Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

In an aerosol-generating device using a plurality of fragrance sources, higher usability is achieved. An aerosol-generating device comprises: a plurality of fragrance sources including at least one or more fragrance sources capable of generating an aerosol to be smoked by a user; a plurality of atomizing units that generate the aerosol to which the fragrance is imparted by the plurality of fragrance sources; a storage unit that stores composition proportion information relating to the composition proportion of the fragrance imparted to the generated aerosol; and a control unit that controls the atomizing unit on the basis of the configuration ratio information, in which, when it is determined that one of the plurality of flavor sources is to be replaced, the control unit controls the atomizing unit on the basis of the configuration ratio information for the other flavor sources among the plurality of flavor sources in accordance with the amount of one-time suction amount of the other flavor sources in the latest suction before the replacement. And judging whether to output a notice for prompting the replacement of the other fragrance sources or not.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] Smoking devices such as electronic cigarettes or atomizers that generate an aerosol for a user to inhale have been widely popularized. The smoking device can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol source. Thus, the user can taste the fragrance of the aerosol by inhaling the aerosol generated by the smoking device.

[0003] In recent years, a smoking device that generates an aerosol with a more complex fragrance by combining multiple fragrance sources has been studied. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a steam supply system is disclosed in which steam is generated from two liquid fragrance sources respectively, and the generated steam is mixed at a specified composition ratio to impart desired fragrance characteristics to the steam.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-507311 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] On the other hand, in an aerosol generating device that imparts a fragrance to an aerosol using multiple fragrance sources, since the replacement of multiple fragrance sources is frequently performed, the usability of the aerosol generating device may be reduced.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to achieve higher usability in an aerosol generating device that uses multiple fragrance sources.

[0010] Technical Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device including: a plurality of fragrance sources including at least one or more fragrance sources capable of generating an aerosol for a user to inhale; a plurality of atomizing units that generate the aerosol imparted with a fragrance by the plurality of fragrance sources; a storage unit that stores composition ratio information related to the composition ratio of the fragrance imparted to the generated aerosol; and a control unit that controls the atomizing units based on the composition ratio information, wherein when it is determined that one of the plurality of fragrance sources is to be replaced, for the other fragrance sources among the plurality of fragrance sources, the control unit determines whether to output a notification prompting replacement of the other fragrance sources based on the single inhalation usage amount of the other fragrance sources in the most recent inhalation before the replacement.

[0012] When the remaining amount of the other flavor source is less than the product of the number of puffs when using the other flavor source alone and the amount of the other flavor source used per puff in the most recent puff before the replacement, the control unit may output a notification prompting replacement of the other flavor source.

[0013] When the other flavor source includes a flavor source of the same type as the one flavor source determined to be replaced, the control unit may cancel the determination to replace the one flavor source, or may not output a notification prompting replacement of the one flavor source.

[0014] When one flavor source among the plurality of flavor sources is replaced, the control unit may further determine whether to output a notification prompting replacement of the other flavor sources.

[0015] The plurality of flavor sources may include at least one or more liquid aerosol sources.

[0016] The plurality of flavor sources may further include a solid flavor source.

[0017] The solid flavor source may be a rod-shaped substrate capable of generating an aerosol.

[0018] When determining to replace the rod-shaped substrate, when the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is less than the product of the number of uses of the rod-shaped substrate and the amount of the liquid aerosol source used per puff in the most recent puff before the replacement, the control unit may output a notification prompting replacement of the liquid aerosol source.

[0019] Advantages of the Invention

[0020] As described above, according to the present invention, in an aerosol generating device using a plurality of flavor sources, higher usability can be achieved. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a puffing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation process of the puffing device.

[0023] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation process of a modified example of the puffing device. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0024] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and the accompanying drawings, for structural elements having substantially the same functional structure, repeated description is omitted by assigning the same reference numerals.

[0025] <1. Structure of the Puffing Device>

[0026] First, with reference to Figure 1 , the structure of the suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the suction device according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, it will be described on the assumption that the substance generated by the suction device 100 is an aerosol, but the substance generated by the suction device 100 may also be a gas.

[0027] As Figure 1 shown, the suction device 100 includes a plurality of fragrance sources 130, a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, and a control unit 116.

[0028] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power and supplies electric power to the components of the suction device 100 based on the control of the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be constituted by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, for example. The power supply unit 111 can be charged by connecting to an external power supply through a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like, or can be charged in a state of being non-connected to the power transmission side device by wireless power transmission technology. In addition, the power supply unit 111 can be detachably provided from the suction device 100, or can be replaceably provided with a new power supply unit 111.

[0029] The sensor unit 112 acquires various information about the suction device 100 and outputs the acquired various information to the control unit 116. As an example, the sensor unit 112 may be constituted by a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires information about the change amount accompanying the user's suction. As another example, the sensor unit 112 may also be constituted by an input device such as a button or a switch, and acquires information indicating that an input from the user has been received.

[0030] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 can be constituted by a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), for example. For example, the notification unit 113 can emit light in different colors or light-emitting patterns with different lighting times when the power supply unit 111 is in a state to be charged, when the power supply unit 111 is in a charging state, when it is determined that at least one or more of the plurality of fragrance sources 130 need to be replaced, or when an abnormality occurs in the suction device 100. In addition, the notification unit 113 can be constituted by a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sounds, a vibration device that vibrates, etc., in addition to or instead of the light-emitting device. In addition, the notification unit 113 can also be constituted by a plurality of light-emitting devices (such as LEDs). In this case, the plurality of light-emitting devices constituting the notification unit 113 can be uniquely corresponding to each of the plurality of fragrance sources 130. Thus, the suction device 100 can, for example, notify the user of the fragrance source 130 whose replacement time has come by lighting or flashing the light-emitting device corresponding to the fragrance source 130 whose replacement time has come.

[0031] The storage unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 can be constituted by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example. In addition, the storage unit 114 can also include a volatile storage medium that temporarily stores instructions sent to the suction device 10. For example, the storage unit 114 can store information related to the OS (Operating System) of the suction device 100. In addition, the storage unit 114 can also store information related to the user's suction, such as the number of suctions, the suction time, or the cumulative suction time.

[0032] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any communication standard of wired or wireless. The communication unit 115 can also be a communication interface conforming to communication standards such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example. The communication unit 115 can send information related to the user's suction to the smartphone held by the user, and can also receive information related to the update of the OS of the suction device 100 from the server.

[0033] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, and controls all operations within the suction device 100 according to various programs. The control unit 116 is implemented by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (central processing unit) or a microprocessor, for example. Additionally, the control unit 116 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and arithmetic parameters used in the CPU, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores appropriately varying parameters, etc. For example, the control unit 116 can control the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to other components, the charging of the power supply unit 111, the information detection performed by the sensor unit 112, the information notification performed by the notification unit 113, the information storage or reading performed by the storage unit 114, and the information transmission and reception performed by the communication unit 115, etc.

[0034] The plurality of fragrance sources 130 include at least one or more fragrance sources capable of generating aerosol, and are components capable of generating aerosol imparted with various fragrances. The plurality of fragrance sources 130 can generate aerosol imparted with a desired fragrance by controlling the generation ratio of the aerosol or the fragrance by the control unit 116. Alternatively, the plurality of fragrance sources 130 can generate aerosol imparted with a desired fragrance by controlling the mixing ratio of the aerosol or the fragrance through the control of the flow path by the control unit 116. The aerosol imparted with the desired fragrance can provide a more complex suction experience to the user when suctioned by the user of the suction device 100. Additionally, the plurality of fragrance sources 130 are respectively held by a holding unit (not shown) provided in the suction device 100. That is, the suction device 100 may also be provided with a plurality of holding units (not shown) corresponding to the plurality of fragrance sources 130.

[0035] As an example, the fragrance source capable of generating aerosol can be a liquid storage unit that stores a liquid aerosol source. The liquid aerosol source is, for example, a polyol such as glycerin or propylene glycol or a liquid such as water. The liquid aerosol source may also contain fragrance components from tobacco or non - tobacco, and may also contain medicaments in the case where the suction device 100 is a medical suction device such as an atomizer.

[0036] The liquid storage unit can generate aerosol by heating the liquid aerosol source with a heating unit (not shown). Specifically, the liquid storage unit heats the liquid aerosol source stored therein with a heating unit that generates heat by the power supply from the power supply unit 111, thereby enabling the atomization of the liquid aerosol source and further generating aerosol. Additionally, the method of generating aerosol is not limited to the heating of the liquid aerosol source by the heating unit. For example, the liquid aerosol source can be atomized by vibration atomization to generate aerosol.

[0037] As another example, the aerosol-generating flavor source can be a solid flavor source. For example, the aerosol-generating flavor source can be a rod-shaped substrate containing a solid aerosol source. The rod-shaped substrate includes a substrate portion containing the solid aerosol source and a mouthpiece portion. When the rod-shaped substrate is held in the suction device 100, the solid aerosol source can be atomized by heating the substrate portion with a heating portion (not shown), and then an aerosol can be generated. The generated aerosol is supplied to the user for suction from the mouthpiece portion.

[0038] For example, the rod-shaped substrate can also be heated from the outer periphery to atomize the solid aerosol source contained in the substrate portion by a heating portion configured in a film shape so as to cover the outer periphery of the substrate portion, and then an aerosol can be generated. In addition, the rod-shaped substrate can also be heated from the inside to atomize the solid aerosol source contained in the substrate portion by a heating portion configured in a blade shape so as to be inserted into the inside of the substrate portion, and an aerosol can be generated. In addition, the rod-shaped substrate can also be heated from the bottom to atomize the solid aerosol source contained in the substrate portion by a heating portion arranged so as to cover the bottom of the substrate portion, and an aerosol can be generated. In addition, the heating method of the heating portion can be either a resistance heating method or an induction heating method. For example, the heating portion can heat the rod-shaped substrate by resistance heating, or can heat the rod-shaped substrate containing a base inside by induction heating.

[0039] In addition, the plurality of flavor sources 130 can include solid flavor sources that do not generate aerosols. Such flavor sources are, for example, capsule-type flavor sources in which a medicament, a fragrance, or a solid substance from tobacco or non-tobacco is enclosed in a container such as a capsule. For example, the capsule-type flavor source can be a capsule containing a solid substance of tobacco origin obtained by shaping shredded tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granular, flaky, or powdery forms, or a solid substance of non-tobacco origin made from non-tobacco plants (such as mint or herbs). The capsule-type flavor source can impart a desired flavor to the aerosol by allowing the aerosol generated from the liquid aerosol source to flow through the capsule.

[0040] In addition, for the liquid aerosol source or the solid flavor source that does not generate aerosols, since preheating is not required, the heating portion for heating these flavor sources 130 can be miniaturized. Therefore, for these flavor sources 130, the suction device 100 can also control the generation of aerosols or flavors from the plurality of flavor sources 130 by heating the plurality of flavor sources 130 with separate heating portions and heating profiles respectively. In addition, the heating profile refers to a control sequence used when the control unit 116 controls the heating portion. Specifically, the heating profile is a control sequence including the control of setting the temperature of the heating portion to a target temperature by the control unit 116. The heating profile can also be information specifying the time-series change of the target temperature of the heating portion.

[0041] On the other hand, for solid flavor sources (i.e., stick-type substrates) capable of generating aerosols, preheating is required. Therefore, for these flavor sources 130, the inhalation device 100 can control the generation of aerosols or flavors from multiple flavor sources 130 by heating the entirety of the multiple flavor sources 130 with one heating profile.

[0042] The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol imparting a fragrance for one puff by combining the fragrances or aerosols generated from the plurality of fragrance sources 130 , thereby allowing the user to inhale an aerosol imparting a more complex fragrance.

[0043] As a combination of multiple flavor sources 130 used in the suction device 100, there can be exemplified a combination of multiple solid flavor sources, a combination of multiple liquid aerosol sources, a combination of at least one solid flavor source and at least one liquid aerosol source, a combination of one capsule-type flavor source and multiple liquid aerosol sources, or a combination of multiple capsule-type flavor sources and at least one liquid aerosol source.

[0044] <2. Technical features of the present invention>

[0045] Next, the technical features of the suction device 100 of this embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0046] In the inhalation device 100 using multiple aroma sources 130, when the aroma sources 130 generate aromas at different composition ratios, the consumption rates of the multiple aroma sources 130 are different from each other. Therefore, the time when the aroma source 130 is exhausted may be different for each of the multiple aroma sources 130.

[0047] In the inhalation device 100 of the present embodiment, when it is determined that one of the plurality of fragrance sources 130 is to be replaced, it is determined whether to output a notification prompting the replacement of the other fragrance sources 130. Specifically, when it is determined that the fragrance sources 130 to be replaced are used at the same configuration ratio before and after the replacement, and when the number of times the other fragrance sources 130 can be used is less than the number of times the unused fragrance source 130 can be used alone, the inhalation device 100 outputs a notification prompting the replacement of the other fragrance sources 130.

[0048] For example, the suction device 100 can determine whether to output a notification prompting the replacement of another fragrance source 130 as follows. First, if the maximum number of times that can be used when using the other fragrance source 130 alone is set to X, and the amount of the aerosol source used in a single puff is set to Y, then the total capacity of the aerosol in the other fragrance source 130 is XY. Next, if it is determined that the composition ratio of the other fragrance source 130 before and after the replacement of the fragrance source 130 to be replaced is Z (%) out of 100% as a whole, then the amount of the aerosol source used in a single puff is YZ. Here, when the remaining amount of the other fragrance source 130 is A, and the value obtained by dividing the remaining amount A by the usage amount YZ of the aerosol source at the composition ratio of Z% is less than X, the suction device 100 can determine to output a notification prompting the replacement of the other fragrance source 130.

[0049] That is, when determining to replace one of the multiple fragrance sources 130, when the remaining amount of the other fragrance source 130 is less than the amount that satisfies a sufficient number of usage times (for example, the maximum number of usage times when the other fragrance source 130 is not used as a single unit), the suction device 100 can output a notification prompting the replacement of the other fragrance source 130. This is because if the available number of times of the other fragrance source 130 is the number of times that can be used when the fragrance source 130 is used 100% as a single unit from the unused state (the maximum number of usage times X in the above determination), then the replacement frequency of the fragrance source 130 becomes a level that does not impair the comfort of the user. Therefore, if the replacement frequency of the fragrance source 130 becomes a replacement frequency that does not impair the comfort of the user, the suction device 100 can use a specified value smaller than the maximum number of usage times X in the above determination to determine whether to output a notification prompting the replacement of the other fragrance source 130.

[0050] Thus, after the suction device 100 replaces one fragrance source 130, it can set the time for determining the replacement of the other fragrance source 130 after a sufficient number of usage times, thereby preventing the frequent occurrence of the replacement time of the fragrance source 130. In addition, the suction device 100 can output a notification prompting the replacement of the other fragrance source 130 only when the remaining amount of the other fragrance source 130 is insufficient for a sufficient number of usage times when determining to replace one fragrance source 130. Therefore, the suction device 100 can maintain the usability of the puff for the user and output a notification prompting the replacement of the fragrance source 130 when the fragrance source 130 has been depleted to a certain extent.

[0051] In addition, the suction device 100 is not limited to the time of determining the replacement of one fragrance source 130, and can also determine whether to output a notification prompting the replacement of the other fragrance source 130 at the time when one fragrance source 130 is actually replaced.

[0052] However, when the atomizer device 100 also includes a flavor source 130 of the same type as the flavor source 130 for which replacement is determined, the atomizer device 100 may cancel the determination of replacing one flavor source 130. That is, when there are multiple flavor sources 130 of the same type among the multiple flavor sources 130 installed in the atomizer device 100, the atomizer device 100 may cancel the determination of replacing the used-up flavor source 130 of the same type before all the flavor sources 130 of the same type are used up and before determining the replacement of other flavor sources 130 of the same type. In addition, the atomizer device 100 can achieve the same effect not by canceling the determination of replacement, but by making the determination of replacement without outputting a replacement notification.

[0053] In this case, the atomizer device 100 can allow the user to continue puffing using other flavor sources 130 of the same type among the flavor sources 130 of the same type that have not been determined to need replacement. Therefore, the atomizer device 100 can reduce the replacement frequency of the flavor source 130 by canceling the replacement of the flavor source 130 without affecting the user's puffing, and provide a more comfortable puffing experience to the user.

[0054] <3. Operation of the Atomizer Device>

[0055] Next, with reference to Figure 2 , the operation process of the atomizer device 100 of the present embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation process of the atomizer device 100. Each operation of the atomizer device 100 described below is controlled by the control unit 116.

[0056] As Figure 2 shown, first, the atomizer device 100 generates a flavor from multiple flavor sources 130 according to an instruction from the user (S101). Next, the atomizer device 100 confirms whether it is determined to replace one flavor source 130 among the multiple flavor sources 130 (S103). For example, the atomizer device 100 may determine to replace one flavor source 130 on the grounds that the flavor source 130 has been exhausted. When it is not determined to replace one flavor source 130 among the multiple flavor sources 130 (S103 / No), the atomizer device 100 repeats the operation of step S101 and continues to generate a flavor from the multiple flavor sources 130.

[0057] On the other hand, when it is determined to replace one flavor source 130 among the multiple flavor sources 130 (S103 / Yes), the atomizer device 100 first notifies the user of replacing one flavor source 130 through the notification unit 113 (S105). Next, the atomizer device 100 determines whether the remaining amount of other flavor sources 130 is less than the product of the maximum usage times of a single other flavor source 130 and the usage amount of the other flavor source 130 in the most recent puff (S107).

[0058] When the remaining amount of the other flavor source 130 is less than the product amount (S107 / Yes), the suction device 100 outputs a notification prompting replacement of the other flavor source 130 (S109). On the other hand, when the remaining amount of the other flavor source 130 is equal to or more than the product amount (S107 / No), the suction device 100 does not prompt replacement of the other flavor source 130, but repeats the operation of step S101 and continues to generate flavors from the multiple flavor sources 130. In addition, the notifications output in step S105 and step S109 may also be output simultaneously.

[0059] According to the above operation, when determining to replace one of the multiple flavor sources 130, the suction device 100 can output a notification to the user prompting replacement of the other flavor sources 130 based on the remaining amount of the other flavor sources 130. Specifically, the suction device 100 can prompt replacement of the other flavor sources 130 only when the remaining number of uses of the other flavor sources 130 is less than the maximum number of uses per unit of the unused other flavor sources 130. Therefore, the suction device 100 can maintain usability for the user's suction and can prompt replacement of the flavor source 130 when the flavor source 130 is depleted to a certain extent.

[0060] <4. Modification example>

[0061] Furthermore, with reference to Figure 3 , a modification example of the suction device 100 of the present embodiment will be described. Figure 3 It is a flowchart showing the operation process of the modification example of the suction device 100.

[0062] This modification example is a modification example in a suction device 100 that uses a liquid aerosol source and a rod-shaped substrate containing a solid aerosol source in combination, and when determining to replace the rod-shaped substrate, determines whether to notify replacement of the liquid aerosol source.

[0063] Specifically, when determining to replace the rod-shaped substrate, when the number of available uses of the liquid aerosol source with the same composition ratio before and after replacement of the rod-shaped substrate to be replaced is less than the maximum number of uses of the unused rod-shaped substrate, the suction device 100 outputs a notification prompting replacement of the liquid aerosol source.

[0064] This is because, compared with the liquid aerosol source, the rod-shaped substrate generally has a smaller maximum number of uses per unit, so the number of uses of the unused rod-shaped substrate is less than the remaining number of uses of the liquid aerosol source. Therefore, in this modification example, the suction device 100 uses the amount obtained by multiplying the number of uses of the replaced rod-shaped substrate by the usage amount of the liquid aerosol source in the previous suction as a threshold to determine whether the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is sufficient. Thus, when the liquid aerosol source runs out before the suction of the rod-shaped substrate to be replaced ends, the suction device 100 can output a notification to the user prompting replacement of the liquid aerosol source together.

[0065] The operation of the suction device 100 of this modification example is as follows Figure 3 shown in the figure. First, the suction device 100 generates a fragrance from a plurality of fragrance sources 130 according to an instruction from the user (S201). Here, it is assumed that the plurality of fragrance sources 130 includes a liquid aerosol source and a rod-shaped substrate including a solid aerosol source.

[0066] Next, the suction device 100 determines whether it is determined that the rod-shaped substrate in the plurality of fragrance sources 130 needs to be replaced (S203). For example, the suction device 100 may also determine the replacement of the rod-shaped substrate on the grounds that the rod-shaped substrate has been exhausted according to the heating profile. When it is not determined that the rod-shaped substrate needs to be replaced (S203 / No), the suction device 100 repeats the operation of step S101 and continues to generate a fragrance from the plurality of fragrance sources 130.

[0067] On the other hand, when it is determined that the rod-shaped substrate needs to be replaced (S203 / Yes), the suction device 100 first notifies the user of the replacement of the rod-shaped substrate through the notification unit 113 (S205). Next, the suction device 100 determines whether the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is less than the product of the number of uses of the rod-shaped substrate and the usage amount of the liquid aerosol source in the most recent suction (S207).

[0068] When the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is less than the product amount (S207 / Yes), the suction device 100 outputs a notification prompting the replacement of the liquid aerosol source (S209). On the other hand, when the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is equal to or more than the product amount (S207 / No), the suction device 100 does not prompt the replacement of the liquid aerosol source, but repeats the operation of step S201 and continues to generate a fragrance from the plurality of fragrance sources 130. In addition, the notifications output in step S205 and step S209 may be output simultaneously. In addition, in this modification example, the determination of replacing the liquid aerosol source can be carried out according to Figure 3 the flowchart shown when replacing the rod-shaped substrate, or can be carried out according to Figure 2 the flowchart shown when replacing other liquid aerosol sources. In any case, when it is determined that the liquid aerosol source needs to be replaced, the suction device 100 can output a notification prompting the replacement of the liquid aerosol source.

[0069] Based on the above work, when it is determined that the rod-shaped substrate needs to be replaced, the suction device 100 can output a prompt to the user to replace the liquid aerosol source together according to the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source. Specifically, the suction device 100 can prompt to replace the liquid aerosol source only when the remaining number of uses of the liquid aerosol source is less than the number of uses of the rod-shaped substrate. Therefore, the suction device 100 can output a notice to the user to replace the liquid aerosol source only when there is not enough liquid aerosol source remaining until the rod-shaped substrate is exhausted. Therefore, the suction device 100 can improve the usability for the user's suction without interfering with the user's suction.

[0070] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It should be understood that various modification examples or correction examples can be conceived by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these of course also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0071] In this specification, the processes described using flowcharts do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown in the figures. Some processing steps can be executed in parallel. In addition, additional processing steps can be adopted, and some processing steps can be omitted.

[0072] In addition, the following structures also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. (1)

[0074] An aerosol generating device, comprising: a plurality of fragrance sources, which include at least one or more fragrance sources capable of generating an aerosol for the user to inhale;

[0075] a plurality of atomizing parts, which generate the aerosol imparted with fragrance by the plurality of fragrance sources;

[0076] a storage part, which stores composition ratio information related to the composition ratio of the fragrance imparted to the generated aerosol;

[0077] and a control part, which controls the atomizing part based on the composition ratio information,

[0078] wherein,

[0079] when it is determined that one of the plurality of fragrance sources needs to be replaced, for the other fragrance sources among the plurality of fragrance sources, the control part determines whether to output a notice to prompt to replace the other fragrance sources according to the single inhalation usage amount of the other fragrance sources in the most recent inhalation before the replacement. (2)

[0081] The aerosol generating device according to (1) above, wherein when the remaining amount of the other flavor source is less than the product of the number of puffing times when the other flavor source is used alone and the amount of the other flavor source used per puff in the most recent puff before the replacement, the control unit outputs a notification prompting replacement of the other flavor source. (3)

[0083] The aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2) above, wherein when the other flavor source includes a flavor source of the same type as the one flavor source determined to be replaced, the control unit cancels the determination to replace the one flavor source or does not output a notification prompting replacement of the one flavor source. (4)

[0085] The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein when one flavor source among the plurality of flavor sources is replaced, the control unit further determines whether to output a notification prompting replacement of the other flavor source. (5)

[0087] The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the plurality of flavor sources include at least one or more liquid aerosol sources. (6)

[0089] The aerosol generating device according to (5) above, wherein the plurality of flavor sources further include a solid flavor source. (7)

[0091] The aerosol generating device according to (6) above, wherein the solid flavor source is a rod-shaped substrate capable of generating aerosol. (8)

[0093] The aerosol generating device according to (7) above, wherein when it is determined to replace the rod-shaped substrate, when the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is less than the product of the number of times of use of the rod-shaped substrate and the amount of the liquid aerosol source used per puff in the most recent puff before the replacement, the control unit outputs a notification prompting replacement of the liquid aerosol source.

[0094] Description of Reference Numerals

[0095] 100 Suction device

[0096] 111 Power supply unit

[0097] 112 Sensor unit

[0098] 113 Notification unit

[0099] 114 Storage unit

[0100] 115 Communication Unit

[0101] 116 Control Unit

[0102] 130 Scent Source

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: A plurality of flavor sources, including at least one or more flavor sources capable of generating an aerosol for a user to inhale; A plurality of atomizing units that generate the aerosol flavored by the plurality of flavor sources; A storage unit that stores composition ratio information related to the composition ratio of the flavor imparted to the generated aerosol; And a control unit that controls the atomizing unit based on the composition ratio information, wherein, When it is determined to replace one of the plurality of flavor sources, for the other flavor sources among the plurality of flavor sources, the control unit determines whether to output a notification prompting replacement of the other flavor source according to the single inhalation usage amount of the other flavor source in the most recent inhalation before the replacement.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, When the remaining amount of the other flavor source is less than the product of the number of inhalations when the other flavor source is used alone and the single inhalation usage amount of the other flavor source in the most recent inhalation before the replacement, the control unit outputs a notification prompting replacement of the other flavor source.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the other flavor source includes a flavor source of the same type as the one flavor source determined to be replaced, the control unit cancels the determination to replace the one flavor source or does not output a notification prompting replacement of the one flavor source.

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When one of the plurality of flavor sources is replaced, the control unit further determines whether to output a notification prompting replacement of the other flavor source.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The plurality of flavor sources include at least one or more liquid aerosol sources.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of flavor sources further include solid flavor sources.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein, The solid flavor source is a rod-shaped substrate capable of generating an aerosol.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein, When it is determined to replace the rod-shaped substrate, when the remaining amount of the liquid aerosol source is less than the product of the number of uses of the rod-shaped substrate and the single inhalation usage amount of the liquid aerosol source in the most recent inhalation before the replacement, the control unit outputs a notification prompting replacement of the liquid aerosol source.

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