AEROSOL GENERATION SYSTEM, CONTROL METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM

- Japan Tobacco Inc.

This aerosol generation system is provided with a housing unit capable of housing a base material that contains an aerosol source, and a control unit that controls a temperature at which the aerosol source contained in the base material housed in the housing unit is heated. If a first puff in which a user inhales an aerosol generated from the aerosol source is performed, the control unit controls the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, on the basis of information of a previous second puff.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of PCT International Application No. PCT/JP2022/011029, filed on Mar. 11, 2022, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system, a control method, and a non-transitory computer readable medium.

BACKGROUND ART

Inhaler devices that generate a substance to be inhaled by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely used. An inhaler device generates an aerosol with a flavor component, for example, using a substrate including an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can taste a flavor by inhaling the aerosol with the flavor component generated by the inhaler device. Inhalation, by the user, of an aerosol will be referred to as a “puff” or a “puff action” hereinafter.

Temperature with which an aerosol source is heated can decrease as a result of a puff. With respect to this, the following Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for preventing a decrease in temperature of a heating element by temporarily increasing power supplied to the heating element when a puff is performed.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

  • Patent Literature 1: JP 6062457 B2

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The technique described in Patent Literature 1, however, does not take into consideration a fact that puffs can be performed successively.

The present invention, therefore, has been conceived in view of the above problem and aims to provide a mechanism capable of further improving quality of user experience of an inhaler device.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above problem, an aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generation system including a container capable of accommodating a substrate including an aerosol source and a controller that controls temperature with which the aerosol source included in the substrate accommodated in the container is heated. When a user performs a first puff for inhaling an aerosol generated from the aerosol source, the controller controls, on a basis of information regarding a previously performed second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

The controller may control, on a basis of an interval between the first puff and the second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

If the interval is shorter than a certain threshold, the controller may increase the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

As the interval becomes shorter, the controller may greatly increase the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

The controller may control, on a basis of an amount of inhalation in the second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

As the amount of inhalation in the second puff increases, the controller may more greatly increase the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

The controller may control, on a basis of information regarding one or more third puffs performed before the second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

The controller may control, on a basis of control information that defines a target value of the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated. When the first puff is performed, the controller may adjust the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated to a temperature higher than the target value by a temperature corresponding to the information regarding the second puff.

The control information may include information for controlling the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated in each of a first period after a start of the heating, in which the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated increases, a second period after the first period, in which the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated decreases, and a third period after the second period, in which the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated increases. When the first puff is performed in the third period, the controller may control, on a basis of the information regarding the second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

The controller may control, also on a basis of ambient temperature, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

The controller may control the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated on a basis of at least two of an interval between the first puff and the second puff, an amount of inhalation in the second puff, information regarding one or more third puffs performed before the second puff, and ambient temperature.

The aerosol generation system may further include an electromagnetic induction source that generates a varying magnetic field and that heats, through induction heating, a susceptor disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source. The controller may control supply of power to the electromagnetic induction source as the control of the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

The substrate may include the susceptor.

The aerosol generation system may further include the substrate.

In addition, in order to solve the above problem, another aspect of the present invention provides a control method for controlling an aerosol generation system including a container capable of accommodating a substrate including an aerosol source. The control method includes controlling temperature with which the aerosol source included in the substrate accommodated in the container is heated. The controlling temperature with which the aerosol source is heated includes controlling, when a user performs a first puff for inhaling an aerosol generated from the aerosol source, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated on a basis of information regarding a previously performed second puff.

In addition, in order to solve the above problem, another aspect of the present invention provides a program causing a computer that controls an aerosol generation system including a container capable of accommodating a substrate including an aerosol source to function as a controller that controls temperature with which the aerosol source included in the substrate accommodated in the container is heated. When a user performs a first puff for inhaling an aerosol generated from the aerosol source, the controller controls, on a basis of information regarding a previously performed second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism capable of further improving quality of user experience of an inhaler device is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of an inhaler device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating an example of changes in temperature of a susceptor at a time when temperature control is performed on the basis of a heating profile shown in table 1.

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating a technical problem of the inhaler device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating temperature control at a time when puffs are successively performed using the inhaler device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a process performed by the inhaler device according to the present embodiment.

 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Structural elements having substantially the same functional configuration will be given the same reference numerals herein and in the drawings, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

1. Configuration Example

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of an inhaler device 100 according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the inhaler device 100 according to the present configuration example includes a power supply 111, a sensor 112, a notifier 113, a memory 114, a communicator 115, a controller 116, an electromagnetic induction source 162, and a container 140. A user inhales with a stick substrate 150 accommodated in the container 140. The structural elements will be described hereinafter one by one.

The power supply 111 stores electric power. The power supply 111 supplies electric power to the structural elements of the inhaler device 100. The power supply 111 may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. The power supply 111 may be charged after being connected to an external power supply through USB (universal serial bus) cable or the like. The power supply 111 may be charged using a wireless power transmission technique without being connected to a power transmission device, instead. Alternatively, only the power supply 111 may be removed from the inhaler device 100 and replaced by a new power supply 111.

The sensor 112 detects various items of information regarding the inhaler device 100. The sensor 112 then outputs the detected information to the controller 116. In an example, the sensor 112 may be a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor. When the sensor 112 detects a value generated in accordance with the user's inhalation, the sensor 112 outputs information indicating the user's inhalation to the controller 116. In another example, the sensor 112 may be an input device that receives information input by the user, such as a button or a switch. In particular, the sensor 112 can include a button for requesting a start and a stop of generation of the aerosol. The sensor 112 then outputs the information input by the user to the controller 116. In another example, the sensor 112 may be a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of a susceptor 161. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of, for example, an electrical resistance of the electromagnetic induction source 162.

The notifier 113 notifies the user of information. In an example, the notifier 113 may be a light-emitting device such as an LED (light-emitting diode). In this case, the notifier 113 emits light in different light emission patterns depending on, for example, whether the power supply 111 needs to be charged, the power supply 111 is being charged, or an abnormality has occurred in the inhaler device 100. The light emission patterns are a concept including color, on/off timing, and the like. The notifier 113 may be a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, or the like in addition to, or instead of, the light-emitting device. The notifier 113 may also provide information indicating that a state where the user can inhale has been established. The information indicating that the state where the user can inhale has been established can be provided when temperature of the stick substrate 150 heated through electromagnetic induction reaches a certain temperature.

The memory 114 stores various items of information for operation of the inhaler device 100. The memory 114 may be, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory. An example of the information stored in the memory 114 is information regarding an OS (operating system) of the inhaler device 100, such as how the controller 116 controls the various structural elements. Another example of the information stored in the memory 114 is information regarding the user's inhalation, such as the number of times of inhalation, inhalation times, and total inhalation time.

The communicator 115 is a communication interface for communicating information between the inhaler device 100 and another device. The communicator 115 performs communication in conformity with any wired or wireless communication standard. Such a communication standard may be, for example, wireless LAN (local area network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), near-field communication (NFC), or a standard using low-power wide-area (LPWA). In an example, the communicator 115 transmits, to a server, information regarding the user's inhalation. In another example, the communicator 115 receives information regarding a new OS in order to update the information regarding the OS stored in the memory 114.

The controller 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control circuit, and controls the overall operations of the inhaler device 100 in accordance with various programs. The controller 116 is achieved by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (central processing unit) or a microprocessor. The controller 116 may also include a ROM (read-only memory) storing programs to be used, operation parameters, and the like and a RAM (random-access memory) that temporarily stores parameters which change as appropriate and the like. The inhaler device 100 performs various types of processing under the control of the controller 116. Examples of the processing controlled by the controller 116 include the supply of power from the power supply 111 to the other structural elements, the charging of the power supply 111, the detection of information by the sensor 112, the notification of information by the notifier 113, the storing and the reading of information by the memory 114, and the communication of information by the communicator 115. The controller 116 also controls other types of processing performed by the inhaler device 100 including inputting of information to each structural element, processing based on information output from each structural elements, and the like.

The container 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the stick substrate 150 while partly accommodating the stick substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The container 140 has an opening 142 that allows the internal space 141 to communicate with the outside, and accommodates the stick substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the container 140 may be a tubular body having the opening 142 and a bottom 143 on ends thereof, and may define the pillar-shaped internal space 141. The container 140 is configured such that 25 inner diameter thereof becomes smaller than outer diameter of the stick substrate 150 at least part of the tubular body in a height direction, and can hold the stick substrate 150 by compressing the stick substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from an outer circumference of the stick substrate 150. The container 140 also has a function of defining a path of air flowing through the stick substrate 150. The bottom 143, for example, has an air inlet hole that is an inlet of air to the airflow path. The opening 142, on the other hand, is an air outlet hole that is an outlet of air from the airflow path.

The stick substrate 150 is a stick-shaped member. The stick substrate 150 includes a substrate 151 and an inhalation port 152.

The substrate 151 includes an aerosol source. When heated, the aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The substrate 151 may further include a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol. The aerosol source may be, for example, a material derived from tobacco, such as shredded tobacco or a processed material obtained by forming a tobacco raw material into grains, a sheet, or powder. Alternatively, the aerosol source may include a material that is not derived from tobacco, such as a material made by use of a plant other than tobacco (e.g., mint, an herb, etc.). In an example, the aerosol source may include a flavor component such as menthol. When the inhaler device 100 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may include a medicine to be inhaled by a patient. The aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may be, for example, a liquid such as polyhydric alcohol, which may be glycerine or propylene glycol, or water. The substrate 151 is at least partly accommodated in the internal space 141 of the container 140 with the stick substrate 150 held by the container 140.

The inhalation port 152 is a member held in the user's mouth during inhalation. The inhalation port 152 at least partly protrudes from the opening 142 when the container 140 holds the stick substrate 150. When the user inhales with the inhalation port 152 protruding from the opening 142 held in his/her mouth, air flows into the container 140 through an air inlet hole, which is not illustrated. The flowing air passes through the internal space 141 of the container 140, that is, the substrate 151, and reaches the inside of the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated by the substrate 151.

The stick substrate 150 further includes a susceptor 161. The susceptor 161 produces heat through electromagnetic induction. The susceptor 161 may be a conductive material such as metal. In an example, the susceptor 161 may be a metal sheet. Here, the susceptor 161 is disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source. The susceptor 161 being disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source means that the susceptor 161 is disposed at such a position that heat produced in the susceptor 161 transfers to the aerosol source. For example, the susceptor 161 is included in the substrate 151 along with the aerosol source and surrounded by the aerosol source. With this configuration, heat produced in the susceptor 161 can be efficiently used to heat the aerosol source. Note that the susceptor 161 may be untouchable from the outside of the stick substrate 150. For example, the susceptor 161 may be distributed in a central part of the stick substrate 150 and need not be distributed near the outer circumference of the stick substrate 150.

The electromagnetic induction source 162 heats the susceptor 161 through induction heating. When an alternating current is supplied, the electromagnetic induction source 162 generates a varying magnetic field (more specifically, an alternating magnetic field). The electromagnetic induction source 162 is disposed at such a position that the generated varying magnetic field overlaps the internal space 141 of the container 140. For example, the electromagnetic induction source 162 is a coiled conductive wire wound around an outer circumference of the container 140. When the varying magnetic field is generated with the stick substrate 150 accommodated in the container 140, therefore, an eddy current is caused at the 10) susceptor 161, thereby generating Joule heat. The aerosol source included in the stick substrate 150 is then heated by the Joule heat and atomized to generate the aerosol. In an example, when the sensor 112 detects a certain user input, power may be supplied and the aerosol may be generated. When the sensor 112 then detects the certain user input again, the supply of power may be stopped. In another example, power may be supplied and the aerosol may be generated while the sensor 112 is detecting the user's inhalation.

The susceptor 161 is an example of a heat source that heats the aerosol source. The aerosol can be generated by combining together the inhaler device 100 and the stick substrate 150. The combination of the inhaler device 100 and the stick substrate 150, therefore, may be regarded as an aerosol generation system.

2. Technical Features (1) Heating Profile

The controller 116 controls temperature with which the aerosol source included in the stick substrate 150 is heated, that is, the temperature of the susceptor 161. More specifically, the controller 116 controls the operation of the electromagnetic induction source 162 on the basis of the heating profile. The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated, that is, the temperature of the susceptor 161. In an example, the heating profile can include a target value of the temperature (hereinafter also referred to as a target temperature) of the susceptor 161. The target temperature may change as time elapses from a start of heating, and in this case, the heating profile includes information that defines temporal changes in the target temperature. In another example, the heating profile can include a parameter that defines how power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 (hereinafter also referred to as a power supply parameter). The power supply parameter includes, for example, a start and a stop of the supply of power to the electromagnetic induction source 162 or the like.

The controller 116 controls the supply of power to the electromagnetic induction source 162 such that real temperature (hereinafter also referred to as actual temperature) of the susceptor 161 changes in the same manner as the temporal changes in the target temperature defined in the heating profile. As a result, the aerosol is generated as planned in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed such that a flavor tasted by the user when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick substrate 150 becomes optimal. By controlling the supply of power to the electromagnetic induction source 162 on the basis of the heating profile, therefore, smoke taste 10) can be made optimal.

The temperature of the susceptor 161 can be estimated on the basis of an electrical resistance of a driving circuit including the electromagnetic induction source 162, such as an LC circuit. This is because there is an extremely simple relationship between the electrical resistance of the driving circuit and the temperature of the susceptor 161. The controller 116, therefore, estimates the electrical resistance of the driving circuit on the basis of the information regarding direct current power supplied to the driving circuit. The controller 116 then estimates the electrical resistance of the driving circuit on the basis of information regarding the direct current power supplied to the driving circuit. The controller 116 then estimates the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of the electrical resistance of the driving circuit. In another example, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be measured by a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, provided near the container 140.

The heating profile can include one or more combinations of time elapsed since a start of heating and a target temperature to be reached at the time. The controller 116 controls the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of a difference between a target temperature in the heating profile corresponding to time elapsed since a start of current heating and a current actual temperature. The temperature control for the susceptor 161 can be achieved, for example, through known feedback control. In the feedback control, the controller 116 may control power supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 on the basis of a difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature or the like. The feedback control may be achieved, for example, by a PID controller (proportional-integral-differential controller). Alternatively, the controller 116 may perform simple on/off control. For example, the controller 116 may supply power to the electromagnetic induction source 162 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature and, when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop supplying power to the electromagnetic induction source 162.

The controller 116 can supply power from the power supply 111 to the electromagnetic induction source 162 in the form of a pulse based on pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the controller 116 can control the temperature of the susceptor 161 by adjusting a duty ratio of the power pulse in the feedback control.

A period of time from a start to an end of a process for generating the aerosol using the stick substrate 150, or more specifically, a period of time when the electromagnetic induction source 162 operates on the basis of the heating profile, will be referred to as a heating session hereinafter. The start of the heating session is a time at which heating based on the heating profile starts. The end of the heating session is a time when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating session includes a preheating period in a first half and a puffable period in a second half. The puffable period is a period when a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated. The preheating period is a period from a start of induction heating until the user becomes able to inhale the aerosol, that is, until the puffable period starts. Heating performed in the preheating period will also be referred to as preheating.

A following table 1 shows an example of the heating profile.

TABLE 1 Example of heating profile Temporal change in power supply Period Temporal change in parameter Name Division Duration target temperature ON/OFF Initial STEP 0 — Increase to 350° C. ON temperature (no time control) increase STEP 1 20 seconds Maintain at 350° C. ON period STEP 2 20 seconds Maintain at 350° C. ON Intermediate STEP 3 20 seconds Decrease to 300° C. OFF temperature decrease period Second STEP 4 20 seconds Increase to 320° C. ON temperature STEP 5 20 seconds ON increase STEP 6 20 seconds ON period STEP 7 20 seconds ON STEP 8 40 seconds Maintain at 320° C. ON Heating end STEP 9 20 seconds — OFF period

As shown in table 1, the heating profile may be divided into a plurality of periods, and a temporal change in the target temperature and a temporal change in the power supply parameter may be defined for each period. In the example shown in table 1, a total of 10 periods, namely STEP 0 to STEP 9, are provided. In each step, a temporal change in the target temperature and a temporal change in the power supply parameter are defined. The steps defined in the heating profile are an example of unit periods in the present embodiment.

As shown in table 1, the heating profile includes information for controlling the temperature of the susceptor 161 in each of an initial temperature increase period, an intermediate temperature decrease period, a second temperature increase period, and a heating end period. The initial temperature increase period is an example of a first period in which the temperature of the susceptor 161 increases after a start of heating. The initial temperature increase period includes STEP 0 to STEP 2. The intermediate temperature decrease period is an example of a second period after the initial temperature increase period in which the temperature of the susceptor 161 decreases. The intermediate temperature decrease period includes STEP 3. The second temperature increase period is an example of a third period after the intermediate temperature decrease period in which the temperature of the susceptor 161 increases. The second temperature increase period includes STEP 4 to STEP 8. The heating end period is a period after the second temperature increase period in which the temperature of the susceptor 161 decreases. The heating end period includes STEP 9. Since the heating session sequentially includes the initial temperature increase period, the intermediate temperature decrease period, and the second temperature increase period, the preheating period can be reduced, rapid consumption of the aerosol source can be prevented, and the smoke taste conveyed to the user can be made appropriate.

In STEP 1 to STEP 9, time control is performed. The time control is control where each step is ended when a certain period of time (i.e., duration set for each step) has elapsed. When the time control is performed, a speed at which the temperature of the susceptor 161 changes may be controlled such that the temperature of the susceptor 161 reaches the target temperature at an end of the duration. Alternatively, when the time control is performed, the temperature of the susceptor 161 may be controlled such that the temperature of the susceptor 161 reaches the target temperature at some point in the duration and is maintained at the target temperature until the duration ends.

In STEP 0, on the other hand, the time control is not performed. When the time control is not performed, each step ends when the temperature of the susceptor 161 reaches a certain temperature (i.e., the target temperature set for each step). The duration of STEP 0, therefore, changes in accordance with a speed at which the temperature increases.

Changes in the temperature of the susceptor 161 when the controller 116 performs temperature control in accordance with the heating profile shown in table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a graph 20 illustrating an example of changes in the temperature of the susceptor 161 at a time when temperature control is performed on the basis of the heating profile shown in table 1. A horizontal axis of the graph 20 represents time (sec). A vertical axis of the graph 20 represents the temperature of the susceptor 161. A line 21 indicates the changes in the temperature of the susceptor 161. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the temperature of the susceptor 161 changes in the same manner as changes in the target temperature defined in the heating profile. An example of the heating profile will be described hereinafter with reference to table 1 and FIG. 2.

As indicated by table 1 and FIG. 2, the temperature of the susceptor 161 is increased or maintained in the initial temperature increase period. More specifically, in STEP 0, the temperature of the susceptor 161 increases from an initial temperature to 350° C. The initial temperature is the temperature of the susceptor 161 at a start of heating. In STEP 0, the time control is not performed. STEP 0, therefore, ends when the temperature of the susceptor 161 reaches 350° C. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, STEP 0 ends in 20 seconds. The temperature of the susceptor 161 is then maintained at 350° C. in STEP 1 and STEP 2. The preheating period ends when STEP 1 ends, and the puffable period starts as STEP 2 starts. In the initial temperature increase period, the preheating can be promptly ended and the puffable period can be promptly started by increasing the temperature of the susceptor 161 to a high temperature at once.

As indicated by table 1 and FIG. 2, the temperature of the susceptor 161 decreases in the intermediate temperature decrease period. More specifically, in STEP 3, the temperature of the susceptor 161 is decreased to 300° C. By temporarily decreasing the temperature of the susceptor 161 in the intermediate temperature decrease period, rapid consumption of the aerosol source and an inconvenience such as an excessively strong smoke taste conveyed to the user can be prevented, and quality of the user's puff experience can be improved. In STEP 3, the supply of power to the electromagnetic induction source 162 is stopped. The temperature of the susceptor 161, therefore, can be decreased as fast as possible.

As indicated by table 1 and FIG. 2, the temperature of the susceptor 161 is increased or maintained in the second temperature increase period. More specifically, in STEP 4 to STEP 7, the temperature of the susceptor 161 gradually increases to 320° C. Control information may thus be defined across a plurality of steps. The temperature of the susceptor 161 is then maintained at 320° C. in STEP 8. By again increasing the temperature of the susceptor 161, which has decreased in the intermediate temperature decrease period, in the second temperature increase period, an excessive decrease in temperature of the aerosol source and resultant deterioration of the smoke taste conveyed to the user can be prevented, and the quality of the user's puff experience can be improved.

As indicated by table 1 and FIG. 2, the temperature of the susceptor 161 decreases in the heating end period. More specifically, in STEP 9, the temperature of the susceptor 161 decreases. In STEP 9, the duration is defined, but the target temperature is not defined. STEP 9, therefore, ends when the duration ends. In STEP 9, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated by heat left in the stick substrate 150. In this example, therefore, the puffable period, that is, the heating session, ends as STEP 9 ends. In STEP 9, the supply of power to the electromagnetic induction source 162 is stopped. Power consumption can be suppressed by providing the heating end period at an end of the puffable period.

The notifier 113 may notify the user of information indicating a time at which the preheating ends. For example, the notifier 113 notifies in advance, before the preheating ends, the user of information indicating that the preheating will end or notifies, when the preheating has ended, the user of information indicating that the preheating has ended. The notification for the user can be performed through, for example, lighting of an LED, vibration, or the like. On the basis of such a notification, the user can puff immediately after the preheating ends.

Similarly, the notifier 113 may notify the user of information indicating a time at which the puffable period ends. For example, the notifier 113 notifies in advance, before the puffable period ends, the user of information indicating that the puffable period will end or notifies, when the puffable period has ended, the user of information indicating that the puffable period has ended. The notification for the user can be performed through, for example, lighting of an LED, vibration, or the like. On the basis of such a notification, the user can puff until the puffable period ends.

The above-described heating profile is just an example, and various other examples are conceivable. In an example, the number of steps, the duration of each step, and the target temperatures may be changed as appropriate. In another example, the temperature of the susceptor 161 may be maintained at 300° C. in STEP 4.

(2) Technical Problem

A technical problem of the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the technical problem of the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment. A horizontal axis of the graph 30 represents time. A vertical axis of the graph 30 represents temperature. The graph 30 includes a line 31 indicating temporal changes in the temperature of the susceptor 161 and a line 32 indicating temporal changes in the temperature of the aerosol source. It is assumed that the user has performed a second puff (hereinafter also referred to as a previous puff) between a time t2S and a time t2E and has then performed a first puff (hereinafter also referred to as a current puff) between a time tis and a time t1E. A temperature hT is the target temperature of the susceptor 161. It is assumed herein that when a temperature decrease has not been caused by a puff, the temperature of the aerosol source and the temperature of the susceptor 161 match. That is, as indicated by the lines 31 and 32, the temperature of the susceptor 161 and the temperature of the aerosol source are maintained at the target temperature hT of thee susceptor 161 until a puff is performed.

As indicated by the line 32, when the user puffs, the temperature of the stick substrate 150, especially the temperature of the aerosol source, greatly decreases. This is because the user inhales heated air inside the internal space 141 along with the aerosol and new cold air enters the internal space 141 to cool the stick substrate 150.

When the user puffs, not only the temperature of the aerosol source but also the temperature of the susceptor 161 can decrease. The susceptor 161, however, is hardly affected by external disturbances because of characteristics thereof. That is, the susceptor 161 is easy to warm up and hard to cool down. As indicated by the line 31, therefore, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be maintained at the target temperature hr even if the user puffs. That is, as indicated by the lines 31 and 32, when the user puffs, a difference is caused between the temperature of the susceptor 161 and the temperature of the aerosol source.

As indicated by the line 32, when puffs are successively performed at short intervals, a puff can start before the temperature of the aerosol source returns to an original temperature. For example, whereas a previous puff started without the temperature of the aerosol source decreased, a current puff starts with the temperature of the aerosol source decreased. As indicated by the line 32, therefore, the temperature of the aerosol source in a period t1S to t1E corresponding to the current puff is lower than that of the aerosol source in a period t2S to t2E corresponding to the previous puff. As a result, a smoke taste conveyed to the user in the current puff can deteriorate compared to a smoke state conveyed to the user in the previous puff. This is because when the temperature of the aerosol source decreases, the amount of aerosol generated and the flavor imparted to the aerosol can decrease. The smoke taste during successive puffs, therefore, can deteriorate due to an excessive decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source during the successive puffs.

In the present embodiment, therefore, the temperature of the susceptor 161 is temporarily increased during successive puffs. With this configuration, an excessive decease in the temperature of the aerosol source during successive puffs can be prevented, and deterioration of the smoke taste during the successive puffs can be prevented.

(3) Temperature Control During Successive Puffs

Temperature control when puffs are successively performed using the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the temperature control at a time when puffs are successively performed using the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment. A horizontal axis of a graph 40 represents time. A vertical axis of the graph 40 represents temperature. The graph 40 includes a line 41 indicating temporal changes in the temperature of the susceptor 161 and a line 42 indicating temporal changes in the temperature of the aerosol source. It is assumed that the user has performed the second puff (hereinafter also referred to as a previous puff) between the time t2S and the time t2E and has then performed the first puff (hereinafter also referred to as a current puff) between the time tis and the time t1E. The temperature hT is the target temperature of the susceptor 161.

When the controller 116 detects a puff, the controller 116 records a time of the detection of the puff in the memory 114 and controls the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of the time. For example, the controller 116 can detect a puff on the basis of a change in a flow rate of air flowing into the container 140 detected by a flow sensor, a change in the amount of power supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162, or a change in the temperature of the susceptor 161. The controller 116 controls the supply of power to the electromagnetic induction source 162 as the control of the temperature of the susceptor 161. For example, the controller 116 adjusts the duty ratio of the power pulse supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162.

When the user performs a puff (i.e., a current puff) for inhaling the aerosol generated from the aerosol source, the controller 116 controls the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of information regarding a previously performed puff (i.e., a previous puff). For example, when the current puff is performed, the controller 116 increases the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of the information regarding the previous puff. In particular, the controller 116 increases the temperature of the susceptor 161 in at least part of a period when the current puff is being detected. As indicated by the line 41, the controller 116 may increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 from the start tis to the end t1E of the current puff. It is needless to say that the start tis of the current puff and a start of a period when the temperature of the susceptor 161 is increased may be different from each other. In addition, the end t1E of the current puff and an end of the period when the temperature of the susceptor 161 is increased may be different from each other. The controller 116 increases the amount of power supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 in order to increase the temperature of the susceptor 161. At this time, the controller 116 may increase the duty ratio of the power pulse supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162. As can be seen from a comparison between the line 32 in FIG. 3 and the line 42 in FIG. 4, an excessive decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source in the period t1S to t1E corresponding to the current puff is suppressed as a result of the above control. Consequently, deterioration in the smoke taste during successive puffs, or more specifically, deterioration in the smoke state in the current puff that has been performed at a short interval from the previous puff, can be prevented.

The controller 116 controls the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of an interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff. For example, the controller 116 increases the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff. An example of the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff is an interval between the end t2E of the previous puff and the start tis of the current puff. The temperature of the aerosol source decreases due to a puff and increases and returns to an original temperature as time elapses after an end of the puff. As the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff becomes shorter, therefore, the amount of decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source from the target temperature hT at the start tis of the current puff becomes larger. As the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff becomes longer, on the other hand, the amount of decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source from the target temperature hT at the start tis of the current puff becomes smaller. With this configuration, however, the temperature of the susceptor 161 and the temperature of the aerosol source can be increased in accordance with the amount of decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source from the target temperature hT at the start tis of the current puff.

More specifically, the controller 116 may increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 when the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff is shorter than a certain threshold. An example of the certain threshold is time assumed to be taken for the temperature of the aerosol source that has decreased due to a puff to return to an original temperature. In this case, the controller 116 increases the temperature of the susceptor 161 to increase the temperature of the aerosol source only when the temperature of the aerosol source has decreased at the start tis of the current puff due to the previous puff. When the temperature of the aerosol source has not decreased at the start tis of the current puff due to the previous puff, on the other hand, the controller 116 does not increase the temperature of the susceptor 161. With this configuration, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be increased only when puffs are successively performed at an interval so short that the smoke taste deteriorates. Power consumption, therefore, can be suppressed.

In addition, the controller 116 may increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 more greatly as the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff becomes shorter. The controller 116, on the other hand, may increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 more slightly as the interval Δt between the current puff and the previous puff becomes longer. With this configuration, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be increased properly.

As described above, the controller 116 controls the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of the heating profile. As indicated by the line 41, however, when the current puff is performed, the controller 116 adjusts the temperature of the susceptor 161 to a temperature hT′, which is higher than the target temperature hT by a temperature Δh corresponding to the information regarding the previous puff. More specifically, when the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff is shorter than the certain threshold, the controller 116 causes the temperature of the susceptor 161 to reach the temperature hT′, which is higher than the target temperature hT by Δh. The controller 116, however, sets a larger Δh as the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff becomes shorter and a smaller Δh as the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff becomes longer. With this configuration, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be caused to reach the temperature hT′ higher than the target temperature hT, and an excessive decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source during successive puffs can be prevented. With this configuration, an optimal smoke taste can be provided for the user in accordance with the heating profile, and deterioration in the smoke taste can be prevented during successive puffs.

In particular, if a puff is performed in the second temperature increase period, the controller 116 may control the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of information regarding a previous puff. In other words, the controller 116 need not control the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of information regarding a previous puff even if a puff is performed in the initial temperature increase period and the intermediate temperature decrease period. Since the initial temperature increase period is a period when the temperature of the susceptor 161 rapidly increases and is maintained high, the amount of decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source due to a puff is small. In addition, since the intermediate temperature decrease period is a period when the temperature of the susceptor 161 and the temperature of the aerosol source are decreased, there is little need to prevent a decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source due to a puff. Since the temperature of the susceptor 161 is relatively low and the amount of decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source due to a puff is relatively large in the second temperature increase period, on the other hand, the smoke taste can significantly deteriorate during successive puffs. With this configuration, therefore, deterioration in the smoke taste during successive puffs can be efficiently prevented in the second temperature increase period, when the smoke taste can significantly deteriorate during successive puffs.

A procedure of a process according to the present embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the process performed by the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, first, the controller 116 determines whether a user operation for requesting a start of heating has been detected (step S102). An example of the user operation for requesting a start of heating is an operation performed on the inhaler device 100, such as use of a switch or the like provided for the inhaler device 100. Another example of the user operation for requesting a start of heating is insertion of the stick substrate 150 into the inhaler device 100.

If determining that a user operation for requesting a start of heating has not been detected (step S102: NO), the controller 116 waits until a user operation for requesting a start of heating is detected.

If determining that a user operation for requesting a start of heating has been detected (step S102: YES), on the other hand, the controller 116 starts heating based on the heating profile (step S104). For example, the controller 116 controls the duty ratio of power supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 such that the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 changes in the same manner as temporal changes in the target temperature defined in the heating profile.

Next, the controller 116 determines whether the second temperature increase period has started (step S106). If determining that the second temperature increase period has not started (step S106: NO), the controller 116 waits until the second temperature increase period starts.

If determining that the second temperature increase period has started (step S106: YES), the controller 116 determines whether a puff has been performed (step S108).

If determining that a puff has been performed (step S108), the controller 116 determines whether an interval between a previously detected puff (i.e., a previous puff) and the puff detected in step S108 (i.e., a current puff) is shorter than a certain threshold (step S110).

If determining that the interval between the previous puff and the current puff is shorter than the certain threshold (step S110: YES), the controller 116 temporarily increases the temperature of the susceptor 161 (step S112). In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, the controller 116 increases the temperature of the susceptor 161 from the start tis to the end t1E of the current puff. The process then proceeds to step S114.

If the controller 116 determines in step S108 that a puff has not been performed (step S108: NO), the process proceeds to step S114. If the controller 116 determines in step S110 that the interval between the previous puff and the current puff is longer than or equal to the certain threshold (step S110: NO), too, the process proceeds to step S114.

In step S114, the controller 116 determines whether an ending condition has been satisfied (step S114). An example of the ending condition is elapse of a certain period of time since the start of the heating. Another example of the ending condition is that the number of puffs since the start of the heating reaches a certain number of times.

If the controller 116 determines that the ending condition has not been satisfied (step S114: NO), the process returns to step S108.

If determining that the ending condition has been satisfied (step S114: YES), on the other hand, the controller 116 ends the heating based on the heating profile (step S116). The process then ends.

3. Supplementary Information

Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to this example. It is clear that those who have ordinary knowledge in a technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive various examples of alterations or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) First Modification

The controller 116 may control the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of the amount of inhalation in the previous puff. The amount of inhalation is a total amount of fluid inhaled by the user during a puff. The amount of inhalation is calculated or estimated, for example, on the basis of an airflow rate detected by the flow sensor. Alternatively, duration of a puff (e.g., length of time from the start t2S to the end t2E of the previous puff) may be simply used as the amount of inhalation. Because the stick substrate 150 is cooled by more air as the amount of inhalation in the previous puff increases, the amount of decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source from the target temperature hT at the start tis of the current puff becomes larger. Because the stick substrate 150 is cooled by less air as the amount of inhalation in the previous puff decreases, the amount of decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source from the target temperature hT at the start tis of the current puff becomes smaller. With this configuration, therefore, the temperature of the susceptor 161 and the temperature of the aerosol source can be increased in accordance with the amount of decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source from the target temperature hT at the start tis of the current puff.

More specifically, the controller 116 may increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 more greatly as the amount of inhalation in the previous puff increases. The controller 116 may increase, on the other hand, the temperature of the susceptor 161 more slightly as the amount of inhalation in the previous puff decreases. With this configuration, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be properly increased.

In addition, the controller 116 may set the certain threshold to be compared with the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff on the basis of the amount of inhalation in the previous puff. For example, the controller 116 may increase the certain threshold as the amount of inhalation in the previous puff becomes larger, and decrease the certain threshold as the amount of inhalation in the previous puff becomes smaller. The temperature of the aerosol source decreases more greatly as the amount of inhalation becomes larger, and time taken for the temperature of the aerosol source to increase and returns to an original temperature becomes longer. Even when the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff remains the same, therefore, the amount of decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source from the target temperature hT at the start tis of the current puff differs if the amount of inhalation in the previous puff differs. With this configuration, therefore, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be increased only when it is assumed on the basis of the amount of inhalation in the previous puff that the smoke taste can deteriorate in the current puff.

(2) Second Modification

The controller 116 may control the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of ambient temperature. The ambient temperature is temperature of an environment where the inhaler device 100 operates. An example of the ambient temperature is atmospheric temperature. The ambient temperature can be detected, for example, by a temperature sensor. When the ambient temperature is low, temperature of new air flowing to the internal space 141 as a result of a puff is low, and the amount of decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source due to the puff is considered to be large. When the ambient temperature is high, on the other hand, temperature of new air flowing to the internal space 141 as a result of a puff is high, and the amount of decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source due to the puff is considered to be small. The controller 116, therefore, increases the temperature of the susceptor 161 more greatly as the ambient temperature becomes lower. The controller 116 increases, on the other hand, the temperature of the susceptor 161 more slightly as the ambient temperature becomes higher. With this configuration, deterioration in the smoke taste during successive puffs can be appropriately prevented in accordance with the amount of decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source corresponding to the ambient temperature.

In addition, the controller 116 may set the certain threshold to be compared with the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff on the basis of the ambient temperature. For example, the controller 116 may increase the certain threshold as the ambient temperature becomes lower and decrease the certain threshold as the ambient temperature becomes higher. The temperature of the aerosol source decreases more greatly as the ambient temperature becomes lower, and time taken for the temperature of the aerosol source to increase and return to an original temperature becomes longer. Even when the interval Δt between the previous puff and the current puff remains the same, the amount off decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source from the target temperature hT at the start tis of the current puff differs if the ambient temperature differs. With this configuration, therefore, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be increased only when it is assumed on the basis of the ambient temperature that the smoke taste can deteriorate in the current puff.

(3) Third Modification

The controller 116 may control the temperature of the susceptor 161 on the basis of information regarding one or more third puffs performed before the previous puff. An example of information regarding the third puff is a time at which the third puff has been performed, an interval between the third puff and the previous puff or the current puff, the amount of inhalation in the third puff, or the like. For example, as more puffs are performed at short intervals, the temperature of the aerosol source cumulatively decreases. The controller 116, therefore, may increase the amount of increase in the temperature of the susceptor 161 at a time when the current puff is detected, for example, as more puffs were performed in the past at intervals shorter than a certain threshold. With this configuration, deterioration in the smoke taste in the current puff can be prevented in consideration of an effect of a cumulative decrease in the temperature of the aerosol source due to puffs performed at short intervals.

(4) Other Modifications

The temperature control for the susceptor 161 described in the above embodiment and modifications may be combined together as appropriate. For example, the controller 116 may control the temperature of the susceptor 161 in the current puff on the basis of at least two of the interval between the previous puff and the current puff, the amount of inhalation in the previous puff, information regarding one or more third puffs performed before the previous puff, and the ambient temperature. In a specific example, even when the interval between the previous puff and the current puff is smaller than the certain threshold, the controller 116 need not increase the temperature of the susceptor 161 in the current puff if the amount of inhalation in the previous puff is small. With this configuration, an effect of preventing deterioration in the smoke taste during successive puffs can be enhanced compared to when the above-described temperature control is simply performed.

Although an example where the controller 116 uses the interval between the end t2E of the previous puff to the start tis of the current puff as the interval between the current puff and the previous puff has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this example. The controller 116 may use an interval between the start t2S of the previous puff and the start tis of the current puff as the interval between the current puff and the previous puff, instead.

Although an example where the stick substrate 150 includes the susceptor 161 has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this example. The susceptor 161 may be provided for the inhaler device 100, instead. In an example, the inhaler device 100 may include the susceptor 161 provided outside the internal space 141. More specifically, the container 140 may be composed of a conductive, magnetic material and function as the susceptor 161. Since the container 140 as the susceptor 161 comes into contact with an outer circumference of the substrate 151, the container 140 can come into thermal proximity to the aerosol source included in the substrate 151. In another example, the inhaler device 100 may include the susceptor 161 provided inside the internal space 141. More specifically, the susceptor 161 formed as a blade may be provided in such a way as to protrude into the internal space 141 of the container 140 from the bottom 143. When the stick substrate 150 is inserted into the internal space 141 of the container 140, the blade-shaped susceptor 161 is inserted into the stick substrate 150 in such a way as to penetrate into the substrate 151 of the stick substrate 150. As a result, the blade-shaped susceptor 161 can come into thermal proximity to the aerosol source included in the substrate 151.

Although an example where the susceptor 161 subjected to induction heating heats the aerosol source has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this example. The inhaler device 100 may include a heater resistor that, when energized, produces heat using electrical resistance, and the heater resistor may heat the aerosol source included in the stick substrate 150. In this case, the inhaler device 100 controls temperature of the heater resistor on the basis of the heating profile. Furthermore, the inhaler device 100 increases the temperature of the heater resistor in the current puff on the basis of the information regarding the previous puff.

It is to be noted that the process by each device described herein may be achieved by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. A program constituting software is stored in advance, for example, in a storage medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided inside or outside each device. When executed by a computer that controls each device described herein, for example, each program is loaded into a RAM and executed by a processing circuit such as CPU. The storage medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, or the like. In addition, the computer program may be distributed over a network, instead, without using a storage medium. In addition, the computer may be an integrated circuit for a specific application such as an ASIC, a general-purpose processor that executes a function by reading a software program, a computer on a server used for cloud computing, or the like. In addition, the process by each device described herein may be performed by a plurality of computers in a distributed manner.

In addition, the process described herein with reference to the flowchart and the sequence diagram need not necessarily be performed in the illustrated order. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel with each other, instead. Additional processing steps may also be employed, or some processing steps may be omitted.

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

(1)

An aerosol generation system including:

    • a container capable of accommodating a substrate including an aerosol source; and
    • a controller that controls temperature with which the aerosol source included in the substrate accommodated in the container is heated,
    • in which, when a user performs a first puff for inhaling an aerosol generated from the aerosol source, the controller controls, on a basis of information regarding a previously performed second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.
      (2)

The aerosol generation system according to (1),

    • in which the controller controls, on a basis of an interval between the first puff and the second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.
      (3)

The aerosol generation system according to (2),

    • in which, if the interval is shorter than a certain threshold, the controller increases the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.
      (4)

The aerosol generation system according to (2) or (3),

    • in which, as the interval becomes shorter, the controller more greatly increases the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.
      (5)

The aerosol generation system according to any of (1) to (4),

    • in which the controller controls, on a basis of an amount of inhalation in the second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.
      (6)

The aerosol generation system according to (5),

    • in which as the amount of inhalation in the second puff increases, the controller more greatly increases the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.
      (7)

The aerosol generation system according to any of (1) to (6),

    • in which the controller controls, on a basis of information regarding one or more third puffs performed before the second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.
      (8)

The aerosol generation system according to any of (1) to (7),

    • in which the controller controls, on a basis of control information that defines a target value of the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated, and
    • in which, when the first puff is performed, the controller adjusts the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated to a temperature higher than the target value by a temperature corresponding to the information regarding the second puff.
      (9)

The aerosol generation system according to (8),

    • in which the control information includes information for controlling the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated in each of a first period after a start of the heating, in which the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated increases, a second period after the first period, in which the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated decreases, and a third period after the second period, in which the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated increases, and
    • in which, when the first puff is performed in the third period, the controller controls, on a basis of the information regarding the second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.
      (10)

The aerosol generation system according to any of (1) to (9),

    • in which the controller controls, also on a basis of ambient temperature, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.
      (11)

The aerosol generation system according to any of (1) to (10),

    • in which the controller controls the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated on a basis of at least two of an interval between the first puff and the second puff, an amount of inhalation in the second puff, information regarding one or more third puffs performed before the second puff, and ambient temperature.
      (12)

The aerosol generation system according to any of (1) to (11), further including:

    • an electromagnetic induction source that generates a varying magnetic field and that heats, through induction heating, a susceptor disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source,
    • in which the controller controls supply of power to the electromagnetic induction source as the control of the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.
      (13)

The aerosol generation system according to (12),

    • in which the substrate includes the susceptor.
      (14)

The aerosol generation system according to any of (1) to (13), further including:

    • the substrate.
      (15)

A control method for controlling an aerosol generation system including a container capable of accommodating a substrate including an aerosol source, the control method including:

    • controlling temperature with which the aerosol source included in the substrate accommodated in the container is heated,
    • in which the controlling temperature with which the aerosol source is heated includes controlling, when a user performs a first puff for inhaling an aerosol generated from the aerosol source, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated on a basis of information regarding a previously performed second puff.
      (16)

A program causing a computer that controls an aerosol generation system including a container capable of accommodating a substrate including an aerosol source to function as:

    • a controller that controls temperature with which the aerosol source included in the substrate accommodated in the container is heated,
    • in which, when a user performs a first puff for inhaling an aerosol generated from the aerosol source, the controller controls, on a basis of information regarding a previously performed second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

    • 100 inhaler device
    • 111 power supply
    • 112 sensor
    • 113 notifier
    • 114 memory
    • 115 communicator
    • 116 controller
    • 140 container
    • 141 internal space
    • 142 opening
    • 143 bottom
    • 150 stick substrate
    • 161 susceptor
    • 162 electromagnetic induction source

Claims

1. An aerosol generation system comprising:

a container capable of accommodating a substrate including an aerosol source; and
a controller that controls temperature with which the aerosol source included in the substrate accommodated in the container is heated,
wherein, when a user performs a first puff for inhaling an aerosol generated from the aerosol source, the controller controls, on a basis of information regarding a previously performed second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

2. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1,

wherein the controller controls, on a basis of an interval between the first puff and the second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

3. The aerosol generation system according to claim 2,

wherein, if the interval is shorter than a certain threshold, the controller increases the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

4. The aerosol generation system according to claim 2,

wherein, as the interval becomes shorter, the controller more greatly increases the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

5. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1,

wherein the controller controls, on a basis of an amount of inhalation in the second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

6. The aerosol generation system according to claim 5,

wherein as the amount of inhalation in the second puff increases, the controller more greatly increases the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

7. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1,

wherein the controller controls, on a basis of information regarding one or more third puffs performed before the second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

8. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1,

wherein the controller controls, on a basis of control information that defines a target value of the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated, and
wherein, when the first puff is performed, the controller adjusts the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated to a temperature higher than the target value by a temperature corresponding to the information regarding the second puff.

9. The aerosol generation system according to claim 8,

wherein the control information includes information for controlling the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated in each of a first period after a start of the heating, in which the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated increases, a second period after the first period, in which the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated decreases, and a third period after the second period, in which the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated increases, and
wherein, when the first puff is performed in the third period, the controller controls, on a basis of the information regarding the second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

10. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1,

wherein the controller controls, also on a basis of ambient temperature, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

11. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1,

wherein the controller controls the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated on a basis of at least two of an interval between the first puff and the second puff, an amount of inhalation in the second puff, information regarding one or more third puffs performed before the second puff, and ambient temperature.

12. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, further comprising:

an electromagnetic induction source that generates a varying magnetic field and that heats, through induction heating, a susceptor disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source,
wherein the controller controls supply of power to the electromagnetic induction source as the control of the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.

13. The aerosol generation system according to claim 12,

wherein the substrate includes the susceptor.

14. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, further comprising:

the substrate.

15. A control method for controlling an aerosol generation system including a container capable of accommodating a substrate including an aerosol source, the control method comprising:

controlling temperature with which the aerosol source included in the substrate accommodated in the container is heated,
wherein the controlling temperature with which the aerosol source is heated includes controlling, when a user performs a first puff for inhaling an aerosol generated from the aerosol source, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated on a basis of information regarding a previously performed second puff.

16. A non-transitory computer readable medium having a program stored therein, the program causing a computer that controls an aerosol generation system including a container capable of accommodating a substrate including an aerosol source to function as:

a controller that controls temperature with which the aerosol source included in the substrate accommodated in the container is heated,
wherein, when a user performs a first puff for inhaling an aerosol generated from the aerosol source, the controller controls, on a basis of information regarding a previously performed second puff, the temperature with which the aerosol source is heated.
Patent History
Publication number: 20240389673
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 2, 2024
Publication Date: Nov 28, 2024
Applicant: Japan Tobacco Inc. (Tokyo)
Inventors: Yasuhiro ONO (Tokyo), Kazutoshi SERITA (Tokyo), Reijiro KAWASAKI (Tokyo), Chieko KAJIWARA (Tokyo), Hiroshi TEZUKA (Tokyo)
Application Number: 18/792,618
Classifications
International Classification: A24F 40/57 (20060101); A24F 40/20 (20060101); A24F 40/465 (20060101);