KR102078263B1 - Method and apparatus for providing adaptive feedback through puff recognition - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

An aerosol-generating device and method for providing adaptive feedback through puff recognition

The present invention is an invention related to an aerosol-generating device, and is intended to provide various feedbacks by recognizing a user's puff.

Existing smoking articles used a method of generating an aerosol by directly burning an aerosol-generating material during use. However, when the aerosol-generating material is directly burned, undesired volatile compounds are generated, which may cause health problems. Therefore, in recent years, various aerosol-generating devices have been developed that provide the flavor of a cigarette without generating unwanted volatile compounds by heating without burning the aerosol-generating material.

However, the aerosol-generating device may not provide sufficient satisfaction to a user compared to a conventional combustion type cigarette. For example, the aerosol-generating device is somewhat different from the feelings 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 the user to obtain a feeling similar to that of smoking as much as possible using the aerosol-generating device.

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

Some embodiments for solving the problems of the prior art as described above, the holder, the battery for supplying power; A heater that heats the aerosol-generating material; sensor; At least one output unit; And a control unit, wherein the control unit detects the user's puff using the sensor, and controls the at least one output unit based on the puff characteristic data corresponding to the detection result.

The sensor further includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater, and the control unit can 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 control unit 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 puff strength, puff interval, and puff count data.

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

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

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

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

The control unit 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.

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

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

The control unit may control the at least one output unit to provide a notification to the user whenever the heater is heated over 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 strength or the measured puff interval.

The control unit may control the at least one output unit to notify 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 include sensing a puff of a user using a sensor; Obtaining puff characteristic data based on the detection result; And controlling at least one output unit based on the puff characteristic data.

The method comprises: predicting the number of puffables based on the amount of power in the battery or the amount of aerosol-generating material; And changing the predicted number of possible puffs based on the puff characteristic data.

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

As a technical means for achieving the above 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 puff recognition-based feedback method to provide necessary information while providing satisfaction to a user using the holder.

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

The terminology used in the present invention was selected from the general terms that are currently widely used while considering the functions in the present invention, but this may vary according to the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art or the appearance of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, some terms are arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the applicable invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents of the present invention, not simply the names of the terms.

Throughout the specification, when a part is connected to another part, this includes not only the case of being directly connected, but also the case of being electrically connected with another element in between. Also, when a part includes a certain component, this means that other components may be further included rather than excluding other components unless otherwise specified. In addition, terms such as “... unit” and “module” described in the specification mean a unit that processes 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 also mean an aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosols can include volatile compounds. The aerosol-generating material can be solid or liquid.

For example, the solid aerosol-generating material may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials such as platy leaf tobacco, cut filler, reconstituted tobacco, and the liquid aerosol-generating material based on nicotine, tobacco extract, and various flavoring agents. It may contain 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 to a user's lung. The terms 'aerosol generating device' and 'holder' can be used interchangeably.

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

Throughout the specification, the puff characteristic data may include information regarding puff strength, puff spacing, and puff frequency. For example, it may include information on the strength of the user's puff, the time interval between the user's puff and the puff, the remaining number of possible puffs, and the current total number of puffs, and is not limited to the above example.

1 shows the appearance of a holder in accordance with some embodiments.

According to an 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. Also, the holder 1 may be in the form of a holder. That is, the solid aerosol-generating material 3 is inserted into the holder 1 and heated to generate an aerosol. 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 performed by inserting the aerosol-generating material 3 into the holder 1 and the structure of the cigarette are described in more detail below.

According to some embodiments, when an aerosol is generated, the generated aerosol may be delivered to a 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.

In addition, according to some embodiments, the holder 1 may 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, and is not limited to the above example. The description of at least one output unit included in the holder 1 will be described in more detail below.

Additionally, according to some embodiments, the holder 1 may turn on or off the power by the user's input, or may turn on the power when the user's puff is sensed. The operation when the holder 1 is turned on will be described in FIG. 2 below.

In addition, according to some embodiments, the holder 1 may be coupled to the cradle. Details of the cradle will be described in detail in the drawings below.

2 shows a block diagram of a holder 1 according to some embodiments.

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

According to some embodiments, the control unit 120 is configured to control the entire 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 to the above example.

According to some embodiments, the controller 120 may sense the user's puff using the sensor 130. In addition, the controller 120 may acquire puff characteristic data according to the puff detection result. The control unit 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 window, a display such as an LED lamp, a motor, a speaker, a temperature controller, etc., and is not limited to the above example. Also, 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 control unit 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, recognize the user's puffs, and output the remaining number of puffs by subtracting the number of puffs of the user from the number of remaining puffs. That is, the controller 120 may output the changed number of possible puffs. The controller 120 may predict the remaining number of possible puffs based on the amount of the battery and the amount of the aerosol-generating material (eg, cigarette).

Also, according to some embodiments, the controller 120 may control the output intensity of the vibration motor based on the number of remaining puffs. For example, the less the number of possible puffs remains, the control unit 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 control unit 120 may control the light emission intensity or flashing interval of the LED lamp based on the number of remaining puffs. For example, as the number of possible puffs remaining 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 control unit 120 may control the LED lamp to blink 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 number of remaining puffs. For example, as the number of remaining puffs remaining is less, the controller 120 may control the sound output unit 140 such as a speaker so that the output of the sound is stronger. In addition, the controller 120 may control the sound output unit 140 to output one of various types of sounds such as wind noise, paper burning sound, and the like.

In addition, the control unit 120 may control the case temperature outside the holder based on the temperature of the heater 150 during puffing. Even if the temperature of the heater 150 is high, there is a possibility that the user using the holder does not know that the temperature of the heater 150 is high, so when the temperature of the heater 150 is too high, the external heating temperature is increased by a predetermined amount or more. , It may provide a notification to the user about the temperature of the heater 150 through a change in the case temperature.

In addition, the controller 120 may provide a notification to the user whenever the heater 150 is heated over a predetermined temperature. When the temperature of the heater 150 is above a predetermined temperature, the optimal aerosol that can give the user a satisfaction (for example, based on aspects such as the size of the generated aerosol particles, the amount of the generated aerosol, the temperature of the generated aerosol, etc. As) is generated, the control unit 120 controls the output unit 140 when the temperature of the heater 150 rises above a predetermined temperature so that the user can puff the optimum aerosol, so as to notify the user of puffing. You can.

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

Also, 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 strength or the measured puff interval. Too strong puffs or puffs with too short intervals make it difficult to provide satisfactory aerosols, so the control unit 120 may allow the user to puff too strongly, or if the interval between puffs is too short, the puff strength and puff according to a given criterion The output unit 140 may be controlled so as 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, the 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 that measures the air temperature around the heater, or may be a sensor that determines the heater temperature using a conductive track of the heater. The control unit 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 of air, gas, and aerosol in the holder using a flow sensor. The control unit 120 may detect the user's puff by measuring a change in the flow rate. The general-purpose configuration of the control unit 120 will be described in more detail in the following drawings.

According to some embodiments, the heater 150 may be configured to heat an aerosol-generating material (eg, cigarette or liquid) by 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 the solid of the aerosol-generating material, it may be different depending on the thickness of the aerosol-generating material and the constituent materials. Details of the battery 110 will be 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 of the heater 150 will be described in more detail below.

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

For example, the control unit 120 may generate and control 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 divided into and controlled by an amplified inhalation mode that uses much power. , Not limited to the above example.

According to some embodiments, the 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.

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

3 and 4 show conceptual views of a holder according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 3, the holder 1 may include an outer case 170. A battery 110, a control unit 120, a sensor 130, an output unit 140, and a heater 150 may be included in the outer case. Also, a solid aerosol-generating material 3 may be inserted from the outside of the holder 1. Since the operation of each configuration corresponds to the contents described in FIG. 2, detailed descriptions are omitted.

4 shows a configuration in which the holder 1 further includes a liquid storage unit 180 when compared with FIG. 3. The liquid storage unit 180 contains a liquid aerosol-generating material. The holder 1 of FIG. 4 can produce an 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 separate heaters, and there is no limitation in the configuration of the heater for heating the liquid aerosol-generating material and the solid aerosol-generating material. In the following drawings, a conceptual diagram of an additional holder is additionally illustrated and described.

5 illustrates a control method of a holder that senses a puff and controls an output unit according to some embodiments.

In step 501, the holder may sense the 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 a 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 detect the user's puff by measuring the temperature of the heater using a temperature sensor and checking the temperature change of the heater. In addition, the holder may recognize the user's puff using a pressure sensor, and the method by which the holder can detect the user's puff is not limited to the above example.

In step 503, the holder may acquire puff characteristic data based on the detection result.

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

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

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

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

Additionally, the holder may control the blinking interval of the LED lamp to be shorter as the number of possible puffs remaining decreases, or to increase the emission intensity of the LED lamp.

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

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

In step 601, the holder may sense the user's puff using a sensor. Since this corresponds to the above description, detailed description is omitted.

In step 603, the holder may determine whether the remaining number of possible puffs is below a threshold.

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

In addition, the remaining number of possible puffs may be changed according to a user's puff strength and puff interval. For example, assuming that the first remaining number of possible puffs predicted by the holder based on the amount of aerosol-generating material and the battery is 8, the user can puff after 2 puffs, followed by the puff strength and puff interval of the user The number of times may be predicted to be 5 instead of 6. That is, the holder may calculate the remaining number of possible puffs based on the puff characteristic data.

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

In step 605, the holder may maintain the output mode when the remaining number of possible puffs is greater than or equal to a 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 the 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 is the second stage emission mode of the LED lamp and the second stage vibration mode of the vibration motor. It may mean, it is not limited to the above example.

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

According to some embodiments, the holder may maintain the output mode when the remaining number of possible puffs is greater than or equal to a threshold. That is, 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 possible puffs is 4 or more.

In step 607, if the number of remaining puffs is less than or equal to the threshold, the holder may determine whether the number of remaining puffs is 0. For example, when it is determined that the remaining number of possible puffs is 4 or less, the holder may check whether the remaining number of possible puffs is 0.

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

 In addition, in step 611, the holder may stop the output mode when the remaining number of possible puffs is zero. That is, the holder stops blinking of 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 the output mode can be changed, and an output unit different from the output unit used in the existing output mode can be used to signal the need to remove, replace, or charge the aerosol-generating material. For example, if the remaining number of possible puffs is 0, the holder can no longer use the LED lamp and the vibration motor, and can use the LED display window to inform the user to remove or replace the aerosol-generating material and to charge the holder. have.

7 shows a change in heater temperature according to a puff in accordance with some embodiments.

As described above, the user may puff the action of inhaling the aerosol generated through the holder.

According to some embodiments, when the puff is heated, not only the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material through the holder is delivered to the user, but the air flowing into the outside through the holder and the generated aerosol may be mixed and delivered to the user. .

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

The heater temperature may vary for each puff of the user. Since air having a temperature lower than the heater temperature flows in from the holder during puffing, the temperature of the heater decreases. Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the temperature of the heater is lowered when the user first inhales the aerosol at the first puff 701.

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 as in the first puff 701. The holder measures the heater temperature to detect that a puff has occurred when the heater temperature is lowered. In addition, the holder, since the temperature of the heater is lowered when puffing, it is possible to supply power to the heater in order to heat it up again to a predetermined temperature.

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

As described above, when the puff is heated, not only the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material through the heating of the holder is delivered to the user, but the air flowing in through the holder and the generated aerosol may be mixed and delivered to the user. Therefore, the holder can recognize the user's puff through a change in the flow rate in the holder.

The flow rate may vary for each puff of the user. Since air flows from the outside of the holder during puffing, the flow rate in the holder increases. 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 detect the occurrence of a puff when the flow rate increases by measuring a change in the flow rate. Therefore, the holder can detect the puff based on the change in the flow rate and the temperature without the need for a separate pressure sensor. In addition, the holder can also sense the intensity of the puff based on the degree of change in the flow rate and the temperature.

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

As described above, the holder 1 may make the output mode different depending on the number of remaining puffs.

9A to 9C, when the remaining number of possible puffs is 5, 3, or 1, the holder 1 may control a flashing color, a flashing degree, and a flashing 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 possible puffs is 0, the holder 1 may control the LED lamp from blinking.

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

In addition, the holder 1 can also control the LED lamp or vibration motor to inform the user of the insertion or discharge of the aerosol-generating material. In other words, at least one output portion included in the holder 1 may be controlled to provide a notification to the user, to provide feedback to the user's puff, for interaction with the user.

10 shows a correlation between puff strength and vibration strength, according to some embodiments.

According to some embodiments, the user's puff strength and the vibration strength of the vibration motor in the holder may be proportional. That is, the vibration intensity may also be changed according to how hard the user puffs.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the vibration intensity is adjusted according to the puff intensity of the user, feedback to the puff intensity can be provided to the user immediately. In order to provide the optimal aerosol, a puff of an appropriate strength must be accompanied, and the holder can induce a user to puff to an appropriate strength by providing feedback to the user about the puff strength through vibration strength.

Of course, as shown in FIG. 10, the vibration intensity may be weaker as the puff intensity is greater, and the relationship between the vibration intensity and the puff intensity is not limited. That is, a method capable of giving feedback to the user is sufficient.

11 is a configuration diagram showing 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 control unit 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 illustrated in FIG. 11 may be another embodiment of the holder 1 described above, and a part or all of the configuration of the holder 1 described above may correspond.

In the holder 1 shown in FIG. 11, only the components related to this embodiment are shown. Therefore, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment that components other than those 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 heated by the heated heater 2130, thereby generating an aerosol. The resulting aerosol is delivered to the user through a cigarette filter. However, even if the cigarette is not inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 can heat the heater 2130.

The case 2140 may be separated from the holder 1. For example, when the user turns the case 2140 clockwise or counterclockwise, the case 2140 may be separated from the holder 1.

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 for cigarettes.

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

The battery 110 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the battery 110 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) 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 charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be 10C, and 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 80% or more of the total capacity can be secured even when charging / discharging proceeds 8000 times.

Here, whether the battery 110 is fully charged or completely discharged may be determined by which level of power stored in the battery 110 is compared to 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 criteria for determining whether the battery 110 is fully charged and fully discharged is not limited to the above-described example.

The heater 2130 is heated by electric 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 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette. The heater 2130 may be configured to correspond 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 has 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 closed at an acute angle, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the heater 2130 may be applied without limitation as long as it can be inserted into the cigarette. In addition, only a portion of the heater 2130 may be heated. For example, assuming that the length of the heater 2130 is 23 mm, only 12 mm is heated from the end 2131 of the heater 2130, and the rest of the heater 2130 may not be heated.

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

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

The holder 1 may be provided with a separate temperature sensing sensor. Alternatively, the holder 1 is not provided with a temperature sensor, 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 second electrically conductive track. Resistance temperature coefficient. Since the conductive material (for example, metal) has an intrinsic resistance temperature coefficient, α may be predetermined depending on the conductive material constituting the second electrically conductive track. Accordingly, 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.

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

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

Further, the holder 1 may include both an electrically conductive track and a temperature sensing sensor that serve as a temperature sensing sensor.

The control unit 120 generally controls the operation of the holder 1. Specifically, the controller 120 controls the operation of the battery 110 and the heater 2130 as well as other components included in the holder 1. In addition, the controller 120 may determine the state of each of the components of the holder 1 to determine whether the holder 1 is in an operable state.

The control unit 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 in which programs executable on the microprocessor are stored. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains may understand that it may be implemented in other types 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 during which the power is supplied so that the heater 2130 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature. In addition, the controller 120 may check the state of the battery 110 (eg, the remaining amount of the battery 110, etc.), and generate a notification signal if necessary.

In addition, the controller 120 may check the presence or absence of the puff of the user and the strength of the puff, and may count the number of puffs. In addition, the control unit 120 may continuously check the time that the holder 1 is operating. In addition, the control unit 120 checks whether the cradle 2 to be described later is combined with the holder 1, and controls the operation of the holder 1 according to the engagement or separation of the cradle 2 and the holder 1. You can.

Meanwhile, the holder 1 may further include general-purpose 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 the holder 1 includes a display, the control unit 120 displays information about the state of the holder 1 to the user (eg, whether the holder can be used, etc.), a heater ( Information about 2130 (eg, start of preheating, preheating progress, completion of preheating, etc.), information related to battery 110 (eg, remaining capacity of battery 110, availability, etc.), holder 1 ) Information related to the reset (for example, reset timing, reset progress, reset completion, etc.), information related to cleaning of the holder 1 (for example, cleaning time, cleaning required, cleaning progress, cleaning completion, etc.), Information related to charging of the holder 1 (e.g., charging required, charging progress, charging completed, etc.), information related to puffs (e.g., number of puffs, notice of puff termination), or information related to safety (e.g. (E.g., usage time has elapsed). As another example, when the holder 1 includes a motor, the controller 120 may transmit the above-described information to the user by generating a vibration signal using the motor.

In addition, the holder 1 may include a terminal coupled with at least one input device (eg, a button) and / or cradle 2 that allows a user to control the function of the holder 1. For example, the user can perform 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 (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the time the input device is pressed (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.) You can perform any function you want. 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 the space where the cigarette is inserted, and a holder 1 A function of checking whether it is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 110, a reset function of the holder 1, and the like can be performed. However, the function of the holder 1 is not limited to the examples described above.

Further, the holder 1 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and / or a cigarette insertion detection sensor. For example, the puff detection sensor may be implemented by a general pressure sensor, and the cigarette insertion detection sensor may be implemented by a general capacitive sensor or a resistance sensor. In addition, the holder 1 may be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to flow in / out 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 of the holder 1 as viewed from the first direction. 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 action, 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 of the holder 1 as viewed from the second direction. The holder 1 may include a terminal 2170 coupled with the 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 You can. In addition, through the terminal 2170 and the terminal 2260, the holder 1 may operate by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2, and communicate between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 (Transmission and reception of signals) is possible. For example, the terminal 2170 may be composed of four micro pins, but is not limited thereto.

13 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a cradle.

Referring to FIG. 13, the cradle 2 includes a battery 210 and a control unit 220. In addition, the cradle 2 includes an inner space 2230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. For example, the inner space 2230 may be formed on one side of the cradle 2. Therefore, even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate lid, the holder 1 can be inserted into the cradle 2 and fixed.

In the cradle 2 shown in FIG. 13, only the components related to this embodiment are shown. Therefore, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIG. 13 may be further included in the cradle 2.

The battery 210 supplies power used for the cradle 2 to operate. 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 combined, the battery 210 of the cradle 2 is Electric power may be supplied to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

In addition, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are combined, the battery 210 may supply power used for the holder 1 to operate. For example, when the terminal 2170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 2260 of the cradle 2 are combined, regardless of whether the battery 110 of the holder 1 is discharged, the holder 1 is a cradle. (2) can operate using the power supplied by the battery 210.

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 larger than the capacity of the battery 110, for example, the capacity of the battery 210 may be 3000mAh or more, but the capacity of the battery 210 is not limited to the above-described example Does not.

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

For example, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are combined, the control unit 220 charges the battery 110 or heats the heater 2130 by supplying the power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 I can do it. 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 control unit 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 in which programs executable on the microprocessor are stored. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains may understand that it may be implemented in other types of hardware.

Meanwhile, the cradle 2 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 210 and the control unit 220. For example, the cradle 2 may include a display capable of outputting visual information. For example, when the cradle 2 includes a display, the control unit 220 generates a signal to be displayed on the display, so that the user can use the battery 210 (for example, the remaining capacity of the battery 210) Information related to the reset of the cradle 2 (e.g., when to reset, reset progress, reset completed, etc.), cleaning of the holder 1 (e.g., when to clean, need cleaning, cleaning) Information related to the progress, cleaning completion, etc., and charging of the cradle 2 (eg, charging required, 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 includes at least one input device (for example, a button) that allows a user to control the function of the cradle 2, a terminal 2260 and / or a battery 210 that engages the holder 1 ) May include an interface for charging (eg, a USB port, etc.).

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, a desired function among a plurality of functions of the cradle 2 can be executed. As the user operates the input device, the cradle 2 has a function of preheating the heater 2130 of the holder 1, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 2130 of the holder 1, within the holder 1 A function to clean the space where the cigarette is inserted, a function to check whether the cradle 2 is operable, a function to display 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 are views illustrating an example of a cradle in various aspects.

14A is a view showing an example when the cradle 2 is viewed from the first direction. On one side of the cradle 2 is 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 the cradle 2 and fixed. In addition, the cradle 2 may include a button 2240 that allows a user to control the cradle 2 and a display 2250 on which an image is output.

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 inserted holder 1. When the terminal 2260 is coupled to the terminal 2170 of the holder 1, the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. In addition, through the terminal 2170 and the terminal 2260, the holder 1 may be operated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2, and the signal between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 It is possible to send and receive. 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 to 14B, the holder 1 may be inserted into the inner space 2230 of the cradle 2. Further, the holder 1 may be completely inserted into the cradle 2, or may be tilted while inserted into the cradle 2. Hereinafter, examples of inserting the holder 1 into the cradle 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17B.

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

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 is present 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 other configurations (eg, lids) for not exposing the holder 1 to the outside.

The cradle 2 may include at least one binding member 2227 and 2272 to increase binding strength with the holder 1. In addition, the holder 1 may also include at least one binding 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, the holder 1 includes one binding member 2181 and the cradle 2 includes two binding members 2227 and 2272, but the binding member The number of (2181, 2271, 2272) is not limited to this.

The holder 1 can include a binding member 2181 in a first position, and the cradle 2 can include a binding member 2701, 2272 in a second position and a third position, respectively. At this time, 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 binding members 2181, 2271, and 2272, even if the holder 1 is inserted into one side of the cradle 2, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are It can bind more strongly. In other words, the holder 1 and the cradle 2, the terminal (2170, 2260) in addition to the binding member (2181, 2271, 2272) is further included, the holder 1 and the cradle (2) can be more strongly attached have. Therefore, even if the cradle 2 does not have a separate configuration (for example, a lid), the inserted holder 1 may not be easily separated from the cradle 2.

In addition, if it is determined that the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2 by the terminals 2170, 2260 and / or the binding members 2181, 2272, and 2272, the control unit 220 may control the battery 210. The battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged using electric power.

FIG. 16 is a view showing an example in which the holder is tilted while inserted into the cradle.

Referring to FIG. 16, the holder 1 is tilted inside the cradle 2. Here, the tilt means that the holder 1 is inclined at a certain angle in the state inserted into the cradle 2.

As shown in Fig. 15, when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the user cannot smoke. In other words, when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, a cigarette cannot be inserted into the holder 1. Therefore, the user cannot smoke while the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2.

16, when the holder 1 is tilted, the end 2141 of the holder 1 is exposed to the outside. Therefore, the user can insert a cigarette at the end 2141 and inhale (smoking) the generated aerosol. The tilt angle θ may be secured at a sufficient angle so that the cigarette is not bent or damaged when the cigarette is inserted into the end 2141 of the holder 1. For example, the holder 1 can be tilted as much as the entire cigarette insertion hole included in the end 2141 can be exposed to the outside. For example, the range of the tilt angle θ may be 0 ° or more and 180 ° or less, and preferably 10 ° or more and 90 ° or less. 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, 50 ° or less, or 10 ° or more and 60 ° or less You can.

Further, even if 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. Therefore, the heater 2130 of the holder 1 can be heated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of the battery 110 of the holder 1 is small or absent, the holder 1 can generate an aerosol using the battery 210 of the cradle 2.

16 shows an example in which the holder 1 includes one binding member 2182, and the cradle 2 includes two binding 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. If it is assumed that the binding members 2182, 2273, and 2274 are magnets, the magnet strength of the binding member 2274 may be greater than that of the binding member 2273. Therefore, even if the holder 1 is tilted, the holder 1 may not be completely separated from the cradle 2 by the binding member 182 and the binding member 2274.

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

17A to 17B are views showing examples in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.

17A shows an example in which the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2. When the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, in order to minimize the user's contact with the holder 1, the inner space 2230 of the cradle 2 may be manufactured to be sufficiently secured. When the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the control unit 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 holds the power of the battery 210 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged or the heater 2130 of the holder 1 can be heated. (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 steps that are processed in time series in the holder 1 shown in FIG. 11 or the cradle 2 shown in FIG. 13. Accordingly, 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 are applied to the method of FIG. 18 even if omitted.

In step 2710, the holder 1 determines whether it has been inserted into the cradle 2. For example, the control unit 120 may determine whether the holder 1 and the terminals 2170, 2260 of the cradle 2 are connected to each other and / or whether the binding members 2181, 2271, 2272 operate. It can be determined whether 1) has been 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 is separated from the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 2730.

In step 2720, the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. For example, the control unit 220 may include the holder 1 and the holders 2170, 2260 of the cradle 2 connected to each other and / or whether the binding members 2182, 2273, 2274 operate according to the holder ( It can be determined whether 1) is tilted.

In step 2720, the cradle 2 is described as determining whether the holder 1 is tilted, but is not limited thereto. In other words, whether the holder 1 is tilted may be determined by the control unit 120 of the holder 1.

If the holder 1 is tilted, the process proceeds to step 2740, and if the holder 1 is not tilted (ie, the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2), the process proceeds to step 2770.

In step 2730, the holder 1 determines whether the usage conditions of the holder 1 are satisfied. For example, the control unit 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 control unit 120 may output an image indicating that it is usable on the display of the holder 1 or may generate a vibration signal by controlling the 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 control unit 120 of the holder 1 or the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 checks the temperature of the heater 2130 in real time and 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 the temperature sensing sensor included in the holder 1 or the 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 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 output information indicating that cleaning of the holder is necessary 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 control unit 220 may charge the holder 1 by supplying the 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 controllers 120 and 220 stop the operation of the holder 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 19.

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

The method of producing the aerosol shown in FIG. 19 consists of the steps performed in time series in the holder 1 shown in FIG. 11 and the cradle 2 shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, 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 are applied to the method of FIG. 19 even if the contents are omitted below.

In step 2810, the controllers 120 and 220 determine whether the user has puffed. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 may determine whether the user has puffed through the puff detection sensor included in the holder 1.

In step 2820, an aerosol is generated according to the user's puff. The control units 120 and 220 may adjust power supplied to the heater 2130 according to the temperature of the user's puff and heater 2130 as described above with reference to FIG. 18. 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 equal to or greater than the number of puffs. For example, assuming that the puff limit number is set to 14, the controllers 120 and 220 determine whether the counted puff count is 14 or more.

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), 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 number of puffs, the process proceeds to step 2850. If the number of puffs of the user is less than the number of puffs, the process proceeds to step 2840.

In operation 2840, the controllers 120 and 220 determine whether the time at which the holder 1 is operated is equal to or greater than the operation time limit. Here, the time when the holder 1 is operated means the time accumulated from the time when the holder started to the operation to the present. For example, assuming that the operation timeout 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 operating 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 signal a warning through the display or vibration motor Can output

If the holder 1 is operating for more than the operation time limit, the process proceeds to step 2850, and if the holder 1 is less than the operation time limit, the operation proceeds to step 2820.

In operation 2850, the controllers 120 and 220 forcibly end the operation of the holder. In other words, the control unit (120, 220) stops the aerosol generating mechanism of the holder. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 may block the power supplied to the heater 2130, thereby forcibly terminating the operation of the holder.

20 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the cradle.

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

Although not illustrated 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 step 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 status of the battery. For example, the control unit 220 may output information about the current state of the battery 210 (eg, remaining amount, etc.) to the display 2250.

In step 2930, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether a cable is connected to the cradle 2. For example, the control unit 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 step 2940, the cradle 2 performs a charging operation. For example, the cradle 2 charges the battery 210 using power supplied through a connected cable.

As described above with reference to FIG. 11, a cigarette may be inserted into the holder 1. The cigarette contains an aerosol-generating material, and aerosol is generated 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 to 23F.

21 is a view showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into the 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. Thus, the aerosol-generating material of the cigarette 3 is heated by the heated heater 2130, thereby generating an aerosol.

The cigarette 3 can be similar to a typical 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. 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 made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion 3320.

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

The user may inhale the aerosol in the state where the second part 3320 is mouthed. At this time, the aerosol is mixed with external air and delivered to the user's mouth. As shown in FIG. 21, external air may be introduced 3110 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 3, or 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.

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 3321, a cooling structure 3322, and a second filter segment 3323 ).

On the other hand, comparing FIGS. 22A and 22B, the cigarette 3 of FIG. 22B further includes a fourth wrapper 3344 compared to the cigarette 3 of FIG. 22A.

However, the structure of the cigarette 3 shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B is only an example, and some components may be omitted. For example, the cigarette 3 may not include one or more of the first filter segment 3321, the cooling structure 3322, and the second filter segment 3323.

Cigarette rod 3300 includes 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 length of the tobacco rod 3300 may be between about 7 mm and 15 mm, or preferably about 12 mm. Further, 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 cigarette rod 3300 are not limited to the above-described numerical range.

In addition, the tobacco rod 3300 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and / or acetate compounds. For example, flavoring agents are 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. In addition, the wetting agent may include glycerin or propylene glycol.

As an example, the cigarette rod 3300 may be filled with cigarette cuts. Here, tobacco cuts can be produced by finely crushing the tobacco sheet.

In order for the wide tobacco sheet to be filled in the narrow space of the tobacco rod 3300, an additional process is required to allow the tobacco sheet to be easily folded. Therefore, compared to filling the cigarette rod 3300 with a cigarette sheet, it is easier to fill the cigarette rod 3300 with cigarette cuts, and the productivity and efficiency of the process for producing the cigarette rod 3300 may be higher. have.

As another example, the tobacco rod 3300 may be filled with a plurality of tobacco strands in which a tobacco sheet is shredded. 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 cuboid shape having a horizontal length of 1 mm, a vertical length of 12 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.1 mm, but is not limited thereto.

Compared to the cigarette rod 3300 being filled with a cigarette sheet, the cigarette rod 3300 filled with cigarette strands may generate a greater amount of aerosol. Assuming that they are filled in the same space, the tobacco strands ensure a larger surface area compared to the tobacco sheet. The large surface area means that there is more opportunity for the aerosol-generating material to contact the outside air. Therefore, when the tobacco rod 3300 is filled with tobacco strands, more aerosols can be produced compared to that filled with a tobacco sheet.

In addition, when separating the cigarette 3 from the holder 1, the cigarette rod 3300 filled with cigarette strands can be separated more easily than that filled with a cigarette sheet. Compared to the tobacco sheet, the frictional forces generated by the tobacco strands contacting the heater 2130 are smaller. Therefore, when the cigarette rod 3300 is filled with cigarette strands, it can be more easily separated from the holder 1 compared to that filled with a cigarette sheet.

The tobacco sheet may be formed by crushing the tobacco raw material in a slurry form and then drying the slurry. For example, 15-30% of aerosol-generating material may be added to the slurry. Tobacco raw materials may be tobacco leaf flakes, tobacco stems, tobacco dust generated during tobacco processing and / or major side strips of tobacco leaves. In addition, the tobacco sheet may contain other additives such as wood cellulose fiber.

The first filter segment 3321 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 from about 7 mm to 15 mm, or preferably, from about 7 mm. The length of the first filter segment 3321 may be shorter than about 7 mm, but it is desirable to have a length that does not impair the function of at least one cigarette element (eg, cooling element, capsule, acetate filter, etc.). . The length of the first filter segment 3321 is not limited to the above-described numerical range. On the other hand, the length of the first filter segment 3321 is expandable, and the length of the entire cigarette 3 may be adjusted according to the length of the first filter segment 3321.

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 hollow, but is not limited thereto. The length of the second filter segment 3323 may be from about 5 mm to 15 mm, or preferably, from about 12 mm. The length of the second filter segment 3323 is not limited to the above-described numerical range.

Also, at least one capsule 3324 may be included in the second filter segment 3323. Here, the capsule 3324 may be a structure in which a content liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. 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 2-4 mm.

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

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

The cooling structure 3322 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 2130 heating the tobacco rod 3300. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable 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 may be manufactured in various forms to increase the surface area per unit area (ie, the surface area in contact with the aerosol). Various examples of the cooling structure 3322 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 23A to 23F.

The tobacco rod 3300 and the first filter segment 3321 may be packaged 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 packaged by a second wrapper 3332. In addition, the entire cigarette 3 may be repackaged by a third wrapper 3333. For example, the second wrapper 3332 and the third wrapper 3333 may be made of general paper packaging materials. Optionally, the second wrapper 3332 may be an oil resistant hard wrapping paper or a PLA scented paper. Also, the second wrapper 3332 may wrap the second filter segment 3323 portion, and additionally further pack the second filter segment 3323 and the cooling structure 3322.

Referring to FIG. 22B, the cigarette 3 may include a fourth wrapper 3344. At least one of the tobacco rod 3300 and the first filter segment 3321 may be packaged by a fourth wrapper 3344. In other words, only the tobacco rod 3300 may be packaged by the fourth wrapper 3344, and the tobacco rod 3300 and the first filter segment 3321 may be packaged by the fourth wrapper 3344. For example, the fourth wrapper 3340 may be made of a paper packaging material.

The fourth wrapper 3340 may be produced by applying (or coating) a predetermined material to one or both surfaces of the paper packaging material. Here, as an example of a predetermined material, silicon may be applicable, but is not limited thereto. Silicone has characteristics such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above-described properties may be applied (or coated) to the fourth wrapper 3340 without limitation.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 22B, the cigarette 3 is illustrated as including both the first wrapper 3331 and the fourth wrapper 3344, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the cigarette 3 may include only one of the first wrapper 3331 and the fourth wrapper 3344.

The fourth wrapper 3344 can prevent the cigarette 3 from burning. For example, if the cigarette rod 3300 is heated by the heater 2130, there is a possibility that the cigarette 3 is burned. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances included in the cigarette rod 3300, the cigarette 3 may be burned. Even in this case, since the fourth wrapper 3340 includes a non-combustible material, the phenomenon that the cigarette 3 is burned can be prevented.

In addition, the fourth wrapper 3340 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarette 3. By the user's puff, liquid substances can be produced in the cigarette 3. For example, the aerosol generated in the cigarette 3 is cooled by external air, whereby liquid substances (eg, moisture, etc.) can be generated. As the fourth wrapper 3344 wraps the tobacco rod 3300 and / or the first filter segment 3321, the liquid substances produced in the cigarette 3 can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarette 3 You can. Therefore, the phenomenon that the case 2140 of the holder 1 is contaminated by the liquid substances generated in the cigarette 3 can be prevented.

23A to 23F are views showing examples of the cooling structure of the cigarette.

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

As an example, when a film (sheet) is produced by filling a film (sheet) and a cooling structure, 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, in the case of manufacturing a cooling structure by extrusion molding, the efficiency of the process is lowered as processes such as cutting of the structure are added. In addition, there are limitations in manufacturing cooling structures in various shapes.

As the cooling structure according to an embodiment is manufactured using polylactic acid fibers (eg, weaving), the risk that the cooling structure is deformed or loses function by external impact may be lowered. In addition, by changing the method of combining the fibers, it is possible to manufacture a cooling structure having various shapes.

In addition, by fabricating a cooling structure using fibers, the surface area in contact with the aerosol is increased. Therefore, 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 on a cross section of the cooling structure 3510.

Referring to FIG. 23B, the cooling structure 3520 may be formed of a structure in which a plurality of fibers are entangled with each other. At this time, the aerosol may flow between fibers, and a vortex may be formed according to the shape of the cooling structure 3520. The formed vortex widens the area where the aerosol contacts in the cooling structure 3520, and increases the time that 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 a form in which a plurality of bundles 3531 are collected.

Referring to FIG. 23D, the cooling structure 3540 may be filled with granules made of polylactic acid, legume, or charcoal, respectively. In addition, the granules can also be made of a mixture of polylactic acid, legume and charcoal. On the other hand, the granule may further include an element capable of increasing the cooling effect of the aerosol in addition to polylactic acid, legume and / or charcoal.

Referring to FIG. 23E, the cooling structure 3550 may include a first cross section 3551 and a second cross section 3522.

The first cross-section 3551 borders the first filter segment 3321, and may include an air gap through which the aerosol flows. The second cross-section 3522 borders the second filter segment 3323 and may include voids through which aerosols can be released. For example, the first cross section 3551 and the second cross section 3522 may include a single pore having the same diameter, but the diameter and number of the pores included in the first cross section 3551 and the second cross section 3552 Is not limited to this.

In addition, the cooling structure 3550 may include a third end surface 353 including a plurality of voids, between the first end surface 3551 and the second end surface 3552. For example, the diameter of the plurality of voids included in the third section 353 may be smaller than the diameter of the voids included in the first section 3551 and the second section 3522. In addition, the number of voids included in the third section 353 may be greater than the number of voids included in the first section 3551 and the second section 3522.

Referring to FIG. 23F, the cooling structure 3560 may include a first cross-section 3651 that abuts the first filter segment 3321 and a second cross-section 3562 that abuts the second filter segment 3323. . Additionally, the cooling structure 3560 can include one or more tubular elements 3563. For example, the tubular element 3563 can penetrate the first cross-section 3651 and the second cross-section 3562. In addition, the tubular element 3563 may be packaged in a microporous packaging material and may be filled with a filler (eg, the granules described above with reference to FIG. 23D) that can increase the cooling effect of the aerosol.

According to the above, the holder can produce an aerosol by heating the cigarette. In addition, the aerosol can be produced independently of the holder or even when the holder is 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 above drawings and description, the same components are cited as different member numbers according to the drawings and embodiments. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that only the member numbers are differently described for convenience according to the exemplary embodiment, and that they may have the same configuration regardless of the member numbers.

The device according to the present invention includes a processor, a memory for storing and executing program data, a permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communication port communicating with an external device, a user interface such as a touch panel, keys, buttons, etc. Devices and the like. Methods implemented by a software module or algorithm may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium as computer-readable codes or program instructions executable on the processor. Here, as a computer-readable recording medium, a magnetic storage medium (eg, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical reading medium (eg, CD-ROM (CD-ROM) ), 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 can be read by a computer, stored in a memory, and executed by a processor.

All documents, including published documents, patent applications, patents, etc., cited in the present invention may be incorporated into the present invention in the same way that each cited document is individually and specifically merged or represented as a whole in the present invention. .

For the understanding of the present invention, reference numerals have been described in preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific terms are used to describe embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited by the specific terms, and the present invention Can include all components that are ordinarily conceivable to those skilled in the art.

The present invention can be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. These functional blocks can be implemented with various numbers of hardware or / and software configurations that perform specific functions. For example, the present invention is directed to integrated circuit configurations such as memory, processing, logic, look-up tables, etc., capable of executing various functions by control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Can be employed. Similar to the components of the present invention that can be implemented in software programming or software elements, the present invention includes C, C ++, including various algorithms implemented in a combination of data structures, processes, routines or other programming configurations. , Can be implemented in programming or scripting languages such as Java, assembler, etc. Functional aspects can be implemented with algorithms running on one or more processors. In addition, the present invention may employ conventional techniques for electronic environment setting, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as ‘mechanism’, ‘element’, ‘means’, and ‘construction’ can be widely used, and are not limited to mechanical and physical structures. The term may include the meaning of a series of processes (routines) of software in connection with a processor or the like.

The specific implementations described in the present invention are examples, and do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. For brevity of the specification, 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 examples of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections. In the actual device, alternative or additional various functional connections, physical It can be represented as a connection, or circuit connections. In addition, unless specifically mentioned, such as 'essential', 'importantly', etc., it may not be a necessary component for application of the present invention.

In the specification (particularly in the claims) of the present invention, the use of the term “above” and similar indication terms may be in both singular and plural. In addition, in the case where a range is described in the present invention, it includes the invention to which the individual values belonging to the range are applied (if there is no contrary description), and describes the individual values constituting the range in the detailed description of the invention. Same as Finally, unless there is an explicit or contradictory description of the steps constituting the method according to the invention, the steps can be done 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 describing the present invention in detail, and the scope of the present invention is limited due to the examples or exemplary terms, unless it is defined by the claims. It does not work. In addition, those skilled in the art can recognize that various modifications, combinations, and changes can be configured according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof.

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

Claims (18)

In the aerosol generating device,
A battery that supplies power;
A heater that heats the aerosol-generating material;
sensor;
At least two outputs including an LED lamp and a vibration motor; And
It includes a control unit for controlling the output unit with the puff characteristic data identified by the sensor,
The control unit,
When it is detected through the sensor that the user's puff intensity exceeds a predetermined puff intensity and the user's puff interval is shorter than a predetermined puff interval, the operation of the output units including the LED lamp and the vibration motor is controlled. The aerosol generating device, characterized in that to provide a notification to the user. According to 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. According to claim 1,
The sensor further includes a flow sensor,
The control unit detects a puff of a user by measuring a change in the flow rate in the device using the flow rate sensor. According to claim 1,
The puff characteristic data,
An aerosol-generating device comprising at least one of puff strength, puff spacing, and puff count data. According to claim 1,
The controller predicts the number of possible puffs based on the amount of power or the amount of aerosol-generating substances in the battery, and changes the predicted number of puffs available based on the puff characteristic data. The method of claim 5,
The control unit,
The aerosol generating device, characterized in that for outputting the changed number of possible puffs using the at least one output unit. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
An aerosol-generating device characterized in that the number of remaining puffs is determined according to the puff characteristic data, and the output intensity of the vibration motor is controlled based on the determined number of remaining puffs. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
An aerosol-generating device characterized in that the number of remaining puffs is determined according to the puff characteristic data, and the emission intensity or flashing interval of the LED lamp is controlled based on the determined number of remaining puffs. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
The aerosol-generating device, characterized in that, determines the number of remaining puffs according to the puff characteristic data, and controls the sound output intensity or the type of sound output based on the determined number of remaining puffs. According to claim 1,
The aerosol generating device further includes an outer case,
The control unit,
An aerosol-generating device characterized in that the temperature of the outer case is controlled based on the heater temperature during puffing. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
An aerosol-generating device, characterized by predicting the remaining number of possible puffs based on the measured puff strength and the estimated remaining battery amount, and outputting the predicted remaining number of remaining puffs. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
The aerosol generating device, characterized in that for controlling the at least one output unit to provide a notification to the user whenever the heater is heated to a predetermined temperature or higher. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
The aerosol-generating device, characterized in that for controlling the at least one output unit to notify the user that puffing is possible at predetermined intervals. Sensing the intensity of the user's puff and the distance between the puffs using a sensor;
Obtaining, by the control unit, puff characteristic data based on the detection result; And
And controlling at least three output units including an LED lamp and a vibration motor based on the puff characteristic data.
Controlling the at least three outputs,
When it is detected through the sensor that the user's puff intensity exceeds a predetermined puff intensity and the user's puff interval is shorter than a predetermined puff interval, the operation of the output units including the LED lamp and the vibration motor is controlled. To provide feedback through puff recognition through an aerosol-generating device that provides a notification to the user. The method of claim 14,
The above method,
Predicting the number of puffables based on the amount of power of the battery or the amount of aerosol-generating material; And
And changing the predicted number of possible puffs based on puff characteristic data. The method of claim 15,
The above method,
And outputting the changed number of possible puffs using the at least one output unit. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing a method according to any one of claims 14 to 16 on a computer.
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