KR102033039B1 - Method and apparatus for providing adaptive feedback through puff recognition - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device comprising: a battery for supplying power; A heater for heating the aerosol generating material; sensor; At least two output units including an LED lamp and a vibration motor; And a controller, wherein the controller detects a user's puff using the sensor and operates the output units including the LED lamp and the vibration motor based on puff characteristic data corresponding to the detection result. Disclosed is an aerosol-generating device characterized in that it controls.

Description

Aerosol-generating devices and methods that provide adaptive feedback through puff recognition

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device, in particular, to provide a variety of feedback by recognizing the puff of the user.

Existing smoking articles have used a method of producing aerosol by directly burning the aerosol generating material during use. However, the direct combustion of aerosol-generating materials can lead to the generation of unwanted volatile compounds that can lead to health problems. Accordingly, a variety of aerosol generating devices have recently been developed which provide a flavor of cigarettes without the generation of unwanted volatile compounds by heating without burning the aerosol generating material.

However, the aerosol generating device may not provide a sufficient satisfaction to the user compared to the conventional combustion cigarette. For example, the aerosol-generating device is somewhat different from the feel provided by conventional combustion cigarettes, and may differ from conventional combustion cigarettes in the number of puffs and the amount of aerosol material produced.

Therefore, there is a need for a method that allows a user to obtain a smoking-like feeling as much as possible using an aerosol generating device.

The present invention seeks to adaptively provide feedback by recognizing a user's puff.

Some embodiments for solving the above problems of the prior art, the cigarette is inserted into the cigarette insertion hole formed at one end, the holder for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material provided in the inserted cigarette; And a cradle comprising an inner space into which the holder is inserted, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heater for heating an aerosol generating material; A battery for supplying power to the heater; A sensor for detecting a puff of the user; At least two output units including an LED lamp and a vibration motor; And a control unit for controlling the aerosol generating device, wherein at least one of the holder and the cradle is formed with at least one binding member for increasing binding strength between the holders by using magnetic force, and the cradle has an electric power in the inserted holder. And a terminal for supplying a metal, the inner space being formed at one side of the cradle so that the cigarette insertion hole of the holder is completely concealed by the cradle when the holder is inserted into the inner space of the cradle. And a tilting movement between the second position at which the cigarette insertion hole of the holder is fully released from the cradle, and the holder being moved by the binding member even at a second position at which the cigarette insertion hole of the holder is fully released from the cradle. Coupled with the cradle, the holder is connected to the terminal of the cradle The output unit is configured to receive power, and the control unit detects a user's puff using the sensor, and the output includes the LED lamp and the vibration motor based on puff characteristic data corresponding to the detection result. Control the operation of the parts.

The sensor may further include a temperature sensor measuring a temperature of the heater, and the controller may detect a user's puff by measuring a temperature change of the heater using the temperature sensor.

The sensor may further include the flow sensor, and the controller may detect a user's puff by measuring a change in the flow rate in the holder using the flow sensor.

The puff characteristic data may include at least one of data on puff strength, puff spacing, and number of puffs.

The controller may predict the number of puffs possible based on the amount of power or the amount of aerosol generating material of the power supply device, and change the predicted number of puffs based on the puff characteristic data.

The controller may output the changed number of puffs possible using the at least one output unit.

The controller may determine the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and control the output intensity of the vibration motor based on the determined number of remaining puffs possible.

The controller may determine the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and control the light emission intensity or the blinking interval of the LED lamp based on the determined number of remaining puffs possible.

The controller may determine the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and control the sound output intensity or the type of sound output based on the determined number of remaining puffs possible.

The holder further includes an outer case, and the controller may control the case temperature outside the holder based on the heater temperature at the time of puff.

The controller may estimate the number of remaining puffs possible based on the measured puff strength and the estimated remaining battery amount, and output the estimated number of remaining puffs possible.

The controller may control the at least one output unit to provide a notification to the user whenever the heater is heated above a predetermined temperature.

The controller may control the at least one output unit to provide a notification to the user based on the measured puff intensity or the measured puff interval.

The controller may control the at least one output unit to inform the user that puffing is possible at predetermined intervals.

As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical problem, some embodiments of the present disclosure includes the steps of detecting a user's puff using a sensor; Obtaining puff characteristic data based on the sensing result; And controlling at least one output unit based on the puff characteristic data.

The method includes estimating the number of puffs possible based on the amount of power of the battery or the amount of aerosol generating material; And changing the predicted number of puffs possible based on puff characteristic data.

The method may further include outputting a changed number of puffables using the at least one output unit.

As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical problem, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for implementing the method.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a feedback method based on puff recognition to provide necessary information while providing satisfaction to a user using a holder.

1 illustrates an appearance of a holder in accordance with some embodiments.
2 illustrates a block diagram of a holder in accordance with some embodiments.
3 and 4 illustrate conceptual views of holders in accordance with some embodiments.
5 illustrates a control method of a holder for detecting a puff and controlling an output unit, according to an exemplary embodiment.
6 illustrates an output mode control method according to the remaining number of puffs possible according to some embodiments.
7 illustrates a change in heater temperature with puffs in accordance with some embodiments.
8 illustrates a change in flow rate with a puff in accordance with some embodiments.
9A-9C illustrate LED lamp output control according to the number of remaining puffs possible in accordance with some embodiments.
10 illustrates a correlation between puff intensity and vibration intensity in accordance with some embodiments.
11 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device.
12A and 12B are views illustrating an example of a holder in various aspects.
13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cradle.
14A and 14B illustrate an example of a cradle from various aspects.
15 is a view showing an example in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.
16 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the holder is tilted in a state where the holder is inserted into the cradle.
17A-17B illustrate examples in which a holder is inserted into a cradle.
18 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which the holder and the cradle operate.
19 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which the holder operates.
20 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which a cradle operates.
21 is a view illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into a holder.
22A and 22B are diagrams illustrating an example of a cigarette.
23A-23F show examples of a cooling structure of a cigarette.

The terms used in the present invention have been selected as widely used general terms as possible in consideration of the functions in the present invention, but this may vary according to the intention or precedent of the person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies and the like. In addition, in certain cases, there is also a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents throughout the present invention, rather than the names of the simple terms.

Throughout the specification, when a part is connected to another part, this includes not only the case where the part is directly connected, but also the case where the part is electrically connected with another element in between. In addition, when a part includes a certain component, this means that the component may further include other components, not to exclude other components unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, the terms "... unit", "module", etc. described in the specification mean a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. .

Throughout the specification, an aerosol generating material means a material capable of generating an aerosol and may mean an aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosols can include volatile compounds. The aerosol generating material may be solid or liquid.

For example, solid aerosol generating materials may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as leaf tobacco, vinegar, reconstituted tobacco, and liquid aerosol generating materials based on nicotine, tobacco extracts and various flavoring agents. It may include a liquid substance. Of course, it is not limited to the above example.

Throughout the specification, an aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as a 'holder') may be a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable through a user's mouth into the user's lungs. The terms 'aerosol generating device' and 'holder' may be used interchangeably.

Throughout the specification, the term pura means the inhalation of the user, and the inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user pulls into the user's mouth, nasal cavity or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

Through the specification, puff characteristic data may include information on puff strength, puff spacing, and the number of puffs. For example, it may include information about the strength of the user's puff, the time interval between the user's puff and the puff, the number of remaining puffs and the current total number of puffs, and the like, but are not limited to the above examples.

1 illustrates an appearance of a holder in accordance with some embodiments.

According to the example shown in FIG. 1, the holder 1 may be in the form of a stick. The user can use the holder 1 by inserting it into a finger like a conventional cigarette. In addition, the holder 1 may be in the form of a holder. That is, an aerosol can be produced by inserting a solid aerosol generating material 3 into the holder 1 and heating it. According to some embodiments the solid aerosol generating material 3 may be a cigarette. The terms 'cigarette' and 'aerosol generating material 3' may be used interchangeably. The operation and the structure of the cigarette in which the aerosol generating material 3 is inserted into the holder 1 is described in more detail below.

According to some embodiments, once the aerosol is generated, the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a filter. The filter may be provided in the holder 1 or attached to the aerosol generating material 3 and is not limited to the above example.

According to some embodiments, the holder 1 may also include at least one output unit for providing feedback to the user. For example, it may include an LED display window 121 or an LED lamp 122, but is not limited to the above examples. Description of at least one output unit included in the holder 1 will be described in more detail below.

In addition, according to some embodiments, the holder 1 may be turned on or off by the user's input, or may be powered when the user's puff is detected. The operation when the holder 1 is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. 2 below.

Also in some embodiments the holder 1 may be coupled to the cradle. Details of the cradle will be described in detail in the following drawings.

2 shows a block diagram of a holder 1 in accordance with some embodiments.

The holder 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 may include a battery 110, a controller 120, a sensor 130, an output unit 140, and a heater 150. However, not all components shown in FIG. 2 are essential components of the holder 1. The holder 1 may be implemented by more components than the components shown in FIG. 2, and the holder 1 may be implemented by fewer components than the components shown in FIG. 2.

According to some embodiments, the control unit 120 is configured to control the overall operation of the holder 1. The controller 120 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, and an IC circuit including the same, but is not limited thereto.

According to some embodiments, the controller 120 may detect the user's puff using the sensor 130. In addition, the controller 120 may acquire the puff characteristic data according to the puff detection result. The controller 120 may control the output unit 140 based on the puff characteristic data.

According to some embodiments, the holder 1 may include an output unit 140. The output unit 140 may include an LED display, a display such as an LED lamp, a motor, a speaker, a temperature controller, and the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the holder 1 may include at least one output unit 140. For example, one holder 1 may include both an LED display, an LED lamp and a motor.

According to some embodiments, the controller 120 may control the output unit 140 based on the puff characteristic data.

 For example, the controller 120 may predict the number of remaining puffs possible, recognize the user's puff, and output the remaining number of puffs minus the number of puffs of the user from the number of remaining puffs. That is, the controller 120 may output the changed number of puffs possible. The controller 120 may estimate the remaining number of possible puffs based on the amount of battery and the amount of aerosol generating material (eg, cigarette).

In addition, according to some embodiments, the controller 120 may control the output strength of the vibration motor based on the number of remaining puffs possible. For example, as the remaining number of possible puffs decreases, the controller 120 may control the output of the vibration motor to be stronger. Of course, the reverse is also possible, and the controller 120 may control the vibration motor to vibrate as many times as the remaining puffs.

In addition, the controller 120 may control the light emission intensity or the blinking interval of the LED lamp based on the remaining number of puffs. For example, as the number of remaining puffs is small, the controller 120 may control the output of the LED lamp to be stronger. Of course, the reverse is also possible, and the controller 120 may control the LED lamp to flash faster as the number of remaining puffs decreases.

In addition, the controller 120 may control the sound output intensity or the type of sound output based on the remaining number of puffs. For example, as the number of remaining residual puffs is small, the controller 120 may control the sound output unit 140 such as a speaker so that the output of sound is increased. In addition, the controller 120 may control the sound output unit 140 to output one of various kinds of sounds, such as a wind sound and a paper burning sound.

In addition, the controller 120 may control the case temperature outside the holder based on the temperature of the heater 150 at the time of the puff. Even if the temperature of the heater 150 is high, there is a possibility that the user using the holder may not know that the temperature of the heater 150 is high. Therefore, when the temperature of the heater 150 is too high, the temperature of the heater 150 is increased by more than a predetermined amount. In addition, the user may be notified of the temperature of the heater 150 through the case temperature change.

In addition, the control unit 120 may provide a notification to the user whenever the heater 150 is raised above a predetermined temperature. Based on the optimum aerosol (for example, the size of the generated aerosol particles, the amount of aerosol generated, the generated aerosol temperature, etc.) that can satisfy the user when the temperature of the heater 150 is above a predetermined temperature Since the controller 120 is generated, the controller 120 notifies the user of the puff by controlling the output unit 140 when the temperature of the heater 150 is elevated above a predetermined temperature so that the user can puff the optimal aerosol. Can be.

In addition, the controller 120 may control the output unit 140 to inform the user that puffing is possible at predetermined intervals. That is, the controller 120 may provide a notification to the user to puff at predetermined time intervals in order to provide an optimal aerosol.

According to some embodiments, the controller 120 may control the output unit 140 to provide a notification to the user based on the measured puff intensity or the measured puff interval. Too strong puffs or too short intervals of puffs make it difficult to provide a satisfactory aerosol, so that the control unit 120 may puff strength and puffs according to a predetermined criterion if the user puffs too strongly, or the interval between puffs is too short. The output unit 140 may be controlled to keep the interval to provide a notification to the user.

The sensor 130 may be various types of sensors, and may include at least one sensor. For example, sensor 130 may include a flow sensor and a temperature sensor.

According to some embodiments, the controller 120 may measure the temperature of the heater 150 using a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be a sensor for measuring the air temperature around the heater, or may be a sensor for determining the heater temperature by using the conductive track of the heater. The controller 120 may detect the user's puff by measuring the temperature of the heater 150.

According to some embodiments, the controller 120 may measure the flow and / or flow rate of air, gas and aerosol in the holder using a flow sensor. The controller 120 may detect a user's puff by measuring a change in flow rate. The general configuration of the control unit 120 will be described in more detail below.

According to some embodiments, the heater 150 may be configured to heat the aerosol generating material (eg, cigarette or liquid) by the power supplied from the battery 110. The temperature of the heater 150 may be set differently according to the type of aerosol generating material. Specifically, the temperature of the heater 150 may vary depending on whether the aerosol generating material is a solid or a liquid, and in the case of a solid of the aerosol generating material, the temperature of the heater 150 may be different depending on the thickness and the constituent material of the aerosol generating material. Details of the battery 110 are described in more detail below.

In addition, the heater 150 may be configured in various shapes. The heater may be a tubular heater, a plate heater, or a needle or rod heater. The heater 150 may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol generating material depending on the shape. The configuration for the heater 150 is described in more detail below.

According to some embodiments, the controller 120 may control the heater 150 and the battery 110. Specifically, the controller 120 may preheat the heater 150 to a predetermined temperature, and may perform power saving by controlling the battery 110. In addition, the controller 120 may control the battery 110 and the heater 150 by dividing the battery 110 and the heater 150 into various modes.

For example, the control unit 120 generates more aerosols at a higher temperature than the power saving mode, the preheating mode, the normal inhalation mode, or the normal inhalation mode, but may be controlled by dividing them into an amplification inhalation mode that uses a lot of power. It is not limited to the above example.

According to some embodiments, battery 110 may include at least one power source. For example, the battery 110 may include at least one battery. The battery 110 may be charged by an external charging device, and the charging method is not limited. In addition, when the battery 110 is charged, the power of the holder may be automatically turned off or may operate in a power saving mode.

In addition, the holder 1 may further include a memory (not shown). The memory may store user information, data for temperature control such as profiles, puff characteristic data, and the like.

3 and 4 illustrate conceptual views of holders in accordance with some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 3, the holder 1 may include an outer case 170. The external case may include a battery 110, a controller 120, a sensor 130, an output unit 140, and a heater 150. It is also possible to insert a solid aerosol generating material 3 outside of the holder 1. Since the operation of each configuration corresponds to the content described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration in which the holder 1 further includes a liquid storage unit 180 when compared with FIG. 3. The liquid reservoir 180 contains a liquid aerosol generating material. The holder 1 of FIG. 4 can produce the aerosol generating material by heating the solid aerosol generating material and the liquid aerosol generating material simultaneously, alternately and / or sequentially.

In addition, the holder 1 of FIG. 4 may heat the liquid aerosol generating material through a separate heater, and the configuration of the heater for heating the liquid aerosol generating material and the solid aerosol generating material is not limited. In the following drawings, conceptual views of additional holders are further illustrated and described.

5 illustrates a control method of a holder for detecting a puff and controlling an output unit, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In operation 501, the holder may sense a user's puff using a sensor. The holder can detect a user's puff using a flow sensor and a temperature sensor.

According to some embodiments, the holder may detect the user's puff by checking the amount of air flowing into the holder or the amount of gas flowing out of the holder using a flow sensor.

In addition, the holder can sense the user's puff by measuring the temperature of the heater using a temperature sensor and by checking the temperature change of the heater. In addition, the holder may recognize the user's puff using a pressure sensor, and the way in which the holder can detect the user's puff is not limited to the above example.

In step 503, the holder may obtain puff characteristic data based on the sensing result.

According to some embodiments, the puff characteristic data may include information about puff strength, puff spacing, and the number of puffs. Specifically, the puff characteristic data may include information about a pressure (puff strength and strength) of the user's puff, a time interval between the first and second puffs, the number of remaining puffs available, and the current total number of puffs. . The current total number of puffs may refer to the number of puffs calculated since the holder is turned on or the aerosol generating material is inserted, but is not limited to the above examples.

According to some embodiments, the holder may sense at least one puff of the user and obtain information about the strength of the puff, the interval of the puff, the number of puffs, and the like.

In step 505, the holder may control at least one output based on the puff characteristic data.

According to some embodiments, the holder may control the output based on the number of remaining puffs possible. For example, the holder may control the vibrating motor to vibrate weakly when the number of remaining puffs is more than a predetermined number of times, and control the vibrating motor to vibrate strongly when the number of remaining puffs is less than a predetermined number of times.

In addition, the holder may control the flashing interval of the LED lamp to be shorter as the number of remaining puffs is reduced, or to increase the light emission intensity of the LED lamp.

According to some embodiments, the holder may also control the output according to the puff strength. For example, the holder can be controlled such that the puff strength is proportional to the vibration strength of the vibration motor. The method of controlling the at least one output unit based on the puff characteristic data is not limited, and the description of FIG. 2 may also be included.

6 illustrates an output mode control method according to the remaining number of puffs possible according to some embodiments.

In operation 601, the holder may detect a user's puff using a sensor. Since this corresponds to the above description, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step 603, the holder may determine whether the remaining number of puffs is less than or equal to the threshold.

According to some embodiments, the holder can predict the remaining number of puffs possible. The holder can predict the number of remaining puffs possible based on the amount of aerosol generating material, the amount of battery, the reference puff strength, the number of puffs of the user, and the like.

In addition, the remaining number of puffs can be changed according to the user's puff strength, puff spacing. For example, assuming that the holder predicts the first remaining puff possible count based on the amount of aerosol-generating material and battery, the user can make a residual puff, depending on the user's puff strength and puff spacing, after two puffs. The number may be predicted five times rather than six times. That is, the holder can calculate the remaining number of puffs possible based on the puff characteristic data.

According to some embodiments, the holder may determine whether the calculated residual puff count is greater than or equal to a threshold. The holder can also output the calculated remaining puff count. The holder can output the remaining number of puffs possible through the LED display window or LED lamp.

In step 605, the holder may maintain the output mode if the remaining number of puffs is greater than or equal to the threshold. The output mode may mean a mode in which the holder controls at least one output unit.

For example, the first stage of the output mode may mean a first stage light emission mode of the LED lamp and the first stage vibration mode of the vibration motor, and the second stage of the output mode may include a second stage light emission mode of the LED lamp and a two stage vibration mode of the vibration motor. It may mean, but is not limited to the above examples.

That is, the output mode may refer to a combination of modes in which at least one output unit included in the holder is output. Specifically, the light emitting mode of the LED lamp may mean a predetermined LED flashing intensity and the flashing interval, the vibration mode of the vibration motor may mean a predetermined vibration intensity and the vibration interval is not limited to the above examples.

According to some embodiments, the holder may remain in output mode when the remaining number of puffs is greater than or equal to a threshold. In other words, the holder may not change the output mode. For example, the holder may maintain the output mode in one step when the remaining number of puffs is four or more times.

In operation 607, when the remaining number of puffs is less than or equal to a threshold, the holder may determine whether the number of remaining puffs is zero. For example, if it is determined that the remaining number of puffs is four or less, the holder may check whether the number of remaining puffs is zero.

In step 609, the holder may change the output mode if the remaining number of puffs is not zero. For example, the holder can change the output mode to two stages if the number of remaining puffs is less than four but not zero.

 In addition, in step 611, the holder may stop the output mode when the remaining number of possible puffs is zero. In other words, the holder stops blinking the LED, and the vibration of the vibration motor can also be stopped.

Of course, the holder does not completely stop the output mode, but can also change the output mode, and can inform the need to remove, replace, or fill the aerosol generating material using an output different from the output used in the conventional output mode. For example, when the remaining number of puffs remaining is zero, the holder can no longer use the LED lamp and the vibration motor, but use the LED display window to inform the user to remove or replace the aerosol generating material and to charge the holder. have.

7 illustrates a change in heater temperature with puffs in accordance with some embodiments.

As described above, the user may perform the operation of inhaling the aerosol generated through the holder.

According to some embodiments, the puff may not be delivered to the user through the heating of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material, but may be delivered to the user by mixing the generated aerosol with the air flowing in through the holder. .

According to some embodiments, the holder may sense the user's puff by various methods. For example, the holder can sense the user's puff by measuring the pressure change in the holder using a pressure sensor. However, the holder may also detect the user's puff by measuring the heater temperature without having a separate pressure sensor.

The heater temperature may vary from user to puff. Since air at a temperature lower than the heater temperature is introduced from the puff holder, the temperature of the heater is lowered. Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the temperature of the heater is lowered when the user first inhales the aerosol.

Thereafter, the holder supplies power to the heater to raise the heater temperature back to a predetermined temperature. In the second puff 702 and the third puff 703, the heater temperature may be lowered in the same manner as in the first puff 701. The holder may measure the heater temperature to detect that a puff has occurred when the heater temperature is lowered. In addition, since the temperature of the heater when the puff is lowered, the holder may supply power to the heater to raise the temperature back to a predetermined temperature.

8 illustrates a change in flow rate with a puff in accordance with some embodiments.

As described above, in the puff, not only the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material through heating of the holder is delivered to the user, but the air introduced into the outside through the holder and the generated aerosol may be mixed and delivered to the user. Thus, the holder can recognize the user's puff through the change in the flow rate in the holder.

Flow rates may vary from user to puff. Since air is introduced from the outside of the holder during puffing, the flow rate in the holder is increased. Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the flow rate increases when the user first inhales the aerosol.

In the second puff 802 and the third puff 803, the flow rate may increase in the same manner as in the first puff 801. The holder can measure the change in flow rate to detect that a puff has occurred when the flow rate is increased. Therefore, the holder can detect the puff based on the change in the flow rate and the change in the temperature without a separate pressure sensor. The holder may also detect the strength of the puff based on the degree of change in flow rate and the temperature change.

9A-9C illustrate LED lamp output control according to the number of remaining puffs possible in accordance with some embodiments.

As described above, the holder 1 may vary the output mode according to the remaining number of puffs possible.

As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, when the remaining number of possible puffs is 5, 3, or 1 times, the holder 1 may control the blinking color, the blinking degree, and the blinking interval of the LED lamp 901 differently. The LED lamp 901 of FIG. 9 may be the same lamp as the LED lamp 122 of FIG. 1. In addition, when the remaining number of puffs is 0, the holder 1 may control the LED lamp not to blink.

In addition, the holder 1 may control the LED lamp 901 to blink only when puffed. In addition, the holder 1 may control the flashing intensity of the LED lamp 901 or output a sound in order to interact with a user input using a power button or an input button.

The holder 1 may also control an LED lamp or a vibrating motor to inform the user of the insertion or discharge of the aerosol generating material. In other words, the at least one output unit included in the holder 1 may be controlled to provide a notification to the user in order to provide feedback on the user's puff for interaction with the user.

10 illustrates a correlation between puff intensity and vibration intensity in accordance with some embodiments.

According to some embodiments, the user's puff strength may be proportional to the vibration intensity of the vibration motor in the holder. That is, the vibration intensity may also change depending on how hard the user is puffed.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the vibration intensity is adjusted according to the puff intensity of the user, feedback to the puff intensity may be immediately provided to the user. Proper strength puffs must be accompanied to provide an optimal aerosol, and the holder can induce the user to puff at an appropriate intensity by providing feedback to the user through the vibration intensity.

Of course, as shown in FIG. 10, the higher the puff intensity, the weaker the vibration intensity may be. The relationship between the vibration intensity and the puff intensity is not limited. In other words, a way to give feedback to the user is sufficient.

11 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device 1 (hereinafter referred to as a holder) includes a battery 110, a controller 120, and a heater 2130. In addition, the holder 1 includes an inner space formed by the case 2140. A cigarette may be inserted into the inner space of the holder 1. The holder 1 shown in FIG. 11 may be another embodiment of the holder 1 described above, and some or all of the configurations of the holder 1 described above may correspond to each other.

In the holder 1 shown in FIG. 11, only components related to the present embodiment are shown. Accordingly, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the general purpose components other than the components shown in FIG. 11 may be further included in the holder 1.

When the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 heats the heater 2130. The aerosol generating material in the cigarette is raised in temperature by the heated heater 2130, thereby producing an aerosol. The resulting aerosol is delivered to the user through the filter of the cigarette. However, even when a cigarette is not inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 may heat the heater 2130.

The case 2140 may be separated from the holder 1. For example, the case 2140 can be detached from the holder 1 by the user turning the case 2140 clockwise or counterclockwise.

In addition, the diameter of the hole formed by the end 2141 of the case 2140 may be made smaller than the diameter of the space formed by the case 2140 and the heater 2130, in which case it is inserted into the holder 1 Can serve as a guide to cigarettes.

The battery 110 supplies the power used to operate the holder 1. For example, the battery 110 may supply power so that the heater 2130 may be heated, and may supply power necessary for the control unit 120 to operate. In addition, the battery 110 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like, which are output units installed in the holder 1.

The battery 110 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4) battery, but is not limited to the example described above. For example, the battery 110 may correspond to a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or the like.

In addition, the battery 110 may have a cylindrical shape having a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. The capacity of the battery 110 may be 120 mAh or more, and may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, when the battery 110 can be charged, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be 10C, the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 16C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery 110 may be manufactured so that more than 80% of the total capacity may be secured even when charging / discharging is performed 8000 times.

Here, whether the battery 110 is fully charged or completely discharged may be determined by how much the power stored in the battery 110 is compared with the total capacity of the battery 110. For example, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 95% or more of the total capacity, it may be determined that the battery 110 is fully charged. In addition, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 10% or less of the total capacity, it may be determined that the battery 110 is completely discharged. However, the criterion for determining whether the battery 110 is fully charged or completely discharged is not limited to the above-described example.

The heater 2130 is heated by the power supplied from the battery 110. When the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the heater 2130 is located inside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 2130 may raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material in the cigarette. The heater 2130 may have a configuration corresponding to the heater 150 described above.

The heater 2130 may have a shape in which a cylinder and a cone are combined. For example, the heater 2130 may have a cylindrical shape having a diameter of about 2 mm and a length of about 23 mm, and the end 2131 of the heater 2130 may be finished at an acute angle, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the heater 2130 may be applied without limitation as long as the heater 2130 may be inserted into the cigarette. In addition, only a part of the heater 2130 may be heated. For example, assuming that the length of the heater 2130 is 23 mm, only 12 mm from the end 2131 of the heater 2130 may be heated, and the remaining portion of the heater 2130 may not be heated.

The heater 2130 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 2130 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 2130 may be heated as a current flows in the electrically conductive track.

For stable use, the heater 2130 may be supplied with power in accordance with the specifications of 3.2 V, 2.4 A, 8 W, but is not limited thereto. For example, when electric power is supplied to the heater 2130, the surface temperature of the heater 2130 may rise to 400 ° C. or more. The surface temperature of the heater 2130 may rise to about 350 ° C. before exceeding 15 seconds from when power is supplied to the heater 2130.

Holder 1 may be provided with a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may not be provided in the holder 1, and the heater 2130 may serve as a temperature sensor. For example, the heater 2130 may further include a second electrically conductive track for temperature sensing in addition to the first electrically conductive track for heat generation.

For example, if the voltage across the second electrically conductive track and the current flowing through the second electrically conductive track are measured, the resistance R can be determined. At this time, the temperature T of the second electrically conductive track may be determined by Equation 1 below. The temperature sensor may be an embodiment of the sensor 130 described above.

In Equation 1, R means the current resistance value of the second electrically conductive track, R ₀ means the resistance value at the temperature T ₀ (eg 0 ° C.), and α is the Means the temperature coefficient of resistance. The conductive material (eg metal) has an intrinsic resistance temperature coefficient, and α can be predetermined according to the conductive material constituting the second electrically conductive track. Therefore, when the resistance R of the second electrically conductive track is determined, the temperature T of the second electrically conductive track can be calculated by Equation 1 above.

Heater 2130 may be comprised of at least one electrically conductive track (a first electrically conductive track and a second electrically conductive track). For example, the heater 2130 may be composed of two first electrically conductive tracks and one or two second electrically conductive tracks, but is not limited thereto.

The electrically conductive track comprises an electrically resistive material. As one example, the electrically conductive track can be made of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive track can be made of an electrically conductive ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy or a composite of ceramic material and metal.

In addition, the holder 1 may include both an electrically conductive track and a temperature sensing sensor serving as a temperature sensing sensor.

The controller 120 controls the overall operation of the holder 1. Specifically, the controller 120 controls not only the battery 110 and the heater 2130 but also other components included in the holder 1. In addition, the controller 120 may determine whether the holder 1 is in an operable state by checking a state of each of the components of the holder 1.

The controller 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that may be executed on the microprocessor. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

For example, the controller 120 may control the operation of the heater 2130. The controller 120 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 2130 and the time at which power is supplied so that the heater 2130 may be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature. In addition, the controller 120 may check the state of the battery 110 (for example, the remaining amount of the battery 110) and generate a notification signal if necessary.

In addition, the controller 120 may check the presence or absence of the puff and the strength of the puff, and count the number of puffs. In addition, the controller 120 may continuously check the time that the holder 1 is operating. In addition, the controller 120 determines whether the cradle 2 to be described later is coupled with the holder 1, and controls the operation of the holder 1 according to the coupling or detachment of the cradle 2 and the holder 1. Can be.

Meanwhile, the holder 1 may further include general components in addition to the battery 110, the controller 120, and the heater 2130.

For example, the holder 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As an example, when a display is included in the holder 1, the controller 120 may display information about the state of the holder 1 (for example, whether the holder may be used), a heater (eg, a user) through the display. Information about the battery 110 (eg, preheat start, preheating progress, preheat completion, etc.), information related to the battery 110 (eg, remaining capacity of the battery 110, availability, etc.), the holder 1 Information related to the resetting of the holder (for example, reset timing, reset progress, reset completion, etc.), information related to cleaning of the holder 1 (for example, cleaning timing, cleaning necessity, cleaning progress, cleaning completion, etc.), Information related to the charging of the holder 1 (e.g., charging required, charging progressed, charging completed, etc.), information related to the puff (e.g., puff count, puff end notice, etc.) or safety related information (e.g. For example, the use time elapsed) can be delivered. As another example, when a motor is included in the holder 1, the controller 120 may generate the vibration signal using the motor, thereby transferring the above-described information to the user.

In addition, the holder 1 may comprise a terminal coupled with at least one input device (eg a button) and / or the cradle 2 through which the user can control the function of the holder 1. For example, the user can execute various functions using the input device of the holder 1. Multiple functions of the holder 1 by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (for example, once, twice, etc.) or the time for holding the input device (for example, 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.) You can execute any of these functions. As the user operates the input device, the holder 1 has a function of preheating the heater 2130, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 2130, a function of cleaning a space into which a cigarette is inserted, and a holder 1 of the holder 1. A function of checking whether it is in an operable state, a function of displaying a residual amount (available power) of the battery 110, a reset function of the holder 1, and the like may be performed. However, the function of the holder 1 is not limited to the examples described above.

In addition, the holder 1 may comprise a puff sensor, a temperature sensor and / or a cigarette insertion sensor. For example, the puff sensor may be implemented by a general pressure sensor, the cigarette insert sensor may be implemented by a conventional capacitive sensor or a resistance sensor. In addition, the holder 1 may be manufactured in a structure in which external air may be introduced / exhausted even when a cigarette is inserted.

12A and 12B are views illustrating an example of a holder in various aspects.

12A is a view showing an example in which the holder 1 is viewed from the first direction. As shown in FIG. 12A, the holder 1 may be manufactured in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The case 2140 of the holder 1 may be separated by a user's operation, and a cigarette may be inserted into the end 2141 of the case 2140. In addition, the holder 1 may include a button 2150 that allows a user to control the holder 1 and a display 2160 on which an image is output. The case 2140 may be an embodiment of the case described above.

12B is a view showing an example in which the holder 1 is viewed from the second direction. Holder 1 may include a terminal 2170 coupled with cradle 2. When the terminal 2170 of the holder 1 is coupled with the terminal 2260 of the cradle 2, the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Can be. In addition, the holder 1 may be operated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2 through the terminal 2170 and the terminal 2260, and communication between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 is performed. (Transmission and reception of signals) is possible. For example, the terminal 2170 may be configured of four micro pins, but is not limited thereto.

13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cradle.

Referring to FIG. 13, the cradle 2 includes a battery 210 and a controller 220. The cradle 2 also includes an interior space 2230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. For example, the interior space 2230 may be formed at one side of the cradle 2. Thus, even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate lid, the holder 1 can be inserted into and secured to the cradle 2.

Cradle 2 shown in FIG. 13 shows only the components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the general purpose components other than the components shown in FIG. 13 may be further included in the cradle 2.

The battery 210 supplies the power used to operate the cradle 2. In addition, the battery 210 may supply power for charging the battery 110 of the holder 1. For example, when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 and the terminal 2170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 2260 of the cradle 2 are coupled, the battery 210 of the cradle 2 Power may be supplied to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

In addition, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, the battery 210 may supply power used to operate the holder 1. For example, when the terminal 2170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 2260 of the cradle 2 are coupled, regardless of whether or not the battery 110 of the holder 1 is discharged, the holder 1 is the cradle. It can operate using the power supplied by the battery 210 of (2).

An example of the type of the battery 210 may be the same as the example of the battery 110 described above with reference to FIG. 11. The capacity of the battery 210 may be greater than that of the battery 110, for example, the capacity of the battery 210 may be 3000 mAh or more, but the capacity of the battery 210 is not limited to the above-described example. Do not.

The controller 220 generally controls the operation of the cradle 2. The controller 220 may control the operation of all the components of the cradle 2. In addition, the controller 220 may determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, and control the operation of the cradle 2 according to the coupling or detachment of the cradle 2 and the holder 1.

For example, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, the controller 220 supplies power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 to charge the battery 110 or to heat the heater 2130. You can. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of the battery 110 is small, the user can continuously smoke by combining the holder 1 and the cradle 2.

The controller 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that may be executed on the microprocessor. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

Meanwhile, the cradle 2 may further include general components in addition to the battery 210 and the controller 220. For example, the cradle 2 may include a display capable of outputting visual information. For example, if the cradle 2 includes a display, the controller 220 generates a signal to be displayed on the display, thereby providing the user with a battery 210 (eg, remaining capacity of the battery 210, available for use). Information related to whether the cradle 2 is reset (e.g., reset timing, reset progress, reset completion, etc.), cleaning of the holder 1 (e.g., cleaning timing, cleaning needs, cleaning) Information related to progress, cleaning completion, etc., and information related to charging of the cradle 2 (for example, charging needs, charging progress, charging completion, etc.) may be transmitted. The display may be an embodiment of the output unit 140 described above.

In addition, the cradle 2 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) that allows a user to control the function of the cradle 2, a terminal 2260 that engages the holder 1 and / or a battery 210. ) May include an interface (eg, a USB port) for charging.

For example, the user can execute various functions using the input device of the cradle 2. By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device or the time the user presses the input device, it is possible to execute a desired function among the plurality of functions of the cradle 2. As the user actuates the input device, the cradle 2 functions to preheat the heater 2130 of the holder 1, to adjust the temperature of the heater 2130 of the holder 1, within the holder 1. A function of cleaning the space where the cigarette is inserted, a function of checking whether the cradle 2 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining amount (power available) of the battery 210 of the cradle 2, and a reset of the cradle 2 Functions and the like can be performed. However, the function of the cradle 2 is not limited to the examples described above.

14A and 14B illustrate an example of a cradle from various aspects.

14A is a view showing an example of the cradle 2 viewed from the first direction. One side of the cradle 2 has a space 2230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. Further, even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate fixing means such as a lid, the holder 1 can be inserted into and secured to the cradle 2. In addition, the cradle 2 may include a button 2240 for allowing a user to control the cradle 2 and a display 2250 for outputting an image.

14B is a view showing an example of the cradle 2 viewed from the second direction. The cradle 2 may include a terminal 2260 coupled with the holder 1 inserted therein. Since the terminal 2260 is coupled to the terminal 2170 of the holder 1, the battery 110 of the holder 1 may be charged by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. In addition, the holder 1 may be operated by the power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 through the terminal 2170 and the terminal 2260, and a signal between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 may be used. Sending and receiving of is possible. For example, the terminal 2260 may be composed of four micro pins, but is not limited thereto.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 11-14B, the holder 1 may be inserted into the interior space 2230 of the cradle 2. In addition, the holder 1 may be fully inserted into the cradle 2 or may be tilted in the state of being inserted into the cradle 2. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17B, examples in which the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 will be described.

15 is a view showing an example in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.

Referring to FIG. 15, an example in which the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 is illustrated. Since the space 2230 into which the holder 1 is to be inserted exists on one side of the cradle 2, the inserted holder 1 may not be exposed to the outside by the other sides of the cradle 2. Thus, the cradle 2 may not include another configuration (eg a lid) for not exposing the holder 1 to the outside.

The cradle 2 may include at least one fastening member 2251, 2272 to increase the fastening strength with the holder 1. In addition, the holder 1 may also include at least one fastening member 2181. Here, the binding members 2181, 2271, and 2272 may be magnets, but are not limited thereto. In FIG. 15, for convenience of description, although the holder 1 includes one binding member 2181 and the cradle 2 includes two binding members 2227 and 2272, the binding member The number of (2181, 2271, 2272) is not limited to this.

The holder 1 may include a fastening member 2181 in a first position, and the cradle 2 may include fastening members 2251 and 2272 in a second position and a third position, respectively. In this case, the first position and the third position may be positions facing each other when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2.

As the holder 1 and the cradle 2 include the fastening members 2181, 2271, 2272, even if the holder 1 is inserted into one side of the cradle 2, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 will be retained. The binding can be stronger. In other words, as the holder 1 and the cradle 2 further include the fastening members 2181, 2271 and 2272 in addition to the terminals 2170 and 2260, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 may be more strongly bound. have. Thus, even if the cradle 2 does not have a separate configuration (eg a lid), the inserted holder 1 may not be easily separated from the cradle 2.

In addition, when it is determined that the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2 by the terminals 2170 and 2260 and / or the fastening members 2181, 2271 and 2272, the controller 220 may determine that the battery 210 is connected to the battery 210. The battery 110 of the holder 1 may be charged using electric power.

16 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the holder is tilted in a state where the holder is inserted into the cradle.

Referring to FIG. 16, the holder 1 is tilted inside the cradle 2. Here, tilt means that the holder 1 is inclined at an angle with the holder 1 inserted in the cradle 2.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the user cannot smoke. In other words, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, no cigarette can be inserted into the holder 1. Thus, the user cannot smoke while the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the holder 1 is tilted, the end 2141 of the holder 1 is exposed to the outside. Thus, the user can insert a cigarette at the end 2141 and inhale (smoke) the resulting aerosol. The tilt angle [theta] can be secured at an angle sufficient to prevent the cigarette from being bent or damaged when the cigarette is inserted into the end 2141 of the holder 1. For example, the holder 1 may be tilted as much as the entire cigarette insertion hole included in the distal end 2141 may be exposed to the outside. For example, the range of the tilt angle θ may be greater than 0 ° and less than or equal to 180 °, and preferably, greater than or equal to 10 ° and less than or equal to 90 °. More preferably, the range of the tilt angle θ is 10 ° or more and 20 ° or less, 10 ° or more and 30 ° or less, 10 ° or more and 40 ° or less, 10 ° or more and 50 ° or less, or 10 ° or more and 60 ° or less. Can be.

In addition, even when the holder 1 is tilted, the terminal 2170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 2260 of the cradle 2 are coupled to each other. Accordingly, the heater 2130 of the holder 1 may be heated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Thus, even when the remaining amount of battery 110 in holder 1 is low or absent, holder 1 may generate aerosol using battery 210 of cradle 2.

16 shows an example in which the holder 1 comprises one fastening member 2182 and the cradle 2 includes two fastening members 2273, 2274. For example, the positions of each of the binding members 2182, 2273, and 2274 are as described above with reference to FIG. 15. If the binding members 2182, 2273, and 2274 are magnets, the magnet strength of the binding member 2274 may be greater than the magnet strength of the binding member 2273. Thus, even when the holder 1 is tilted, by the binding member 182 and the binding member 2274, the holder 1 may not be completely separated from the cradle 2.

In addition, when it is determined that the holder 1 is tilted by the terminals 2170, 2260 and / or the binding members 2182, 2273, and 2274, the controller 220 uses the power of the battery 210 to control the holder. The heater 2130 of (1) may be heated or the battery 110 may be charged.

17A-17B illustrate examples in which a holder is inserted into a cradle.

17A shows an example in which the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2. When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the inner space 2230 of the cradle 2 may be sufficiently secured to minimize the user contact with the holder 1. When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the controller 220 supplies power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged.

17B shows an example in which the holder 1 is tilted with the cradle 2 inserted. When the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 220 supplies power of the battery 210 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 may be charged or the heater 2130 of the holder 1 may be heated. It supplies to (1).

18 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which the holder and the cradle operate.

The method of producing the aerosol shown in FIG. 18 consists of the steps processed in time series in the holder 1 shown in FIG. 11 or the cradle 2 shown in FIG. Therefore, even if omitted below, it can be seen that the contents described above with respect to the holder 1 shown in FIG. 11 and the cradle 2 shown in FIG. 13 also apply to the method of FIG. 18.

In operation 2710, the holder 1 determines whether it is inserted into the cradle 2. For example, the controller 120 may determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 have terminals 2170 and 2260 connected to each other and / or that the binding members 2181, 2271 and 2272 operate. It may be determined whether 1) is inserted into the cradle 2.

When the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 2720, and when the holder 1 has the cradle 2 separated, the process proceeds to step 2730.

In operation 2720, the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. For example, the controller 220 may determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 have terminals 2170 and 2260 connected to each other and / or whether the binding members 2182, 2273 and 2274 operate. It is possible to determine whether 1) is tilted.

In operation 2720, the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, whether the holder 1 is tilted may be determined by the controller 120 of the holder 1.

When the holder 1 is tilted, the process proceeds to step 2740, and when the holder 1 is not tilted (that is, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2), the process proceeds to step 2770.

In operation 2730, the holder 1 determines whether the use condition of the holder 1 is satisfied. For example, the controller 120 may determine whether the use condition is satisfied by checking whether the remaining amount of the battery 110 and other components of the holder 1 can operate normally.

If the use condition of the holder 1 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 2740, otherwise, the procedure ends.

In step 2740, the holder 1 informs the user that it is available. For example, the controller 120 may output an image indicating that it is available for the display of the holder 1 or generate a vibration signal by controlling a motor of the holder 1.

In step 2750, the heater 2130 is heated. As an example, when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the heater 2130 may be heated by the power of the battery 110 of the holder 1. As another example, when the holder 1 is tilted, the heater 2130 may be heated by the power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2.

The controller 120 of the holder 1 or the controller 220 of the cradle 2 checks the temperature of the heater 2130 in real time to supply the amount of power supplied to the heater 2130 and the power to the heater 2130. You can adjust the time. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 may check the temperature of the heater 2130 in real time through a temperature sensing sensor included in the holder 1 or an electrically conductive track of the heater 2130.

In step 2760, the holder 1 performs an aerosol generating mechanism. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 check the temperature of the heater 2130 that changes as the user performs a puff to adjust the amount of power supplied to the heater 2130 or to supply power to the heater 2130. You can stop. In addition, the controllers 120 and 220 may count the number of puffs of the user, and may output information indicating that the holder needs cleaning when a certain number of puffs (for example, 1500 times) is reached.

In step 2770, the cradle 2 performs charging of the holder 1. For example, the controller 220 may charge the holder 1 by supplying power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2 to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

Meanwhile, the controllers 120 and 220 may stop the operation of the holder 1 according to the number of puffs of the user or the operation time of the holder 1. Hereinafter, an example in which the control unit 120 or 220 stops the operation of the holder 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 19.

19 is a flowchart for explaining another example in which the holder operates.

The method of producing the aerosol shown in FIG. 19 consists of the steps processed in time series in the holder 1 shown in FIG. 11 and the cradle 2 shown in FIG. Therefore, even if omitted below, it can be seen that the contents described above with respect to the holder 1 shown in FIG. 15 or the cradle 2 shown in FIG. 3 also apply to the method of FIG. 19.

In operation 2810, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the user is puffed. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 may determine whether the user puffs through the puff detection sensor included in the holder 1.

In operation 2820, an aerosol is generated according to the puff of the user. As described above with reference to FIG. 18, the controllers 120 and 220 may adjust the power supplied to the heater 2130 according to the temperature of the user's puff and the heater 2130. Also, the controllers 120 and 220 count the number of puffs of the user.

In operation 2830, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the number of puffs of the user is greater than or equal to the number of puffs. For example, assuming that the number of puffs is set to 14 times, the controllers 120 and 220 determine whether the counted number of puffs is 14 or more times.

Meanwhile, when the number of puffs of the user is close to the number of puffs (for example, when the number of puffs of the user is 12 times), the controllers 120 and 220 may output a warning signal through a display or a vibration motor.

If the number of puffs of the user is greater than or equal to the puff limit, the process proceeds to step 2850. If the number of puffs of the user is less than the limit of the puff, the process proceeds to step 2840.

In operation 2840, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the time when the holder 1 is operated is greater than or equal to the operation time limit. Herein, the time when the holder 1 is operated means the time accumulated from the time when the holder starts operation to the present time. For example, assuming that the operation time limit is set to 10 minutes, the controllers 120 and 220 determine whether the holder 1 is operating for 10 minutes or more.

On the other hand, when the operation time of the holder 1 is close to the operation time limit (for example, when the holder 1 is operating for 8 minutes), the controllers 120 and 220 control the warning signal through the display or the vibration motor. You can output

If the holder 1 is operating longer than the operation time limit, the process proceeds to step 2850. If the holder 1 has an operation time less than the operation time limit, the process proceeds to step 2820.

In operation 2850, the controllers 120 and 220 forcibly terminate the operation of the holder. In other words, the controllers 120 and 220 stop the aerosol generation mechanism of the holder. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 may forcibly terminate the operation of the holder by cutting off the power supplied to the heater 2130.

20 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which a cradle operates.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 20 consists of steps which are processed in time series in the cradle 2 shown in FIG. Therefore, even if omitted below, it can be seen that the contents described above with respect to the cradle 2 shown in FIG. 3 also apply to the flowchart of FIG. 20.

Although not shown in FIG. 20, the operation of the cradle 2 to be described below may be performed regardless of whether the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2.

In operation 2910, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether the button 2240 is pressed. If the button 2240 is pressed, the process proceeds to step 2920, and if the button 2240 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step 2930.

In step 2920, the cradle 2 displays the state of the battery. For example, the controller 220 may output information on the current state (eg, remaining amount) of the battery 210 to the display 2250.

In operation 2930, the controller 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether a cable is connected to the cradle 2. For example, the controller 220 determines whether a cable is connected to an interface (eg, a USB port) included in the cradle 2. If the cable is connected to the cradle (2), the process proceeds to step 2940, otherwise the procedure is terminated.

In operation 2940, the cradle 2 performs a charging operation. For example, the cradle 2 charges the battery 210 using power supplied through the connected cable.

As described above with reference to FIG. 11, a cigarette may be inserted into the holder 1. The cigarette comprises an aerosol generating material and an aerosol is produced by the heated heater 2130.

Hereinafter, an example of a cigarette that can be inserted into the holder 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 through 23F.

21 is a view illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into a holder.

Referring to FIG. 21, the cigarette 3 may be inserted into the holder 1 through the end 2141 of the case 2140. When the cigarette 3 is inserted, the heater 2130 is located inside the cigarette 3. Accordingly, the aerosol generating material of the cigarette 3 is heated by the heated heater 2130, thereby producing an aerosol.

The cigarette 3 may be similar to a general combustion cigarette. For example, the cigarette 3 may be divided into a first portion 3310 including an aerosol generating material and a second portion 3320 including a filter and the like. Meanwhile, the cigarette 3 according to an embodiment may include an aerosol generating material in the second portion 3320. For example, an aerosol generating material in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion 3320.

The entire first portion 3310 may be inserted into the holder 1, and the second portion 3320 may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part 3310 may be inserted into the holder 1, or a part of the first part 3310 and the second part 3320 may be inserted into the holder 1.

The user may inhale the aerosol in the door state by mouth of the second portion 3320. At this time, the aerosol is mixed with the outside air and delivered to the user's mouth. As shown in FIG. 21, the outside air may be introduced 3110 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 3, and may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the holder 1. 3120. For example, the air passage formed in the holder 1 may be manufactured to be opened and closed by a user.

22A and 22B are diagrams illustrating an example of a cigarette.

Referring to FIGS. 22A and 22B, the cigarette 3 includes a tobacco rod 3300, a first filter segment 3321, a cooling structure 3322, and a second filter segment 3323. The first portion 3310 described above with reference to FIG. 21 includes a tobacco rod 3300, and the second portion 3320 includes a first filter segment 3331, a cooling structure 3322, and a second filter segment 3323. ).

22A and 22B, the cigarette 3 of FIG. 22B further includes a fourth wrapper 3342 as compared to the cigarette 3 of FIG. 22A.

However, the structure of the cigarette 3 shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B is merely an example, and some configurations may be omitted. For example, the cigarette 3 may not include one or more of the first filter segment 3331, the cooling structure 3322, and the second filter segment 3323.

Tobacco rod 3300 includes an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 3300 may be about 7 mm to 15 mm in length, or preferably about 12 mm. In addition, the diameter of the tobacco rod 3300 may be 7 mm to 9 mm, or preferably about 7.9 mm. The length and diameter of the tobacco rod 3300 are not limited to the above-described numerical range.

In addition, tobacco rod 3300 may contain other additive materials such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and / or acetate compounds. For example, the flavoring agent is licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, cascarilla, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, Vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang-ylang, sage, spearmint, ginger, coriander or coffee and the like. Wetting agents may also include glycerin or propylene glycol and the like.

As an example, the tobacco rod 3300 may be filled with tobacco sheaths. Here, tobacco sheaths can be produced by pulverizing tobacco sheets.

In order for the wide tobacco sheet to be filled in the tobacco rod 3300 in a narrow space, a process for additionally folding the tobacco sheet may be required. Thus, as compared to filling the tobacco rod 3300 with a tobacco sheet, it is easier to fill the tobacco rod 3300 with tobacco sheaths, and the productivity and efficiency of the process of producing the tobacco rod 3300 may be higher. have.

As another example, the tobacco rod 3300 may be filled with a plurality of tobacco strands in which the tobacco sheet is trimmed. For example, the tobacco rod 3300 may be formed by combining a plurality of tobacco strands in the same direction (parallel) or randomly. One tobacco strand may be manufactured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length of 1 mm, a length of 12 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.1 mm, but is not limited thereto.

Compared to the tobacco rod 3300 being filled with a tobacco sheet, the tobacco rod 3300 filled with tobacco strands may generate a greater amount of aerosol. Assuming that the same space is filled, compared to tobacco sheets, tobacco strands ensure a larger surface area. Large surface area means that the aerosol generating material has more chances of contacting the outside air. Thus, when the tobacco rod 3300 is filled with tobacco strands, more aerosol may be produced than with the tobacco sheet.

In addition, when the cigarette 3 is detached from the holder 1, the tobacco rod 3300 filled with tobacco strands can be more easily separated than that filled with the tobacco sheet. Compared to the tobacco sheet, the friction forces generated by the tobacco strands in contact with the heater 2130 are smaller. Thus, when the tobacco rod 3300 is filled with tobacco strands, it can be more easily separated from the holder 1 than with the tobacco sheet.

The tobacco sheet may be formed by grinding the tobacco raw material in slurry form and then drying the slurry. For example, 15-30% of the aerosol generating material may be added to the slurry. The tobacco raw material may be tobacco leaf flakes, tobacco stems, tobacco dust generated during tobacco processing and / or main lateral strips of tobacco leaves. The tobacco sheet may also contain other additives such as wood cellulose fibers.

The first filter segment 3331 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first filter segment 3321 may be in the form of a tube including a hollow therein. The length of the first filter segment 3321 may be about 7 mm to 15 mm, or preferably about 7 mm. The length of the first filter segment 3321 may be shorter than about 7 mm, but preferably has a length such that the function of at least one cigarette element (eg, cooling element, capsule, acetate filter, etc.) is not compromised. . The length of the first filter segment 3321 is not limited to the above-described numerical range. Meanwhile, the length of the first filter segment 3321 may be extended, and the length of the entire cigarette 3 may be adjusted according to the length of the first filter segment 3331.

The second filter segment 3323 may also be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the second filter segment 3323 may be made of a recess filter including a hollow, but is not limited thereto. The length of the second filter segment 3323 may be about 5 mm to 15 mm, or preferably about 12 mm. The length of the second filter segment 3323 is not limited to the above-described numerical range.

In addition, the second filter segment 3323 may include at least one capsule 3324. Here, the capsule 3324 may be a structure wrapped in a coating film containing the fragrance. For example, the capsule 3324 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. The diameter of the capsule 3324 may be 2 mm or more, or preferably 2 to 4 mm.

The material forming the encapsulation of the capsule 3324 may be starch and / or gelling agents. For example, gelling gum or gelatin may be used as the gelling agent. In addition, a gelling aid may further be used as a material for forming the film of the capsule 3324. Here, calcium chloride can be used as the gelling aid, for example. In addition, a plasticizer may be further used as a material for forming the film of the capsule 3324. Here, glycerin and / or sorbitol may be used as the plasticizer. In addition, a coloring agent may be further used as a material for forming a film of the capsule 3324.

For example, menthol, essential oil of a plant, etc. can be used as a fragrance contained in the capsule liquid. Moreover, as a solvent of the fragrance | flavor contained in a liquid content, medium chain fatty acid triglyceride (MCT) can be used, for example. In addition, the content solution may contain other additives such as a dye, an emulsifier, and a thickener.

The cooling structure 3322 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 2130 heating the tobacco rod 3300. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to the appropriate temperature. The length of the cooling structure 3322 may be about 10 mm to 20 mm, or preferably about 14 mm. The length of the cooling structure 3322 is not limited to the above-described numerical range.

For example, the cooling structure 3322 can be made of polylactic acid. The cooling structure 3322 can be fabricated in various forms to increase the surface area per unit area (ie, surface area in contact with the aerosol). Various examples of the cooling structure 3322 are described below with reference to FIGS. 23A-23F.

The tobacco rod 3300 and the first filter segment 3331 may be wrapped by the first wrapper 3331. For example, the first wrapper 3331 may be made of a paper packaging material having oil resistance.

The cooling structure 3322 and the second filter segment 3323 may be wrapped by the second wrapper 3332. In addition, the entire cigarette 3 may be repackaged by the third wrapper 3333. For example, the second wrapper 3332 and the third wrapper 3333 may be made of a general paper packaging material. Optionally, the second wrapper 3332 may be oil resistant hard wrap or PLA fragrance. In addition, the second wrapper 3332 may wrap a portion of the second filter segment 3323, and may further wrap the second filter segment 3323 and the cooling structure 3322.

Referring to FIG. 22B, the cigarette 3 may include a fourth wrapper 3342. At least one of the tobacco rod 3300 and the first filter segment 3321 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 3342. In other words, only the tobacco rod 3300 may be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 3334, and the tobacco rod 3300 and the first filter segment 3321 may be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 3334. For example, the fourth wrapper 3342 may be made of paper package.

The fourth wrapper 3342 may be generated by applying (or coating) a predetermined material to one or both surfaces of the paper package. Here, silicon may be used as an example of the predetermined material, but is not limited thereto. Silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency for water, or electrical insulation. However, even if not silicon, if the material having the above-described characteristics can be applied (or coated) to the fourth wrapper (3334) without limitation.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 22B, the cigarette 3 is illustrated to include both the first wrapper 3331 and the fourth wrapper 3334, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the cigarette 3 may include only one of the first wrapper 3331 and the fourth wrapper 3334.

The fourth wrapper 3342 can prevent the phenomenon in which the cigarette 3 is burned. For example, when the tobacco rod 3300 is heated by the heater 2130, the cigarette 3 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances included in the tobacco rod 3300, the cigarette 3 may be burned. Even in this case, since the fourth wrapper 3342 contains a non-combustible material, the phenomenon in which the cigarette 3 is burned can be prevented.

In addition, the fourth wrapper 3342 may prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by the materials generated from the cigarette 3. By the puff of the user, liquid substances can be produced in the cigarette 3. For example, the aerosol produced in the cigarette 3 is cooled by the outside air, whereby liquid substances (eg moisture) can be produced. As the fourth wrapper 3334 wraps the tobacco rod 3300 and / or the first filter segment 3331, the liquid substances produced in the cigarette 3 can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarette 3. Can be. Therefore, the phenomenon in which the case 2140 and the like of the holder 1 is contaminated by the liquid substances generated in the cigarette 3 can be prevented.

23A-23F show examples of a cooling structure of a cigarette.

For example, the cooling structure shown in FIGS. 23A-23F can be fabricated using fibers produced from pure polylactic acid (PLA).

As an example, when the film (sheet) is filled to produce a cooling structure (film), the film (sheet) may be broken by an external impact. In this case, the effect of the cooling structure cooling the aerosol is reduced.

As another example, when manufacturing a cooling structure by extrusion molding or the like, as the process of cutting the structure is added, the efficiency of the process is lowered. There is also a limitation in manufacturing the cooling structure in various shapes.

As the cooling structure according to one embodiment is fabricated (eg, woven) using polylactic acid fibers, the risk of the cooling structure being deformed or lost function by external impact can be lowered. In addition, by changing the way the fibers are combined, it is possible to produce cooling structures having various shapes.

In addition, by making the cooling structure with the fibers, the surface area in contact with the aerosol is increased. Thus, the aerosol cooling effect of the cooling structure can be further improved.

Referring to FIG. 23A, the cooling structure 3510 may be manufactured in a cylindrical shape, and at least one air passage 3511 may be formed in a cross section of the cooling structure 3510.

Referring to FIG. 23B, the cooling structure 3520 may be manufactured as a structure in which a plurality of fibers are entangled with each other. In this case, the aerosol may flow between the fibers, and vortex may be formed according to the shape of the cooling structure 3520. The vortex formed increases the area that aerosol contacts in the cooling structure 3520 and increases the time the aerosol stays in the cooling structure 3520. Thus, the heated aerosol can be cooled effectively.

Referring to FIG. 23C, the cooling structure 3530 may be manufactured in the form of a plurality of bundles 3531.

Referring to FIG. 23D, the cooling structure 3540 may be filled with granules made of polylactic acid, vinegar or charcoal, respectively. Granules may also be prepared from a mixture of polylactic acid, vinegar and charcoal. On the other hand, the granules may further include elements capable of increasing the cooling effect of the aerosol in addition to polylactic acid, vinegar and / or char.

Referring to FIG. 23E, the cooling structure 3550 may include a first cross section 3551 and a second cross section 3552.

The first end surface 3551 borders the first filter segment 3321 and may include a void into which an aerosol flows. The second end surface 3652 borders the second filter segment 3323 and may include voids through which aerosols may be released. For example, the first end surface 3551 and the second end surface 3652 may include a single void having the same diameter, but the diameter and number of the pores included in the first end surface 3651 and the second end surface 3652. Is not limited thereto.

In addition, the cooling structure 3550 may include a third cross section 3553 including a plurality of voids between the first cross section 3551 and the second cross section 3552. For example, the diameters of the plurality of voids included in the third end surface 3553 may be smaller than the diameters of the voids included in the first end surface 3551 and the second end surface 3652. In addition, the number of voids included in the third end surface 3553 may be greater than the number of voids included in the first end surface 3651 and the second end surface 3652.

Referring to FIG. 23F, the cooling structure 3560 may include a first cross section 3651 that borders the first filter segment 3321 and a second cross section 3652 that borders the second filter segment 3323. . In addition, cooling structure 3560 may include one or more tubular elements 3635. For example, the tubular element 3553 can penetrate the first cross section 3651 and the second cross section 3652. In addition, the tubular element 3503 may be packaged in a microporous package and filled with a filler (eg, the granules described above with reference to FIG. 23D) that may increase the cooling effect of the aerosol.

According to the above, the holder can generate an aerosol by heating the cigarette. It is also possible to produce aerosols either independently of the holder or with the holder inserted into the cradle and tilted. In particular, when the holder is tilted, the heater may be heated by the power of the battery of the cradle.

In the drawings and the description above, the same configuration is referred to as another part number according to the drawings and the embodiment. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that only the member numbers are described differently for convenience according to the embodiment, and may have the same configuration regardless of the member numbers.

The device according to the invention comprises a processor, a memory for storing and executing program data, a permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communication port for communicating with an external device, a user interface such as a touch panel, a key, a button and the like. Device and the like. Methods implemented by software modules or algorithms may be stored on a computer readable recording medium as computer readable codes or program instructions executable on the processor. The computer-readable recording medium may be a magnetic storage medium (eg, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and an optical reading medium (eg, CD-ROM). ) And DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The computer readable recording medium can be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. The medium is readable by the computer, stored in the memory, and can be executed by the processor.

All documents, including publications, patent applications, patents, and the like, cited in the present invention, may be incorporated into the present invention as if each cited document were individually and specifically shown as merged or as totally merged in the present invention. .

For the understanding of the present invention, reference numerals have been set forth in the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific terms are used to describe the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the specific terms, and the present invention. May include all components conventionally conceivable to a person skilled in the art.

The invention can be represented in terms of functional block configurations and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be implemented in various numbers of hardware or / and software configurations that perform particular functions. For example, the present invention relates to integrated circuit configurations such as memory, processing, logic, look-up table, etc., which may execute various functions by the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. It can be adopted. Similar to the components in the present invention may be implemented in software programming or software elements, the present invention includes various algorithms implemented in data structures, processes, routines, or any combination of other programming constructs, including C, C ++ It may be implemented in a programming or scripting language such as Java, an assembler, or the like. The functional aspects may be implemented with an algorithm running on one or more processors. In addition, the present invention may employ prior art for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing, and the like. Terms such as 'mechanism', 'element', 'means' and 'configuration' are widely used and are not limited to mechanical and physical configurations. The term may include the meaning of a series of routines of software in conjunction with a processor or the like.

Particular implementations described in the present invention are embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. For brevity of description, descriptions of conventional electronic configurations, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of the systems may be omitted. In addition, the connection or connection members of the lines between the components shown in the drawings are illustrative of the functional connection and / or physical or circuit connections as an example, in the actual device replaceable or additional various functional connections, physical It may be represented as a connection, or circuit connections. In addition, if there is no specific reference such as 'essential', 'importantly' and the like may not be a necessary component for the application of the present invention.

In the specification (particularly in the claims) of the present invention, the use of the terms “above” and similar indicating terms may correspond to both singular and plural. In addition, in the present invention, when the range is described, it includes the invention to which the individual values belonging to the range are applied (if there is no description thereof), and each individual value constituting the range is described in the detailed description of the invention. Same as Finally, if there is no explicit order or contrary to the steps constituting the method according to the invention, the steps may be performed in a suitable order. The present invention is not necessarily limited to the order of description of the above steps. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (eg, etc.) in the present invention is merely for the purpose of describing the present invention in detail, and the scope of the present invention is limited by the above examples or exemplary terms unless defined by the claims. It doesn't happen. Also, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications, combinations and changes can be made in accordance with design conditions and factors within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

1: holder
2: cradle
3: aerosol generating substance, cigarette
110: battery in holder
120: control part of the holder
121: LED display
122, 901: LED lamp
130: sensor
140: output unit
150, 2130: heater
2131: end of heater
170, 2140: holder case
2141: end of the case of the holder
180: liquid storage unit

Claims (18)

A cigarette is inserted into a cigarette insertion hole formed at one end, and a holder for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material provided in the inserted cigarette; And
An aerosol generating device comprising: a cradle comprising an interior space into which the holder is inserted,
The aerosol generating device,
A heater for heating the aerosol generating material;
A battery for supplying power to the heater;
A sensor for detecting a puff of the user;
At least two output units including an LED lamp and a vibration motor; And
A control unit for controlling the aerosol generating device;
At least one of the holder and the cradle is formed with at least one binding member for increasing the binding strength between each other using a magnetic force,
The cradle is formed with a terminal for supplying power to the inserted holder,
The inner space is formed on one side of the cradle, and the first position where the cigarette insertion hole of the holder is completely concealed by the cradle when the holder is inserted into the inner space of the cradle and the cigarette insertion hole of the holder are Tiltable movement between the second position fully released from the cradle,
The holder is coupled to the cradle by the fastening member so that the holder can receive power from the terminal of the cradle even in a second position where the cigarette insertion hole of the holder is completely released from the cradle,
The control unit detects a user's puff using the sensor, and controls the operation of the output units including the LED lamp and the vibration motor based on puff characteristic data corresponding to the detection result. An aerosol generating device. The method of claim 1,
The sensor further includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater,
The control unit, the aerosol generating device, characterized in that for detecting the user's puff by measuring the temperature change of the heater using the temperature sensor. The method of claim 1,
The sensor further includes a flow sensor,
The control unit, the aerosol generating device, characterized in that for detecting the user's puff by measuring the change in the flow rate in the device using the flow sensor. The method of claim 1,
The puff characteristic data,
An aerosol generating device comprising at least one of data on puff strength, puff spacing, and puff count. The method of claim 1,
And the controller predicts the number of puffs possible based on the amount of power of the battery or the amount of aerosol generating material, and changes the predicted number of puffs based on the puff characteristic data. The method of claim 5,
The control unit,
And output the changed number of puffs possible using the at least one output unit. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And determine the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and control the output intensity of the vibration motor based on the determined number of remaining puffs possible. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And determine the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and control the light emission intensity or the flashing interval of the LED lamp based on the determined number of remaining puffs possible. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And determine the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and control the sound output intensity or the type of sound output based on the determined number of remaining puffs possible. The method of claim 1,
The aerosol generating device further comprises an outer case,
The control unit,
An aerosol-generating device, characterized in that to control the temperature of the outer case based on the heater temperature at the time of puff. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And predict the remaining number of puffs possible based on the measured puff strength and the estimated remaining battery amount, and outputting the estimated number of remaining puffs possible. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And control the at least one output unit to provide a notification to the user whenever the heater is heated above a predetermined temperature. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And control the at least one output to provide a notification to the user based on the measured puff strength or the measured puff interval. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And control the at least one output to inform the user that puffing is possible at predetermined intervals. A method of providing feedback to a user via the aerosol generating device of claim 1, comprising:
Detecting a user's puff using a sensor;
Obtaining puff characteristic data based on the sensing result; And
Controlling at least two output units including an LED lamp and a vibration motor based on the puff characteristic data;
Controlling the at least two output unit,
And based on the puff characteristic data, controlling the simultaneous operation of the LED lamp and the vibration motor to provide feedback through puff recognition through an aerosol generating device. The method of claim 15,
The method,
Estimating the number of puffs possible based on the amount of power of the battery or the amount of aerosol generating material; And
And changing the predicted number of puffs possible based on puff characteristic data. The method of claim 16,
The method,
And outputting a changed number of puffables using the at least one output unit. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

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