Device and method for realizing digital taste and digital fragrance

Abstract

A mouthpiece according to an embodiment includes: a mouthpiece portion having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface; a first capacitance sensor disposed in a first region of the outer peripheral surface of the mouthpiece part; a second capacitive sensor disposed in a second region of the outer peripheral surface spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the first region; a first micro-current application terminal disposed in a third region of the outer peripheral surface spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the second region; and a second micro-current application terminal disposed in a fourth region of the outer peripheral surface spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the third region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a method for implementing digital taste and digital fragrance, and more particularly to a method for providing a variety of digital recipes to users of digital tobacco, and providing tastes and fragrances corresponding to the recipes selected by the users. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the demand for electronic cigarettes has gradually increased. In addition, as the demand for electronic cigarettes increases, the functions related to electronic cigarettes are also being developed. In particular, related functions are being developed based on the types and characteristics of electronic cigarettes. Summary of the invention

[0003] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] An object of an embodiment is to provide users with diverse digital recipes.

[0005] An object of an embodiment is to implement the taste and aroma of a cigarette in a digital manner, thereby being able to provide the taste and aroma to a user using only electronic devices without the need for a tobacco rod or cigarette.

[0006] Means used to solve problems

[0007] According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece includes: a mouthpiece portion having an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface; a first capacitance sensor configured in a first area of ​​the outer circumferential surface of the mouthpiece portion; a second capacitance sensor configured in a second area of ​​the outer circumferential surface separated along a circumferential direction of the first area; a first microcurrent application terminal configured in a third area of ​​the outer circumferential surface separated along a length direction of the second area; and a second microcurrent application terminal configured in a fourth area of ​​the outer circumferential surface separated along the circumferential direction of the third area.

[0008] The invention may further include: a hot wire portion disposed in a fifth region of the space between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface.

[0009] The invention may further include: an insulating portion arranged between the outer peripheral surface and the hot wire portion.

[0010] The first micro-current applying terminal may be arranged in the third region along a proximal end direction with respect to the second region.

[0011] The third region may be spaced apart from the second region by more than 10 mm along the length direction.

[0012] The invention may further include: an inhalation portion formed inside the mouthpiece portion to allow aerosol to be discharged.

[0013] The method may further include: an insertion detection sensor, which is arranged along the distal end direction with the second area as a reference.

[0014] According to one embodiment, an aerosol inhalation device includes: a main body, and a mouthpiece portion having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, and being detachably mounted on the main body; wherein the mouthpiece portion includes: a first capacitance sensor, arranged in a first area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the mouthpiece portion, a second capacitance sensor, arranged in a second area of ​​the outer peripheral surface separated along a circumferential direction of the first area, a first microcurrent application terminal, arranged in a third area of ​​the outer peripheral surface separated along a length direction of the second area, and a second microcurrent application terminal, arranged in a fourth area of ​​the outer peripheral surface separated along the circumferential direction of the third area.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] Embodiments can provide users with a variety of digital recipes.

[0017] The embodiments implement the taste and aroma of cigarettes in a digital manner, thereby being able to provide the taste and aroma to the user using only electronic devices without the need for a tobacco rod or cigarette. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1a is a diagram showing a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 1b A portion of a situation in which a user's tongue contacts a mouthpiece according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0020] Figure 2 is a flowchart for illustrating a control method of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3a is a flowchart for illustrating a method for an electronic device to determine whether a mouthpiece is in contact with an object according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3b This is a flowchart for explaining an operation method in which a processor updates a resistance value of a target.

[0023] Figure 4a The structure of a mouthpiece according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0024] Figure 4b A cross section of a mouthpiece according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0025] Figure 4c A cross section of a cigarette holder composed of a multi-layer flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0026] Figure 5is a flowchart for illustrating a control method of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6a The cigarette cartridge and the aerosol generating device of the electronic cigarette device according to one embodiment are schematically shown.

[0028] Figure 6b is a flow chart for illustrating a method for increasing the aroma of an electronic cigarette device according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6c This is a flowchart for explaining a method for an electronic cigarette device to determine whether to spray an aerosolized flavor.

[0030] Figure 7a The operation of the aroma sensor of the electronic device according to one embodiment is schematically shown.

[0031] Figure 7b is a data distribution diagram corresponding to a fragrance analyzed in an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7c This is an example of expressing the result of sensing aroma substances using an electronic device according to an embodiment in the form of data.

[0033] Figure 7d is a flow chart for illustrating a method for generating a scent recipe by an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operating method of a terminal according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9a The structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0036] Figure 9b is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an electronic device as a digital tobacco according to an embodiment.

[0037] Fig.9c is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a terminal for electronic cigarette according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The description of the specific structure or function of the embodiment is only for example, and the embodiment can be implemented in different forms. The actual implementation is not limited to the specific embodiment disclosed, and the scope of this specification includes all changes within the technical ideas described by the embodiment, their equivalents and even their substitutes.

[0039] The terms "first" or "second" may be used to describe different components, but are only used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named the first component.

[0040] When it is stated that one component is “connected to” another component, it may be directly connected to or in contact with the other component, or there may be another component between them.

[0041] In the absence of special instructions in the content, a single expression includes multiple meanings. In this specification, the terms "including" or "having" are used to express the existence of features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, accessories or combinations thereof recorded in the specification, and do not exclude the possibility of the existence or additional addition of at least one other feature, number, step, operation, constituent element, accessory or combination thereof.

[0042] In the absence of other definitions, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the common meanings understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Commonly used terms as defined in dictionaries should be understood as having the meanings in the relevant technical content and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formalized meanings if they are not clearly defined in this specification.

[0043] In the following, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the accompanying drawing numbers, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0044] Figure 1a is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0045] Reference Figure 1a According to an embodiment, the electronic device may be referred to as an aerosol generating device, an electronic cigarette device or a cigarette stick. "Smoking" may refer to heating, burning and any other behavior that causes a smokable substance to release smoke or aerosol.

[0046] The electronic device according to an embodiment may include a processor 100 and a mouthpiece 110. The processor 100 may include a PWM control unit 101 and an ADC input terminal 102. The mouthpiece 110 may include a first terminal 111, a second terminal 112, and a resistor 113, which are in contact with an object 120 represented as a variable resistor.

[0047] Existing smoking products provide smoking behavior by lighting cigarettes to burn them, or by using devices to heat tobacco sticks or tobacco liquid. However, cigarettes require a separate lighting tool (e.g., a lighter), which causes the inconvenience of producing ash when smoking, and also causes harmful problems. Cigarette-type electronic cigarettes require a tobacco stick to be inserted each time before smoking, and byproducts such as cigarette butts may be produced after smoking. Although liquid electronic cigarettes can provide uniform atomization and taste, in order to experience a variety of liquid tobacco flavors and aromas, the corresponding tobacco cartridges need to be replaced each time you smoke.

[0048] The electronic device according to an embodiment realizes the taste and / or fragrance of tobacco in a digital manner, thereby being able to provide the user with the taste and fragrance using only the electronic device without the need for a tobacco rod or a cigarette. More specifically, the electronic device can receive a digital recipe from a user's terminal (e.g., a smartphone) and provide the user with a digital taste and digital fragrance corresponding to the digital recipe.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the digital flavor is achieved by applying a microcurrent to the user's taste cells, and the digital fragrance is achieved by combining a plurality of liquid cigarette cartridges in an electronic device to form a fragrance substance. According to one embodiment, the digital formula may include a digital flavor formula and a digital fragrance formula, wherein the digital flavor formula refers to a method for achieving a specific flavor in a digital manner, and the digital fragrance formula refers to a method for achieving a specific fragrance in a digital manner.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the processor 100 may apply a microcurrent for implementing a digital flavor from an electronic device to the mouthpiece 110 based on the received digital recipe. Figures 1b to 9b Detailed description of the methods to achieve digital tastes and scents.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the PWM control unit 101 of the processor 100 can apply a microcurrent to the mouthpiece 110 using a PWM method. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control is a voltage control method that turns on a switch for supply according to the required power within a predetermined period. Therefore, the ON / OFF ratio and the duty cycle will change according to the required output power. The control method of applying a microcurrent to the mouthpiece 100 using the PWM control method will be described in detail below.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) input terminal 102 of the processor 100 may convert the voltage value measured at the second terminal 112 into a digital signal. The processor 100 may determine the resistance value of the object 120 based on the voltage value converted into the digital signal.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the object 120 represented as a variable resistor may include the lips and tongue of the user, but the object 120 of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For the convenience of explanation below, the first part of the object 120 is assumed to be the upper lip of the user, the second part of the object is assumed to be the lower lip of the user, and the third part of the object is called the tongue of the user.

[0054] Figure 1b A portion of a situation in which a user's tongue contacts a mouthpiece according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0055] Reference Figure 1a The same applies to reference Figure 1b The repeated contents are omitted here.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the user's tongue 130 includes taste receptors (e.g., nerve cells). The taste receptors cause a chemical reaction with a substance contacting the user's tongue 130, thereby generating a taste substance for sensing taste, and transmitting an electrical signal that can distinguish sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, etc. according to the concentration of the generated taste substance to the brain, ultimately allowing the user to recognize the taste.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the user's tongue 130 may contact the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 of the mouthpiece 110. The first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 are formed of an insulator, so that the circuit is not connected in normal times. When the user's tongue 130 contacts the mouthpiece, the user's tongue 130 may be modeled as a resistor between the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the mouthpiece portion 110 can sense whether the user's tongue 130 is in contact. When the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 of the mouthpiece portion 110 are in contact with the user's tongue 130, the insulated first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 can be connected due to the user's tongue 130. When the circuit is connected, the user's tongue 130 can be regarded as a variable resistor, and current can flow between the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112. When the user's tongue 130 is in contact, the mouthpiece portion 110 can measure the voltage of the second terminal 112. When the measured voltage exceeds a predetermined value (hereinafter, a first threshold value), the processor 100 can determine that the user's tongue 130 is in contact with the mouthpiece portion 110.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the voltage value measured at the second terminal 112 may be different depending on the state of the user's tongue 130. A change in the resistance value of the user's tongue 130 may cause a change in the voltage value measured at the second terminal 112. For example, since the thickness of each user's tongue is different, the resistance value of each user's tongue may also be different. Since the contact position of the user's tongue with the mouthpiece is different according to the user's habits, the resistance value of each user's tongue may also be different. Since the concentration and pH value of each user's saliva are different, the resistance value of each user's tongue may also be different.

[0060] Even for the tongue of the same user, the resistance value may change depending on the state of the user. For example, even if the same user is compared before and after drinking a beverage, the resistance value of the tongue of the same user may be different because the current passing through the tongue of the user is different. Further, even for the same user, the resistance value may change depending on the contact position of the mouthpiece portion 110 or the physical condition.

[0061] The processor 100 according to an embodiment may determine the resistance value of the user's tongue 130 based on the voltage value measured at the second terminal 112. Once the resistance value of the user's tongue 130 is determined, the processor 100 may apply a microcurrent to the mouthpiece 110 according to the received digital formula. The PWM control unit 101 may determine a microcurrent value corresponding to the resistance value of the object from the digital formula based on the resistance value of the object. The determined microcurrent value may be applied to the user's tongue 130 through the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112.

[0062] The resistor 113 according to an embodiment is connected to the second terminal 112 and grounded. The magnitude of the current applied to the user's tongue 130 can be determined according to the magnitude of the resistor 113. Since the resistance value of the tongue is low, the resistor 113 can be designed to have a larger value, so that a micro current (e.g., tens of uA to hundreds of uA) can be generated.

[0063] Figure 2 is a flowchart for illustrating a control method of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0064] Steps 210 to 230 can be referred to as Figure 1a and Figure 1b The processor execution of the instructions refers to Figure 1a and 1b The same description applies to Figure 2 , and the repeated content is omitted here.

[0065] In step 210 , the electronic device according to an embodiment measures a voltage of a second terminal included in the mouthpiece portion.

[0066] According to one embodiment, when the object 120 contacts the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112, the circuit including the first terminal and the second terminal can be converted from an open circuit, i.e., an open circuit, to a connected circuit, i.e., a closed circuit, through which current can flow. Therefore, a voltage is allocated based on the resistance of the modeled object 120 and the resistance 113, thereby measuring the voltage of the second terminal. The mouthpiece portion 110 can measure the voltage of the second terminal and send it to the processor 100.

[0067] In step 220 , the electronic device according to an embodiment determines an object resistance value corresponding to the object based on the measured voltage.

[0068] The processor 100 according to an embodiment may convert the measured voltage value into a digital signal through the ADC input terminal 102. The processor 100 may determine the resistance value of the object based on the digital signal. For example, since the power value and the resistance 113 of the battery in the electronic device are predetermined, when the user's tongue 130 contacts the mouthpiece 110, the processor 100 may calculate the resistance value of the user's tongue 130 based on the voltage distribution between the resistance of the user's tongue 130 between the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 and the resistance 113 of the circuit.

[0069] In step 230 , the electronic device according to an embodiment applies current to the object based on the resistance value of the object and a predetermined digital recipe.

[0070] The processor 100 according to an embodiment may determine the power of the current corresponding to the digital recipe that can be applied to the object based on the determined resistance value of the object. For example, the digital recipe may have data that can digitize a specific taste and fragrance, thereby determining the power to be applied according to the resistance value of the user's tongue 130. Therefore, if the resistance value of the user's tongue 130 is determined, the processor 100 may apply the power value corresponding to the resistance value of the user's tongue 130 in the digital recipe through the PWM control unit 101.

[0071] Figure 3a is a flowchart for illustrating a method for an electronic device to determine whether a mouthpiece is in contact with an object according to an embodiment.

[0072] Steps 310 to 340 can be referred to as Figure 1a and Figure 1b The processor execution of the instructions refers to Figure 1a and Figure 2 The same description applies to Figure 3a , and the repeated content is omitted here.

[0073] In step 310 , the electronic device according to an embodiment may measure a voltage of a second terminal.

[0074] In step 320, the electronic device according to an embodiment may determine that the object is in contact when the measured voltage exceeds a first voltage threshold.

[0075] In step 330 , the electronic device according to an embodiment may convert the measured voltage into a digital signal.

[0076] In step 340 , the electronic device according to an embodiment may determine a resistance value of the object based on the digital signal.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may determine whether the electronic device is in contact with the object 120 based on the measured voltage.

[0078] For example, when the user's tongue 130 contacts the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112, as the circuit that was originally in an open state is connected, the voltage of the second terminal 112 can be measured. When the voltage value measured at the second terminal 112 exceeds the first voltage threshold preset in the processor 100, the processor 100 can determine that the user's tongue 130 contacts the mouthpiece 110.

[0079] The processor 100 may convert the measured voltage value into a digital signal through the ADC input terminal 102 .

[0080] The processor 100 may determine a resistance value of an object corresponding to a digital signal converted through the ADC input terminal 102 .

[0081] Figure 3b This is a flowchart for explaining an operation method in which a processor updates a resistance value of a target.

[0082] Steps 350 to 370 can be referred to Figure 1a and Figure 1b The processor performs the description, referring to FIGS. 1 to Figure 3a The same description applies to Figure 3b , and the repeated content is omitted here.

[0083] In step 350 , the processor according to an embodiment may continuously measure the voltage of the second terminal during the operation of the electronic device.

[0084] In step 360 , a processor according to an embodiment may monitor the amount of change in the measured voltage.

[0085] In step 370, when the measured voltage variation exceeds a second voltage threshold, the resistance value of the object may be updated.

[0086] In an electronic device according to an embodiment, the received digital recipe may include data for applying an appropriate microcurrent according to the resistance value of the object 120. Since the resistance value of the object 120 may change in real time, the electronic device may need to continuously measure the resistance value of the object 120. In order for the electronic device to achieve the accurate digital taste required by the digital recipe in the object 120, it may be necessary to perform precise control of the microcurrent corresponding to the resistance value of the object 120, and when the resistance value of the object changes above a predetermined level, the power of the PWM control unit 101 may be re-determined to adjust the intensity of the microcurrent.

[0087] According to one embodiment, when the voltage change measured in the second terminal 112 exceeds the second voltage threshold, the processor 100 may update the resistance value of the object. For example, during the user's smoking process, the state of the user's tongue 130 may change, resulting in a change in the voltage value of the second terminal 112. When the changed voltage value of the second terminal 112 is compared with the first voltage threshold, and the absolute value of the compared voltage value exceeds the second voltage threshold change, the processor 100 may perform an operation for updating the resistance value of the object. The change in the voltage value measured in the second terminal 112 may refer to a change in the resistance value of the user's tongue 130, at which point the processor 100 may update the resistance value of the new object corresponding to the digital formula. The processor 100 may apply a microcurrent to the user's tongue 130 through the PWM control unit 101 according to the resistance value of the new object.

[0088] Figure 4a The structure of a mouthpiece according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0089] Figure 4b A cross section of a mouthpiece according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0090] Figure 4c A cross section of a cigarette holder composed of a multi-layer flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0091] Reference Figures 1a to 3b The same description applies to Figures 4a to 4c , and the repetitive content is omitted here. In addition, the entire operation of the cigarette holder can be referred to Figures 1a to 3b The processor 100 is described to control.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a body and a mouthpiece 400. The mouthpiece 400 may be attached to and detached from the body. Although not shown in FIG. 4 , the body refers to the rest of the electronic cigarette device except the mouthpiece 400. Figure 9a The entity is described in detail in.

[0093] The mouthpiece portion 400 according to an embodiment may include: a cylindrical body 410 having a size and strength similar to that of a common cigarette, an outer circumferential surface 411, an inner circumferential surface 412, a first capacitive sensor 421 and a second capacitive sensor 422 for sensing whether lips are in contact, and a first terminal 441 and a second terminal 442 for applying a microcurrent to achieve a digital flavor.

[0094] The mouthpiece portion 400 according to an embodiment may include a hot wire portion 430 designed as a thermal resistor pattern, and an aerosol inhalation portion 450 for a user to inhale aerosol.

[0095] The cylindrical body 410 of the mouthpiece according to one embodiment is similar to an ordinary cigarette. The cylindrical body 410 should be longer than the filter rod part (about 30 mm) of a cigarette or a cigarette stick. The filter rod part of a cigarette or a cigarette stick may refer to a filter rod of an electronic cigarette that is inserted into an ordinary cigarette or a cigarette stick for use. When a user holds the mouthpiece 400 to inhale smoke, if it has the same length as an ordinary cigarette or a cigarette stick as described above, it may only touch the lips when naturally contacting the tongue. Therefore, the cylindrical body 410 of the mouthpiece must have a longer structure than an ordinary cigarette or a cigarette stick in order to naturally contact the user's tongue. However, the shape of the cylindrical body 410 of the present disclosure is not limited to the shape, thickness or length of the ordinary cigarette.

[0096] The proximal portion according to an embodiment may refer to a direction close to a side contacting the user's tongue in the cylindrical body 410 of the mouthpiece. On the contrary, the distal portion may refer to a direction in which the cylindrical body 410 of the mouthpiece is inserted into the body.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the first capacitive sensor 421 is disposed in a first area of ​​the outer circumference of the mouthpiece portion 400 .

[0098] The second capacitive sensor 422 according to an embodiment is disposed in a second region of the outer circumferential surface spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the first region.

[0099] The first microcurrent application terminal 441 according to one embodiment is arranged in a third area of ​​the outer peripheral surface separated in the length direction of the second area. The first microcurrent application terminal 441 can be set in the third area along the proximal direction based on the second area. In addition, the third area can be separated from the second area by a predetermined length (for example, more than 10 mm) in the length direction. The first microcurrent application terminal 441 may include the above-mentioned first terminal 111.

[0100] The second micro-current applying terminal 442 according to an embodiment is disposed in a fourth region of the outer peripheral surface separated in the circumferential direction of the third region. The second micro-current applying terminal 442 may include the second terminal 112 described above.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the hot wire portion 430 can be disposed in the fifth region of the space between the outer circumferential surface 411 and the inner circumferential surface 412. The hot wire portion 430 can heat the mouthpiece portion 400 or the aerosolized medium so that their temperature is close to the mainstream smoke temperature of an ordinary cigarette or a cigarette rod (the smoke directly inhaled into the smoker's mouth when smoking, otherwise referred to as the secondary smoke). For example, the mainstream smoke temperature of an ordinary cigarette or a cigarette rod is about 25°C to 55°C, and the thermal resistance value and pattern of the hot wire portion 430 can be set according to this temperature range. However, the heating temperature of the hot wire portion 430 of the present disclosure is not limited to 25°C to 55°C.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the insulating portion 413 can be arranged between the outer peripheral surface 411 and the hot wire portion 430. The hot wire portion 430 can be designed as a thermal resistor for applying thermal stimulation. If the hot wire portion 430 is not insulated from the first microcurrent application terminal 441 and the second microcurrent application terminal 442, the hot wire portion 430 and the microcurrent application terminal are connected through the tongue, thereby changing the resistance value and changing the heating temperature or microcurrent intensity of the thermal resistor. In other words, if the resistance of the microcurrent circuit and the thermal resistor form a short circuit through the tongue, normal circuit operation may not be achieved. Therefore, the hot wire portion 430, the first microcurrent terminal 441 and the second microcurrent terminal 442 can be opened through the insulating portion 413.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the aerosol inhalation part 450 may be formed inside the mouthpiece part 400 to allow aerosol to be discharged. The body may aerosolize nicotine or non-nicotine medium according to the user's selection and provide it to the user through the mouthpiece part 400.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the mouthpiece 400 is inserted into the body for operation. Figures 4a to 4c Although not shown in the figure, an insertion detection sensor may be arranged in the distal end direction of the mouthpiece portion 400, or an insertion detection sensor inserted into the mouthpiece portion 400 may be arranged in the insertion portion direction of the body.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the first capacitive sensor 421 can detect whether the upper lip of the user contacts the mouthpiece 400, and the second capacitive sensor 422 can detect whether the lower lip of the user contacts the mouthpiece 400. The first capacitive sensor unit and the second capacitive sensor unit can send sensing information to the processor 100. The processor 100 can control the operation of the electronic device, apply microcurrent, and analyze the user's smoking pattern based on the sensing information.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece 400 is composed of a circuit including a hot wire part 430 and a circuit including a microcurrent application terminal (a first microcurrent application terminal and a second microcurrent application terminal). The circuit can be composed of a multi-layer FPCB structure, which separates the pattern design of the circuit including the hot wire part 430 and the pattern design of the circuit including the microcurrent application terminal, and the patterns of each layer are further divided by an insulating layer. The FPCB structure is different from the ordinary PCB structure. As a flexible printed circuit board, it can be suitable for surrounding a cylindrical cigarette or a rod-shaped mouthpiece 400. Compared with smoking using ordinary cigarettes or cigarette rods, users can feel less difference when smoking through the mouthpiece 400 using a multi-layer FPCB structure.

[0107] like Figure 1b , Figures 4a to 4c As shown, the first micro-current applying terminal 441 and the second micro-current applying terminal 442 according to one embodiment should allow the user's tongue 130 to contact the terminals. Figure 4c The upper and lower parts of the cross section of the mouthpiece include the hot wire part 430 and the micro-current applying terminal. Since the user's tongue 130 can usually only contact one of the upper and lower parts of the cylindrical object, in order to make all the micro-current applying terminals contact the user's tongue 130, the micro-current applying terminals need to be configured at the upper or lower part.

[0108] The body according to one embodiment may include a communication unit and a processor for receiving a digital recipe. The processor 100 according to one embodiment may determine whether a first area of ​​the mouthpiece is in contact with a first portion of an object. The processor 100 may determine whether a second area of ​​the mouthpiece is in contact with a second portion of an object. The processor 100 may determine whether a first terminal and a second terminal of the mouthpiece are in contact with a third portion of an object. The processor 100 may apply a current corresponding to the digital recipe to the third portion of the object based on whether the first terminal and the second terminal of the mouthpiece are in contact with the third portion of the object. This will be described below. Figure 9a A communication unit according to an embodiment is described in detail.

[0109] Figure 5 is a flowchart for illustrating a control method of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0110] Reference Figure 5 , steps 510 to 540 can be referred to Figures 1a to 4c instructions to be executed by the processor and refer to Figures 1a to 4c The same description applies to Figure 5 , and the repeated content is omitted here.

[0111] In step 510, an electronic device according to an embodiment may receive a digital recipe. The electronic device may receive a digital taste recipe and / or a digital fragrance recipe included in the digital recipe from a user terminal (eg, a user terminal connected to the corresponding electronic device via a network).

[0112] After executing step 510, the hot wire portion 430 of the mouthpiece according to an embodiment may preheat the electronic device based on the digital recipe. For example, the nicotine medium or non-nicotine medium built into the electronic device may be preheated based on the digital recipe.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may notify the user through vibration that preheating is complete when the hot wire portion 430 of the mouthpiece and the nicotine medium or the non-nicotine medium reach a predetermined temperature.

[0114] In step 520 , the electronic device according to an embodiment may determine whether the mouthpiece is in contact with the lips.

[0115] The electronic device may determine whether the first area of ​​the mouthpiece portion is in contact with the first portion of the object (eg, the upper lip of the user). Figure 4a As shown, the first capacitive sensor may be disposed in a first region of the mouthpiece.

[0116] The electronic device may determine whether the second area of ​​the mouthpiece portion is in contact with a second portion of the object (eg, the user's lower lip).

[0117] More specifically, the electronic device may determine whether the capacitance value of the first capacitance sensor of the first area of ​​the mouthpiece exceeds a first capacitance threshold. For example, when the user holds the mouthpiece 400 by touching the first area with the upper lip, the capacitance value of the first capacitance sensor of the first area may change. When the capacitance value changes and exceeds the first capacitance threshold, the processor 100 of the electronic device may determine that the upper lip of the user has touched the first area.

[0118] The electronic device may determine whether the capacitance value of the second capacitance sensor in the second area of ​​the mouthpiece exceeds the second capacitance threshold. For example, when the user touches the second area with the lower lip to hold the mouthpiece 400, the capacitance value of the second capacitance sensor in the second area may change. When the capacitance value changes and exceeds the second capacitance threshold, the processor 100 of the electronic device may determine that the lower lip of the user has touched the second area.

[0119] In step 530 , the electronic device according to an embodiment may determine whether the mouthpiece is in contact with the tongue.

[0120] The electronic device may determine whether the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 of the mouthpiece portion 400 are in contact with a third part of the object (eg, the user's tongue).

[0121] The electronic device measures the voltage of the second terminal 112 of the mouthpiece 400. When the measured voltage exceeds a third voltage threshold (eg, Figure 1a The first voltage threshold has the same value as that of the first voltage threshold, and it can be determined that the mouthpiece is in contact with the third part of the object.

[0122] In step 540 , the electronic device according to an embodiment applies a current corresponding to the digital recipe to the third portion of the object based on whether the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 of the mouthpiece portion 400 are in contact with the third portion of the object.

[0123] The electronic device applies current to the third portion of the object only when the third portion of the object contacts the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 of the mouthpiece portion 400 .

[0124] For example, when the user holds the mouthpiece 400 of the electronic device for use, the user may also hold the mouthpiece 400 with only the lips to inhale the aerosol. The user's tongue may not contact the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 of the electronic device, and microcurrent may not be applied at this time. Alternatively, when the user holds the mouthpiece 400 of the electronic device for use, the user's lips may contact the first terminal 111 or the second terminal 112. When the user's lips contact the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112, microcurrent should not be applied. That is, in this case, the electronic device also applies microcurrent after determining whether it contacts the user's tongue 130. The resistance values ​​of human lips and tongues are generally different, and therefore, the resistance value is determined based on the voltage value measured by the processor 100 at the second terminal 112. When the resistance value is determined to be the resistance value of the lips, the microcurrent is not applied to the terminal of the mouthpiece.

[0125] Figure 6a The cigarette cartridge and the aerosol generating device of the electronic cigarette device according to one embodiment are schematically shown.

[0126] Reference Figures 1a to 5 The same description applies to Figure 6a , and the repeated content is omitted here.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the flavor cartridge unit 600 includes: at least one flavor cartridge (611 to 613), a flavor material moving valve (621 to 623) attached to each cartridge, a flavor aerosol generating unit 630 for aerosolizing the mixed solution, and an aerosol moving unit 640. In the present disclosure, the flavor cartridge unit 600 is composed of three flavor cartridges (611 to 613), but the number of flavor cartridges is not limited to three, and a variety of flavor cartridges may be included. Similarly, the solution moving valve (621 to 623) of the present disclosure is not limited to three.

[0128] The processor 100 according to an embodiment may control the flavor cartridge part based on the target mixing formula included in the digital recipe. The processor 100 may control the operation of the flavor cartridge (611 to 613), the flavor material moving valve (621 to 623), the flavor aerosol generating part 630, and the aerosol moving part 640 based on the target mixing formula. The target mixing formula includes the mixing ratio data of the flavor materials included in the flavor cartridge (611 to 613).

[0129] According to an embodiment, the flavor cartridges (611 to 613) may include different flavor substances. For example, the first flavor cartridge 611 may include a citrus flavor substance of the light series. The second flavor cartridge 612 may include a herbal flavor substance of the green series. The third flavor cartridge 613 may include a tobacco flavor substance of the heavy series.

[0130] The flavor material moving valve ( 621 to 623 ) according to an embodiment may adjust the moving amount of the flavor material included in the flavor cartridge ( 611 to 613 ) corresponding to the target mixed formula based on the control of the processor 100 .

[0131] According to an embodiment, the flavor aerosol generating unit 630 can aerosolize the moving multiple flavor substances. When the user takes a puff for smoking, the processor 100 can control the flavor aerosol generating unit 630 to aerosolize the mixed solution included in the flavor aerosol generating unit 630 and spray it (atomize and spray it).

[0132] According to an embodiment, the fragrance aerosol moving unit 640 is a pipe for the aerosolized mixed fragrance material to move for spraying. Since the aerosolized fragrance material needs to be sprayed according to the user's inhalation, the processor 100 can control the fragrance aerosol moving unit 640 to spray the aerosolized fragrance material in accordance with the user's inhalation.

[0133] Figure 6b is a flow chart for illustrating a method for increasing the aroma of an electronic cigarette device according to an embodiment.

[0134] Reference Figure 6b , steps 650 to 670 can be referred to Figures 1a to 3b The processor 100 of the description is executed, and the Figure 1a and Figure 6a Duplicate content.

[0135] In step 650, the electronic cigarette device according to an embodiment receives a target mixed formula. The digital formula according to an embodiment may include information related to the target mixed formula.

[0136] In step 660 , the electronic cigarette device according to an embodiment mixes a plurality of flavor substances based on a target mixed formula.

[0137] The processor 100 according to an embodiment may send a control signal including a target mixed formula to the flavor cartridge unit 600. The flavor cartridges (611 to 613) and the flavor material moving valves (621 to 623) may move the flavor material to the flavor aerosol generating unit 630 according to the control signal and mix the multiple flavor materials. At this time, the processor 100 may determine the spraying amount of the multiple flavor materials (e.g., the amount of the flavor material moved from each flavor cartridge (611 to 613)) according to the target mixed formula.

[0138] In step 670 , the electronic cigarette device according to an embodiment provides aerosolized flavor substances.

[0139] According to one embodiment, after the multiple flavor substances are mixed and aerosolized in the flavor aerosol generating unit 630, the flavor aerosol can be moved and sprayed to the outside of the electronic cigarette device through the flavor aerosol moving unit 640. At this time, the processor 100 can control the flavor cartridge unit 600 to spray the flavor aerosol in accordance with the user's inhalation operation.

[0140] In step 670 , the electronic cigarette device according to an embodiment senses a user's puff.

[0141] The electronic cigarette device according to an embodiment may include a puff sensor. Although not shown, the puff sensor may sense the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 326 may sense the user's puff based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.

[0142] In step 670, the electronic cigarette device according to an embodiment aerosolizes the mixed flavoring material. For example, the aerosol generating unit 630 may aerosolize the flavoring material in conjunction with the sensing time point of the user's inhalation.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating unit 630 can aerosolize the mixed flavoring material by heating. At this time, the processor 100 can send a control signal to the flavor cartridge unit 600 to aerosolize the flavoring material in conjunction with the sensing time point of the user's inhalation.

[0144] In step 670 , the electronic cigarette device according to an embodiment sprays aerosolized flavor substances.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the flavor cartridge unit 600 can spray the aerosolized flavor material generated in the flavor aerosol generating unit 630 through the flavor aerosol moving unit 640. When the puff sensor senses the user's puff, the processor 100 can spray the flavor material when a part of the user (e.g., the user's lips or nose) approaches the electronic cigarette device in conjunction with the user's puff timing. That is, if the flavor material is sprayed when the user's lips are in contact with the electronic cigarette, or the user's nose is close to the electronic cigarette, the user can be provided with a flavor even with a small amount of the flavor material.

[0146] In step 670 , the electronic cigarette device according to an embodiment may extract the user's puff interval based on the puff sensing result.

[0147] The processor 100 according to an embodiment may sense how many seconds the user takes a puff based on the user's puff result sensed by the puff sensor. The processor 100 may extract the user's puff interval based on the sensed result. For example, if the second puff occurs 7 seconds after the first puff, the third puff occurs 8 seconds after the second puff, and the fourth puff occurs 9 seconds after the third puff, then the user's puff interval is 8 seconds, that is, the average value of 7 seconds, 8 seconds, and 9 seconds. However, the number of measurements of the user's puff interval disclosed in the present invention is not limited to three times, and may also be measured more than three times.

[0148] Figure 6c This is a flowchart for explaining a method for an electronic cigarette device to determine whether to spray an aerosolized flavor.

[0149] Reference Figure 6c , steps 671 to 672 can be referred to Figure 1a The processor 100 described with reference to FIG. 3 is executed.

[0150] Figure 6c Used to illustrate Figure 6b In step 670, the processor provides a method for aerosolizing the fragrance substance.

[0151] Reference Figure 1a , Figure 6a to Figure 6b The same description applies to Figure 6c , and the repeated content is omitted here.

[0152] In step 671 , the electronic cigarette device according to an embodiment may spray aerosolized flavor substance at the user's puffing time point when the user's puffing interval exceeds a first interval threshold.

[0153] The processor 100 according to an embodiment may compare a preset first interval threshold with the user's puff interval and determine whether to spray the aerosolized flavor substance at the user's puff time point. That is, even if the aerosolized flavor substance is secreted at each puff time point of the user, it will not cause discomfort to the user or excessive consumption of the flavor substance, and the processor 100 commands the flavor cartridge unit 600 to secrete the aerosolized flavor substance.

[0154] For example, when the preset first interval threshold is 8 seconds, and the user's puff interval (the average of the first three puff intervals) is judged to be 9 seconds, the processor 100 can command the flavor cartridge unit 600 to spray aerosolized flavor substances at each puff time point of the user.

[0155] In step 672, the electronic cigarette device according to an embodiment may adjust the spraying frequency or spraying amount of the aerosolized flavor substance when the puffing interval of the user is below the first interval threshold.

[0156] The processor 100 according to an embodiment compares a preset first interval threshold with the user's puff interval, and when the user's puff interval is below the first interval threshold, adjusts the number of sprays or the amount of sprays of the aerosolized flavoring substance. That is, if the user's puff interval is too short, if the aerosolized flavoring substance is sprayed at each puff time point of the user, it will cause discomfort to the user or unnecessary consumption of the flavoring substance. Therefore, when the user's puff interval is below the first interval threshold, the aerosolized flavoring substance may be sprayed only at a portion of the user's puff time points.

[0157] Alternatively, when the user's puff interval is below the first interval threshold, the electronic device may spray a smaller amount of aerosolized flavoring material at the user's puff time point than before. The processor 100 may use the above two adjustment methods simultaneously or only use one of them separately according to the user's puff interval.

[0158] For example, when the preset first interval threshold is 8 seconds and the user's puff interval is 5 seconds, spraying can be stopped once at the user's puff time point, that is, spraying once every 10 seconds in this way. Alternatively, the aerosolized flavoring substance sprayed at each puff time point of the user can be reduced to 1 / 2. The number of sprays or the amount of sprays disclosed in the present invention are not limited to examples.

[0159] Figure 7a The operation of the aroma sensor of the electronic device according to one embodiment is schematically shown.

[0160] Reference Figure 6a to Figure 6b The same description applies to Figure 7a , and the repeated content is omitted here. Figure 1aThe processor 100 may perform operations for analyzing data from the aroma sensor.

[0161] According to an embodiment, the aroma sensor may include at least one sample to sense the aroma of a substance. The sample may react with the aroma component of the substance to detect what components are included in the aroma of the substance. The sample may be composed of a plurality of components predetermined in the aroma sensor.

[0162] The initial state 710 of the sample according to an embodiment refers to a state in which no reaction occurs with any component. In the initial state 710, the electronic device may operate the aroma sensor to sense the aroma. When the aroma sensor operates, the aroma of the substance may flow into the aroma sensor and react with the sample. The sample disclosed herein is composed of and represented by 100 samples, but the number of samples is not limited to 100, but may be more than or less than 100.

[0163] The sample data extraction chart 720 according to one embodiment is a chart showing the reaction of the aroma component of the substance. Each sample can react with the aroma component of the substance and extract data through the processor of the electronic device. The data extraction chart 720 can show the aroma components of the substance and the concentration of each component. For example, the highest line in the chart 720 is the component that shows the highest reactivity, which can be regarded as a component with a higher concentration. Conversely, the lowest line in the chart 720 is the component that shows the lowest reactivity, which can be regarded as a component with a lower concentration.

[0164] The reaction state 730 of the sample according to an embodiment represents the state after the sample reacts with the aroma component of the substance in the initial state 710. The aroma sensor may store the components and concentration values ​​of the aroma component of the substance based on the graph 720 and the reaction state 730.

[0165] The processor according to an embodiment may convert the aroma data into the aroma formula based on the information of the cigarette cartridge including the plurality of cigarette cartridges. Figure 6a Taking the flavor cartridge unit 600 as an example, the processor 100 matches the predetermined multiple components (samples) to multiple cartridges (flavor cartridges (611 to 613)) based on the information of the three flavor cartridges (611 to 613). Chart 740 is the result of matching the reaction state 730 of the sample to multiple cartridges.

[0166] When the matching is completed, the processor can determine the mixing ratio of the flavor substances based on the average concentration of each component. Alternatively, the processor can determine the mixing ratio of the flavor substances based on the concentration value of the component in each component that is most similar to the flavor cartridge. In addition to the method described in the present disclosure, the mixing ratio of the flavor substances can also be determined by other methods. When the flavor cartridge unit 600 includes more than three flavor cartridges, the processor 100 can match the sample according to the degree of similarity to the taste of the actual substance.

[0167] Figure 7b is a data distribution diagram corresponding to a fragrance analyzed in an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0168] Reference Figure 7b According to an embodiment, the electronic device can analyze the main components of various aroma substances. The electronic device can detect data distribution through principal component analysis (PCA). The electronic device can form a library of corresponding data distribution and store it as data.

[0169] Figure 7b This is an example of analyzing vanillin according to an embodiment. The main component ratio of vanillin produced by different manufacturers may be different. The electronic device can analyze the main components of the fragrance to accumulate fragrance-related data.

[0170] Figure 7b The chart is the result of analyzing the two representative main components of vanillin using the x-axis (PCA1) and the y-axis (PCA2) respectively. The 0 point on the x-axis is the point where the component ratio of PCA1 (for example, chemical substance A) is 57%, and the 0 point on the y-axis is the point where the component ratio of PCA2 (for example, chemical substance B) is 37%. That is, PCA1 and PCA2 represent the concentration values ​​of the main components and represent the two substances in a two-dimensional manner on the chart. PCA1 (57%) on the x-axis means that the component value of chemical substance A has a concentration value difference of about -0.5 or +0.5 based on the 57% point (for example, the point on the chart that distinguishes Acros Organic vanillin and Merck vanillin). PCA2 (37%) on the y-axis means that the concentration value of chemical substance B has a concentration value difference of about -0.2 and +0.2 (for example, the point on the chart that distinguishes ethyl vanillin and Acros Organic vanillin).

[0171] For example, five measurements of vanillin from different manufacturers were performed, e.g. Figure 7bAs shown, the main components of vanillin from Merck, vanillin from Acros Organic, and ethyl vanillin are respectively gathered in specific areas. The electronic device can store the gathered data to improve the analysis accuracy of the substance in subsequent aroma sensing. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the method for detecting vanillin, and can also be applied to the detection method for various commercially available aroma substances.

[0172] Figure 7c This is an example of expressing the result of sensing aroma substances using an electronic device according to an embodiment in the form of data.

[0173] Figure 7c The drawing method and Figure 7b The x-axis is based on the point where the concentration of the main component PC1 is 77%, and the y-axis is based on the point where the concentration of the main component PC2 is 17%, and the ratio of the main components is shown in a two-dimensional graph.

[0174] Reference Figure 7c According to an embodiment, the electronic device can analyze the composition of the aroma substance. When sensing a specific aroma substance, the electronic device can use the data stored after pre-sensing various aroma substances and forming a library. The electronic device can sense the specific aroma substance and match the sensed value of the specific aroma substance with the data in the library using a predetermined algorithm.

[0175] Figure 7c The chart in shows the data distribution stored after pre-sensing various aroma substances for two main components and forming a library. More specifically, the data of pre-sensing and clustering of multiple aroma substances including lemon flavor and strawberry flavor.

[0176] For example, Figure 7c The diagram of FIG. 1 shows in a diagram a method for matching lemon flavor and strawberry flavor in data of a library formed by pre-sensing various aroma substances. Figure 7c As shown in the diagram of , lemon flavor is stored in the upper library. When the external aroma substance sensed by the electronic device is located in the storage value area of ​​lemon flavor, the electronic device can determine that the external aroma substance is lemon flavor. Figure 7c As shown in the diagram, strawberry flavor is stored in the library on the left. When another external aroma substance sensed by the electronic device is located in the storage value area of ​​strawberry flavor, the electronic device can determine that the other external aroma substance is strawberry flavor.

[0177] Figure 7d is a flow chart for illustrating a method for generating a scent recipe by an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0178] Reference Figure 7d, steps 751 to 753 can be referred to Figures 1a to 7c The processor 100 and the aroma sensor of the electronic device are described above and repeated contents are omitted here.

[0179] In step 751 , the electronic device according to an embodiment senses an aroma of a substance.

[0180] The aroma of the substance may flow into the interior of the aroma sensor of the electronic device according to an embodiment. The predetermined multiple components inside the aroma sensor may react with the aroma components of the substance. Data related to the reacted predetermined multiple components may be sent to the processor 100.

[0181] In step 752, the electronic device extracts aroma data based on the sensing result, wherein the aroma data represents the aroma of the substance according to a plurality of predetermined components and the concentration of each component.

[0182] According to an embodiment, the processor 100 can analyze a plurality of predetermined components to extract aroma data, which represents the types and concentrations of the aroma components of the substance. For example, if there are 10 aroma components of the substance, the processor 100 can digitize the types and concentrations of the 10 components and store them as data.

[0183] In step 753, the aroma data may be converted into a recipe based on the cartridge information of the aroma device including a plurality of cartridges.

[0184] The processor 100 according to an embodiment may convert the fragrance data into a recipe based on the cartridge information of the fragrance device including multiple cartridges. The cartridge information may include at least one of the number and type of multiple fragrance cartridges. The processor 100 may match the multiple components predetermined in the fragrance sensor to the multiple fragrance cartridges respectively based on the cartridge information. That is, similar components in the predetermined multiple components may be set as multiple fragrance component groups based on the fragrance cartridge information, and each fragrance cartridge may be matched to each fragrance component group.

[0185] According to an embodiment, the processor 100 can determine the spray volume of each of the multiple flavor cartridges based on the concentration of each component. That is, the processor 100 can determine the mixing ratio of each flavor cartridge in the fragrance device based on the concentration data of the individual components within the matching flavor component group. For example, assume that there are three components in the first flavor component group that react with the fragrance of the substance; two components in the second flavor component group react with the fragrance of the substance; and five components in the third flavor component group react with the fragrance of the substance. At this time, the concentration of each flavor component group can be determined by comparing the concentrations of the three components in the first flavor component group, the concentrations of the two components in the second flavor component group, and the concentrations of the five components in the third flavor component group. The processor 100 can determine the spray volume (e.g., mixing ratio) of the flavor cartridge based on the concentration of each flavor component group. Ultimately, the processor 100 can generate a flavor formula including flavor data, cartridge information of the fragrance device, and a mixing ratio.

[0186] The flavor cartridge unit 600 according to an embodiment can mix a plurality of flavor substances according to a generated flavor formula and provide aerosolized flavor substances.

[0187] Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operating method of a terminal according to an embodiment.

[0188] In step 810, the terminal according to an embodiment sends a digital recipe purchase request signal to the server. The user can access the server through a terminal with an application installed. The server can be a service platform that provides digital recipe services. The user can register the digital recipe service provided by the server through the application and generate an account for the digital recipe service. The server can be connected to the terminal through a network. Here, the network can include the Internet, at least one local area network, a wide area network, a cellular network, a mobile network, other types of networks, or a combination of these networks.

[0189] For example, a smartphone application that allows the purchase of digital recipes for tobacco lists various recipes corresponding to multiple types of tobacco (e.g., Lexan, Esser, Marlboro, etc.). Users can purchase the recipes related to the tobacco they want to smoke through the application. That is, the user can send a request to the server to purchase the digital recipe of a specific tobacco to receive the digital recipe of the tobacco. Figure 7d The digital formula may include a digital flavor formula, which is information about the current applied to an object in contact with the electronic device. In addition, the digital formula may include a digital fragrance formula, which is information related to the fragrance method of the fragrance cartridge in the electronic device.

[0190] In step 820 , a terminal according to an embodiment receives a digital recipe from a server.

[0191] For example, the terminal may send a digital formula purchase request signal of tobacco to the server, and the server may send the digital formula to the terminal according to the purchase request signal of the terminal. The terminal may download the received digital formula and store it in the terminal.

[0192] In step 830 , the terminal according to an embodiment may send a control signal including a digital recipe to the electronic device.

[0193] According to an embodiment, the terminal and the electronic device may be connected via at least one wireless communication of near field communication or cellular communication.

[0194] According to an embodiment, the terminal may receive the digital recipe from the server and store it in the terminal. The terminal may send a control signal to the electronic device, the control signal including a power on / off signal and a preheating signal that can enable the electronic device with the digital recipe of tobacco to operate. At this time, the control signal may include information on the maximum number of puffs that the user can take in one smoking behavior. In addition, the digital recipe may include information related to the electrical stimulation or thermal stimulation that realizes the digital taste.

[0195] In step 840, the terminal according to an embodiment receives a smoking completion notification using a digital recipe from the electronic device.

[0196] For example, when the user completes smoking using the digital formula using the electronic device, the electronic device sends a notification to the terminal indicating that the user has finished smoking. At this time, the electronic device sends the smoking completion notification to the terminal, which is determined based on the maximum number of puffs that the user can take in one smoking behavior included in the control signal received from the terminal.

[0197] In step 850, the terminal according to an embodiment updates the usable number of the digital prescription in response to the smoking completion notification.

[0198] For example, when the terminal receives a smoking completion notification corresponding to the digital formula from the electronic device, the number of times the digital formula can be used can be reduced by 1. For example, a pack of ordinary tobacco includes 20 cigarettes, so the digital formula of tobacco usually has 20 uses. At this time, when the terminal receives a smoking completion notification because the user has finished smoking, the number of uses of the digital formula can be reduced by 1, thereby updating the number of uses to 19.

[0199] According to an embodiment, the terminal may deactivate the digital recipe when the number of times the digital recipe can be used is zero.

[0200] For example, when the number of uses of the digital recipe becomes 0 because all 20 uses of the digital recipe are used up, the terminal may send a signal to the server indicating that the digital recipe is completely consumed.

[0201] According to an embodiment, the terminal may send a deactivation signal of the digital recipe to the electronic device.

[0202] As described above, when the number of uses of the digital formula becomes 0, a deactivation signal may also be sent to the electronic device to inform that the digital formula can no longer be used for smoking.

[0203] According to an embodiment, the terminal can also give other terminals the right to use the digital formula for a specific number of times. For example, a smartphone application can be used to send and receive between users through a server, and the user can give the purchased digital formula to other users. At this time, the number of uses corresponding to the number of uses of the gifted digital formula will be subtracted from the user terminal as the gifting party (for example, if the gift is 3 times, then 3 times will be subtracted).

[0204] According to an embodiment, the terminal may send a subscription signal to the server.

[0205] For example, when a smartphone application provides a subscription service, the terminal can send a signal to the server that it wants to subscribe. The subscription service can automatically implement re-purchases in accordance with the number of times the user uses the digital formula. Or, after paying a predetermined amount in advance, multiple types of tobacco can be used an unlimited number of times.

[0206] According to an embodiment, the terminal may receive usage information from the server, wherein the usage information includes at least one of the number of usable digital prescriptions corresponding to the subscription information, the number of times the digital prescription can be used, and the maximum number of puffs.

[0207] For example, when a user starts using a subscription service through a smartphone application, the terminal may send a signal to the server that the user is about to use the subscription service. At this time, the server may send the number of digital tobacco formulas that can be used according to the type of subscription service selected by the user. Alternatively, usage information including at least one of the number of times the digital tobacco formula can be used and the maximum number of puffs may be sent. The terminal provides the subscription service to the user according to the signal sent by the server.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the subscription service can recommend customized formulas and provide new formula information by analyzing the accumulated data such as the user's smoking pattern and purchase information. The subscription service can provide differentiated benefits according to different levels through a monthly subscription system. For example, the subscription service can provide users with differentiated level services such as VIP service, GOLD service, and SIVER service. Depending on the user level, the number of formula downloads (for example, VIP is unlimited), the number of formula gifts, the flavored cigarette cartridge delivery service, etc., may be different. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned types of levels and types of services.

[0209] The electronic device according to an embodiment receives a control signal including a digital recipe from a terminal connected to the electronic device. The control signal includes not only the digital recipe but also the maximum number of puffs that can be taken in one smoking behavior.

[0210] The electronic device according to an embodiment may count the number of puffs taken by the subject in one smoking behavior based on the control signal.

[0211] For example, when the terminal sets the maximum number of puffs to 14 times and transmits it to the electronic device, the puff sensor of the electronic device may sense the user's puffs and subtract the number of puffs.

[0212] When the number of puffs of the subject according to an embodiment reaches a maximum number of puffs, a smoking completion notification using a digital recipe is sent to the terminal.

[0213] For example, when the maximum number of puffs is 14 times and the user completes 14 puffs, the electronic device may send a smoking completion notification to the terminal.

[0214] According to an embodiment, the sales method of the digital formula can be DIY type, cigarette type, TPO type or consumer-made type.

[0215] For example, the DIY sales method may be a sales method in which consumers directly combine the amount of nicotine, the flavor or aroma of tobacco to generate a recipe. For example, a user may select at least one nicotine amount (e.g., 0.1 mg, 0.3 mg, etc.), a tobacco flavor of red wine flavor, and a herbal flavor through the DIY sales method.

[0216] For example, consumers can choose a digital formula of flavor / flavor similar to the flavor of ordinary cigarettes through a cigarette-type sales method. That is, the flavor of tobacco sold on the market is sold in the form of a digital formula.

[0217] For example, consumers can choose a formula suitable for smoking conditions through TPO sales. For example, smokers may experience different flavors of tobacco when driving, resting, after a meal or after drinking, so users can choose tobacco flavors that are suitable for the situation.

[0218] For example, consumers with electronic devices can use aroma sensors to prepare recipes through consumer-made sales. The prepared recipes can be sold to other consumers through smartphone applications.

[0219] However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples, and the digital recipe can be prepared into different flavors and aromas that are commercially available, and users can choose different flavors or aromas, or it can be sold through other sales methods.

[0220] Figure 9a The structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0221] Reference Figures 1a to 8 The same description applies to Figure 9a , and the repeated content is omitted here.

[0222] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 900 includes a mouthpiece portion 910 , a sensing portion 921 , a battery 922 , a processor 923 , a communication portion 924 , a flavor sensor portion 931 , a flavor cartridge portion 932 , and a liquid cartridge portion 933 .

[0223] According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece portion 910 includes Figure 1a The cigarette holder 110 and Figure 4a The mouthpiece portion 400 has the same function and structure.

[0224] The sensing unit 921 may sense a state of the electronic device 900 or a state around the electronic device 900 and transmit the sensed information to the processor 923 .

[0225] The sensing portion 921 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, an insertion detection sensor, and a puff sensor, but is not limited thereto. For example, the sensing portion 921 may include the sensor described with reference to the above-mentioned figures. The temperature sensor may sense the temperature and transmit it to the processor 923 to prevent the hot wire portion of the mouthpiece portion 910 from being overheated.

[0226] The insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of the mouthpiece portion 910 in the electronic device 900. For example, the insertion detection sensor can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change corresponding to the insertion and / or removal of the mouthpiece portion 910.

[0227] In addition to the aforementioned sensors, the sensing unit 921 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since a person skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from the name, a detailed description is omitted.

[0228] The battery 922 can provide the power required to operate the electronic device 900. The battery 922 can supply power to heat the liquid cartridge portion 933 or the flavor cartridge portion 932. In addition, the battery 922 can provide the power required for the operation of the aforementioned other components provided in the electronic device. The battery 922 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 922 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0229] The processor 923 can control the overall operation of the electronic device 900. In one embodiment, the processor 923 can be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a program executable by the microprocessor. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the control unit can also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0230] The processor 923 may execute the reference Figures 1a to 8 The operation of processor 100 is described.

[0231] The communication unit 924 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 924 may include a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0232] The short-range wireless communication unit includes a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit (Near Field Communication unit), a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0233] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 384 may confirm and authenticate the electronic device 900 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0234] The communication unit 924 may send a smoking completion notification to a terminal connected to the electronic device.

[0235] The aroma sensing unit 931 may include the aforementioned reference Figures 7a to 7d An electronic device for an aroma sensor is described.

[0236] The flavor cartridge portion 932 may include the aforementioned reference Figures 6a to 6c A flavor cartridge portion of an electronic device is described.

[0237] The liquid cartridge portion 933 may include a nicotine medium or a non-nicotine medium. The liquid cartridge portion 933 may actually be provided to the user by vaporizing the liquid. The digital formula may include information related to the nicotine medium or other non-nicotine medium. Therefore, the electronic device may vaporize the medium inside the liquid cartridge portion 933 according to the digital formula and provide it to the user. The nicotine medium may be composed of substances that can provide nicotine (tobacco leaves, nicotine gel, nicotine activated carbon, nicotine-containing paraffin, tobacco medium compressed rods, etc.). Non-nicotine substances may be composed of healthy red ginseng, caffeine, taurine, vitamins, etc. The electronic device heats it and aerosolizes it for inhalation by the user. The heating method may be various methods such as inductive heating, external heating, internal heating, and ultrasonic heating.

[0238] Figure 9b is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an electronic device as a digital tobacco according to an embodiment.

[0239] Steps 941 to 943 can be referred to Figure 1a and Figure 9a The processor executes the instructions.

[0240] In step 941 , the electronic device according to an embodiment receives digital taste information and digital fragrance information from a terminal connected to the electronic cigarette device.

[0241] In step 942, the electronic device according to an embodiment generates a taste control signal corresponding to the digital taste information and a fragrance control signal corresponding to the digital fragrance information.

[0242] In step 943 , the electronic device according to an embodiment generates a digital flavor and a digital flavor corresponding to the digital flavor control signal and the digital flavor control signal.

[0243] Fig.9c is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a terminal for electronic cigarette according to an embodiment.

[0244] Steps 951 to 954 can be referred to Figure 1a and Figure 9a The processor executes the instructions.

[0245] In step 951, the terminal according to an embodiment requests digital taste information and digital fragrance information from the server.

[0246] In step 952, the terminal according to an embodiment receives digital taste information and digital fragrance information from the server.

[0247] In step 953 , the terminal according to an embodiment sends a control signal including digital taste information and digital fragrance information to the electronic cigarette device connected to the terminal.

[0248] In step 954 , the terminal according to an embodiment receives a smoking completion notification using digital taste information and digital fragrance information from the electronic cigarette device.

[0249] Figure 9b and Fig.9c The method of operation includes the aforementioned Figures 1a to 9a The electronic device and the electronic device control method described in the embodiment, as well as the terminal and the terminal operation method.

[0250] The method according to the embodiment is implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed by a variety of computer units and recorded in a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can include program commands, data files, data structures, etc. in a single or combined manner. The program instructions recorded in the medium can be instructions specially designed and constructed to implement the embodiment, or instructions that can be used based on known knowledge by ordinary technicians in the field of computer software. Computer-readable storage media can include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and tapes; optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially constructed for storing and executing program commands such as read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), flash memories, etc. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language codes generated by compilers, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by computers by using interpreters, etc. To perform the operations of the embodiments, the hardware device can be configured to implement the operations in one or more software modules, and vice versa.

[0251] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of more than one of these, which may cause a processing device to operate in a desired manner, or, individually or collectively, to command a processing device. Software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of device, component, physical device, virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave for interpretation by the processing device or for providing commands or data to the processing device. Software may also be distributed on computer systems connected via a network and stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored in one or more computer-readable storage media.

[0252] Although the above embodiments are described based on limited embodiments and drawings, a person skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations based on the above description. For example, if the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and / or if the components in the described system, architecture, device or circuit are combined or combined in different forms, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents, appropriate results can also be obtained.

[0253] Therefore, other implementations, other examples, and equivalents of the claims should be interpreted to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cigarette holder. in, include: A mouthpiece portion having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface; A first capacitive sensor is disposed in a first area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette holder; a second capacitive sensor disposed in a second area of ​​the outer peripheral surface spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the first area; A first micro-current applying terminal is arranged in a third region of the outer peripheral surface separated along the length direction of the second region; and The second micro-current applying terminal is arranged in a fourth region of the outer peripheral surface separated from the third region in the circumferential direction.

2. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: The hot wire portion is disposed in a fifth region of the space between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface.

3. The mouthpiece according to claim 2, wherein: Also includes: The insulating portion is disposed between the outer peripheral surface and the heating wire portion.

4. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein: The first micro-current applying terminal is arranged in the third region along the proximal end direction with respect to the second region.

5. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein: The third region is spaced apart from the second region by more than 10 mm along the length direction.

6. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: An inhalation portion is formed inside the mouthpiece portion to allow aerosol to be discharged.

7. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: The insertion detection sensor is arranged along the distal end direction with the second area as a reference.

8. An aerosol inhalation device, in, include: Subject, and A mouthpiece portion, having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, and detachably mounted on the main body; The mouthpiece portion comprises: A first capacitive sensor is disposed in a first area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the mouthpiece, A second capacitive sensor is arranged in a second area of ​​the outer peripheral surface separated from the first area in a circumferential direction. a first micro-current applying terminal disposed in a third region of the outer peripheral surface separated along the length direction of the second region, and The second micro-current applying terminal is arranged in a fourth region of the outer peripheral surface separated from the third region in the circumferential direction.

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