In another example, holder 140 may include an open/close mechanism that at least partially opens and closes a shell defining interior space 141. Examples of the open/close mechanism include a hinge. In addition, the holder 140 can clamp the substrate stick 150 inserted into the inner space 141 by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heater 121 may be in the clamping position of the holder 140 and may generate heat while compressing the substrate stick 150.

[0041]

In addition, the aerosol source spraying method is not limited to heating with the heater 121. For example, the aerosol source spraying method may be induction heating.

[0042]

- Additional description

An example of a control device is the controller 116 according to the present embodiment. Controller 116 may be included with inhaler device 100 as shown in FIG. 1, or may be provided on the outside of the inhaler device 100.

[0043]

The sensor 112 according to the present embodiment is an exemplary detection means that detects a user's action. The actuating unit may be in the form of, for example, a button, a tactile sensor, a toggle switch or a rotary switch. In the following, it is assumed that the execution unit is, for example, a button. This button is also referred to as the power button in the following. Sensor 112 detects pressing and releasing the power button. Pressing the power on button is an example of a user action for commanding the start or stop of heating by the heater 121. Releasing the power on button is the release of pressing the power on button.

[0044]

The controller 116 controls the heater 121 based on a user action detected by the sensor 112. The control of the heater 121 is to control the supply of power from the power supply 111 to the heater 121. In particular, the controller 116 causes the power supply 111 to supply electricity to the heater 121 so that the heater 121 performed heating. The controller 116 causes the power supply 111 to turn off to cut off the power supply to the heater 121 to thereby stop heating the heater 121. The controller 116 controls the amount of power supplied from the power supply 111 to the heater 121 to thereby control the temperature rise rate of the heater 121.

[0045]

1.2. Technical Features

(1) Typical heating profile

In FIG. 2 is a graph of an example of a typical heating profile. The horizontal axis of the graph 10 represents the time elapsed since heating by the heater 121 began. The vertical axis of the graph 10 represents the temperature of the heater 121. The heating profile is information that describes changes in the temperature of the heater 121. The inhalation device 100 changes the temperature of the heater 121 according to the heating profile shown in graph 10. As shown in graph 10, the heating profile is divided into three periods, namely period T11, period T12 and period T13.

[0046]

Period T11 is the period until the substrate stick 150 is ready for inhalation. The T11 period is also referred to as the first Inhalation Unready Period. During the first non-inhalation period, the inhalation device 100 raises the temperature of the heater 121 to a predetermined temperature. The preset temperature is also referred to as the target temperature in the following. The target temperature is set to such a temperature that when the substrate stick 150 is heated to the target temperature, sufficient aerosol is expected to be generated. For example, when the heater 121 heats the substrate stick 150 at the target temperature, a large amount of aerosol is generated, sufficient for the user to inhale. The target temperature is the temperature above the lower temperature limit at which the aerosol is formed. That is, aerosol may be generated even when the temperature of the heater 121 does not reach the target temperature. When the temperature of the heater 121 rises to the target temperature, the temperature of the substrate 151 of the substrate stick 150 may rise to the target temperature and sufficient aerosol may be generated.

[0047]

Period T12 is the period in which the substrate stick 150 is ready for inhalation. When the user inhales for a period of T12 while holding the substrate stick 150 in the mouth, the user can inhale the aerosol. The T12 period is also called the inhalation readiness period. During the inhalation standby period, the inhaler device 100 changes the temperature of the heater 121 in accordance with the heating profile. As shown in graph 10, the inhaler device 100 can execute control to lower the temperature of the heater 121 immediately after the temperature reaches the target temperature. When the temperature of the heater 121 is controlled so as not to maintain a high temperature, excessive aerosol generation can be avoided in a short time. As a result, the shelf life of the substrate stick 150 can be extended. The shelf life of the substrate stick 150 is the period until the source of the aerosol contained in the substrate stick 150 is depleted.

[0048]

The period T13 is the period after the substrate stick 150 is used. During the period T13, the temperature of the heater 121 is gradually reduced, and inhalation of the aerosol is gradually difficult. Period T13 is also called the second period of unavailability for inhalation. The start of period T13 is the point in time when the shelf life of the substrate stick 150 ends. In one example, the start of the period T13 may be the point in time when the time elapsed since the start of heating by the heater 121 reaches the length of the predetermined period. In another example, the start of period T13 may be the point in time when the number of breaths taken by the user reaches a predetermined number of times.

[0049]

(2) Application of simplified heating

When the sensor 112 detects the user's first action, the inhalation device 100 activates the heater 121 in the first heating state. When the sensor 112 detects a second user action while the inhalation device 100 drives the heater 121 in the first heating state, the inhalation device 100 drives the heater 121 in the second heating state. The second user action is a different user action from the first user action. The second heating state is a heating state different from the first heating state. The actuation of the heater 121 in the first heating state is also referred to as simplified heating hereinafter. The actuation of the heater 121 in the second heating state is also referred to as full heating hereinafter. The first heating state is also referred to hereinafter as a simplified heating state. The second heating state is also referred to hereinafter as the full heating state.

[0050]

In the above configuration, the inhaler device 100 performs light heating upon detection of the first user action, and performs full heating upon subsequent detection of the second user action. That is, even after performing the simplified heating upon detection of the first user action, the inhalation device 100 does not perform full heating until the second user action is detected. Therefore, even when the user performs the first user action and the simplified heating is performed, the user can interrupt the heating by not performing the second user action. Accordingly, usability can be improved.

[0051]

First user action and second user action

Performing the first user action may consist of performing a predetermined user action continuously for the first duration. Performing the second user action may consist of performing a predetermined user action continuously for a second duration greater than the first duration. The beginning of the first duration is the same as the beginning of the second duration. With this configuration, when the user continuously performs the same user action, simplified heating may be performed and then full heating may be performed. The first user action and the second user action constitute a contiguous action, and therefore the action to be performed by the user can be performed less complicated than when the first user action and the second user action do not constitute a contiguous action. Simplified heating is not performed until the predetermined user action continues for the first duration, and therefore, considering the possibility that, for example, the predetermined user action is inadvertently performed for a short time, the security level can be improved.

[0052]

The predetermined user action performed as the first user action and as the second user action may be, for example, pressing a power button. In this case, when the user presses and holds the power-on button for the first duration, simplified heating can be performed. When the user presses and holds the power button for a second duration, full heating can be performed. The description below is based on the assumption that the user's preset action is to press the power button.

[0053]

Characteristics of the simplified heating state and the full heating state

The simplified heating state is a state in which the upper temperature limit of the heater 121 is lower than in the full heating state. The aerosol is generated due to the heating of the substrate stick 150. Generally, when the heating temperature is increased, the amount of aerosol generated increases and the consumption of the aerosol source increases accordingly. Meanwhile, in the present configuration, the upper limit temperature of the heater 121 in the simplified heating state is lower than that in the full heating state, and the flow rate of the aerosol source is reduced accordingly. Therefore, when reduced heating is performed and heating is interrupted, more of the aerosol source can remain unused in the substrate stick 150 than when full heating is also performed. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the substrate stick 150 can be used repeatedly.

[0054]

When the heater 121 heats the substrate stick 150 at the upper limit temperature of the heater 121 in the simplified heating state, a smaller amount of aerosol is generated than the amount of aerosol generated when the heater 121 heats the substrate stick 150 at the upper limit temperature of the heater 121 in the full heating state. For example, when the heater 121 heats the substrate stick 150 at the upper limit temperature of the heater 121 in the simplified heating state, a very small amount of aerosol is generated, which is insufficient for the user to inhale. On the other hand, when the heater 121 heats the substrate stick 150 at the upper limit temperature of the heater 121 in the full heating state, a large amount of aerosol is generated, sufficient for the user to inhale. The upper limit temperature of the heater 121 in the full heating state may be equal to the target temperature in the period T11 described with reference to FIG. 2. In the present configuration, the aerosol in the simplified heating state is less likely to be generated than in the full heating state. Therefore, when simplified heating is performed and heating is interrupted, the substrate stick 150 can remain in a state closer to the unused state than when heating is not interrupted after full heating is started. Accordingly, the substrate stick 150 can be used repeatedly.

[0055]

It should be noted that the upper temperature limit of the heater 121 can be considered the target temperature of the heater 121. That is, in the simplified heating state, the inhaler device 100 can control the heater 121 so that the temperature of the heater 121 reaches the upper temperature limit of the heater 121 in the simplified heating state. Similarly, in the fully heated state, the inhaler device 100 can control the heater 121 so that the temperature of the heater 121 reaches the upper limit temperature of the heater 121 in the fully heated state. Naturally, the inhaler device 100 may execute control to lower the temperature of the heater 121 immediately after the temperature reaches the upper limit, as described above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0056]

Description of an exemplary change in temperature of the heater 121 in the simplified heating state and the full heating state will be given below with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. four.

[0057]

Fig. 3 is a graph of exemplary temperature changes of the heater 121 according to the present embodiment. The horizontal axis of the graph 20A represents the elapsed time since the start of pressing the power button. The vertical axis of graph 20A represents the temperature of the heater 121. In this example, the first duration is one second. The second duration lasts three seconds. Therefore, during the period T21 from when the elapsed time from the start of pressing the power on button reaches one second to the time when the elapsed time reaches three seconds, the inhalation device 100 performs simplified heating. During the period T22 after the expiration of three seconds from the start of pressing the power on button, the inhalation device 100 performs full heating. In this example, the upper temperature limit of the heater 121 in the simplified heating state is 60°C. The upper temperature limit of the heater 121 in the full heating state is 240°C. Therefore, during the period T21, the inhalation device 100 performs control such that the temperature of the heater 121 does not exceed 60°C. During the period T22, the inhaler device 100 controls such that the temperature of the heater 121 reaches 240°C. Note that in graph 20A, the temperature of heater 121 rises at a constant rate of increase during period T21 and period T22.

[0058]

Fig. 4 is a graph of exemplary temperature changes of the heater 121 in accordance with the present embodiment. The horizontal axis, period T21, period T22, vertical axis, 60°C and 240°C in the 20V graph have the same values as those in the 20A graph shown in FIG. 3. During the period T21, the inhaler device 100 performs control such that the temperature of the heater 121 does not exceed 60°C. During the period T22, the inhaler device 100 controls such that the temperature of the heater 121 reaches 240°C. Note that, in graph 20B, during period T21, the temperature of heater 121 is maintained at 60°C immediately after the temperature reaches 60°C, and the temperature rises again in the subsequent period T22.

[0059]

On the other hand, the simplified heating state may be a state in which the temperature rise rate of the heater 121 is lower than in the full heating state. For example, the inhaler device 100 may control the temperature increase of the heater 121 using a pulse width modulation (PWM) technique. In this case, the inhaler device 100 may assign a duty factor in the simplified heating state to be lower than a duty factor in the full heating state. In the present configuration, rapid temperature rise in the easy heating state can be prevented, and the effect of easy heating on the substrate stick 150 can be reduced. Therefore, the substrate stick 150 can be used repeatedly in a state close to the unused state. The 20V graph shown in FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary case where the temperature increase of the heater 121 in the simplified heating state occurs at a rate lower than the temperature increase rate of the heater 121 in the full heating state.

[0060]

Naturally, the temperature rise rate of the heater 121 in the simplified heating state and the temperature rise rate of the heater 121 in the full heat state may be equal to each other. For example, the inhaler device 100 may designate the duty factor in the simplified heating state and the duty factor in the full heating state to be equal. In the present configuration, the rate of temperature rise can be set constant. Plot 20A shown in FIG. 3 shows an exemplary case where the temperature rise rate of the heater 121 in the simplified heating state and the temperature rise rate of the heater 121 in the full heat state are equal.

[0061]

On the other hand, the simplified heating state may be a state in which heating is performed when the power-on button is pressed continuously. In the present configuration, continuing to press the power-on button corresponds to continuing the simplified heating, and hence the user can operate intuitively.

[0062]

When pressing the power on button is no longer detected after the duration for which the power on button is continuously pressed reaches the first duration, and before the duration reaches the second duration, the inhalation device 100 stops heating by the heater 121, which operates in a simplified state. heating. That is, the inhaler device 100 performs easy heating when the duration that the user holds down the power on button reaches the first duration, and stops the easy heating when the user stops pressing the power on button before the duration reaches the second duration. Of course, the inhaler device 100 does not perform full heating. In the present configuration, the user can abort the simplified heating and cancel the transition to full heating by performing a simple act of aborting pressing the power button. Therefore, the heating caused by the erroneous operation can be stopped, and the safety level can be improved.

[0063]

The full heating state may be a state in which heating is performed without continuously pressing the power on button. With the present configuration, the user can stop pressing the power-on button after the user continuously presses the power-on button for the second duration, and therefore the operation to be performed by the user can be performed less difficult.

[0064]

(3) User waiting time shortening effect Recently, some inhalation devices have performed the function of blocking the supply of electricity to the heater until the power-on button is pressed for a predetermined duration or the power-on button is pressed a predetermined number of times. With such a function, power is not supplied to the heater in response to simply pressing the power-on button, and therefore, for example, inhalation devices can be prevented from accidentally firing in response to, for example, childish pranks and unexpected events, and security can be improved. . In this case, due to this function, the period from the moment when the user presses the power on button to the moment when the electric power is supplied to the heater is lengthened. As a result, the waiting time from when the user presses the power-on button to when the inhalation standby period starts is lengthened, and accordingly, usability is not ensured.

[0065]

In this regard, the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment can reduce the decrease in usability while improving safety due to performing simplified heating. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows, as a comparative example, an inhalation device that does not perform simplified heating but performs full heating when the duration for which the power button is continuously pressed reaches the second duration.

[0066]

Fig. 5 is a diagram explaining the user waiting time reduction effect obtained by the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment. The horizontal axis of the graph 30 represents the elapsed time since the power button was pressed. In this example, the first duration is one second. The second duration lasts three seconds. It is assumed that both the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment and the inhalation device according to the comparative example perform heating in accordance with the heating profile shown in FIG. 2. For the heating profile shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the duration of the first period of unavailability for inhalation T11 is 15 seconds.

[0067]

Graph 31, which is the top graph, represents an exemplary time sequence of changes in the heating state of the inhaler device according to the comparative example. As shown in Graph 31, the inhaler device according to the comparative example does not supply power to the heater until three seconds have elapsed since the start of holding down the power-on button. After three seconds have elapsed, the inhaler device according to the comparative example supplies electric power to the heater and performs full heating. The time from when heating starts to when the temperature reaches the target temperature is 15 seconds, and therefore the waiting time from when the user starts holding the power button down to when the inhalation standby period starts is 18 seconds (3 seconds + 15 seconds).

[0068]

Graph 32, which is the bottom graph, is an exemplary time sequence of changes in the heating state of the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in graph 32, the inhaler device 100 does not supply power to the heater until one second has elapsed since the start of holding down the power button. After one second, the inhaler device 100 supplies power to the heater and performs simplified heating. Then, the inhalation device 100 performs full heating after three seconds. The time from when heating starts to when the temperature reaches the target temperature is 15 seconds, and therefore the waiting time from when the user starts holding the power button down to when the inhalation standby period starts is 16 seconds (1 second + 15 seconds).

[0069]

By comparing graph 31 and graph 32 with each other, the waiting time in the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment is shorter than the waiting time in the inhalation device according to the comparative example by two seconds. The two seconds by which the waiting time is reduced corresponds to two seconds during which the simplified heating is performed in the inhalation device 100. Accordingly, the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment performs the simplified heating to thereby shorten the waiting time from when the user begins to hold the power button in the depressed position, until the moment when the period of readiness for inhalation begins, and the decrease in usability can be reduced. The inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment does not perform full heating until the duration that the power on button is held down reaches the second duration. Therefore, the security can be maintained at the same level as in the comparative example.

[0070]

(4) Configuration for further improving security When the duration for which the power-on button is continuously pressed reaches a third duration longer than the second duration, the inhalation device 100 may stop heating by the heater 121. The start of the third duration coincides with the start of the first duration and the start of the second duration. That is, the inhaler device 100 performs light heating when the duration that the user continuously presses the power on button reaches the first duration, performs full heating when the duration reaches the second duration, and stops full heating when the duration reaches the third duration. Given the possibility that, for example, the power button is pressed by some object in the bag and unintentionally held in the pressed position, security can be improved in the present configuration. For example, accidental heating by the heater 121 can be prevented.

[0071]

When it is determined that the number of times the power on button is pressed reaches a predetermined number of times within the fourth time period, the inhalation device 100 may control the heater 121 so as not to perform heating until the fifth time period has elapsed. For example, when the number of times the power-on button is pressed for less than three seconds reaches three within 30 seconds (corresponding to the fourth time period), the inhaler device 100 does not perform heating for the subsequent three-minute period (which corresponds to the fifth time period). even when the power on button is pressed. Given the possibility that, for example, the power on button is repeatedly pressed by an item in the bag, or a child repeatedly presses the power on button out of mischief, and the power on button is pressed unintentionally, security can be improved in the present configuration.

[0072]

(5) Messages to the user

In the inhaler device 100, before the duration for which the power-on button is continuously pressed reaches the first duration, the notification device 113 outputs the first information. For example, at the time when the power-on button is started to be pressed, the notification device 113 presents, as first information, information indicating that the power-on button is being pressed by, for example, a vibration, sound, or light signal. In the present configuration, the inhaler device 100 can inform the user that a command to start energizing the heater 121 is approaching, thereby attracting the user's attention.

[0073]

In the inhaler device 100, upon detecting a second user action, the notification device 113 presents the second information. Desirably, the second information is information different from the first information. For example, the notification device 113 presents, in the form of second information, information indicating that full heating is starting, by means of, for example, a vibration, sound, or light signal. In the present configuration, the inhaler device 100 can inform the user that full heating is about to begin, thereby attracting the user's attention.

[0074]

(6) Process flow

In FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary sequence of operations performed by the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0075]

As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 116 first determines whether the sensor 112 detects the pressing of the power-on button (step S102). If it is determined that a power-on button press is not detected (NO in step S102), the method again returns to step S102. On the other hand, if it is determined that pressing the power on button is detected (YES in step S102), the controller 116 controls the notification device 113 to present information indicating that the power on button is pressed (step S104).

[0076]

Then, the controller 116 starts measuring the duration of pressing the power-on button (step S106). The duration of pressing the power button is the duration that the power button is continuously pressed.

[0077]

Next, the controller 116 determines whether the measured power-on button pressing time reaches the first duration (step S108). If it is determined that the power-on button pressing duration does not reach the first duration (NO in S108), the method again returns to S108. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power-on button pressing duration reaches the first duration (YES in step S108), the controller 116 controls the heater 121 to perform simplified heating (step S110).

[0078]

Next, the controller 116 determines whether the measured power-on button pressing time reaches the second duration (step S112). If it is determined that the power-on button pressing duration does not reach the second duration (NO in step S112), the controller 116 determines whether the power-on button release is detected (step S118). If it is determined that the release of the power on button is not detected (NO in step S118), the method again returns to step S112. On the other hand, if it is determined that the release of the power on button is detected (YES in step S118), the controller 116 controls the heater 121 to stop heating (step S120) and the execution of the method ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power-on button press duration reaches the second duration (YES in step S112), the controller 116 controls the heater 121 to perform full heating (step S114).

[0079]

The controller 116 controls the notification device 113 to present information indicating that full heating is starting (step S116).

[0080]

2. Second Embodiment

In FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of an inhaler system 900 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the inhaler system 900 includes an inhaler device 910 and a control device 920.

[0081]

The inhaler device 910 includes a detection means 911 and a heater 912. The detection means 911 detects the user's action. The heater 912 heats the substrate to thereby form a material to be inhaled by the user.

[0082]

The controller 920 includes a controller 921. The controller 921 controls the heater 912 based on a user action detected by the detector 911. Specifically, in response to detection by the detection means 911 of the user's first operation, the controller 921 drives the heater 912 in the first heating state. In response to detection by the detection means 911 of a second user action different from the first user action, while the controller 921 drives the heater 912 in the first heating state, the controller 921 drives the heater 912 in the second heating state different from the first state. heating.

[0083]

Next, a description will be made of the flow of the method in the inhaler system 900 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary sequence of operations performed by the control device 920 in accordance with the present embodiment.

[0084]

As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 920 executes the method related to heating in the first heating state (step S202). Specifically, the controller 921 drives the heater 912 in the first heating state in response to the detection means 911 detecting the user's first operation.

[0085]

Next, the control device 920 executes the method relating to heating in the second heating state (step S204). Specifically, in response to the detection means 911 detecting a second user action different from the first user action, while the controller 921 drives the heater 912 in the first heating state, the controller 921 drives the heater 912 in the second heating state different from from the first state of heating.

[0086]

In accordance with the present embodiment, the controller 921 drives the heater 912 into operation in the first heating state upon detecting the first user operation, and drives the heater 912 in the second heating state upon detecting the second user operation thereafter. That is, even when the first user action is detected, the controller 921 does not actuate the heater 912 in the second heating state until the second user action is detected. Therefore, even when the user has performed the first user action, the user can interrupt the heating before the switch to the second heating state occurs by not performing the second user action. From this point of view, it is possible to improve the usability.

[0087]

Therefore, the present embodiment can also provide an effect similar to that obtained in the above-described first embodiment.

[0088]

3. Additional description

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, the present invention is not limited to the examples described above. It is obvious that one of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention will be able to propose various changes or amendments without deviating from the technical essence set forth in the claims, and it is clear that such changes and amendments are also within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0089]

For example, although in the above embodiments, an example has been described in which performing the first user action is to perform a predetermined user action continuously for a first duration and performing a second user action is to perform a predetermined user action continuously for a second duration, the present invention does not limited to this example. For example, performing the first user action may be to perform a predefined user action. Performing the second user action may consist of performing a predetermined user action continuously for a second duration. In this case, the inhalation device 100 can start the simplified heating without waiting when the duration for which the user's predetermined action is continuously performed reaches the first duration. Therefore, the user's waiting time can be further shortened compared to the waiting time in the above-described embodiments.

[0090]

For example, although an example has been described in the above-described embodiments in which a predetermined user action that is continuously performed as the first user action and the second user action is to hold down the power-on button, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, a predefined user action may be pressing and releasing a power button. In this case, repeatedly pressing the power button during the first duration can be detected as the user's first action. Pressing the power button repeatedly for a second duration may be detected as a second user action. Alternatively, instead of pressing the power button, the action of touching the touch pad may be detected as the first user action and the second user action.

[0091]

For example, although an example has been described in the above embodiments in which the inhaler device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the substrate stick 150, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the inhalation device 100 may generate an aerosol in another manner in addition to or instead of heating the substrate stick 150. For example, the inhalation device 100 may comprise an aerosol source that is liquid, direct the aerosol source to heater 121, and heat and atomize the aerosol source to thereby form spray can. In addition to heating, as a spray method, any method such as induction heating or vibration spray can be applied.

[0092]

It should be noted that a number of the methods performed by the devices described in this application may be implemented in any form of software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The program, which is represented by the software, is previously stored on, for example, an information medium (durable medium) which is included in each device or which is provided externally. Each program is loaded into random access memory (RAM) when executed by a computer and executed by a processor such as a CPU. Examples of the storage medium include magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and flash memory. In addition, the computer program can be distributed, for example, over a network, without using an information carrier.

[0093]

The methods described herein with reference to flowcharts and flowcharts need not be performed in the order shown. Some method steps may be performed in parallel, an additional method step may be applied, and some method steps may be omitted.

List of designators

[0094]

100 inhaler device

111 power supply

112 sensor

113 notification device

114 memory

115 transceiver

116 controller

121 heater

140 holder

141 interior space

142 hole

143 bottom end

144 heat insulator

150 substrate stick

151 substrate

152 inhalation nozzle

900 inhaler system

910 inhaler device

911 detection tool

912 heater

920 control device

921 controller

Claims (34)

1. A control device for controlling an inhalation device comprising a detection means that detects an action of a user and a heater that heats a substrate to thereby form a material for inhalation by the user, the control device comprising a controller that controls the heater based on a user action detected by the detection means, wherein controller actuates the heater in the first heating state in response to detection by the detection means of the first user action, and actuates the heater in a second heating state different from the first heating state in response to detection by the detection means of a second user action different from the first user action at the time the heater is actuated in the first heating state, wherein the execution of the first user action consists in performing the predetermined user action continuously for the first duration, and performing the second user action consists in performing a predetermined user action continuously for a second duration that is longer than the first duration. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first heating state is a state in which the upper limit temperature of the heater is lower than the upper limit temperature of the heater in the second heating state. 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the amount of material that is intended to be inhaled by the user and which is generated due to heating of the substrate by the heater at the upper limit temperature of the heater in the first heating state is less than the amount of material that is intended to be inhaled by the user and which is generated due to heating by the heater of the substrate at the upper limit temperature of the heater in the second heating state. 4. The control device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, in which the temperature increase rate of the heater in the first heating state and the temperature increase rate of the heater in the second heating state are equal. 5. The control device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, in which the first heating state is a state in which the temperature increase rate of the heater is lower than the temperature increase rate of the heater in the second heating state. 6. The control device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, in which the first heating state is a state in which heating is performed when a predetermined user action is continuously performed. 7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein when the preset user action is no longer detected after the duration for which the preset user action is continuously performed reaches the first duration, and before the duration reaches the second duration, the controller stops heating by the heater which is in the first heating state. 8. The control device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, in which the second heating state is a state in which heating is performed in the absence of a continuously performed predetermined user action. 9. The control device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, wherein the controller stops heating by the heater when the duration for which the user's predetermined action is continuously performed reaches a third duration longer than the second duration. 10. The control device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, wherein when the number of times of detecting a predetermined user action reaches the predetermined number of times during the fourth time period, the controller controls the heater so as not to perform heating until the fifth time period has elapsed. 11. The control device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, in which the inhaler device further comprises a notification device that provides information to the user, and the controller controls the notification device to provide the first information before the duration for which the user's predetermined action is continuously performed reaches the first duration. 12. The control device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, in which the inhaler device further comprises a notification device that provides information to the user, and the controller controls the notification device to provide the second information when the user's second action is detected. 13. A method for controlling an inhalation device comprising a detection means that detects an action of a user and a heater that heats a substrate to thereby form a material for inhalation by the user, wherein the control method is control of the heater, based on the user's action detected by the detection means, and controlling the heater comprises actuating the heater in a first heating state in response to detection by the detection means of a first user action and actuating the heater in a second heating state different from the first heating state in response to detection by the detection means of a second user action different from the first action. user, while the heater is driven in the first heating state, wherein the execution of the first user action consists in performing the predetermined user action continuously for the first duration, and performing the second user action consists in performing a predetermined user action continuously for a second duration that is longer than the first duration. 14. A computer-readable storage medium containing a program for assigning a computer operating an inhalation device, containing a detection means that detects the user's action, and a heater that heats the substrate, to thereby form a material for inhalation by the user, to function as controller that controls the heater based on the user action detected by the detection means, while controller actuates the heater in the first heating state in response to detection by the detection means of the first user action, and actuates the heater in a second heating state different from the first heating state in response to detection by the detection means of a second user action different from the first user action at the time the heater is actuated in the first heating state, wherein the execution of the first user action consists in performing the predetermined user action continuously for the first duration, and performing the second user action consists in performing a predetermined user action continuously for a second duration that is longer than the first duration.

Images