Aerosol generating device based on ultrasonic vibration and control method thereof

Abstract

Embodiments relate to an inhalation control method of an aerosol-generating device in which the aerosol-generating device determines a liquid type included in a cartridge, transmits a liquid type signal to a terminal connected to the aerosol-generating device, receives a control signal including liquid information based on the liquid type from the terminal, and controls inhalation of the aerosol-generating device based on the control signal. The operation of the aerosol-generating device in response to the inhalation of the user is controlled, and an inhalation completion notification is transmitted to the terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to devices for generating aerosols, and in particular to methods of controlling inhalation of an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] The demand for electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes has been increasing in recent years. The increase in demand for e-cigarettes has accelerated the continued development of e-cigarette related functions, such as the continued development of functions according to the type and characteristics of e-cigarettes. Summary of the invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] Embodiments may provide an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol.

[0005] Embodiments may provide a method of controlling inhalation of an aerosol generating device.

[0006] Technical solutions to the problem

[0007] According to an embodiment, the method for controlling a terminal includes: receiving information about a cartridge liquid of the electronic device from an electronic device; transmitting a request for information about the cartridge liquid to a server; receiving information about the cartridge liquid from the server; transmitting a control signal to the electronic device, the control signal including information about the cartridge liquid; receiving an inhalation completion notification from the electronic device; and updating operating condition information of the electronic device in response to the inhalation completion notification.

[0008] The method may further include displaying information about the cartridge liquid on the terminal.

[0009] Updating the operating condition information may include: determining a next inhalation start time of the cartridge liquid; and limiting the operation of the electronic device until the next determined time point.

[0010] The method may further include performing user authentication when the information about the cartridge liquid includes information about inhalation restrictions.

[0011] The performing of the user authentication may include controlling the electronic device to stop the operation until the user authentication is completed.

[0012] The information about the cartridge liquid may indicate at least one of the following: the puff time, the puff cycle, and the number of puffs required for one administration of the cartridge liquid.

[0013] According to an embodiment, a method for controlling an electronic device includes: determining the type of liquid included in a cigarette cartridge; transmitting a signal identifying the type of the liquid to a terminal; receiving a control signal including information about the liquid from the terminal in response to the signal; controlling the operation of the electronic device based on the control signal; and transmitting an inhalation completion notification to the terminal when inhalation of a dose of the liquid is completed.

[0014] The controlling of the operation of the electronic device may include providing a puff-inducing interface based on the control signal.

[0015] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0016] A method of controlling inhalation of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments may be provided.

[0017] An aerosol generating device for generating aerosol according to an embodiment may be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an example.

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an example.

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to an example being separated from a body.

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the connection between a cartridge and a body of an aerosol generating device according to an example.

[0022] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a terminal according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following detailed description of the structure or function is provided only as an example, and various changes and modifications may be made to the implementation. Here, the implementation should not be understood as limiting the present disclosure, but should be understood to include all changes, equivalents and substitutes within the concept and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to explain various components, the components are not limited to such terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, within the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, or similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.

[0026] It should be noted that if it is described that one component is “connected,” “coupled” or “coupled” to another component, although the first component may be directly connected, coupled or coupled to the second component, a third component may also be “connected,” “coupled” or “coupled” between the first and second components.

[0027] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. It will also be understood that the terms "include / comprise" and / or "comprising / comprising" when used herein indicate the presence of the recited features, numbers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or additional addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof.

[0028] As used herein, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one of the items listed in the corresponding phrase of the phrase or all possible combinations of them.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical terms or scientific terms, have the common meanings understood by ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms such as commonly used terms defined in dictionaries should be understood to have the same meanings as these terms in the relevant technical content and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formalized meanings unless so clearly defined in this specification.

[0030] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0031] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0032] According to an embodiment, Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a controller 110, a sensing unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, an atomizer 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to Figure 1As shown. A person skilled in the art of the present disclosure may understand that, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 100, the Figure 1 Some of the components are shown or new components may be added.

[0033] The sensing unit 120 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state of the environment around the aerosol generating device 100, and transmit the sensing information obtained by the sensing to the controller 110. The controller 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100 based on the sensing information to control the operation of the atomizer 150, restrict smoking, determine whether to insert an aerosol generating product (e.g., an aerosol generating product, a cigarette cartridge, etc.), display a notification, and perform other functions.

[0034] The sensing unit 120 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, or a suction sensor 126. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0035] The temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature of the atomizer 150 (or the aerosol generating substance). The aerosol generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the atomizer 150, or the atomizer 150 itself may perform the function of serving as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be arranged around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0036] The insertion detection sensor 124 can sense whether the aerosol generating article is inserted and / or whether the aerosol generating device is removed. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 can include at least one of the following: a membrane sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, or an infrared sensor, and the insertion detection sensor 124 can sense the signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0037] The suction sensor 126 can sense the suction from the user based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the suction sensor 126 can sense the suction from the user based on one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change and pressure change.

[0038] In addition to the above-mentioned sensors 122 to 126, the sensing unit 120 may further include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, or a red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor (e.g., an illuminance sensor). Those skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from the name, so a detailed description of the sensor is omitted here.

[0039] The output unit 130 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 100 and provide the information to the user. The output unit 130 may include at least one of the following: a display 132, a tactile portion 134, or a sound outputter 136. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. When the display 132 and the touch panel are provided in a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 132 may be used as an input device in addition to being used as an output device.

[0040] The display 132 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 100 may include the charge / discharge state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100, the state of the atomizer 150, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating product, or the use restriction state of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., abnormal product is detected), etc., and the display 132 may output the information to the outside. The display 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display 132 may also be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) device.

[0041] The haptic portion 134 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100 in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulation or an electrical stimulation. For example, the haptic portion 134 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0042] The sound outputter 136 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100 in a sound manner. For example, the sound outputter 136 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0043] The battery 140 may supply power for operating the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 may supply power to operate the atomizer 150. In addition, the battery 140 may supply power required for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180) included in the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0044] The nebulizer 150 may receive power from the battery 140 to nebulize the aerosol-generating substance. Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC) to DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies the power to the atomizer 150. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 100 generates aerosol by an ultrasonic vibration method, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) (DC / AC) converter that converts the direct current (DC) power of the battery 140 into alternating current (AC) power.

[0045] The controller 110, the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 may receive power from the battery 140 to perform functions. Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies the power to the corresponding components.

[0046] In an embodiment, the atomizer 150 may include a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibrations by an applied signal (e.g., electricity). For example, the material of the vibrator may include piezoelectric ceramics. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The vibrator may include a piezoelectric body. The piezoelectric body according to the embodiment may be a conversion element that can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and can generate ultrasonic vibrations under the control of the controller 110. In an embodiment, when an alternating current is applied to the piezoelectric body subjected to piezoelectric treatment, the piezoelectric body may repeatedly expand and contract. As the piezoelectric body repeatedly expands and contracts, the vibrator may vibrate at a characteristic frequency. When a signal is applied to the vibrator, a short high-frequency vibration may be generated, and the generated vibration may split the aerosol-generating substance into small particles and atomize the aerosol-generating substance into an aerosol.

[0047] The user input unit 160 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., a contact capacitance type, a pressure sensitive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a scroll wheel, a scroll switch, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In addition, although Figure 1 Not shown, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices via a connection interface, such as a USB interface, to transmit and receive information, or to charge the battery 140.

[0048] The memory 170 is hardware for storing various data segments processed by the aerosol generating device 100, and can store data processed by the controller 110 and data to be processed by the controller 110. The memory 170 may include at least one of the following types of storage media: a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (such as an SD memory or an XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. The memory 170 may store the running time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, and data associated with the user's smoking pattern.

[0049] The communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184 .

[0050] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 includes a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0051] The wireless communication unit 184 may include, for example, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 184 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network.

[0052] The controller 110 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In an embodiment, the controller 110 may include 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, wherein the memory stores a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. In addition, it is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0053] The controller 110 may control the operation of the atomizer 150 by controlling the power supply from the battery 140 to the atomizer 150. For example, the controller 110 may control the supply of power by controlling the switching of a switching element of the drive circuit 138 positioned between the battery 140 and the atomizer 150.

[0054] The controller 110 may analyze the sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensing unit 120 and control the subsequent execution process. For example, the controller 110 may control the power supplied to the atomizer 150 according to the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120 to start or end the operation of the atomizer 150. For another example, the controller 110 may control the amount of power supplied to the atomizer 150 and the time of supplying power according to the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120, so that the atomizer 150 vibrates at a predetermined frequency or maintains a desired vibration frequency.

[0055] The controller 110 may control the output unit 130 according to the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the controller 110 may inform the user through at least one of the display 132, the tactile portion 134, or the sound outputter 136 that the aerosol generating device 100 is about to stop.

[0056] In an embodiment, the controller 110 may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the atomizer 150 by controlling the driving circuit 138 according to the state of the aerosol generating product sensed by the sensing unit 120. For example, the controller 110 may control the vibration frequency of the vibrator of the atomizer 150 according to the type and remaining amount of the aerosol generating product.

[0057] Embodiment can be implemented in the form of recording medium, and recording medium includes instructions executable by computer, such as program modules executable by computer.Computer readable medium can be any available medium accessible by computer, and includes all volatile (volatile) media, non-volatile (non-volatile) media, removable (removable) media and non-removable (non-removable) media.In addition, computer readable medium can include both computer storage medium and communication medium.Computer storage medium (computer storage medium) includes all volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storing information of computer readable instructions (computer-readable instruction), data structure (data structure), program module or other data.Communication medium generally includes computer readable command, data structure, or other data about molded data signal such as program module, or other transmission mechanism, and communication medium includes any information transmission medium.

[0058] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 , aerosol generating device 200 (e.g., Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a cartridge 220 containing an aerosol generating substance and a body 210 connected to the cartridge 220 .

[0060] The cartridge 220 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be coupled to the body 210 while containing an aerosol generating substance therein. For example, the cartridge 220 and the body 210 may be coupled when at least a portion of the cartridge 220 is inserted into the body 210. For another example, the cartridge 220 and the body 210 may be coupled when at least a portion of the body 210 is inserted into the cartridge 220.

[0061] The cartridge 220 and the body 210 may be connected by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a screw connection method, a magnetic connection method, or an interference fit method, but the connection method between the cartridge 220 and the body 210 is not limited to the above examples.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the cigarette cartridge 220 may include a housing 222 , a mouthpiece 224 , a storage portion 230 , a transmission portion 240 , a vibrator 250 , and an electronic terminal 260 .

[0063] The housing 222 of the aerosol generating device 200 may form the overall appearance of the cartridge 220 together with the mouthpiece 224, and components for operating the cartridge 220 may be disposed within the housing 222. For example, the housing 222 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped form, but the shape of the housing 222 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. According to an embodiment, the housing 222 may be formed in the shape of a polyhedral prism (e.g., a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism) or a cylinder.

[0064] The mouthpiece 224 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be disposed in an area of ​​the housing 222, and may include an outlet 224e for discharging the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substance to the outside. For example, the mouthpiece 224 may be disposed in an area of ​​the cartridge 220 that is opposite to another area coupled to the body 210, and when the user brings the mouthpiece 224 into contact with the mouthpiece, the user may receive the aerosol from the cartridge 220 and inhale the aerosol.

[0065] Due to the user's inhalation or suction operation, a pressure difference may be generated between the outside of the cartridge 220 and the inside of the cartridge 220, and due to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the cartridge 220, the aerosol generated in the cartridge 220 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the outlet 224e. That is, when the user brings the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 224, the user may receive the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the outlet 224e and inhale the aerosol.

[0066] The storage portion 230 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be positioned in the internal space of the housing 222 and may contain an aerosol generating substance. In the present disclosure, the expression "the storage portion contains the aerosol generating substance" means that the storage portion 230 performs a function of simply containing the aerosol generating substance like a container, and means that the storage portion 230 includes an element in which the aerosol generating substance is impregnated (contained), such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or a porous ceramic structure. In addition, the above expressions may be used as the same meaning hereinafter.

[0067] The storage unit 230 may contain the aerosol generating substance in one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, and a gel state.

[0068] In an embodiment, the aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. The liquid composition may be, for example, a liquid including a tobacco-containing substance containing volatile tobacco aroma components, or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco substance.

[0069] The liquid composition may include, for example, one of the following: water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, spices, flavoring agents or vitamin mixtures or mixtures of the above ingredients. Spices may include, for example, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruity ingredients, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0070] The flavoring agent may include ingredients that provide various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, or vitamin E. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol former such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0071] The liquid composition may include, for example, glycerol and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which nicotine salts are added. The liquid composition may also include two or more types of nicotine salts. Nicotine salts may be formed by adding a suitable acid to nicotine, the acid including an organic acid or an inorganic acid. Nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine, and may have a concentration of any suitable weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0072] The acid used to form the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected in consideration of the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 200, the aroma or taste, the solubility, etc. For example, the acid used to form the nicotine salt may include a single acid selected from one of the following or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the following: benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0073] The transfer part 240 of the aerosol generating device 200 may absorb the aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol generating substance stored or contained in the storage part 230 may be transferred from the storage part 230 to the vibrator 250 through the transfer part 240, and the vibrator 250 may generate an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance of the transfer part 240 or the aerosol generating substance received from the transfer part 240. In this case, the transfer part 240 may include at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but the transfer part 240 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the transfer portion 240 may be disposed adjacent to the storage portion 230 to receive the liquid aerosol generating substance from the storage portion 230. For example, the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage portion 230 may be discharged to the outside of the storage portion 230 through a liquid supply port formed in one area of ​​the storage portion 230 facing the transfer portion 240, and the transfer portion 240 may absorb the aerosol generating substance discharged from the storage portion 230.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the cartridge 220 may further include an absorber, which is arranged to cover at least a portion of the vibrator 250 that generates the aerosol, and the absorber also transfers the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the transfer portion 240 to the vibrator 250. The absorber may be made of a material capable of absorbing the aerosol generating substance. For example, the absorber may include at least one material of SPL 30 (H), SPL 50 (H) V, NP 100 (V8), SPL 60 (FC) and melamine. Since the cartridge 220 also includes an absorber, the aerosol generating substance can be absorbed not only by the transfer portion 240, but also by the absorber, so that the amount of the absorbed aerosol generating substance can be increased.

[0076] The vibrator 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be positioned inside the housing 222, and may generate an aerosol by inverting the phase of the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 220. For example, the vibrator 250 may generate an aerosol by heating or vibrating the aerosol generating substance.

[0077] In addition, since the absorber is configured to cover at least a portion of the vibrator 250, the absorber can act as a physical barrier to prevent "splashing", so that particles that are not fully atomized during the aerosol generation process are not directly discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200. Here, "splashing" may refer to particles of aerosol generating substances having a relatively large size due to being not fully atomized being discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220. Since the cartridge 220 also includes the absorber, the possibility of splashing can be reduced, and the user's smoking satisfaction can be improved.

[0078] In an embodiment, the absorber may be positioned between one surface of the vibrator 250 generating the aerosol and the transfer part 240, and transfer the aerosol supplied to the transfer part 240 to the vibrator 250. For example, one area of ​​the absorber may be in contact with the bottom surface of the transfer part 240, and another area of ​​the absorber may be in contact with the top surface of the vibrator 250. That is, the absorber may be positioned on the top surface of the vibrator 250, and supply the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the transfer part 240 to the vibrator 250.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the vibrator 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 can change the phase of the aerosol generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method, which uses ultrasonic vibration to atomize the aerosol generating substance. For example, the vibrator 250 can generate vibrations for a short period of time, and the vibration generated from the vibrator 250 can be an ultrasonic vibration. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibration can be in the range of about 100 kilohertz (kHz) to about 10 megahertz (MHz) (preferably, in the range of about 100kHz to 3.5MHz). However, the embodiment is not limited to this. When the vibrator generates ultrasonic vibrations of the above-mentioned frequency band, the vibrator can vibrate in the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the cigarette cartridge 220 or the housing 222. However, the embodiment is not limited to the direction in which the vibrator vibrates, and the method in which the vibrator vibrates can be changed to various directions (e.g., one direction in the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction or a combination thereof). The aerosol generating substance supplied from the storage part 230 to the vibrator 250 may be vaporized and / or changed into particles to be atomized into aerosol by vibration generated by the vibrator 250 for a short period of time.

[0080] For example, the vibrator 250 may include piezoelectric ceramics, and the piezoelectric ceramics may be a functional material that can convert electricity and mechanical force into each other by generating electricity (voltage) when physical force (pressure) is applied and generating vibration (mechanical force) when electricity is applied. That is, when electricity is applied to the vibrator 250, a short-term vibration (physical force) may be generated, and the generated vibration may split the aerosol generating substance into small particles and atomize the aerosol generating substance into an aerosol.

[0081] The vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device 200 via an electronic terminal 260. The electronic terminal 260 may be positioned on one surface of the cartridge 220. For example, the electronic terminal 260 may be positioned on a coupling surface of the cartridge 220 where the cartridge 220 is coupled to the body 210 of the aerosol generating device 20. The electronic terminal 260 may be positioned on one surface of the housing 222 opposite the mouthpiece 224.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to at least one of the driving circuit 212 , the controller 214 , or the battery 216 of the body 210 through the electronic terminal 260 positioned within the housing 222 of the cartridge 220 .

[0083] For example, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to the electronic terminal 260 positioned in the cartridge 220 through a first conductor, and the electronic terminal 260 can be electrically connected to the driving circuit 212 of the body 210 through a second conductor. That is, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to a component of the body 210 through the electronic terminal 260.

[0084] The vibrator 250 may generate ultrasonic vibrations by receiving power from the battery 216 of the body 210 through the electronic terminal 260. In addition, the vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to the controller 214 of the body 210 through the electronic terminal 260, and the controller 214 may control the operation of the vibrator 250 through the driving circuit 212.

[0085] For example, the electronic terminal 260 may include at least one of the following: a pogo pin, a wire, a cable, a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and a C-clip. However, the electronic terminal 260 is not limited to the above examples.

[0086] In an embodiment, the vibrator 250 can be implemented as a mesh shape or plate shape vibration accommodating portion to simultaneously achieve the following functions without using a separate transmitting portion 240: the function of absorbing aerosol generating substances and maintaining the aerosol generating substances in an optimal state for conversion into aerosol, and the function of transmitting vibrations to the aerosol generating substances to generate aerosols.

[0087] The aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the airflow path 223 and supplied to the user.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the airflow path 223 may be positioned within the cartridge 220 and may be connected to the vibrator 250 and the outlet 224e of the mouthpiece 224. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 may flow along the airflow path 223 and may be discharged through the outlet 224e to the outside of the cartridge 220 or the aerosol generating device 200. When the user brings the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 224 and inhales the aerosol discharged from the outlet 224e, the user may receive the aerosol.

[0089] Although not shown in the figure, the airflow path 223 may include at least one inlet through which air outside the cartridge 220 is introduced into the cartridge 220. The inlet may be positioned on at least a portion of the housing 222 of the cartridge 220. For example, the inlet may be positioned on a coupling surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the cartridge 220, where the cartridge 220 is coupled to the body 210.

[0090] Since at least one gap may be formed in a portion where the cartridge 220 is coupled to the body 210 , external air may be introduced through the gap between the cartridge 220 and the body 210 and move into the cartridge 220 through the inlet.

[0091] The air flow path 223 may be connected from the inlet to the space where the aerosol is generated by the vibrator 250, and may be connected from the corresponding space to the outlet 224e.

[0092] Therefore, the air introduced through the inlet may be transferred to the vibrator 250 , and the transferred air may move to the outlet 224 e together with the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 , thereby causing the air to circulate within the cartridge 220 .

[0093] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the airflow path 223 may be arranged such that: within the housing 222, the outer peripheral surface may be surrounded by the storage portion 230. According to another example, at least a portion of the airflow path 223 may be arranged between the inner wall of the housing 222 and the outer wall of the storage portion 230. The arrangement structure of the airflow path 223 is not limited to the above example, and the airflow path 223 may be arranged in various structures that circulate the airflow between the inlet, the vibrator 250, and the outlet 224e.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the body 210 may include a driving circuit 212, a controller 214, and a battery 216 inside the body 210, and one end portion of the body 210 may be connected to one end portion of the cartridge 220. For example, the body 210 may be coupled to a bottom surface or a coupling surface of the cartridge 220.

[0095] When the vibrator 250 of the cigarette cartridge 220 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 212 through the electronic terminal 260, the drive circuit 212 can supply power to the vibrator 250. For example, the controller 214 can determine the amplitude of the power supplied to the vibrator 250. The vibration frequency of the vibrator 250, etc. can be controlled by the amplitude of the power. The drive circuit 212 according to the embodiment can be in the form of a class E power amplifier circuit, a half-bridge circuit, or a full-bridge circuit. However, the embodiment is not limited to the described embodiment.

[0096] The controller 214 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the controller 214 may control the amount of aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 by controlling the power supplied from the battery 216 to the vibrator 250. For example, the controller 214 may control the power supplied to the vibrator 250 so that the vibrator 250 may vibrate at a predetermined frequency.

[0097] The controller 214 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, wherein the memory stores a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the controller 214 may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0098] The controller 214 analyzes the sensing result obtained by at least one sensor included in the aerosol generating device 200 and controls the subsequent process to be performed. For example, the controller 214 may control the power supplied to the vibrator 250 according to the sensing result obtained by the at least one sensor to start or end the operation of the vibrator 250. In addition, the controller 214 may control the amount of power supplied to the vibrator 250 and the time of power supply based on the sensing result obtained by the at least one sensor, so that the vibrator 250 can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol.

[0099] The battery 216 can supply power used by the operation of the aerosol generating device 200. For example, when the body 210 is electrically connected to the cartridge 220, the battery 216 can supply power to the vibrator 250.

[0100] The battery 216 may supply power required for the operation of other hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 200, such as sensors, a user interface, memory, and the controller 214. The battery 216 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0101] For example, the battery 216 may include a nickel-based battery (eg, a nickel-metal hydride battery or a nickel-cadmium battery) or a lithium-based battery (eg, a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium-ion battery, or a lithium polymer battery).

[0102] In an embodiment, the cross section of the aerosol generating device 200 taken in a longitudinal direction transverse to the cartridge 220 and / or the body 210 may be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or different polygonal shapes. However, the shape of the cross section of the cartridge 220 and / or the body 210 is not limited to the above shapes. In addition, the aerosol generating device 200 is not limited to a shape extending linearly in the longitudinal direction.

[0103] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may be curved or bent to facilitate the user's gripping with a hand, and the shape of the cross section of the aerosol generating device 200 may change along the longitudinal direction.

[0104] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing that the cartridge and the body of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment are inseparable, and Figure 4 2 is a perspective view showing that a cartridge and a body of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment are integrally connected.

[0105] according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 300 of the illustrated embodiment may be Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 200 (or Figure 1 A modified example of the aerosol generating device 100) and a modified example of the aerosol generating device 100 according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cigarette cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 of the embodiment shown can be respectively Figure 2 The illustrated cartridge 220 and the body 210 are modified examples, and thus repeated descriptions will be omitted below.

[0106] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4, the cartridge 220-1 may be detachably coupled to the body 210-1. For example, when at least a portion of the cartridge 220-1 is inserted into the body 210-1, the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled to the body 210-1.

[0107] The cigarette cartridge 220-1 may include a mouthpiece 10m, and the mouthpiece 10m may be movable between an open position and a closed position. For example, the mouthpiece 10m may be opened and closed by rotating between the open position and the closed position.

[0108] The body portion 10b of the cigarette cartridge 220-1 may be connected to the mouthpiece 10m via a rotating shaft. In one example, the mouthpiece 10m may be positioned in an open position. The open state of the mouthpiece 10m may refer to a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is unfolded in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette cartridge 220-1 so that the user can contact the mouthpiece 10m with his mouth. Here, the longitudinal direction may refer to the direction in which the cigarette cartridge 220-1 extends the longest among different directions. In another example, the mouthpiece 10m may be positioned in a closed position. The closed state of the mouthpiece 10m may refer to a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is folded in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette cartridge 220-1 so that the mouthpiece 10m is accommodated in the body 210-1 of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0109] The cartridge 220-1 may include a body portion 10b including various components required for generating aerosol and discharging the generated aerosol. For example, the body portion 10b may include at least a portion of each of a storage portion, a vibrator, and an airflow path.

[0110] The body 210-1 may include a coupling portion 20a that can be coupled to the cartridge 220-1. For example, the body 210-1 may include a receiving groove 20a-1, and at least a portion of the cartridge 220-1 may be received in the receiving groove 20a-1. The body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may be inserted into the receiving groove 20a-1. For example, the body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may have a substantially square columnar shape, and the corners of the square column may be chamfered or rounded. However, the shape of the body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 is not limited to the above examples, and may be cylindrical or other polyhedrons.

[0111] As mentioned above Figure 2As described, the cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 may be connected by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a screw connection method, a magnetic connection method, or an interference fit method. For example, the cartridge 220-1 may include a first magnet, and the body 210-1 may include a second magnet, so that the cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 may be connected by magnetic force. However, the strength of the first magnet and the second magnet may be designed taking into account the convenience of attachment and removal of the cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 and / or the operational stability of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0112] The body 210-1 may include a button 20b. The button 20b may be positioned on one surface of the body 210-1. For example, the button 20b may be positioned on one surface of the body 210-1 corresponding to one end 20c-1 of the cover 20c. When using the aerosol generating device 300, the user may use the button 20b to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0113] The body 210-1 may further include a receiving portion 20s capable of receiving the mouthpiece 10m of the cartridge 220-1 when the mouthpiece 10m is moved to the closed position. The receiving portion 20s may be positioned on one surface of the body 210-1 and may have a shape or size corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m.

[0114] like Figure 4 As shown, the mouthpiece 10m that has been moved to the closed position can minimize the portion of the aerosol generating device 300 that protrudes externally, that is, minimizes the portion that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the body 210-1 in the closed position, thereby improving portability.

[0115] In an embodiment, the body 210-1 may further include a cover 20c coupled to a portion of the body 210-1. The cover 20c may be coupled to at least one surface of the body 210-1. For example, the cover 20c may be coupled to a side of the body 210-1 where the coupling portion 20a is located. In addition, the cover 20c may be coupled to a side of the body 210-1 where the receiving portion 20s is located.

[0116] The cover 20c may include an opening 20c-o. The cover 20c may include an opening 20c-o corresponding to the size of the mouthpiece 10m. For example, the opening 20c-o may have a predetermined length and width. Here, the width of the opening 20c-o may be less than or equal to the width of the body of the cartridge 220-1, and may be greater than or equal to the width of the mouthpiece 10m. The length of the opening 20c-o may be greater than or equal to the length of the mouthpiece 10m.

[0117] The cover 20c extends from one end 20c-1 to the other end 20c-2 to be disposed on the seat 20c' of the body 210-1. For example, the seat 20c' may have a size and shape corresponding to the cover 20c. The seat 20c' may be a portion extending in both directions from the entrance side of the coupling portion 20a and the accommodating portion 20s, and is grooved to a predetermined depth so that the cover 20c can be coupled to the seat 20c'.

[0118] When the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the body 210-1, the cover 20c is coupled to the body 210-1 after the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the body 210-1. The cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the body 210-1 by at least one of a snap fit method, an interference fit method, or a magnetic coupling method. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0119] Since the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o through which the mouthpiece 10m can pass, when the cigarette cartridge 220-1 is connected to the body 210-1, the cigarette cartridge 220-1 can be protected without affecting the opening and closing movements of the mouthpiece 10m, and the connection between the cigarette cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 can be maintained.

[0120] Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 300 is shown, wherein both the cartridge 220-1 and the cover 20c are coupled to the body 210-1, and the mouthpiece 10m is positioned in a closed position. As shown, since the body 210-1 includes a receiving portion 20s corresponding in size and shape to the mouthpiece 10m, and a seating portion 20c' corresponding in size and shape to the cover 20c, and the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o corresponding in size and shape to the mouthpiece 10m, the overall formation of the aerosol generating device 300 is solid and smooth.

[0121] When the cartridge 220-1 is separated from the body 210-1, the cover 20c is first separated from the body 210-1, and then the cartridge 220-1 can be separated from the body 210-1. As described above, the cover 20c and the cartridge 220-1 can be sequentially separated from the body 210-1 or sequentially coupled to the body 210-1.

[0122] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a terminal according to an embodiment.

[0123] For the convenience of description, it will be understood that in the following, operations 511 to 516 are performed by Figure 2However, operations 511 to 516 may be performed by other suitable electronic devices in a suitable system.

[0124] also, Figure 5 The operations can be performed in the order and manner shown. However, without departing from the spirit and scope of the illustrated examples, the order of some operations may be changed or omitted. Figure 5 The operations shown may be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Hereinafter, the aerosol generating device 200 according to the embodiment may be referred to as an electronic cigarette or an electronic device.

[0125] The terminal according to the embodiment is an electronic terminal capable of transmitting and receiving data with other devices through wired and wireless communications, and the electronic terminal may be portable. For example, the terminal may include a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a portable multimedia player (PMP).

[0126] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may have a function of a terminal.

[0127] A person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment may understand that the terminal includes a memory, a user input unit, a display, a communication unit, and a controller, and may understand the functions of the components. The following description sets the terminal as a smartphone, but this is only an example and is not intended to limit the type of the terminal to a smartphone.

[0128] The terminal can transmit and receive data with the aerosol generating device 200 through a communication link. The terminal can perform operations associated with the aerosol generating device 200 or output information related to the aerosol generating device 200 by using the data received from the aerosol generating device 200. Since the user usually carries the terminal, additional functions associated with the aerosol generating device 200 can be provided to the user without being restricted by the location of the terminal.

[0129] The aerosol generating device 200 according to the embodiment can receive the aerosol generating substance through the aerosol generating article (eg, the cartridge 220). For the convenience of explanation, the aerosol generating article will be described based on the cartridge, but the aerosol generating device is not limited to the above.

[0130] The aerosol-generating substance according to the embodiment may include ingredients for stabilizing the body and mind or various pharmacological ingredients for treatment, as well as nicotine. However, unlike other aerosol-generating substances, the ingredients and / or pharmacological ingredients for stabilizing the body and mind may have a specific puff time, puff cycle, and number of puffs that have been proven to maximize the effect. For this reason, when an aerosol-generating substance including ingredients and / or pharmacological ingredients for stabilizing the body and mind is provided to the user, the aerosol-generating device 200 needs to stop the operation for a certain period of time after one administration to prevent excessive administration, or inform the user of the start time of the next inhalation cycle.

[0131] In operation 511, the terminal according to an embodiment may receive a signal from the aerosol generating device 200 connected to the terminal, the signal including information about the cartridge liquid determined by the aerosol generating device 200. Hereinafter, the term "liquid" refers to a substance in a liquid state.

[0132] As described above, the aerosol generating substance may include a liquid composition, and the information about the liquid according to an embodiment may refer to information about the kinds and ratios of components constituting the liquid composition.

[0133] The aerosol generating device 200 according to the embodiment may determine the liquid information of the cartridge inserted into the aerosol generating device 200. For example, when the aerosol generating device 200 determines that the inserted cartridge liquid is the first liquid (e.g., a flavoring agent containing nicotine), the aerosol generating device 200 may transmit information about the liquid type indicating that the inserted cartridge liquid is the first liquid to the connected terminal. Figure 6 A method for determining liquid information of a cartridge by the aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment is described in detail.

[0134] In operation 512, the terminal according to the embodiment may transmit an information request signal of the cartridge liquid to the server. For example, after the terminal receives information about the liquid type (eg, the first liquid) from the aerosol generating device 200, the terminal may request additional information about the first liquid from the server.

[0135] The information about the cartridge liquid requested by the terminal to the server may refer to information required for additional control related to inhalation that may be different depending on the liquid. For example, as described above, when the liquid contains a psycho-physical and / or pharmacological component whose use must be strictly limited, the aerosol generating device 200 may require additional control, and the terminal may request information about the liquid from the server.

[0136] According to an embodiment, information about the cartridge liquid may include at least one of the puff time required for one application of the liquid (e.g., the sum of the puff durations), the puff cycle (the interval between consecutive puffs), and the number of puffs (i.e., the number of puffs).

[0137] In operation 513 , the terminal according to the embodiment may receive information about the cartridge liquid from the server.

[0138] The terminal according to the embodiment can display the information of the cartridge liquid on the display of the terminal based on the received information of the cartridge liquid. For example, the type of cartridge liquid, the puffing time required for one application, the puffing cycle and the number of puffs, etc. can be displayed on the display of the terminal to guide the user to inhale properly.

[0139] The terminal is a device that can install and run server-related applications, and the terminal can provide an interface to the user. The interface can be provided by the terminal itself. For example, the interface can be provided by the terminal's operating system (OS), or can be provided by an application installed on the terminal. In addition, the interface can be provided by the server, and the terminal can simply receive the interface provided from the server and display it.

[0140] According to an embodiment, when the terminal can obtain the information of the liquid without using a server (eg, when the liquid information is stored in a memory of the terminal), the above operations 512 and 513 may not be performed.

[0141] The terminal may perform user authentication based on the received information of the cartridge liquid. When the information of the cartridge liquid includes information on inhalation restrictions, the terminal may control the aerosol generating device 200 so that the cartridge liquid can be inhaled only after completing user authentication.

[0142] For example, ingredients and / or pharmacological ingredients for stabilizing the body and mind may require a specific drug administration period and administration amount customized for the user's condition. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict other users except the designated user from using the aerosol generating device 200. The terminal may perform user authentication and may allow the aerosol generating device 200 to be operated only when the user is authenticated.

[0143] In operation 514, the terminal may transmit a control signal including information about the cartridge liquid to the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the control signal may include a signal about the puff time, puff cycle, and number of puffs required for one application. In addition, the control signal may include a signal indicating that user authentication has been completed. In addition, the control signal may include a puff guidance signal for the user to puff smoothly. The puff guidance signal may be generated based on a signal related to the puff time, puff cycle, and number of puffs required for one application. The aerosol generating device 200 that receives the puff guidance signal may provide the user with various interfaces for guiding accurate puffing.

[0144] In operation 515 , the terminal may receive an inhalation completion notification from the aerosol generating device 200 .

[0145] For example, when the user completes inhalation of a single dose of the cartridge liquid through the aerosol generating device 200 , the aerosol generating device 200 may transmit a signal indicating completion of the inhalation operation to the terminal.

[0146] The inhalation completion notification can be determined based on the puff time, puff cycle, and number of puffs required for one application of the liquid. For example, when the puff time required for one application is reached, the aerosol generating device 200 can transmit a signal to the terminal indicating that the inhalation operation is completed. Alternatively, when the number of puffs required for one application is reached, the aerosol generating device 200 can transmit a signal to the terminal indicating that the inhalation operation is completed. However, the method for determining the inhalation completion notification is not limited to the above method. For example, when the user manually performs an operation to complete the inhalation (for example, turning off the power of the aerosol generating device 200), the aerosol generating device 200 can transmit a signal to the terminal at that time indicating that the inhalation operation has been completed.

[0147] In operation 516, the terminal may update the operating condition information of the aerosol generating device 200 in response to the inhalation completion notification. The operating condition information may include information for determining whether the aerosol generating device 200 should operate according to the information about the cartridge liquid.

[0148] For example, when the cartridge liquid is a liquid including a stable psychosomatic component or / and a pharmacological component, it is necessary to limit the operation of the aerosol generating device 200 within a certain time to prevent the user from misusing or abusing it. When the cartridge liquid information includes information about the interval between two consecutive inhalations, the terminal can limit the operation of the aerosol generating device 200 before the next inhalation start time according to the inhalation completion notification, and update the operating condition information of the electronic device to set the next inhalation start time.

[0149] The terminal can determine the next inhalation start time of the cartridge liquid and limit the operation of the aerosol generating device 200 before the determined next inhalation start time. For example, the terminal can control the aerosol generating device 200 to be deactivated for a period of time after completing an inhalation cycle (e.g., a single application amount) to prevent specific liquid components (e.g., components and / or pharmacological components for stabilizing the body and mind) from being inhaled too much. When the user tries to use the aerosol generating device 200 before the next inhalation start time, the terminal can transmit a notification signal indicating that the aerosol generating device 200 cannot be operated. The aerosol generating device 200 that receives the notification signal can provide a notification indicating that it cannot be operated through an interface. In addition, the terminal itself can provide a notification indicating that the aerosol generating device 200 cannot be operated through the terminal's own interface.

[0150] In addition, when approaching the next inhalation cycle (e.g., the inhalation start time), the terminal can transmit a notification signal to the aerosol generating device 200 to notify the inhalation time. The aerosol generating device 200 that has received the notification signal can provide a notification through the interface to notify that inhalation can be performed. In addition, the terminal itself can provide a notification for inhalation through the interface. The notification of the inhalation time can be provided only at the inhalation start time, or the inhalation time notification can be provided at a predetermined time before the inhalation start time. For example, the terminal can provide a prompt content such as "1 hour left before the next inhalation start time".

[0151] According to an embodiment, the terminal can communicate with the short-range wireless communication unit 182 (see Figure 1 ) communicates with the electronic device and communicates with the electronic device through the wireless communication unit 184 (see Figure 1 ) to communicate with the server.

[0152] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0153] For the convenience of explanation, operations 611 to 615 are described below. Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 200 shown is performed. However, operations 611 to 615 may be performed by another suitable electronic device in a suitable system.

[0154] also, Figure 6 The operations of the embodiment can be performed in the order and manner shown. However, without departing from the spirit and scope of the illustrated examples, the order of some operations can be changed or some operations can be omitted. Figure 6 The operations shown may be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Hereinafter, the aerosol generating device 200 may be referred to as an electronic cigarette or an electronic device. Figure 5 The description provided can be applied to Figure 6, and repeated descriptions related thereto may be omitted.

[0155] In operation 611, the aerosol generating device 200 may determine the type of liquid included in the cartridge liquid. For example, when the insertion detection sensor 124 of the aerosol generating device 200 detects the insertion of the cartridge, the controller 214 of the aerosol generating device 200 may identify the type of the cartridge liquid by identifying the composition of the cartridge liquid (e.g., by temperature distribution) or by using a predetermined impedance value of the cartridge liquid.

[0156] In operation 612, the aerosol generating device 200 may transmit a liquid type signal to a terminal connected to the aerosol generating device 200. The liquid type signal may indicate the liquid type of the cartridge determined in operation 611. The terminal may be the one described above with reference to Figure 5 Description of the terminal.

[0157] In operation 613, the aerosol generating device 200 may receive a control signal from the terminal, the control signal including information about the liquid obtained by the terminal based on the liquid type. The information about the liquid may indicate at least one of the puffing time, puffing cycle, and number of puffs required for one application of the liquid.

[0158] In operation 614, the aerosol generating device 200 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device 200 based on the control signal. The aerosol generating device 200 may provide a suction guidance interface to the user based on the control signal. The operation of the aerosol generating device 200 may be started in response to a signal indicating completion of user authentication.

[0159] For example, when the control signal includes information about the puff time, puff cycle, and number of puffs required for one administration, the above information can be displayed on the display 132 of the aerosol generating device 200. In addition, the haptic portion 134 can operate in each puff time and puff cycle to guide the user to inhale appropriately.

[0160] In operation 615, the aerosol generating device 200 may transmit an inhalation completion notification to the terminal. For example, when the user's inhalation is completed according to the control signal including information about the liquid, the aerosol generating device 200 may stop generating aerosol and transmit a signal indicating the user's inhalation completion to the terminal.

[0161] The embodiments described herein can be implemented using hardware components, software components and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. The processing device can be implemented using one or more general or special computers, such as, for example, using a processor, a controller and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor (digitalsignal processor), a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding and executing instructions in a limited manner. The processing device can run an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running in the operating system. The processing device can also access, store, manipulate, process and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the description of the processing device uses only a single processing device, however, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the processing device may include multiple processing elements (processing element) and multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing device may include multiple processors or a single processor and a single controller. In addition, there may also be different processing configurations, such as parallel processors (parallel processor).

[0162] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination thereof, to instruct or configure a processing device to operate as required in an independent or consistent manner. Software and data may be embodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component, physical or virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or as a propagating signal wave capable of providing instructions or data to a processing device or a propagating signal wave interpreted by a processing device. Software may also be distributed on network-connected computer systems so that the software is stored and executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable recording media.

[0163] The method according to the above-mentioned embodiment can be recorded in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions for implementing various operations of the above-mentioned embodiment. The medium may also include data files, data structures, etc. alone or in combination with program instructions. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be specially designed and constructed for the purpose of the embodiment, or the program instructions recorded on the medium may be of a type that is well known and available to technicians in the field of computer software. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include: magnetic media, such as hard disks, floppy disks, and tapes; optical media, such as CD-ROM discs, DVDs, and / or Blu-ray discs; magneto-optical media, such as optical discs; and hardware devices specially configured for storing and executing program instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory (such as USB flash drives, memory cards, memory sticks, etc.), etc. Examples of program instructions include: machine code, such as machine code generated by a compiler; and files containing high-level code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter.

[0164] The above-mentioned means may be configured as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the above-mentioned embodiments, and vice versa.

[0165] As described above, although the embodiments have been described with reference to limited drawings, those skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on this. For example, if the techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the system, architecture, device or circuit are combined in a different way and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents, appropriate results may be achieved.

[0166] Accordingly, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a terminal, the method comprising: receiving information from an electronic device regarding a cartridge liquid of the electronic device; Transmitting a request to a server for information about the cartridge liquid; receiving information about the cartridge liquid from the server; Transmitting a control signal to the electronic device, the control signal including information about the cigarette cartridge liquid; receiving an inhalation completion notification from the electronic device; as well as In response to the inhalation completion notification, operating condition information about the electronic device is updated.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Information about the cartridge liquid is displayed on the terminal.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Updating the operating condition information includes: Determining the start time of the next inhalation of the cartridge liquid; and Operation of the electronic device is restricted until the next inhalation start time is determined.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: When the information about the cartridge liquid includes information about inhalation restrictions, user authentication is performed.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: Performing the user authentication includes: The electronic device is controlled so that the operation is stopped until the user authentication is completed.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The information about the cartridge liquid represents at least one of the following items: the puff time, the puff cycle, and the number of puffs required for one administration of the cartridge liquid.

7. A method for controlling an electronic device, the method comprising: Determining the type of liquid included in the cartridge; transmitting a signal identifying the type of the liquid to a terminal; receiving, in response to the signal, from the terminal a control signal including information about the liquid; controlling the operation of the electronic device based on the control signal; as well as When the inhalation of the liquid for one administration amount is completed, an inhalation completion notification is transmitted to the terminal.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Controlling the operation of the electronic device includes: A pumping guidance interface is provided based on the control signal.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform the method according to claim 1.

10. A terminal, comprising: a short-range wireless communication unit configured to: receive information about a cartridge liquid of the electronic device from the electronic device, and receive an inhalation completion notification from the electronic device; a wireless communication unit, the wireless communication unit being configured to: transmit a request for information about the cartridge liquid to a server, and receive information about the cartridge liquid from the server; as well as a controller configured to: update the operating condition information about the electronic device in response to the inhalation completion notification, Wherein, the short-range wireless communication unit is configured to transmit a control signal to the electronic device, wherein the control signal includes information about the cigarette cartridge liquid.

11. An electronic device, comprising: a controller configured to determine a type of liquid included in the cartridge; as well as a communication unit configured to transmit a signal identifying the type of the liquid to a terminal, and to receive a control signal including information about the liquid from the terminal, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the electronic device based on the control signal, and The communication unit is configured to transmit an intake completion notification to the terminal.

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