EA043206B1 - INHALATOR DEVICE AND METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR ITS WORK - Google Patents

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to an inhaler device that generates an aerosol or flavored aerosol inhaled by a user, and to a method and program for operating such an inhaler device.

State of the art

In an inhalation device for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user, such as a generic electronic cigarette or a nebulizer, sufficient inhalation perception cannot be provided to the user unless the elements such as the aerosol source for generating the aerosol and the flavor source for flavoring the aerosol are not replaced after a certain number of inhalations.

As a solution to this problem, a technology is known for prompting a user to replace elements by notifying the replacement of elements to a user using a light emitting diode (LED) or the like. However, even if the notification is performed at the time when replacement of the aerosol source and the fragrance source is necessary, the user does not always pay attention to the LED at that time. Therefore, the user tends to ignore such notice in a situation such as inhaling an aerosol.

As another solution to this problem, PTL 1 discloses an electronic vaporizer that switches to sleep mode when the cumulative inhalation time exceeds a predetermined threshold. However, the technology disclosed in PTL 1 does not visually notify the user. Therefore, the technology does not always prompt the user to replace items at the proper time.

In order to perform satisfactory inhalation using a general electronic cigarette or nebulizer, it is necessary to properly control not only the residual amount of the battery that supplies electric power to the atomizing portion, but also the residual amount of the aerosol source for forming the aerosol and the residual amount of the flavor source for flavoring the aerosol. However, in these elements required for aerosol inhalation, the times and frequencies for recovery of residual values often differ significantly due to the characteristics and filled capacities of the elements. Therefore, it is not easy for the user to restore the residual values of a plurality of these elements, respectively, at the appropriate times.

As a solution to this problem, PTL 2 discloses a technique for associating a replacement time for a first cartridge including an aerosol source and a replacement time for a second cartridge including a flavor source. However, there is still room for improvement in the notification to allow the user to easily understand the need to restore a plurality of items needed for inhalation, where the times and frequencies for restoring the residuals are significantly different.

In an inhalation device such as a general electronic cigarette or a nebulizer that provides an inhalation experience using an aerosol source to form an aerosol and an aroma source to flavor the aerosol, sufficient inhalation experience cannot be provided to the user if the residual values of the aerosol source are not properly managed. and flavor source. However, in the aerosol source and the aroma source, the times and frequencies for residual recovery are significantly different. Therefore, it is not easy to appropriately manage the residual values of these elements.

As a solution to this problem, PTL 2 discloses a technology for reducing the load to manage the residual values of these elements by associating the replacement time of the first cartridge including the aerosol source and the replacement time of the second cartridge including the flavor source. Additionally, PTL 2 also discloses a technology for reducing the load to manage the residual values of these elements in a similar way by informing about the replacement times of the first cartridge and the second cartridge. However, there is still room for improvement in that it is difficult to distinguish whether only the second cartridge should be replaced, or the first cartridge should also be replaced at times when these items are replaced. There is also still room for improvement, at the times of replacing these elements, in how the replacement times should be informed to prompt the user to restore the residual values of the plurality of elements so that the user can inhale continuously.

List of bibliographic references

Patent Documents.

PTL 1. WO 2015/052513.

PTL 2. WO 2016/076178.

The essence of the invention

Technical task.

The present disclosure has been developed with the aspect described above in mind.

The first problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an inhaler device with which the user easily recognizes the times of replacement, filling, charging, and the like. an element necessary for inhalation of an aerosol

- 1 043206 or an aerosol with added aroma.

The second problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an inhalation device that can reduce the likelihood that a user will ignore restoring the element residue required to inhale an aerosol or flavored aerosol.

The third problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an inhaler device that can easily control the residual amount of the element required to inhale an aerosol or flavored aerosol.

The solution of the problem.

In order to solve the first problem explained above, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an inhaler device is provided, comprising an element configured to consume the accumulated capacity to thereby contribute to the formation of an aerosol or flavored aerosol;

a sensor configured to detect a predetermined variable; a notification portion configured to perform a notification to the inhaler of the aerosol; and a controller configured to control the notification portion to operate in the first mode when the detected or estimated capacity is less than a threshold value and the variable satisfies a predetermined condition for the aerosol generation request.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to stop generating the aerosol when the controller instructs the notification portion to operate in the first mode.

In an embodiment, the condition is more stringent when the capacity is less than the threshold than when the capacity is equal to or greater than the threshold.

In an embodiment, the probability that the condition is met is lower when the capacity is less than the threshold than when the capacity is equal to or greater than the threshold.

In an embodiment, the condition includes detecting a variable that exceeds a predetermined duration. The duration is longer when the capacitance is less than the threshold than when the capacitance is equal to or greater than the threshold.

In an embodiment, the condition includes detecting a variable having an absolute value greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is greater when the capacitance is less than the threshold than when the capacitance is equal to or greater than the threshold.

In an embodiment, the notification portion includes a light emitting element. The controller is configured to control the notification portion to operate in the second mode during aerosol generation. The light emission colors of the light emitting element in the first mode and the second mode are identical. Light emission methods of the light emitting element in the first mode and the second mode are different.

In an embodiment, the notification portion includes a light emitting element. The controller is configured to control the notification portion to operate in the second mode during aerosol generation. The light emission colors of the light emitting element in the first mode and the second mode are different. The light emission methods of the light emitting element in the first mode and the second mode are identical.

In an embodiment, the inhaler device comprises a plurality of elements. The controller is configured to control - in relation to only one element having the highest frequency of performing work to return the element to a state having the capacity necessary for the continuous formation of an aerosol, from a plurality of elements - of the notification part to operate in the first mode only when the capacity is less than the threshold value, and the variable satisfies a predefined condition for the aerosol generation request.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control the notification portion to operate in a plurality of modes, including the first mode, and cause the notification portion to operate for the longest time in the first mode of the plurality of modes.

In an embodiment, the inhaler device comprises a plurality of elements. The controller is configured to control - with respect to only one element having the highest frequency of performing work to return the element to a state having the capacity necessary for the continuous formation of an aerosol, from a plurality of elements - of the notification part to operate in the first mode only when the capacity is less than the threshold value , and the variable satisfies a predefined condition for the aerosol generation request.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to assume that the capacity returns to a predetermined value after the operation of the notification part in the first mode ends.

- 2 043206

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to count the number of times the cell capacity returns to a predetermined value after the operation of the notification part in the first mode ends.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control the notification portion to operate in a plurality of modes, including the first mode, and cause the notification portion to operate for the longest time in the first mode of the plurality of modes.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to pause the operation of the notification part when at least one of the elements is disconnected.

According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for operating an inhalation device, the method including determining, with respect to an element configured to consume accumulated capacity to thereby promote the formation of an aerosol or flavored aerosol, whether the detected or estimated capacity is less than a threshold values;

determining whether or not the detected predetermined variable satisfies a predetermined condition for the aerosol generation request; and performing a predetermined notification to the inhaler of the aerosol when the detected or estimated capacity is less than a threshold value and the variable satisfies the predetermined condition.

According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a program, when executed by a processor, is provided for instructing the processor to perform a method.

In order to solve the second problem explained above, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, an inhaler device is provided, comprising a plurality of elements configured to consume the accumulated capacity to thereby contribute to the formation of an aerosol or flavored aerosol;

a notification portion configured to perform a notification to the inhaler of the aerosol; and a controller configured to control, with respect to each element of the plurality of elements, a notification portion to operate when a predetermined condition defined with respect to the element is satisfied, including a requirement that the detected or estimated capacity must be equal to or less than a threshold value defined with respect to the element. relative to the element.

The condition is more stringent for an element having a higher frequency of doing work to return the element to a state having the capacity necessary to continuously generate an aerosol from a plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the condition is less likely to be satisfied in the element having the higher frequency of the plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the condition includes more requirements for an element having a higher frequency of the plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the controller is further configured to receive an aerosol generation request. The condition of the element having the highest frequency of the plurality of elements includes request detection.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control—with respect to the element having the higher frequency of the plurality of elements—the notification part to operate for a longer time when the condition is satisfied.

In an embodiment, the notification portion includes a light emitting element. The controller is configured to set different light emission colors of the light emitting element for the corresponding plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to set, based on the frequencies of the respective plurality of elements, light emission colors of the light emitting elements for the respective plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the notification portion includes a light emitting element. The controller is configured to set, with respect to the element having a higher frequency of the plurality of elements, the light emission color of the light emitting element closer to a cold color.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control, with respect to the element having the highest frequency among the plurality of elements, the light emitting element such that the light emitting color of the light emitting element is identical when the condition is satisfied and when the aerosol is generated.

In an embodiment, the notification portion includes a light emitting element. The controller is configured to set, with respect to the element having a lower frequency of the plurality of elements, the light emission color of the light emitting element closer to a warm color.

- 3 043206

In an embodiment, the capacity of at least one element from the plurality of elements is detected or estimated by a method different from the method of detecting or estimating the capacity of at least one other element from the plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the capacities of at least two elements from a plurality of elements are detected or estimated by an identical method.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to pause the operation of the notification part when at least one of the elements is disconnected.

According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an inhalation device is provided, the method including determining, with respect to each of a plurality of elements configured to consume an accumulated capacity to thereby contribute to the formation of a flavored aerosol or aerosol, whether or not there is no predetermined condition defined with respect to the element, including a requirement that the detected or estimated capacity must be equal to or less than a threshold value defined with respect to the element; and performing a predetermined notification to the inhaler of the aerosol when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

The condition is more stringent for an element having a higher frequency of doing work to return the element to a state having the capacity necessary to continuously generate an aerosol from a plurality of elements.

According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a program, when executed by a processor, is provided for instructing the processor to perform a method.

According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, an inhaler device is provided, comprising a plurality of elements configured to consume an accumulated capacity to thereby contribute to the formation of an aerosol or flavored aerosol;

a notification portion configured to perform a notification to the inhaler of the aerosol; and a controller configured to control, with respect to each element of the plurality of elements, the notification portion to operate when the detected or estimated capacity is equal to or less than a threshold value defined with respect to the element and a predetermined condition defined with respect to the element is satisfied.

The condition is more stringent for an element having a higher frequency of doing work to return the element to a state having the capacity necessary to continuously generate an aerosol from a plurality of elements.

According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an inhalation device is provided, the method including determining, with respect to each of a plurality of elements configured to consume accumulated capacity to thereby promote aerosol formation, whether the detected or estimated capacity is or less than a threshold value specified with respect to the element;

determining whether a predetermined condition specified with respect to the element is satisfied; and performing a predetermined notification to the inhaler of the aerosol when the detected or estimated capacity is equal to or less than a threshold value and the predetermined condition is satisfied.

The condition is more stringent for an element having a higher frequency of doing work to return the element to a state having the capacity necessary to continuously generate an aerosol from a plurality of elements.

According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a program, when executed by a processor, is provided for instructing the processor to perform a method.

In order to solve the third problem explained above, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, an inhaler device is provided, comprising first and second elements configured to consume the accumulated capacity to thereby contribute to the formation of an aerosol or flavored aerosol;

a notification portion configured to perform a notification to the inhaler of the aerosol; and a controller configured to control the notification portion to operate in the first mode when the first capacity detected or estimated relative to the first element is less than the first threshold, and the second capacity detected or estimated relative to the second element is equal to or greater than the second threshold, and causing the notification portions to operate in a second mode different from the first mode when the first capacity is less than the first threshold and the second capacity is less than the second threshold.

The frequency of work to return the first element to a state that has capacity is required

- 4 043206 dimmable for continuous aerosol formation, higher than the frequency relative to the second element.

In an embodiment, the notification portion includes a light emitting element. The controller is configured to control the light emitting element to emit light with different colors of light emission in the first mode and the second mode.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to set the light emission color of the light emitting element in the first mode closer to a cool color compared to the color of the light emission in the second mode.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control the notification portion to operate for different times in the first mode and the second mode.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to set the time for instructing the notification portion to operate in the first mode to be short compared to the time in the second mode.

In an embodiment, the inhaler device further includes a sensor configured to detect a predetermined variable. The controller is configured to control the notification portion to operate in the first mode when the first capacitance is less than the first threshold, the second capacitance is equal to or greater than the second threshold, and the variable satisfies a predetermined condition for the aerosol generation request.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to stop generating the aerosol by instructing the notification portion to operate in the first mode.

In an embodiment, the condition is more stringent when the first capacity is less than the first threshold than when the first capacity is equal to or greater than the first threshold.

In an embodiment, the probability that the condition is met is lower when the first capacitance is less than the threshold than the probability that the condition is met when the first capacitance is equal to or greater than the threshold.

In an embodiment, the condition includes detecting a variable that exceeds a predetermined duration. The duration is longer when the first capacitance is less than the first threshold than when the first capacitance is equal to or greater than the first threshold.

In an embodiment, the condition includes detecting a variable having an absolute value greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is larger when the first capacitance is less than the first threshold than when the first capacitance is equal to or greater than the first threshold.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control the notification portion including the light emitting element to operate in a third manner during aerosol generation. The light emission colors of the light emitting element in the first mode and the third method are identical. Light emission methods of the light emitting element in the first mode and the third method are different.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control the notification portion including the light emitting element to operate in a third manner during aerosol generation. The light emission colors of the light emitting element in the first mode and the third method are different. The light emission methods of the light emitting element in the first mode and the third method are identical.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to assume that the first capacity returns to a predetermined value after the operation of the notification part in the first mode ends.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to count the number of times the first capacity returns to a predetermined value after the operation of the notification part in the first mode ends.

In an embodiment, the inhaler device comprises a plurality of elements including at least first and second elements and configured to consume the stored capacity to thereby promote the formation of a flavored aerosol or aerosol. The controller is configured to control, with respect to each element of the plurality of elements, a part of the notification for operation when a predetermined condition defined with respect to the element is satisfied, including such a requirement that the detected or estimated capacity must be equal to or less than a threshold value specified with respect to the element. The condition is more stringent for the element having the higher frequency of the plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the less likely condition is to be satisfied for the element having the higher frequency of the plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the condition includes more requirements for an element having

- 5 043206 which has a higher frequency from a plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the controller is further configured to receive an aerosol generation request. The condition for an element having the highest frequency of the plurality of elements includes detecting a request.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control the notification portion to operate for a longer time relative to the element having the higher frequency of the plurality of elements when the condition is satisfied.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to discriminate and set the light emission colors of the light emitting element included in the notification part for the corresponding plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to set, based on the frequencies of the plurality of elements, the light emission colors of the light emitting element for the corresponding plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to set the light emission color of the light emitting element included in the notification portion closer to a cool color for the element having a higher frequency of the plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control, with respect to the element having the highest frequency of the plurality of elements, the light emitting element such that the light emitting color of the light emitting element when the condition is satisfied and the light emitting color of the light emitting element during aerosol formation are identical.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to set the light emission color of the light emitting element included in the notification portion closer to a warm color for the element having a lower frequency of the plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the capacity of at least one element of the plurality of elements and the capacity of at least one other element of the plurality of elements are detected or estimated by various methods.

In an embodiment, the capacities of at least two elements from a plurality of elements are detected or estimated by an identical method.

In an embodiment, the inhaler device comprises a plurality of elements including at least first and second elements and configured to consume the stored capacity to thereby promote the formation of a flavored aerosol or aerosol. The controller is configured to control, with respect to each element of the plurality of elements, a part of the notification for operation when a predetermined condition defined with respect to the element is satisfied, including such a requirement that the detected or estimated capacity must be equal to or less than a threshold value specified with respect to the element. The condition is less stringent for the element having the lowest frequency of the plurality of elements.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to pause the operation of the notification portion when at least one element is detached.

According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating an inhalation device is provided, wherein the inhalation device comprises first and second elements configured to consume an accumulated capacity to thereby contribute to the formation of an aerosol or flavored aerosol, the method comprising notifying the inhaler of the aerosol in the first mode, when the first capacity detected or estimated relative to the first element is less than the first threshold value, and the second capacity detected or estimated relative to the second element is equal to or greater than the second threshold value; and performing a notification to the inhaler of the aerosol in a second mode different from the first mode when the first capacity is less than the first threshold and the second capacity is less than the second threshold.

The frequency of doing work to return the first element to a state having the capacity necessary for the continuous formation of an aerosol is higher than the frequency relative to the second element.

According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, a program, when executed by a processor, is provided for instructing the processor to perform a method.

advantages of the invention.

According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an inhalation device can be provided with which the user can easily recognize the times of replacement, filling, charging, and the like. an element necessary for inhalation of an aerosol or flavored aerosol.

According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, an inhalation device can be provided with which the user can easily understand the recovery of residual

- 6 043206 values of a plurality of elements required for inhalation of an aerosol or an aerosol with added aroma.

According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, an inhaler device can be provided that can easily control the residual amount of an element required for inhaling an aerosol or flavored aerosol.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1A is a schematic block diagram of a configuration of an inhaler device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B is a schematic block diagram of a configuration of an inhaler device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the basic mode of operation of the inhaler device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing in detail an operation example of the inhaler device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the basic mode of operation of the inhaler device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing another basic mode of operation of the inhaler device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing in detail an operation example of the inhaler device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail an operation example of the inhaler device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the basic mode of operation of the inhaler device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail an operation example of the inhaler device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed description of embodiments

The embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure include an electronic cigarette and a nebulizer, but are not limited to an electronic cigarette and a nebulizer. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include various inhalation devices for generating an aerosol or flavored aerosol inhaled by a user.

Fig. 1A is a schematic block diagram of a configuration of an inhaler device 100A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIG. 1A schematically and conceptually shows the components included in the inhaler device 100A and does not show strict arrangement, shapes, sizes, positional relationships, or the like. components and inhaler device 100A.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the inhalation device 100A includes a first assembly 102 and a second assembly 104. As shown in the drawing, as an example, the first assembly 102 may include a controller 106, a notification portion 108, a battery 110, a sensor 112, and a storage device 114. As an example, For example, the second assembly 104 may include a reservoir 116, a spray portion 118, an air inlet 120, an aerosol conduit 121, and a draw-in portion 122. A portion of the components included in the first assembly 102 may be included in the second assembly 104. A portion of the components included in the second assembly 104 may be included in the first assembly 102. The second assembly 104 may be configured to be removably attachable to the first assembly 102. Alternatively, all of the components included in the first node 102 and the second node 104 may be included in one housing instead of the first node 102 and the second node 104.

Reservoir 116 holds the aerosol source. For example, reservoir 116 is formed from a fibrous or porous material. Reservoir 116 holds a source of aerosol, which is a liquid, between the fibers or pinholes of the porous material. For example, cotton, fiberglass, cigarette material, etc. can be used as fibrous or porous material. Reservoir 116 may be configured as a reservoir that stores liquid. The source of the aerosol is a liquid, for example a polyalcohol such as glyce

- 7 043206 rin or propylene glycol, or water. When the inhaler device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug to be inhaled by the patient. As another example, the aerosol source may include a cigarette material that emits a flavoring inhalant flavor component by heating, or an extract extracted from the cigarette material. Reservoir 116 may include a component that can fill a consumed aerosol source. Alternatively, reservoir 116 may be configured to be replaceable when the aerosol source is consumed. The aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid. When the aerosol source is a solid body, reservoir 116, for example, may be a hollow container in which no fibrous or porous material is used.

The atomizing portion 118 is configured to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. When the action of inhalation is detected by the sensor 112, the spray portion 118 generates an aerosol. For example, a wick (not shown in the drawing) may be provided to connect reservoir 116 and spray portion 118. In this case, the wick portion communicates with the interior of reservoir 116 and is in contact with the aerosol source. The other part of the wick goes to the atomizing part 118. The aerosol source is transferred from the reservoir 116 to the atomizing part 118 by the capillary effect of the wick. As an example, the spray portion 118 includes a heater electrically connected to the battery 110. The heater is positioned in contact or in direct contact with the wick. When an inhalation action is detected, the controller 106 controls the heater of the nebulizing portion 118 and heats the aerosol source carried through the wick to thereby nebulize the aerosol source. Another example of atomizing portion 118 may be an ultrasonic nebulizer that atomizes an aerosol source using ultrasonic vibration. The air inlet 120 is connected to the nebulizing part 118. The air inlet 120 communicates with the outside with respect to the inhalation device 100. The aerosol formed in the nebulizing part 118 mixes with the air admitted through the air inlet 120. The mixed fluid of the aerosol and air is delivered to the duct 121 for aerosol, as indicated by arrow 124. The aerosol passage 121 has a tubular structure for conveying the mixed fluid of aerosol and air formed in the atomizing portion 118 to the draw-in portion 122.

The retraction port portion 122 is located in the cable end of the aerosol passage 121 and is configured to open the aerosol passage 121 outside of the inhaler device 100A. The user holds the intake portion 122 in the user's mouth and inhales the air including the aerosol to thereby let the air including the aerosol into the oral cavity.

The notification portion 108 may include a light emitting element such as an LED, a display, a speaker, a vibrator, or the like. The notification portion 108 is configured to perform some notification to the user through light emission, display, text speaking, vibration, and the like. if necessary.

The battery 110 supplies electrical power to the components of the inhaler device 100A, such as the notification portion 108, the sensor 112, the memory 114, and the nebulization portion 118. The battery 110 can also be charged by connecting to an external power source through a predetermined port (not shown) of the inhaler devices 100A. Only the battery 110 may be removable from the first node 102 or inhalation device 100A, or may be replaceable with a new battery 110. The battery 110 may be replaceable with a new battery 110 by replacing the entire first node 102 with a new first node 102.

Sensor 112 may include a pressure sensor that detects pressure fluctuation in air inlet 120 and/or aerosol passage 121, or a flow sensor that detects flow in air inlet 120 and/or aerosol passage 121. Sensor 112 may include a weight sensor that detects the weight of a component, such as reservoir 116. Sensor 112 may be configured to count the number of times a user puffs using inhaler device 100A. The sensor 112 may be configured to integrate the power-on time of the spray portion 118. The sensor 112 may be configured to detect the height of the surface of the liquid in the reservoir 116. The sensor 112 may be configured to detect SOC (state of charge), integrated current value, voltage and so on. battery 110. The integrated current value may be calculated by a current integration based method, an SOC-OCV (open circuit voltage) based method, or the like. The sensor 112 may be a function button or the like pressed by the user.

Controller 106 is an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or microcontroller. The controller 106 may be configured to control the operation of the inhalation device 100A in accordance with computer-executable instructions stored in the storage device 114. The storage device 114 is a storage medium such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. In the storage device 114 in addition

- 8 043206 In addition to the above machine-executable instructions, setting data required to control the inhalation device 100A, and the like can be stored. For example, the memory 114 may store the method of controlling the notification part 108 (aspects, etc. of light emission, sound generation, vibration, etc.), the values detected by the sensor 112, and various pieces of data such as the heating history of the atomizer. part 118. The controller 106 reads data from the memory 114 as needed to be used in controlling the inhaler device 100A, and stores the data in the memory 114 as needed.

Fig. 1B is a schematic block diagram of a feature of an inhaler device 100B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in the drawing, the inhaler device 100B includes a third assembly 126 in addition to the features that the inhaler device 100A of FIG. 1A. The third node 126 may include a source 128 aroma. As an example, if inhaler device 100B is an electronic cigarette, flavor source 128 may include flavor ingredients found in tobacco. As illustrated in the drawing, the duct 121 for the aerosol goes from the second node 104 to the third node 126. A part 122 with an opening for retraction is included in the third node 126.

The aroma source 128 is a component for flavoring an aerosol. The source 128 of aroma is placed in the middle of the duct 121 for aerosol. The mixed fluid of aerosol and air (hereinafter, the mixed fluid may be referred to simply as aerosol in some cases) formed by the atomizing portion 118 flows through the aerosol passage 121 to the draw-in portion 122. Thus, the aroma source 128 is provided downstream of the spray portion 118 relative to the aerosol flow. In other words, the fragrance source 128 is located closer to the intake port portion 122 in the aerosol passage 121 than to the spray portion 118. Accordingly, the aerosol generated by the spray portion 118 passes through the aroma source 128 and then reaches the port portion 122. retraction. As the aerosol passes through the aroma source 128, the aroma ingredients contained in the aroma source 128 are imparted to the aerosol. By way of example, if the inhaler device 100B is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 128 may be derived from tobacco, such as cut tobacco, or a processed product obtained by forming the tobacco material into particulate, sheet, or powder form. Flavor source 128 can also be derived from non-tobacco material produced in non-tobacco factories (eg, mint, grass, etc.). As an example, flavor source 128 contains nicotine-based components. The fragrance source 128 may contain perfume ingredients such as menthol. In addition to aroma source 128, reservoir 116 may also contain substances containing aroma ingredients. For example, inhaler device 100B may retain flavors derived from tobacco in flavor source 128 and may be configured to contain flavors that are not derived from tobacco in reservoir 116.

By placing the inhalation port portion 122 into the mouth for inhalation, the user can let the air containing the flavored aerosol into their mouth.

Controller 106 is configured to control inhalation devices 100A and 100B (which may hereinafter be collectively referred to as inhalation device 100) according to embodiments of the present disclosure in various ways. Each embodiment is described in detail below.

First embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a flowchart that shows the basic mode of operation of the inhaler device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the description below, the controller 106 is described as performing all the steps shown in FIG. 2. However, it should be noted that some of the steps in FIG. 2 may be performed by other components in the inhaler device 100.

At step 202, the controller 106 detects or estimates the capacity of the elements of the inhalation device 100. Here, the element means a component that is configured to promote the formation of an aerosol or flavored aerosol by consuming the accumulated capacity. As an example, in the case of an electronic cigarette having the configuration of the inhaler device 100A shown in FIG. 1A, the first node 102 may be provided as a battery management module that includes a battery 110, while the second node 104 may be provided as a cartridge that includes a reservoir 116. In this case, the battery management module (or battery 110 ) and cartridge (or reservoir 116) correspond to the above elements. Here, capacity means the remaining charge of the battery 110, the remaining amount of the aerosol source included in the tank 116, and the like. As another example, in the case of an electronic cigarette having the configuration of the inhaler device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, the first node 102 may be provided as a battery housing module that includes the battery 110, the second node 104 may be provided as a cartridge.

- 9 043206 zha, which includes a reservoir 116, and the third node 126 may be provided as a capsule, which includes a source 128 flavor. In this case, the battery housing module (or battery 110), the cartridge (or reservoir 116), and the capsule (or flavor source 128) correspond to the elements. Here, the capacity means the residual value of the accumulator 110, the residual value of the aerosol source in the reservoir 116, the residual value of the fragrance ingredients included in the fragrance source 128, the residual value of the aerosol source, and the like. Volume, weight, etc. the aroma source 128 and the reservoir 116 may increase according to the use of the inhaler device 100. Accordingly, it should be noted that the volume, weight, etc. aroma source 128 and reservoir 116 do not necessarily correspond to a container.

Cell capacitances may be detected or estimated in a variety of ways. In one example, sensor 112 may be a weight sensor. In this case, the controller 106 may detect, using the sensor 112, the weight of the item (e.g., the weight of liquid or tobacco in case the aerosol source included in reservoir 116 is liquid or tobacco) and determine the weight that is detected as the container. this element. In another example, sensor 112 may be capable of detecting the level of a liquid surface (an aerosol source included in reservoir 116, etc.). In this case, the controller 106 may detect, using the sensor 112, the liquid surface level of the element and estimate the capacity of this element based on the liquid surface level that is detected. In another example, memory 114 may store a cumulative value of power-on time for spray portion 118. In this case, controller 106 may estimate the capacity of the element (e.g., residual amount of aerosol source included in reservoir 116, residual amount of tobacco flavor ingredients, residual amount of flavor ingredients contained in the flavor source 128, etc.) based on the cumulative power-on time obtained from the memory 114. In another example, the memory 114 may store the number of puffs a user takes on the inhaler device 100 (puffs in the case of an electronic cigarette) . In this case, the controller 106 may estimate the element capacity based on the number of breaths obtained from the memory 114. In another example, the memory 114 may store data regarding the heating history of the spray portion 118. In this case, the controller 106 may estimate the element capacity based on the data received from memory 114. In another example, memory 114 may store data regarding the state of charge (SOC) of battery 110, cumulative current and/or voltage. Sensor 112 can detect these values. In this case, the controller 106 may detect or estimate the capacity of the cells (in particular, the battery 110) based on these pieces of data.

In step 204, the controller 106 determines whether or not the cell capacity, which is detected or estimated in step 202, is below a threshold value. The threshold value may be stored in memory 114, or the controller 106 may obtain the threshold value from memory 114. If the capacity is not less than the threshold value (No at step 204), processing returns to the stage before step 202. If the capacity is less than the threshold value (Yes by step 204), processing proceeds to step 206.

At step 206, the controller 106 detects a predefined variable. In one example, if sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor that detects pressure in air inlet duct 120 and/or aerosol duct 121, then the predetermined variable may be pressure. In another example, if sensor 112 includes a flow sensor that detects flow in air intake passage 120 and/or aerosol passage 121 instead of pressure in the tracts, the predetermined variable may be flow. In another example, if the inhaler device 100 includes a button (not shown) for actuation, then the predetermined variable may be a mechanical voltage, current value, or the like, indicating that the button is pressed.

It should be noted that sensor 112 may include a plurality of sensors, where at least two of the sensors may detect different physical quantities. At step 202, the controller 106 may use a portion of the sensors to detect or estimate the capacitance of an element of the inhalation device 100. Additionally, at step 206, the controller 106 may use another portion of the sensors to detect a predetermined variable.

At step 208, the controller 106 determines whether or not the variable that is detected at step 206 satisfies a predetermined condition. Here, the predetermined condition may be set as a condition required for issuing a request to generate an aerosol in the inhalation device 100. In one example, if the variable is pressure or flow, the predetermined condition may be that the pressure or flow is detected beyond within a predetermined duration. In another example, if the variable is pressure or flow, the predetermined condition may be that a pressure or flow is detected that has an absolute value greater than the predetermined value. It should be appreciated that also in embodiments in which the variable is represented

- 10 043206 This is a value other than pressure, various conditions can be specified as a preset condition. If the variable that is detected does not satisfy the predefined condition (No at step 208), then processing returns to the stage before step 206. If the variable that is detected satisfies the predefined condition (Yes at step 208), then processing proceeds to step 210 .

At step 210, the controller 106 performs a predetermined notification to the user (ie, the inhaler of the inhaler device 100). For example, the controller 106 instructs the notification portion 108 to operate in a first mode having a predetermined manner. In one example, if the notification portion 108 includes an LED, the controller 106 may instruct the LED to operate in a predetermined manner (eg, flashing). In another example, if the notification portion 108 includes a display, the controller 106 may cause the display to operate to execute a predetermined indicator indicating the fact that replacement, refilling, charging, etc. is required. elements (which is hereinafter referred to as replacement, etc. as needed). As another example, if the notification portion 108 includes a speaker, the controller 106 may instruct the speaker to operate so as to output a predetermined sound.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing in detail an example of operation of the inhaler device 100 according to this embodiment. In the description below, the controller 106 is described as performing all the steps shown in FIG. 3. However, it should be noted that some of the steps in FIG. 3 may be performed by other components in the inhaler device 100. Here, explanations are provided on the condition that the inhaler device has the features of the inhaler device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, and the third assembly 126 (including the aroma source 128) of the inhaler device 100B is an item that is described with respect to FIG. 2. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to such a configuration, and it should be noted that the first node 102 (or battery 110) and the second node 104 (or reservoir 116) may be a cell.

Processing begins at step 302. At step 302, the controller 106 determines whether or not the start of a puff of the inhaler device 100 is detected by the user. As an example, if sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or a flow sensor, controller 106 may determine that a puff is started when pressure or flow received from sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined value. The controller 106 may also determine that a puff has started when the duration for which the pressure is detected by the sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined duration. In another example, controller 106 may determine that a puff has begun when inhalation device 100 includes a start button and the button is depressed. If no puff start is detected (No at step 302), processing returns to the step before step 302. If puff start is detected (Yes at step 302), then processing proceeds to step 304.

At step 304, the controller 106 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 110 exceeds the discharge cutoff voltage (eg, 3.2 V). If the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage (No at step 304), processing proceeds to step 306. At step 306, the controller 106 instructs the notification parts 108 to function in a third way. In one example, if the notification portion 108 includes an LED, a third method may include causing the LED to blink red. On the other hand, if the voltage of the battery 110 exceeds the discharge cutoff voltage (Yes in step 304), processing proceeds to step 308.

In step 308, the controller 106 determines whether the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the value obtained by subtracting the predetermined value Δ from the full charge voltage. If the voltage of the battery 110 is not equal to or less than the full charge voltage-Δ (No at 308), the relationship is the full charge voltage-Δ<battery voltage<full charge voltage. At this point, the processing proceeds to step 310. At step 310, the controller 106 supplies power to the spray portion 118 by constant power control. For example, the controller 106 may perform pulse-width modulation (PWM) on the power supplied from the battery 110 to the spray portion 118, and may adjust the pulse width in accordance with the change in the output voltage of the battery 110 such that the value of the power supplied to the spray portion 118 , becomes constant. It should be noted that the controller 106 may implement pulse frequency modulation (PFM) control instead of pulse width modulation (PWM) control. On the other hand, if the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the full charge voltage-Δ (Yes at step 308), processing proceeds to step 312. At step 312, the controller 106 does not perform pulse width modulation for the power from the battery 110 and supplies power to the atomizer part 118 with duty cycle = 100%.

Processing proceeds to step 314 and the controller 106 instructs the notification portion 108 to operate in the second mode. In one example, if the notification portion 108 includes an LED

- 11 043206 od, the controller 106 can instruct the LED to be illuminated in blue.

Processing proceeds to step 316, and the controller 106 sets the inhalation time (T _L ), which can be stored in the memory 114, the controller 106, etc., to 0.

Processing proceeds to step 318, and the controller 106 waits until the predetermined time At has elapsed and sets T _L to T _L =T _L +At.

Processing proceeds to step 320, and the controller 106 determines whether or not the completion of the puff is detected. In one example, if sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor, controller 106 may determine that a puff is complete when the pressure received from sensor 112 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. When the completion of the puff is detected (Yes at step 320), processing proceeds to step 324. When the completion of the puff is not detected (No at step 320), the processing proceeds to step 322 and the controller 106 determines whether T _L is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit time. If T _L is not equal to or greater than the predetermined upper time limit (No at step 322), processing returns to the step before step 318. If T _L is equal to or greater than the predetermined upper time limit (Yes at step 322), processing proceeds to step 324 .

At step 324, the controller 106 stops supplying power to the atomizing part 118, for example, by operating a switch provided in the electrical circuit connecting the battery 110 and the atomizing part 118.

Processing proceeds to step 326, and the controller 106 terminates the notification part 108. In one example, the controller 106 turns off the LED of the notification portion 108, which is illuminated in blue.

It should be noted that if the completion of the puff is not detected (No at step 320) and T _L is equal to or higher than the predetermined upper time limit (Yes at step 322), the controller 106 may continue to operate the notification part 108 in the second mode (for example, in the mode during normal inhalation) until the completion of the puff is detected after the power supply to the atomizing portion 118 is turned off at step 324. Thereafter, at step 326, the controller 106 stops the operation of the notification portion 108. Since the notification part 108 continues to function in the second mode as long as the puff continues, it becomes possible to stop the generation of the aerosol and suppress the degradation of the user experience that may cause the user to feel strange.

Processing proceeds to step 328, and the controller 106 sets the cumulative time TA, which can be stored in the memory 114, the controller 106, etc., equal to T _A =T _A +T _L .

Processing proceeds to block 330. Block 330 is an example of block 204 of FIG. 2. In step 330, the controller 106 determines whether or not TA exceeds a predetermined threshold time. The threshold time may be defined as the cumulative inhalation time on the inhaler device 100B, at which it is estimated that the capacity (in this example, the residual amount of flavor ingredients contained in the flavor source 128) of the element of the inhaler device 100B (in this example, the third node 126 or flavor source 128 ), below the value required to form an aerosol with sufficient aroma imparted. The threshold time may be stored in advance in the storage device 114, and so on.

If TA is equal to or less than the threshold time (No at step 330), processing returns to the step before step 302. If TA is greater than the threshold time (Yes at step 330), processing proceeds to step 332.

Steps 332 and/or 334 are an example of step 208 of FIG. 2. At step 332, the controller 106 determines whether or not the start of a puff is detected. In one example, if sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or a flow sensor, controller 106 may determine that a puff has begun when pressure or flow received from sensor 112 has an absolute value greater than a predetermined value.

If the start of a puff is not detected (No at step 332), processing returns to the stage before step 332. In particular, the controller 106 waits for the start of a puff to be detected. If the start of a puff is detected (Yes at 332), processing proceeds to 334.

At step 334, the controller 106 determines whether or not the puff continues for a predetermined period of time (eg, 1 second). The predetermined period of time may be stored in the memory 114. If the puff does not continue for the predetermined period of time (No at step 334), processing returns to the stage before step 332. If the puff continues for the predetermined period of time (Yes at step 334 ), processing proceeds to step 336. By executing step 334, it is possible to prevent execution of subsequent processes even when it is erroneously determined that the start of a puff is detected in step 332 due to the occurrence of background noise.

Both processes at blocks 332 and 334 can be performed, and only either of them can be performed.

Since the controller 106 is configured to perform steps 332 and 334, it becomes possible to instruct the notification portions 108 to operate in the first mode based on no

- 12 043206 only excess cumulative time, but also subsequent puff detection. Accordingly, since the notification part 108 operates in the first mode at the point in time at which the user attempts to smoke or perform a certain action of this kind using the inhalation device 100, the user more easily notices the fact that the element having a small capacity must be replaced.

At step 336, the controller 106 disables power supply to the spray portion 118. It should be noted that the process at step 336 may be performed between step 330 and step 332.

Processing proceeds to step 338 and the controller 106 instructs the notification portion 108 to operate in the first mode. Since the controller 106 disables power supply to the atomizing part 118 by instructing the notification part 108 to operate in the first mode, it becomes possible to stop generating the aerosol. To stop the formation of aerosol, the controller 106 may turn off the sensor 112 or open the power supply circuit to the atomizing portion 118. element is required. In addition, since it is possible to prevent the formation of an incomplete aerosol when the capacity of the element is insufficient, it becomes possible to prevent deterioration in the inhalation perception of the user. In one example, if the notification portion 108 is an LED, the first mode may include causing the LED to blink blue. The controller 106 may cause the notification portions 108 to operate for a relatively long time (eg, 40 seconds) such that the user may notice the fact that the cell's capacity is insufficient.

At step 338, the conditions of steps 332 and 334, which are the conditions for instructing the notification part 108 to operate in the first mode, may be more stringent than the condition of step 302, which is the condition for instructing the notification part 108 to operate in the second mode, at step 314. Alternatively, the likelihood that the conditions of steps 332 and 334 are met may be lower than the likelihood that the condition of step 302 is met. For example, the above predetermined value used in the determination at step 334 may exceed the predetermined value used in the determination at step 302. time in step 334 is required so that the duration used in determining the puff in steps 332 and 334, which is a condition for instructing the notification portion 108 to operate in the first mode in step 338, may be greater than the duration used in determining in step 302 which is a condition for causing the notification portion 108 to operate in the second mode at step 314. Based on these features, during normal inhalation, it is possible to improve the aerosol generation response to the user's puff action and provide inhalation perception without a sense of strangeness. In addition, it becomes possible to prevent the inhaler device 100 from erroneously operating in the normal mode due to background noise when the notification portion 108 is to operate in the first mode. In addition, no aerosol is generated even when puffing is performed for a longer period of time than the period of time at the time of power supply to the atomizing portion 118, and notification is performed at step 338 thereafter, so that it becomes possible for the user to notice the fact that capacity recovery is necessary in a state in which the user has doubts about the operation of the inhalation device 100, in other words, in a state in which the user pays attention to the inhalation device 100.

If the notification portion 108 includes a light emitting element such as an LED in the first mode at step 338 and the second mode at step 314, the light emission colors of the light emitting element may be identical. For example, both colors of the emission may be blue. At this point, in the first mode and the second mode, the methods of light emission by the light emitting element may be different. For example, the light emitting element may flash in the first mode and may be continuously illuminated in the second mode. Moreover, in another example, the light emission colors of the light emitting element may be different between the first mode and the second mode, while the methods of light emission by the light emitting element may be identical in both of these modes. Further, in another example, the light emission colors and the light emission methods of the light emitting element may differ between the first mode and the second mode. Based on these features, when the light emitting element performs an operation different from the operation in the normal state, the user can recognize that some abnormality associated with inhalation occurs, so that it is easier to prompt the user to perform replacement, etc. element.

Processing proceeds to step 340, and the controller 106 releases the power supply prohibition to the spray portion 118. At this point, the controller 106 may judge that the cell capacitance has returned to a predetermined value (e.g., a value sufficient to generate

- 13 043206 aerosol or flavored aerosol). Since the notification, which is unlikely to be ignored by users, has already been made by the notification part 108, it is likely that the replacement, etc. performed on the element whose capacity is insufficient after the operation of the notification portion 108 in the first mode is terminated. As a result, the need to use control logic and devices for detecting landing or switching is eliminated, which must be used only for the purpose of detecting whether or not a replacement has been made, etc. element. In addition, the accuracy of the cumulative time and count of the number of replacements can be improved.

Processing proceeds to step 342, and the controller 106 counts the number of times (N) when the cell capacity returns to a predetermined value. N may be stored in the memory 114. The controller 106 may increment N by 1. Based on this feature, it is possible to count the number of replacements of the above-described element, which is a parameter useful in judging the life of the inhaler device 100, the wear rate of other elements, etc. .P. without the use of control logic and devices for detecting landing or switching, which should be used only for the purpose of detecting whether or not a replacement has been made, etc. element. It should be noted that N need not always be an integer, and a real number may be used instead. In addition, when N is to be compared with a specific value, the dimension of N may be a percentage (%).

Processing proceeds to step 344 and the controller 106 resets the TA cumulative time (which is set to 0). Processing returns to the stage before block 302.

As described with respect to FIG. 1A and 1B, inhaler device 100 may include a variety of elements. For example, the inhaler device 100A includes, as elements, a first assembly 102 (eg, battery housing module) (or battery 110) and a second assembly 104 (eg, cartridge) (or reservoir 116). The inhaler device 100B further includes a third assembly 126 (eg, capsule) (or flavor source 128) as its element. The controller 106 may perform the processing shown in FIG. 2 and processing steps 328-344 of FIG. 3 with respect to only one of the plurality of elements, for which the work to return the capacity of one considered element to the state in which it has the capacity required in order to continuously form an aerosol or flavored aerosol must be performed more frequently. For example, in the example of FIG. 1A, if the replacement frequency of the second node 104 (or reservoir 116) is higher than the frequency of charging the battery 110 in the first node 102, the controller 106 may be configured to control the notification portion 108 to operate in the first mode only when the capacity of the second node 104 is less than a predetermined threshold value (Yes at step 204), and the variable (eg, pressure or flow detected by sensor 112) satisfies a predetermined condition for requesting the formation of an aerosol or flavored aerosol (Yes at step 208). Similarly, in the example of FIG. 1B, when the third node 126 (or flavor source 128) needs to be replaced more frequently than the first node 102 and the second node 104, the controller 106 may perform the processing of FIG. 2 only with respect to the third node 126. Based on this feature, when the notification portion 108 performs an operation different from the operation in the normal state, the user can recognize that a certain operation is necessary for the element having the highest replacement frequency with respect to inhalation, so that it becomes easier to prompt user to perform replacement, etc. element.

As described with respect to FIG. 3, the controller 106 may be configured to control the notification portion 108 to operate in a plurality of modes including the first mode (first, second, and third methods). In this case, the controller 106 may cause the notification portions 108 to operate for the longest period of time in the first mode of these modes. Based on this feature, the running time of the notification part 108 for a replacement request, and so on. element becomes longer than the operating times of the notification part 108 in other situations, so that it becomes possible to reduce the likelihood that the user does not pay attention to the need for replacement, etc. element.

If the inhalation device 100 includes a plurality of elements, the controller 106 may be configured to suspend operation of the notification portion 108 when at least one element is removed from the inhalation device 100. For example, if the inhalation device has features of the inhalation device 100A shown in FIG. 1A and the second node 104 is retractable, in which case the controller 106 may suspend operation of the notification portion 108 when the second node 104 is retracted. Similarly, if the inhaler device has features of the inhaler device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, both the second node 104 and the third node 126 are removable, in which case the controller 106 may suspend operation of the notification part 108 when one or both of these nodes are taken out. In such a state in which at least one item is removed from the inhalation device 100, this state can be considered as a state in which the user has already recognized the notification of the notification portion 108. Therefore, when the operation of the notification part 108 is suspended, the costly power consumption of the battery 110 can be eliminated.

- 14 043206

It should be noted that controller 106 may not include some of the steps shown in FIG. 3, or the order of some of the steps may be modified. For example, whether or not the start of a puff is detected may not be determined at step 302 before the notification part is set to function in a third way at step 306. In other words, the controller may perform step 302 after the controller at step 304 determines that whether the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage. In this embodiment, it should be clearly appreciated that the condition that must be satisfied to cause the notification portions 108 to function in a third way with respect to the battery 110 at step 306 includes only one such requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 must be equal to or less than discharge cutoff voltage.

Alternatively, the controller 106 may always continue the determination at step 304 in the processes at and after step 302. Thus, during steps 308-344, when the voltage of the battery 110 that the controller 106 detects becomes equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage (Yes on step 304), then step 306 is executed as interrupt handling, and the controller 106 instructs the notification parts 108 to function in a third way. In this embodiment, the condition that must be satisfied to cause the notification portion 108 to function in a third way with respect to the battery 110 at step 306 includes a requirement of whether or not puff detection is started at step 302. However, this requirement is relatively mild, requiring only that step 304 must be satisfied at any of the steps after Yes is obtained by determining at step 302. In contrast, the condition that must be satisfied to cause the notification part 108 to operate in the first mode at step 338 includes such a relatively a strict requirement that the controller 106 must receive Yes by its determination with respect to steps 332 and 334 immediately after the controller 106 determines in step 330 that the cumulative TA time exceeds a predetermined threshold time (Yes in step 330). In other words, step 306 is a process that can be performed during aerosol generation, while step 338 is a process that cannot be satisfied during aerosol generation.

In the above explanations, the first embodiment of the present disclosure is described as an inhalation device having the features shown in FIG. 1A or 1B and the method shown in FIG. 2 or 3. However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure, when executed by a processor, may be implemented as a program that instructs the processor to perform the method shown in FIG. 2 or 3, or as a computer-readable storage medium storing the identical program.

Second embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart that shows the basic mode of operation of the inhaler device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the description below, the controller 106 is described as performing all the steps shown in FIG. 4. However, it should be noted that some of the steps in FIG. 4 may be performed by another component in the inhaler device 100.

The processing starts at step 402 and the controller 106 detects or estimates the capacities of the respective elements from the plurality of elements of the inhaler device 100. The meanings of the terms element and capacity have already been explained with respect to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the inhaler device 100 includes a plurality of elements. For example, inhaler device 100A shown in FIG. 1A has as its elements a first assembly 102 (eg, battery housing module) (or battery 110) and a second assembly 104 (eg, cartridge) (or reservoir 116). The inhaler device 100B shown in FIG. 1B has a third node 126 (eg, capsule) (or flavor source 128) as its element in addition to these two elements. As already described with respect to the first embodiment, cell capacities can be detected or estimated by various methods. The capacity of at least one element of the plurality of elements (eg, battery 110 of the first node 102) may be detected or estimated in a different manner than the capacity of another element of the plurality of elements (eg, third node 126 (capsule)). In addition, the capacity of at least one element of the plurality of elements may be detected or estimated by a method identical to the method for at least one different element of the plurality of elements. For example, both the capacity of the capsule 126 and the capacity of the cartridge 104 may be detected or estimated based on the cumulative power supply time for the spray portion 118 or the cumulative power value. In addition, both the capacity of the battery 110 and the capacity of the cartridge 104 can be detected or estimated based on the cumulative current value.

Processing proceeds to step 404. At step 404, the controller 106 determines whether or not a predetermined condition specified for the element is satisfied, which includes such a requirement that the element capacity, detected or estimated at step 402, must be equal to or less than the threshold value The specified for the element. Threshold and Preset Condition

- 15 043206 wye specified for each element may be stored in the storage device 114 in association with the element. The controller 106 may receive the threshold value and the predetermined condition from the memory 114. With respect to at least one element of the plurality of elements, the above-described predetermined condition may include other requirements in addition to such a requirement that the element capacitance must be equal to or less than the threshold values. For example, with respect to at least one element, the predetermined condition may further include a requirement that the predetermined variable found in the inhaler device 100 must satisfy the predetermined requirement. In one example, if sensor 112 is a pressure sensor that detects pressure or a flow sensor that detects flow in air inlet duct 120 and/or aerosol duct 121, the predetermined variable may be pressure or flow. In another example, if the inhaler device 100 includes a button (not shown) for actuation, then the predetermined variable may be a mechanical voltage, current value, or the like, indicating that the button is pressed.

If the predetermined condition is not satisfied (No at step 404), processing returns to the stage before step 402. If the predetermined condition is satisfied (Yes at step 404), processing proceeds to step 406. At step 406, the controller 106 performs a predetermined notification to the user ( i.e., the inhaler of the inhaler device 100). For example, the controller 106 instructs the notification portions 108 to function in a predetermined manner. In one example, if a predetermined condition specified for the first node 102 (or accumulator 110) is satisfied, the controller 106 may instruct the notification portions 108 to function in a particular manner. In another example, if a predetermined condition indicated for the second node 104 (or tank 116) is satisfied, the controller 106 may instruct the notification portions 108 to function in a different manner. Additionally, in another example, if a predetermined condition specified for the third node 126 (or flavor source 128) is satisfied, the controller 106 may instruct the notification portion 108 to function in yet another manner. The notification regarding step 406 is performed to notify the user that a replacement, refill, charge, etc. is required. elements (which is hereinafter referred to as replacement, etc. as needed).

The predetermined condition determined at step 402 becomes more stringent for one of the plurality of elements that the inhaler device 100 includes if more frequent work must be performed to return the capacity of one element in question to a state in which it has the capacity required in order to to continuously form an aerosol or flavored aerosol (which may hereinafter be collectively referred to as an aerosol). In one example, a predetermined condition is less likely to be met for one element for which work is to be performed more frequently of the elements. In another example, the predefined condition includes a larger number of requirements for one of the items for which work should be performed more frequently. For example, if the inhaler device has features of the inhaler device 100A shown in FIG. 1A and the replacement frequency of the second node 104 (or tank 116) is higher than the frequency of charging the battery 110 in the first node 102, in which case the predetermined condition indicated for the second node 104 is more stringent than the predetermined condition indicated for the battery 110 of the first node 102. In addition, if the inhaler device has features of the inhaler device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, and the replacement frequency of the third node 126 (or flavor source 128) is the highest, and the replacement frequency of the second node 104 is the second highest, and the charging frequency of the battery 110 of the first node 102 is the lowest, in such a case, the predetermined condition specified for the third node 126 , may be the most stringent, the predefined condition specified for the second node 104 may be the second most stringent, and the preset condition specified for the accumulator 110 of the first node 102 may be the most moderate. Additionally, in the configuration of FIG. 1B, the predetermined condition may be specified only for the battery 110 of the first node 102 and the third node 126, while the condition may not be specified for the second node 104. In this case, in step 402, only the capacity of the battery 110 and the capacity of the third node 126 are detected or estimated and in step 404, only the predetermined condition specified for the accumulator 110 and the third node 126 is determined. If the replacement frequency of the third node 126 is higher than the charging frequency of the battery 110 of the first node 102, the condition indicated for the third node 126 is more stringent than the condition indicated for the battery 110.

In this embodiment, the inhaler device 100 may include a plurality of identical elements or a plurality of elements of an identical kind. For example, inhaler device 100B shown in FIG. 1B may be configured to accommodate a plurality of third nodes 126 (eg, first and second capsules) (or first and second flavor sources). In this example, the first and second capsules may contain identical type flavor sources having the same maximum capacity, may contain identical type flavor sources having different maximum capacities, may contain different species flavor sources having

- 16 043206 identical maximum capacity, or may contain different types of flavor sources having different maximum capacities. In this example, at step 402, the capacity of the first capsule and the capacity of the second capsule can be detected or estimated by an identical method. If the replacement frequency of the first capsule is higher than the replacement frequency of the second capsule, then the predetermined condition indicated for the first capsule, which is determined in step 404, is more stringent than the predetermined condition indicated for the second capsule. It should also be appreciated that the processing of the embodiment of FIG. 4 may be implemented when the inhaler device 100 includes a plurality of batteries 110 and/or a plurality of second assemblies 104 (eg, cartridge) (or reservoir 116).

Fig. 5 is a flowchart that shows another basic mode of operation of the inhaler device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Processing begins at block 502. The process at block 502 is identical to the process at block 402.

Processing proceeds to step 504 and controller 106 determines whether the cell capacity detected or estimated at step 502 is equal to or less than a threshold value set for that cell. If the capacity is not equal to or less than the threshold value (No at step 504), processing returns to the stage before step 502. If the capacity is equal to or less than the threshold value (Yes at step 504), processing proceeds to step 506.

In step 506, the controller 106 determines whether or not a predetermined condition specified for the element whose capacity is determined in step 504 to be equal to or less than a threshold value is satisfied. Since the predetermined condition has already been explained with respect to FIG. 4, his explanations are not repeated here. If the predetermined condition is not met (No at step 506), processing returns to the step before step 506. If the predetermined condition is met (Yes at step 506), processing proceeds to step 508. The process at step 508 is identical to the process at step 406.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 also, identical to FIG. 4, the predetermined condition determined in step 506 becomes more stringent for one of the plurality of elements that the inhalation device 100 includes if more frequent work must be performed to return the capacity of one element in question to a state in which it has the capacity required for in order to continuously form aerosols. In addition, the inhaler device 100 may include a plurality of identical elements or a plurality of elements of an identical kind.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart that shows in detail an example of the operation of the inhaler device 100 according to this embodiment. In the description below, the controller 106 is described as performing all the steps shown in FIG. 6. However, it should be noted that some of the steps in FIG. 6 may be performed by other components in the inhaler device 100. Here, the inhaler device has features of the inhaler device 100B shown in FIG. 1B and the first assembly 102 (e.g., battery placement module) (or battery 110), the second assembly 104 (e.g., cartridge) (or reservoir 116), and the third assembly 126 (e.g., capsule) (or flavor source 128) of inhaler device 100B. are described as being an element in FIG. 4 and 5. As already described, it should be noted that a plurality of identical or similar elements may be provided. It should be noted that in the embodiment of FIG. 6, determinations regarding the threshold value and predetermined condition are only made for the first node 102 (or accumulator 110) and the third node 126 (capsule) (or flavor source 128), while such determinations are not made for the second node 104 (cartridge) (for example, tank 116). In particular, the embodiment of FIG. 6 may cover the case in which the second node 104 does not satisfy the threshold value or the predetermined condition, and the case in which the threshold value and the predetermined condition are not specified for the second node 104. Here, from the battery 110 and the capsule 126, which are elements of the inhaler device 100B, operation to return to a state in which the cell has the capacity required to continuously generate aerosols is performed more frequently for capsule 126. In one example, battery 110 may be charged at least once while capsule 126 is replaced ten once.

Processing begins at step 602. At step 602, the controller 106 determines whether or not the start of a puff of the inhalation device 100 is detected by the user. As an example, if sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or a flow sensor, controller 106 may determine that a puff is started when pressure or flow received from sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined value. The controller 106 may also determine that a puff has started when the duration for which pressure or flow is detected by sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined duration. In another example, controller 106 may determine that a puff has begun when inhalation device 100 includes a start button and the button is depressed. If no puff start is detected (No at step 602), processing returns to the step before step 602. If the start of a puff is detected (Yes at step 602), processing proceeds to step 604.

- 17 043206

Step 604 is an example of step 404 of FIG. 4 or step 504 (and step 506) of FIG. 5 with respect to the battery 110 as a member of the 100V inhaler device. In step 604, the controller 106 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 110 exceeds a threshold value (discharge cutoff voltage (eg, 3.2 V), etc.). If the battery 110 voltage is equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage (No at step 604), processing proceeds to step 606. Step 606 is an example of step 406 of FIG. 4 or step 508 of FIG. 5 with respect to the battery 110. At step 606, the controller 106 instructs the notification parts 108 to function in the first way. In one example, if the notification portion 108 includes an LED, the first method may include causing the LED to flash red for 5.4 seconds. After that, the processing is completed. On the other hand, if the voltage of the battery 110 exceeds the discharge cutoff voltage (Yes at step 604), processing proceeds to step 608.

The processing from step 608 to step 612 is identical to the processing from step 308 to step 312 of FIG. 3 and its explanations are not repeated here.

Processing proceeds to step 614 and the controller 106 instructs the notification parts 108 to function in the second way. The second method is the operation method of the notification part 108 when the user performs normal suction using the inhalation device 100B. In one example, if the notification part 108 includes an LED, at step 614, the controller 106 may instruct the LED to be continuously illuminated in blue.

The processing from step 616 to step 628 is identical to the processing from step 316 to step 328 of FIG. 3 and its explanations are not repeated here.

Steps 630-634 are an example of step 404 of FIG. 4 or steps 504 and 506 of FIG. 5 with respect to the third node 126 (capsule) as an element of the inhaler device 100B. At step 630, the controller 106 determines whether the cumulative time TA exceeds a predetermined threshold time. The threshold time may be defined as the cumulative inhalation time on the inhaler device 100B, at which it is estimated that the capacity (in this example, the residual amount of aroma ingredients contained in the aroma source 128) of the capsule 126 is below the value required in order to form an aerosol with sufficient imparted aroma. The threshold time may be stored in advance in the storage device 114, and so on. If TA is equal to or less than the threshold time (No at step 630), then it follows that the capacity of capsule 126 is determined to be greater than the threshold value indicated for capsule 126, and processing returns to the stage before step 602. If TA exceeds the threshold time (Yes at step 630), it follows that the capacity of the capsule 126 is determined to be equal to or less than the threshold indicated for the capsule 126, and processing proceeds to step 632.

At step 632, the controller 106 determines whether or not the start of a puff is detected. In one example, if sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or a flow sensor, controller 106 may determine that a puff has begun when pressure or flow received from sensor 112 has an absolute value greater than a predetermined value.

If the puff start is not detected (No at 632), processing returns to the stage before step 632. In particular, the controller 106 waits for the puff start to be detected. If the start of a puff is detected (Yes at 632), processing proceeds to 634.

At step 634, the controller 106 determines whether or not the puff continues for a predetermined period of time (eg, 1.0 s). The predetermined time period may be stored in the memory 114. If the puff does not continue for the predetermined time period (No at 634), processing returns to the stage before step 632. If the puff continues for the predetermined time period (Yes at 634 ), processing proceeds to step 636. By executing step 634, it becomes possible to prevent the execution of subsequent processes even when it is erroneously determined that the start of a puff is detected at step 632 due to the occurrence of background noise.

Both processes at steps 632 and 634 may be running, or only one of them may be running.

At step 636, the controller 106 disables power supply to the spray portion 118. It should be noted that the process at step 636 may be performed between step 630 and step 632.

Processing proceeds to block 638. Block 638 is an example of block 406 of FIG. 4 or step 508 of FIG. 5 with respect to the capsule 126. At step 638, the controller 106 instructs the notification parts 108 to function in a third way. In one example, if the notification portion 108 includes an LED, a third method may include causing the LED to blink blue. The controller 106 may cause the notification portions 108 to operate for a relatively long time (eg, 40 seconds) such that the user may notice the fact that the capacity of the capsule 126 is insufficient.

The processing from step 640 to step 644 is identical to the processing from step 340 to step 344 of FIG. 3 and its explanations are not repeated here.

The condition that must be met to cause the notification part 108 to function in a third way with respect to the capsule 126 at step 638 is more stringent than the condition

- 18 043206 check that must be satisfied to cause the notification part 108 to function in the first way with respect to the accumulator 110 at step 606. is performed more frequently, it is easier to prevent the notification part 108 from malfunctioning. Accordingly, it becomes possible to reduce the possibility that the user does not pay attention to the operation of the notification portion 108 prompting a replacement with respect to an item that is frequently replaced, and so on.

The condition that must be satisfied to cause the notification portion 108 to function in the first manner with respect to the battery 110 at step 606 includes one such requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 must be equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage. In contrast, the condition that must be met to cause the notification portion 108 to function in a third way with respect to the capsule 126 at step 638 includes two such requirements, i.e. that (i) TA must exceed a threshold time, and that (ii) the start of a puff must be detected, and may further include another such requirement that (iii) the puff must continue for a predetermined period of time.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the condition that is determined with respect to the capsule 126 with respect to the treatment of FIG. 4 or 5 includes more requirements than the condition that is determined with respect to the accumulator 110 regarding this processing. In other words, the above-described condition may include more requirements for an element for which the work to return the element in question to the state in which it has the capacity required for the continuous formation of an aerosol is performed more often among the plurality of elements of the inhalation device 100B. Since the condition for operation of the notification part 108 includes more requirements for the element for which the replacement, etc. is performed at a higher frequency, the malfunction of the notification portion 108 is easily prevented. Accordingly, it becomes possible to reduce the possibility that the user does not pay attention to the operation of the notification portion 108 prompting a replacement with respect to an item that is frequently replaced, and so on.

It should be noted that controller 106 may not perform some of the steps shown in FIG. 6, or the order of some of the steps may be modified. For example, whether or not the start of a puff is detected may not be determined at step 602 before the notification part is set to function in the first way at step 606. In other words, the controller may perform step 602 after the controller at step 604 determines that whether the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage. In this embodiment, it should be clearly appreciated that the condition that must be satisfied in order to cause the notification portions 108 to function in the first way with respect to the battery 110 at step 606 includes only one such requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 must be equal to or less than discharge cutoff voltage.

In addition, the controller 106 may always continue the determination at step 604 in the processes at and after step 602. Thus, during steps 608-644, when the voltage of the battery 110 that the controller 106 detects becomes equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage (Yes at step 604), then step 606 is executed as interrupt handling, and the controller 106 instructs the notification parts 108 to function in the first way. In this embodiment, the condition that must be satisfied to cause the notification portion 108 to function in the first manner with respect to the battery 110 at step 606 includes a requirement of whether or not puff detection is started at step 602. However, this requirement is relatively mild, requiring only that step 604 must be satisfied at any of the steps after Yes is obtained by determining at step 602. In contrast, the condition that must be satisfied to cause the notification portion 108 to function in a third way with respect to capsule 126 at step 638 includes such a relatively stringent requirement that the controller 106 must receive Yes by its determination with respect to steps 632 and 634 immediately after the controller 106 determines in step 630 that the cumulative TA time exceeds a predetermined threshold time (Yes in step 630). In other words, step 606 is a process that can be performed during aerosol generation, while step 638 is a process that cannot be satisfied during aerosol generation.

Alternatively, the controller 106 may only perform the determination of step 604 immediately after the determination resulting in Yes at step 602. In this embodiment, the condition that must be satisfied to cause the notification part 108 to operate in the first way with respect to the battery 110 at step 606 includes such a requirement that the start of a puff must be detected, in addition to such a requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 must be equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage. However, the condition that must be satisfied to cause the notification portion 108 to function in the first manner with respect to the battery 110 at step 606 does not include such a requirement that (iii) the puff must continue for

- 19 043206 for a predetermined period of time, which is included in the condition that must be satisfied for instructing the notification part 108 to function in the third way with respect to the capsule 126 at step 638. Therefore, in any of these embodiments, the condition that must be determined with respect to the capsule 126 with respect to processing according to Fig. 4 or 5 includes more requirements than the condition to be determined with respect to the accumulator 110 regarding this processing.

With respect to step 632, the controller 106 is configured to receive an aerosol generation request. For example, controller 106 may determine that an aerosol generation request has been made when sensor 112 detects a pressure that exceeds a predetermined value. In another example, if sensor 112 sends an aerosol generation request to controller 106 in response to detecting a pressure greater than a predetermined value, then controller 106 may determine that the request has been granted. Detection of the above request may correspond to detection of the start of a puff at step 632. Accordingly, from the accumulator 110 and capsule 126, the condition to be determined with respect to the capsule 126 for which the above frequency is the highest may include detection of the above request. Based on this feature, the element having the highest frequency of replacement, etc. includes puff detection as a condition for causing the notification part 108 to function. Accordingly, since the notification part 108 operates when the user clearly wants to inhale, it becomes possible to more effectively reduce the possibility that the user does not pay attention to the operation of the notification part 108.

The condition when it is determined at step 632 that the start of a puff is detected may be more stringent than the condition when it is determined at step 602 that the start of a puff is detected. For example, the predetermined value used in the determination at step 632 may be greater than the predetermined value used in the determination at step 602. In addition, the duration used in the determination at step 632 may be greater than the duration used in the determination at step 602.

With respect to steps 606 and 638, the controller 106 may be configured to control the notification part 108 to operate for a longer period of time when a condition for an element of the plurality of elements is satisfied if that element has a higher frequency, as described above, of the plurality of elements. In particular, since the above-described frequency becomes higher for the capsule 126 than for the battery 110, the time period in which the notification portion 108 operates in step 638 may be longer than the time period in which the notification portion 108 operates in step 606. Based on this feature, , relative to the element for which the replacement, etc. is frequently performed, it becomes possible to more effectively reduce the likelihood that the user does not pay attention to the operation of the notification part 108 .

If the notification portion 108 includes a light emitting element such as an LED, the controller 106 may indicate different light emission colors for the respective elements. For example, the controller 106 may set the light emission color of the light emitting element for the battery 110 to be red, and may set the light emission color of the light emitting element for the capsule 126 to be blue. The controller 106 may indicate light emission colors of the light emitting element for the respective elements based on the above-described frequency associated with the respective elements of the plurality of elements. Based on this feature, the user should be able to more easily recognize which element is to be replaced, and so on.

For example, the controller 106 may select a light emitting color of the light emitting element from cooler colors for the element having the higher frequency of the plurality of elements. By selecting a frequently illuminated color from cool colors, it is possible to encourage the user to perform replacement work in the sense of normal use without the user being excessively in a state of constant readiness.

In addition, the controller 106 may select the light emission color of the light emitting element from warmer colors for the element having the lower frequency of the plurality of elements. In a broader concept, the controller 106 may select a light emitting color of a light emitting element from colors having a shorter wavelength for an element having a higher frequency of a plurality of elements, and may select a light emitting color of a light emitting element from colors having a longer wavelength for an element, having a lower frequency. By selecting the light emission color of the light emitting element from warm colors relative to an element having a low replacement frequency, etc., it is possible to strongly attract the user's attention when the replacement time comes for replacing an element that is needed very infrequently.

The controller 106 may also be configured to control the light emitting element such that the light emission color of the light emitting element, in case the condition is satisfied with respect to the element having the highest frequency among the plurality of elements, becomes identical with the light emission color of the light emitting element at the time of generation.

- 20 043206 aerosol. In particular, in the example of FIG. 6, the controller 106 may also set the light emitting color of the light emitting element in the normal operation of step 614 to blue, and may similarly set, as blue, the light emitting color of the light emitting element in step 638 associated with the capsule 126 which has the highest battery frequency. 110, and capsules 126. Based on this feature, it is possible to allow the user to understand the fact that replacement, etc. should be performed for the element that has the highest frequency of replacement, etc. (ie frequency of notification to the user) without compromising the user experience.

The controller 106 may be configured to pause the operation of the notification portion 108 when at least one item of the plurality of items is taken out. In the example of FIG. 6, if the second node 104 and the third node 126 are removable, the controller 106 may suspend operation of the notification part 108 when one or both of these nodes are taken out.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart that shows in detail an example of operation of the inhaler device 100 according to this embodiment. Identical to FIG. 6, explanations are provided on the condition that the inhaler device has features of the inhaler device 100B shown in FIG. 1B and battery housing module 102 (or battery 110), cartridge 104 (or reservoir 116), and capsule 126 (or flavor source 128) are the elements in FIG. 4 and 5. It should be noted that in the embodiment of FIG. 7, it is assumed that determinations regarding thresholds and predetermined conditions are made for battery 110, cartridge 104, and capsule 126. Here, it is assumed that from battery 110, cartridge 104, and capsule 126, which are elements of inhalation device 100B, the frequency at which work is done to return the element to a state in which it has the capacity needed to continuously generate an aerosol, is the largest for capsule 126, the second largest for cartridge 104, and the smallest for battery 110. In one example, cartridge 104 may be replaced twice, and battery 110 can be charged once while the capsule is replaced ten times.

Processing begins at block 702. Processing from block 702 to block 728 is identical to processing from block 602 to block 628 of FIG. 6, and her explanations are not repeated here. In the same manner as at step 606 of FIG. 6, at step 706, the controller 106 instructs the notification parts 108 to function in the first way. In one example, if the notification portion 108 includes an LED, the first method may include causing the LED to flash red for 5.4 seconds.

Steps 729, 746, and 748 are examples of step 404 of FIG. 4 or steps 504 and 506 of FIG. 5 with respect to the cartridge 104 as one element of the inhalation device 100B. Steps 729-734 are examples of step 404 of FIG. 4 or steps 504 and 506 of FIG. 5 with respect to the capsule 126 as one element of the inhaler device 100B.

At step 729, the controller 106 determines whether or not the capacity of the cartridge 104 exceeds a predetermined threshold capacity. If the capacity of cartridge 104 exceeds the threshold capacity (Yes at step 729), processing proceeds to step 730. The processing from step 730 to step 744 is identical to the processing from step 630 to step 644 of FIG. 6, and her explanations are not repeated here. It should be noted that at step 734, the controller 106 determines whether or not puff continues for a first predetermined period of time (eg, 1.0 s). In addition, at step 738, the controller 106 instructs the notification parts 108 to function in a third way. In one example, if the notification portion 108 includes an LED, a third method may include causing the LED to blink blue. The controller 106 may cause the notification portions 108 to operate for a relatively long time (eg, 40 seconds) such that the user may notice the fact that the capacity of the capsule 126 is insufficient.

At step 729, if the capacity of the cartridge 104 is equal to or less than the threshold capacity (No at step 729), processing proceeds to step 746. At step 746, the controller 106 determines whether or not the start of a puff is detected. In one example, if sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or flow sensor, controller 106 may determine that a puff has been initiated when pressure or flow received from sensor 112 has an absolute value greater than a predetermined value. The controller 106 may also determine that a puff has started when the duration for which pressure or flow is detected by sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined duration.

When no puff start is detected (No at step 746), the process returns to the location before step 746. When the start of a puff is detected (Yes at step 746), the process proceeds to step 748.

At step 748, the controller 106 determines whether or not the puff continues for a second predetermined time (eg, 0.5 s). The second predetermined time may be stored in the memory 114. When the puff does not continue for the second predetermined time (No at step 748), the process returns to the place before step 746. When the puff continues for the second predetermined time (Yes at step 748 ), the process proceeds to block 750. The processes in blocks 746 and 748 may be running, or only one of the processes may be running. Alternatively, the processes at 746 and 748 may be excluded.

At step 750, the controller 106 disables power supply to the spray portion 118. Note

- 21 043206 Note that the process at step 750 may be performed between step 729 and step 746.

The process proceeds to step 752 and the controller 106 instructs the notification parts 108 to function in the fourth way. In one example, when the notification portion 108 includes an LED, the third method may include flashing the LED in green. The controller 106 may cause the notification portions 108 to operate for a sufficiently long time (eg, 20 seconds) such that the user notices that the capacity of the cartridge 104 is insufficient.

The condition that must be met to cause the notification portion 108 to function in the first manner with respect to the battery 110 at step 706 includes one such requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 must be equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage. In contrast, the condition that must be met to cause the notification portion 108 to function in the fourth manner with respect to the cartridge 104 at step 752 includes two requirements such that (i) the capacity of the cartridge 104 must be equal to or less than the threshold capacity, and ( ii) the start of the puff must be detectable, and may additionally include another such requirement that (iii) the puff must continue for a predetermined time.

Additionally, the condition that must be satisfied in order to cause the notification portion 108 to function in a third way with respect to the capsule 126 at step 738 includes three such requirements that (i) the capacity of the cartridge 104 must exceed the threshold capacity, (ii) TA must exceed the threshold time, and (iii) the start of the puff must be detectable, and may additionally include another such requirement that (iv) the puff must continue for a predetermined time.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the condition that is determined with respect to the capsule 126 with respect to the process in FIG. 4 or 5 includes the largest number of requirements, a condition that is determined with respect to the cartridge 104 with respect to the process in FIG. 4 to 5 includes the second largest number of requirements, and the condition that is determined with respect to the accumulator 110 with respect to the process in FIG. 4 or 5 includes the fewest requirements. In other words, the conditions that are set for the elements with a higher frequency, with which the operation to return the elements to a state having the necessary capacity in order to continuously generate an aerosol, from a plurality of elements of the inhalation device 100B, may include more requirements.

It should be noted that controller 106 may omit some of the steps illustrated in FIG. 7 or may change the order of some of the steps. For example, whether or not the start of a puff is detected should not be determined at step 702, before the notification portion is instructed to operate in the first mode at step 706. In other words, the controller may perform step 702 after the controller determines whether the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the cutoff voltage of the discharge at step 704. In the present embodiment, it is clear that the condition that must be satisfied in order to instruct the notification part 108 to operate in the first mode with respect to the battery 110 at step 706 includes only one such requirement, that the voltage of the battery 110 must be equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage.

Additionally, in processes after step 702, the controller 106 may always continue to determine execution at step 704. Thus, when the battery voltage 110 that is detected by the controller 106 becomes equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage (Yes at step 704) during the execution steps 708- 754, the controller executes step 706 as interrupt handling, and the controller 106 instructs the notification parts 108 to function in the first way. In the present embodiment, the condition that must be satisfied to cause the notification portion 108 to function in the first way with respect to the battery 110 at step 706 includes a requirement of whether or not puff detection is started at step 702. However, the requirement is relatively lax, thus, that step 704 only needs to be satisfied at any of the steps after Yes is determined at step 702. In contrast, the condition that must be satisfied to cause notification portions 108 to function in a third way with respect to capsule 126 at step 738 includes such a relatively strict requirement that the controller 106 must perform a Yes determination with respect to step 732 and step 734 immediately after the controller 106 determines that the cumulative TA time exceeds a predetermined threshold time at step 730 (Yes at step 730). Similarly, the condition that must be satisfied to cause the notification portion 108 to function in the fourth way with respect to the cartridge 104 at step 752 includes such a relatively stringent requirement that the controller 106 must perform a Yes determination with respect to step 746 and step 748 immediately after the controller 106 determines that the capacity of the cartridge is less than the pre-op

- 22 043206 determined threshold capacity, at step 729 (No at step 729). In other words, step 706 is a process that can also be performed during aerosol generation, while step 738 and step 752 are processes that cannot be performed during aerosol generation.

Additionally, the controller 106 may perform the determination of step 704 only immediately after Yes is determined in step 740. In the present embodiment, the condition that must be satisfied to cause the notification part 108 to operate in the first way with respect to the battery 110 in step 706 includes such a requirement that the start of a puff must be detected, in addition to such a requirement that the voltage of the battery 110 must be equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage. However, the condition that must be satisfied to cause the notification portion 108 to function in the first manner with respect to the battery 110 at step 706 does not include such a requirement that (iii) the puff must continue for a predetermined time, which is included in the condition that must be satisfied to instruct the notification parts 108 to function in a third way with respect to the capsule 126 at step 738, or a condition that must be satisfied to instruct the notification parts to function in a fourth way with respect to the cartridge 104 in step 752. Therefore, in any of the embodiments, the conditions that defined with respect to capsule 126 and cartridge 104 include more requirements than the condition which is defined with respect to battery 110 with respect to the process.

The requirement for determining the start of a puff detected at 732 may be more stringent than the requirement for determining the start of a puff detected at 746. In one example, when sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or a flow sensor, controller 106 can determine whether that the puff starts when the pressure received from the sensor 112 exceeds the first predetermined value, at step 732. On the other hand, at step 746, the controller 106 may determine that the puff starts when the pressure received from the sensor 112 exceeds the second a predefined value that is less than the first predefined value. Additionally, the first predetermined time (eg, 1.0 s) that is used in determining at step 734 is greater than the second predetermined time (eg, 0.5 s) that is used in determining at step 748. Thus, in the present embodiment, implementation condition, which is determined with respect to the capsule 126 with respect to the process in FIG. 4 or 5 has a lower probability of being satisfied than the condition that is determined with respect to the cartridge 104 with respect to the process. In other words, the condition has a lower satisfaction probability, which is set for an element with a higher frequency, with which an operation to return the element to a state having a capacity necessary to continuously generate an aerosol is performed from a plurality of elements of the inhalation device 100B. Element with higher replacement frequency, etc. has a lower probability of satisfying the condition for the operation of the notification part 108, so that the erroneous operation of the notification part 108 is easily prevented. Accordingly, the possibility of the user not paying attention to the operation of the notification portion 108 that prompts a replacement with respect to an item with a high replacement frequency, or the like, can be reduced.

In the above explanation, the second embodiment of the present disclosure is described as an inhalation device having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1A or 1B, and as the method illustrated in any of FIGS. 4-7. However, it should be understood that when the present disclosure is performed by the processor, the present disclosure may be executed by the processor as a program that instructs the processor to perform the method illustrated in any of FIGS. 4-7, or as a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

Third embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the basic mode of operation of the inhaler device 100 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the explanation is given by assuming that the controller 106 performs all the steps illustrated in FIG. 8. However, attention must be drawn to the fact that some of the steps in FIG. 8 may be performed by other components in the inhaler device 100.

The process begins at step 802, and the controller 106 detects or estimates the capacity of the first element of the inhalation device 100. The meanings of the terms element and capacity have already been described with respect to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the inhaler device 100 includes a plurality of elements. For example, inhaler device 100A illustrated in FIG. 1A has a first assembly 102 (eg, battery housing section) (or battery 110) and a second assembly 104 (eg, cartridge) (or reservoir 116) as elements. The inhaler device 100B illustrated in FIG. 1B has a third node 126 (eg, capsule) (or flavor source 128) as an element in addition to these two elements. The inhaler device 100 may also include a plurality of identical elements or a plurality of identities.

- 23 043206 typical types of elements. For example, inhaler device 100B illustrated in FIG. 1B may be configured to accommodate a plurality of third nodes 126 (eg, first and second capsules). In this example, the first and second capsules may include an identical flavor source having the same maximum capacity, may include an identical flavor source having different maximum capacities, or may include different flavor source species having different maximum capacities. Similarly, the inhaler device 100 may include a plurality of cartridges 104 and a plurality of batteries 110 as elements.

Later in this document, an example in which the inhalation device has the configuration of the inhalation device 100B in FIG. 1B and includes battery 110, cartridge 104, and capsule 126 as members. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present embodiment is also applicable to other configurations of inhalation devices, such as inhalation device 100A in FIG. 1A.

Cell capacitances may be detected or estimated in a variety of ways. In one example, sensor 112 may be a weight sensor. In this case, the controller 106 detects the weight of the item by using the sensor 112 (e.g., the weight of a liquid or a cigarette in case the aerosol source included in the reservoir 116 in the cartridge 104 is a liquid or a cigarette) and may determine this detected weight as the container. element. In another example, sensor 112 may be able to detect the height of a liquid level (an aerosol source, etc. included in reservoir 116 in cartridge 104). In this case, the controller 106 may detect the liquid level height of the element by using the sensor 112 and estimate the cell capacity based on the detected liquid level height. In another example, the memory device 114 may store the integration value of the power supply time to the spray portion 118. In this case, the controller 106 may estimate the capacity of the element (for example, the residual amount of the aerosol source included in the reservoir 116 in the cartridge 104, the residual amount of aroma and flavor components of the cigarette , the residual amount of aroma and flavor components included in the aroma source 128 in the capsule 126, etc.) based on the integrated power supply time, which is obtained from the memory device 114. In another example, the memory device 114 can store the number of inhalations (puffs in example of an electronic cigarette) that are executed by the user into the inhaler device 100. In this case, the controller 106 may estimate the capacity of the element based on the number of inhalations received from the memory 114. In another example, the memory 114 may store data regarding the heating history of the nebulization portion 118. In in this case, controller 106 may estimate cell capacity based on data received from memory 114. In another example, memory 114 may store data regarding SOC (state of charge, state of charge) of battery 110, current and/or voltage integration values. Sensor 112 can detect these values. In this case, the controller 106 may detect or estimate the capacity of the cell (in particular, the battery 110) based on this data. In another example, sensor 112 may have a fit detection function (or connection detection function) to detect that capsules 126 and/or cartridge 104 are detached. In this example, the controller 106 may judge that the capacity of the capsule 126 is zero when the sensor 112 detects that the capsule 126 is being detached. The controller 106 may further judge that the capacity of the cartridge 104 is zero when the sensor 112 detects that the cartridge 104 is being detached.

The capacity of at least one element of the plurality of elements may be detected or estimated in a manner different from that of the capacity of at least one other element of the plurality of elements. Additionally, the capacity of at least one element of the plurality of elements may be detected or estimated by a method identical to the method for the capacity of at least one other element of the plurality of elements. For example, both the capacity of the capsule 126 and the capacity of the cartridge 104 may be detected or estimated based on the accumulated power supply time to the spray portion 118 or the amount of accumulated power. Additionally, both the capacity of the battery 110 and the capacity of the cartridge 104 may be detected or estimated based on the accumulated current value.

The process proceeds to step 804. At step 804, the controller 106 determines whether or not the capacity of the first element (eg, capsule 126), which is detected or estimated at step 802, is less than the first threshold value. The first threshold value may be stored in memory 114 by being associated with the first element. The controller 106 may obtain the first threshold from the memory 114. As described above, the capacity of the first element may be detected or estimated in various ways. Accordingly, it is understood that the first threshold may take on various formats and values in accordance with the method that is used to detect or estimate the capacity of the first element.

When the capacity of the first element is not less than the first threshold (No at step 804), the process returns to the place before step 802. When the capacity of the first element is less than the first threshold

- 24 043206 th value (Yes at step 804), the process proceeds to step 806. At step 806, the controller 106 detects or estimates the capacity of the second element (for example, cartridge 104) of the inhaler device 100.

The process proceeds to step 808. At step 808, the controller 106 determines whether or not the capacity of the second element, which is detected or estimated at step S806, is less than the second threshold value. As described above, the capacitance of the second element may be detected or estimated in various ways. Accordingly, it is understood that the second threshold value may take various forms and values, in accordance with the method that is used to detect or estimate the capacity of the second element.

When the capacity of the second element is not less than the second threshold (No at step 808), the process proceeds to step 810. At step 810, the controller 106 performs a notification in the first mode to the inhaler (user) of the inhalation device 100. For example, the controller 106 instructs the notification portions 108 to operate in first mode. The notification portion 108 may include a light emitting element such as an LED, a display, a speaker, and a vibrator. The notification portion 108 is configured to perform some type of notification to the user through light emission, display, sound generation, vibration, and the like.

In the case of No, at step 808, the controller 106 may further determine whether or not the predetermined variable detected by the sensor 112 satisfies the predetermined condition for the aerosol generation request. When the predetermined variable satisfies the predetermined condition, the controller 106 may cause the notification portions 108 to operate in the first mode at 810. In one example, the predetermined variable may be pressure or flow, and the predetermined condition may include a pressure or flow having a predefined value for detecting the start of a puff or more. In another example, the predetermined condition may include pressure or flow continuing for a predetermined time to detect the start of a puff. According to these characteristics, the notification portion 108 operates in the first mode not only based on the determination results in steps 804 and 808, but also based on this detection of the user's attempt to inhale by using the inhalation device 100. Accordingly, it is easier for the user to notice that the first element (e.g. , capsule 126) must be replaced.

When the capacity of the second element is less than the second threshold (Yes at step 808), the process proceeds to step 812. At step 812, the controller 106 notifies the user in the second mode. For example, the controller 106 instructs the notification portion 108 to operate in the second mode.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, notification portion 108 can be instructed to operate in various modes when only the capacity of the first element (eg, capsule) is insufficient and when the capacities of both the first element and the second element (eg, cartridge) are insufficient. Accordingly, the user can easily understand whether only the first element should be replaced, or both the first element and the second element should be replaced.

The inhaler device 100 may include a plurality of elements including at least first and second elements. In this case, the above-described predetermined condition may include a requirement that, with respect to each of the plurality of elements, the detected or estimated capacity must be equal to or less than a threshold value specified for the element. The controller 106 may be configured to control the notification portion 108 to operate when a predetermined condition is satisfied, eg similar to the one indicated. Additionally, the above-described conditions may be more stringent for cells with a higher frequency with which the operation to return the cells to a state having the capacity necessary to continuously form an aerosol from a plurality of cells. In other words, the above-described conditions may be less stringent for elements with a lower frequency with which the operation to return the elements to a state having the capacity necessary for the continuous formation of an aerosol from a plurality of elements. Additionally, the conditions described above may have a lower probability of being met for elements with a higher frequency described above from among the plurality of elements. Alternatively, the conditions described above may include more requirements for elements with a higher frequency described above from among the plurality of elements. According to these characteristics, erroneous operation of the notification part 108 with respect to items that are frequently replaced can be prevented, and the possibility of the user not paying attention to the operation of the notification part 108 that prompts the replacement of items can be reduced.

The controller 106 may be configured to receive a request to generate an aerosol. The above-described condition for elements with the highest frequency described above of the plurality of elements may include request detection. According to the specification, the item with the highest replacement frequency, etc. includes puff detection as a condition for causing the notification part 108 to function. Accordingly, the notification portion 108 operates when

- 25 043206 the user clearly wants to perform inhalation in such a way that the possibility of the user not paying attention to the operation of the notification part 108 can be further reduced.

The controller 106 may be configured to control the notification portion 108 to operate for a longer time when the above-described condition is satisfied for elements with a higher above-described frequency of the plurality of elements. According to the characteristic, the user almost always pays attention to the operation of the notice part 108, regarding items with a high replacement frequency, and the like.

When the notification part 108 includes a light emitting element, the controller 106 may set such a setting that the light emission color of the light emitting element is different with respect to each of the plurality of elements. Because of this, the user can easily understand which element needs to be replaced, and the like. The controller 106 may also be configured to set the light emission color of the light emitting element with respect to each of the plurality of elements based on the frequencies of the plurality of elements described above. According to the characteristic, the user easily recognizes which element is to be replaced, and the like. The controller 106 may further be configured to set the light emission color of the light emitting element to be a cooler color for elements with a higher frequency of the above-described of the plurality of elements. By setting a color that is often highlighted as a cool color, the user can be encouraged to perform the replacement operation with a feeling of everyday use without being overly cautious. The controller 106 may also be configured to control the light emitting element such that the light emitting color of the light emitting element when the above-described condition is satisfied and the light emitting color of the light emitting element during aerosol formation are identical, relative to the element with the highest frequency described above among the plurality of elements. According to the characteristic, the user may be instructed to understand that the replacement and the like. needed relative to the element with the highest replacement frequency, etc. (ie frequency of notification to the user) without compromising the user experience. The controller 106 may further be configured to set the light emitting color of the light emitting element as a warmer color for the element with the lower frequency described above among the plurality of elements. By setting the light emission color of the light emitting element as a warm color with respect to elements with a low replacement frequency, and the like, the user's attention can be strongly attracted when it comes time to replace elements that rarely need to be replaced, and the like.

In the process in FIG. 8, the frequency at which the operation to return the element to a state having the necessary capacity to continuously form an aerosol or flavored aerosol (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as aerosol) for the first element is higher than the frequency for the second element. In one example, while the first element (capsule 126) is replaced five times, the second element (cartridge 104) may be replaced once.

In the process in FIG. 8, capsule 126 may be the first cell, and battery 110 may be the second cell. In one example, while capsule 126 is replaced ten times, battery 110 may be charged once.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating in detail an operation example of the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, explanation is made by assuming that the controller 106 performs all the steps illustrated in FIG. 9. However, attention should be drawn to the fact that some of the steps in FIG. 9 may be performed by other components in the inhalation device 100. Here, explanation is given by assuming that the inhalation device has the configuration of the inhalation device 100B illustrated in FIG. 1B and inhaler device 100B has battery 110, cartridge 104 and capsule 126 as elements, capsule 126 corresponds to the first element in FIG. 8 and the cartridge 104 corresponds to the second element. It is further contemplated that while capsule 126 is replaced five times, cartridge 104 may be replaced once.

The process begins at step 902. At step 902, the controller 106 determines whether or not the start of a puff of the inhaler device 100 is detected by the user. As one example, when sensor 112 includes a pressure sensor or flow sensor, controller 106 may determine that a puff is initiated when pressure or flow received from sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined value. The controller 106 may further determine that the puff starts when the duration for which pressure or flow is detected by the sensor 112 exceeds a predetermined duration. In another example, inhaler device 100 may include a start button and controller 106 may determine that a puff is initiated when the button is depressed. When no puff start is detected (No at step 902), the process returns to the place before step 902. When the start of a puff is detected (Yes at step 902), the process proceeds to step 904.

In step 904, the controller 106 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 110 exceeds

- 26 043206 horn voltage (discharge cutoff voltage (eg 3.2 V), etc.). When the voltage of the battery 110 is equal to or less than the discharge cutoff voltage (No at step 904), the process proceeds to step 906. At step 906, the controller 106 instructs the notification portion 108 to operate in the fourth mode. In one example, in the case of the notification portion 108 including an LED, the fourth mode may include flashing the LED in red for 5.4 seconds. In another example, in the case of notification portion 108 including a vibrator, the fourth mode may include vibrating the vibrator for 5.4 seconds. After that, the process ends. When the voltage of battery 110 exceeds the discharge cutoff voltage, on the other hand (Yes at step 904), the process proceeds to step 908.

The processes in steps 908-912 are similar to the processes in steps 308-312, so explanation is omitted here.

The process proceeds to step 914 and the controller 106 instructs the notification portion 108 to operate in the third mode. The third mode is the operating mode of the notification portion 108 during the execution, by the user, of normal inhalation through the use of the inhalation device 100B. In one example, in the case of the notification portion 108 including an LED, the controller 106 may steadily illuminate the LED in blue at step 914.

The processes in steps 916-928 are similar to the processes in steps 316-328 in FIG. 3, so the explanation is omitted here.

Step 930 is one example of step 804 in FIG. 8 with respect to the capsule 126 as the first element of the inhaler device 100B. At step 930, the controller 106 determines whether the cumulative time TA exceeds a predetermined threshold time. The threshold time may be the cumulative inhalation time into the inhaler device 100B in which the capacity of the capsule 126 (e.g., the residual amount of aroma and flavor component included in the aroma source 128) is below the value necessary to form an aerosol with sufficient aroma imparted. The threshold time may be stored in the storage device 114 or the like. in advance. When TA is equal to or less than the threshold time (No at step 930), the capacity of the capsule 126 is determined as the first threshold value or more, and the process returns to the place before step 902. When TA exceeds the threshold time (Yes at step 930), the capacity of the capsule 126 is determined to be less than the first threshold, and the process proceeds to block 932.

The processes in steps 932-936 are similar to the processes in steps 332-336 in FIG. 3. The condition at the time of puff start determination detected at step 932 may be more stringent than the condition at the time of puff start determination detected at step 902. Alternatively, the probability that the condition at the time of puff start determination detected at step 932 is satisfied , may be lower than the probability that the condition at the time of determining the start of a puff, detected at step 902, is satisfied. In one example, the condition described above may include detecting a variable (eg, pressure or flow) having an absolute value greater than a predetermined value. At this time, the predetermined value used in the determination in step 932 may exceed the predetermined value used in the determination in step 902. time at 934. In one example, the condition described above may include detecting a variable (eg, pressure) that is greater than a predetermined duration. When a determination using a duration, such as the same as indicated, for example, is also performed in step 902, the duration used in the determination in step 934 may be greater than the duration used in the determination in step 902. According to these characteristics, in normal inhalation, the aerosol formation response to the puff operation by the user becomes preferable, and the inhalation sensation can be provided without discomfort. In addition, when the capacity of the capsule 126 is smaller than the first threshold value, normal operation of the inhaler device 100 can be prevented from erroneously performing due to background noise.

The process proceeds to block 938. Block 938 is one example of block 808 in FIG. 8 with respect to the cartridge 104 as the second element of the inhalation device 100B. At step 938, N represents the number of times the capsule 126 is replaced. At step 938, the predetermined number of times indicates the number of times the capsule 126 is to be replaced while the cartridge 104 is replaced once. As described above, in the example of FIG. 9, the capsule 126 is replaced five times while the cartridge 104 is replaced once, so that the predetermined number of times is five in this case. Accordingly, in the case of N>5, both capsule 126 and cartridge 104 must be replaced, and when N is less than five, only capsule 126 must be replaced and cartridge 104 must not be replaced.

At step 938, the controller 106 determines whether N is a predetermined number of times (five in this case) or more. N may be stored in memory 114. When N is less than a predetermined number of times (No at 938), this corresponds to No at 808 in FIG. 8. Thus, at this time, the capacity of the capsule 126, which is the first element, is less than the first threshold value, but the capacity of the cartridge 104, which is the second element

- 27 043206 ment, is the second threshold value or more. In this case, the process proceeds to block 940. At block 940, similarly to block 810 in FIG. 8, the controller 106 instructs the notification portion 108 to operate in the first mode. In one example, in the case of the notification portion 108 including a light emitting element such as an LED, the first mode may include flashing the light emitting element in blue for 40 seconds. In another example, in the case of notification portion 108 including a vibrator, the first mode may include vibrating the vibrator for 2 seconds.

When the notification portion 108 is instructed to operate in the first mode, the controller 106 may stop generating the aerosol. This can be implemented through the process at step 936. For example, the controller 106 disables power to the spray portion 118. Because no aerosol is generated, the user's attention may be attracted and the user may more easily notice that the capsule 126 needs to be replaced. In addition, the formation of an incomplete aerosol when the residual size of the capsule 126 becomes insufficient can be prevented, so that deterioration in inhalation perception by the user can be prevented.

When the notification portion 108 includes a light emitting element, the light emission colors of the light emitting element may be identical, and the light emission methods of the light emitting element may be different in the first mode at step 940 and the third mode at step 914. Alternatively, the light emission colors of the light emitting element may be different, and the light emission methods of the light emitting element may be identical in the first mode and the third mode. Alternatively, in the first mode and the third mode, both the light emission colors and the light emission methods of the light emitting element may be different. According to these characteristics, the user can be instructed to recognize that some abnormality associated with inhalation occurs when the capacity of the capsule 126 becomes insufficient and the user can be easily urged to replace the capsule 126.

The process proceeds to step 942, and the controller 106 suppresses the prohibition of power supply to the spray portion 118. At this time, the controller 106 may judge that the capacity of the capsule 126 returns to a predetermined value (for example, a sufficient value to form an aerosol or an aerosol flavored). The notification that the user almost always pays attention to is already done by the notification part 108, so that after the operation of the notification part 108 in the first mode is completed, it is possible to check the replacement of the insufficient capacity capsule 126 or the like. is high. According to the above characteristic, it is not necessary to use control logic and elements for detecting landing and shifting, which are used only for the purpose of detecting whether or not a replacement is being performed or the like. capsules 126. Additionally, the accuracy of the counter of cumulative time and the number of replacements can be improved.

After the operation of the notification portion 108 in the first mode ends, the controller 106 may also count the number of times the capacity of the capsule 126 returns to a predetermined value. According to the characteristic, the number of replacements of the above-described item, which is a useful parameter in estimating the service life of the inhaler device 100 and the consumption rates of other items, can be counted without using control logic and elements for detecting landing and switching, which are used only for the purpose of detecting whether or not not exchange etc. . element.

The process proceeds to step 944, and the controller 106 increments N by 1. Therefore, the number of replacements of the capsule 126 increases by 1. In step 946, the controller 106 resets the cumulative time T _A (sets to 0).

When N is a predetermined number of times in step 938 (Yes in step 938), this corresponds to Yes in step 808 in FIG. 8. Thus, at this time, the capacity of the capsule 126, which is the first element, is less than the first threshold value, and the capacity of the cartridge 104, which is the second element, is less than the second threshold value. Accordingly, both capsule 126 and cartridge 104 must be replaced. In this case, the process proceeds to step 948. At step 948, the controller 106 instructs the notification parts 108 in the second mode, similar to step 812 in FIG. 8. In one example, in the case of notification portion 108 including a light emitting element such as an LED, the second mode may include flashing the light emitting element in green for 60 seconds. Thus, the controller 106 can be configured to control the light emitting element of the notification portion 108 to emit light with different light emission colors in the first mode at step 940 and the second mode at step 948. According to a characteristic, the light emission color of the light emitting element changes when only the capsule 126 is to be replaced, and when both the capsule 126 and the cartridge 104 are to be replaced, so that the user can easily understand which element is to be replaced.

The controller 106 may be configured to set the light emission color of the light emitting element in the first mode to be a cooler color compared to the color of the light emission in the second mode. Because of this, when only the capsule 126 is to be replaced, the light emitting element emits light with a cool color. Accordingly, the user easily recognizes that a stable replacement operation is required and can more easily understand that only the capsule 126 should be replaced.

- 28 043206 or both capsule 126 and cartridge 104 must be replaced.

The controller 106 may be configured to control the notification portion 108 to operate for a plurality of times of various durations in the first mode and the second mode. Because of this, it may be easier to understand whether only capsule 126 should be replaced or both capsule 126 and cartridge 104 should be replaced. compared to the time at which the notification portion 108 is instructed to operate in the second mode. Because of this, when only the capsule 126 is to be replaced, the time at which the notification portion 108 operates becomes short. Accordingly, it becomes easy to instruct the user to recognize that an operation that is completed in a short time is required. Additionally, it becomes easier to understand whether only capsule 126 should be replaced, or both capsule 126 and cartridge 104 should be replaced.

In another example, in the case of notification portion 108 including a vibrator, the second mode may include vibrating the vibrator for 60 seconds.

The process proceeds to step 950, and the controller 106 suppresses the prohibition of power supply to the atomizing portion 118. The process is the same as the process in step 942.

The process proceeds to step 952, and the controller 106 sets N to 1. Because of this, the number of times the capsule 126 is replaced is reset to 1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 946.

The controller 106 may be configured to interrupt the operation of the notification portion 108 when at least one element of the plurality of elements is detached. In the example in FIG. 9, in the case that the cartridge 104 and the capsule 126 are removable, the controller 106 may interrupt the operation of the notification part 108 when one or both of them are detached.

In the above explanation, the third embodiment of the present disclosure is described as an inhalation device having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B and like the method illustrated in FIG. 8 or 9. However, it will be understood that when the present disclosure is performed by the processor, the third embodiment may be executed as a program that instructs the processor to perform the method illustrated in FIG. 8 or 9, or as a computer-readable storage medium that stores the program.

The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, and it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that modification, addition, change, etc. embodiments can be performed properly without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above embodiments, but should only be indicated by the claims and equivalents of the claims.

List of reference positions

100A, 100V - inhalation device,

102 - the first node,

104 - second node,

106 - controller,

108 - part of the notification,

110 - battery,

112 - sensor,

114 - storage device,

116 - tank,

118 - spraying part,

120 - air inlet channel,

121 - channel for aerosol,

122 - part with a hole for retraction,

124 - arrow,

126 - the third node,

128 is the source of the fragrance.

Claims (8)

1. An inhalation device containing an element having an accumulated content that is consumed to form an aerosol or aerosol flavored; a sensor configured to detect a user action initiating the formation of an aerosol; a notification unit configured to perform notification of the user; - 29 043206 means for measuring or evaluating the accumulated content in an element having an accumulated content that is consumed to form an aerosol or flavored aerosol; and a controller configured to command to generate an aerosol when the measured or estimated accumulated content of the element is equal to or greater than a threshold value and a user action initiating the generation of an aerosol detected by the sensor satisfies the first condition; and controlling the notification unit to issue a notification of the first type when the measured or estimated content of the element is less than a threshold value and the user action initiating the formation of aerosol detected by the sensor satisfies the second condition, the first and second conditions being that the measured duration of the user action initiating aerosol formation exceeds the predetermined first and second durations, respectively, wherein the second duration is greater than the first duration, or the first and second conditions are that the absolute value of the predetermined physical quantity measured by the sensor and used to detect the user action that initiates the aerosol formation is greater than predetermined first and second values, respectively, wherein the second value is greater than the first value. 2. The inhaler device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to stop generating the aerosol when the notification unit gives the first type of notification. 3. The inhaler device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the notification unit includes a light emitting element, and the controller is configured to control the notification unit to give a notification of the second type during the formation of the aerosol, and the light emission colors of the light emitting element when the notification of the first type is and the second type notifications are identical, wherein the light emitting mode of the light emitting element when the first type of notification is given is different from the light emitting mode of the light emitting element when the second type of notification is given. 4. The inhaler device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the notification unit includes a light emitting element, and the controller is configured to control the notification unit to give a notification of the second type during the formation of the aerosol, and the light emission color of the light emitting element when the notification of the first type is different from the emission color of the light emitting element when the notification of the second type is given, and the light emission mode of the light emitting element when the notification is given of the first type and the light emission mode of the light emitting element when the notification of the second type is given are identical. 5. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller is configured to control the notification unit with the possibility of giving notifications of at least two types, including notifications of the first type, and the duration of the individual notification of the first type exceeds the duration of the delivery of any other type notification given by the notification block. 6. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controller is configured to suspend operation of the notification unit when said element having accumulated content that is consumed to form a flavored aerosol or aerosol is disconnected. 7. The method of operation of the inhalation device according to claim 1, comprising the steps, which determine the measured or estimated content of the element having the accumulated content, which is consumed to form an aerosol or aerosol flavored; if the measured or estimated content is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined whether the user action that initiates the formation of the aerosol satisfies the first condition; and giving a command to generate an aerosol when the user action that initiates the formation of an aerosol satisfies the first condition, and if the measured or estimated content is less than a threshold value, determining whether the user action that initiates the formation of an aerosol satisfies the second condition; and instructing the notification unit to issue a notification of the first type when the user's action initiating the generation of the aerosol satisfies the second condition. 8. A computer-readable medium containing program code, upon execution of which the controller performs the operations of the method according to claim 7.