Method and apparatus for realizing virtual smoke

Abstract

The embodiment relates to a method for controlling an electronic device for implementing virtual smoke in a virtual display device. The method for controlling an electronic device according to an embodiment includes predicting a time when virtual smoke will be implemented based on a smoking pattern learned using a pressure sensor and a button included in the electronic device, adjusting the volume and density of the virtual smoke based on the learned smoking pattern, and transmitting a control signal including the time when the virtual smoke will be implemented and the volume and density of the virtual smoke to a device that displays a virtual image.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The following embodiment relates to a method for controlling an electronic device to realize virtual smoke on a virtual display device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality technologies that apply computer graphics technology have been developed. Here, virtual reality technology refers to a technology that uses a computer to create a virtual space that does not exist in the real world and makes the virtual space feel real, while augmented reality or mixed reality technology refers to a technology that expresses the real world by adding information generated by a computer, that is, a technology that allows users to interact with the real world in real time by combining the real world and the virtual world.

[0003] Among them, augmented reality and mixed reality technologies are being integrated with various other technologies and utilized. In the field of electronic cigarettes, there is a growing demand for devices that realize virtual reality or augmented reality services, and various research projects are being conducted accordingly. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In one embodiment, a change in the distance between an electronic device and a user is detected to predict the time when virtual smoke will be generated.

[0005] In one embodiment, a control signal including the predicted virtual smoke realization time is transmitted to a virtual reality device, and virtual smoke is realized in the virtual reality at the time the user exhales, thereby realizing virtual smoke that does not feel foreign.

[0006] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment, a method for controlling an electronic device includes the steps of: monitoring a distance between one side of the electronic device and an object, predicting a time when virtual smoke will appear, and transmitting a control signal including the time when the virtual smoke will appear to a device that displays a virtual image.

[0008] The step of predicting the time when the virtual smoke will be realized may include the steps of detecting a first time point when a distance between one side of the electronic device and the object reaches within a first threshold, and detecting a second time point after the first time point when the distance between one side of the electronic device and the object exceeds a second threshold.

[0009] The step of predicting a time when the virtual smoke will be realized may include predicting a time when the virtual smoke will be realized based on an interval between the first time point and the second time point.

[0010] The step of predicting the realization time of the virtual smoke may include the steps of predicting a first breathing time based on an interval between the first time point and the second time point, predicting a time point of a second breathing based on the interval between the first time point and the second time point and the first breathing time, and determining the time point of the second breathing as the realization time of the virtual smoke.

[0011] The step of predicting the time when the virtual smoke is realized may include a step of estimating the inhalation and respiration volume of a user based on the interval between the first time point and the second time point, the inhalation volume including the amount of aerosol inhaled by the user through the electronic device when the electronic device and the object are in contact with each other, and the respiration volume including the amount of air inhaled by the user when the electronic device and the object are not in contact with each other.

[0012] The step of predicting a time when the virtual smoke will appear may include predicting a time when the virtual smoke will appear based on the inhalation volume and the breathing volume.

[0013] The step of predicting the time when the virtual smoke will appear may include the steps of determining whether the electronic device satisfies a predetermined operating condition, and predicting the time when the virtual smoke will appear based on a determination that the electronic device satisfies the operating condition.

[0014] The operating conditions may include at least one of whether the power of the electronic device is on or off, and whether an inhalation sensor included in the electronic device is operating.

[0015] The step of transmitting the control signal to a device that displays a virtual image may include a step of transmitting information regarding a type of virtual smoke, and a step of transmitting information regarding a delay time that occurs in communication between the electronic device and the device that displays the virtual image.

[0016] It may include a computer program stored on a computer readable recording medium for performing the above-described method in combination with the hardware.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the electronic device includes a distance detection sensor that monitors a distance between one side of the electronic device and an object, and a processor that predicts a time when virtual smoke will be generated based on a result of the monitoring and transmits a control signal including the time when the virtual smoke will be generated to a device that displays a virtual image.

[0018] The processor can detect a first time point when a distance between one side of the electronic device and the object reaches within a first threshold, and detect a second time point after the first time point when the distance between the one side of the electronic device and the object exceeds a second threshold, thereby predicting a time point at which the virtual smoke will be realized.

[0019] The processor may predict a time at which the virtual smoke will be realized based on an interval between the first time point and the second time point.

[0020] The processor can predict a first breathing time based on an interval between the first time point and the second time point, predict a time point of a second breathing based on the interval between the first time point and the second time point and the first breathing time, and predict a realization time of virtual smoke, and determine the time point of the second breathing as the realization time of the virtual smoke.

[0021] The processor may estimate the user's inhalation and respiration volume based on the interval between the first and second time points to predict the time when virtual smoke will be realized, wherein the inhalation volume includes the amount of aerosol inhaled by the user through the electronic device when the electronic device is in contact with the object, and the respiration volume includes the amount of air inhaled by the user when the electronic device is not in contact with the object.

[0022] The processor may predict a time point at which the virtual smoke will appear based on the inhalation volume and the breathing volume.

[0023] The processor may determine whether the electronic device satisfies a predetermined operating condition, and may predict a time when the virtual smoke will be realized based on a determination that the electronic device satisfies the operating condition.

[0024] The operating conditions may include at least one of whether the power of the electronic device is on or off and whether an inhalation sensor included in the electronic device is operating.

[0025] The control signal may include a control signal conveying information regarding a type of virtual smoke and a delay time occurring in communication between the electronic device and a device displaying the virtual image. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to an embodiment, the time when virtual smoke will be realized can be predicted by detecting a change in the distance between the electronic device and the user.

[0027] According to an embodiment, a control signal including the predicted virtual smoke realization time is transmitted to a virtual reality device, and virtual smoke is realized in the virtual reality at the time when the user exhales real aerosol, thereby realizing virtual smoke without a foreign feel.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a virtual smoking system. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a user's smoking behavior classified by time period according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] The block diagram shows prediction of the time when virtual smoke will be realized when a user smokes in a virtual space and the realization of the virtual smoke. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates diagrammatically an apparatus for displaying a virtual image; [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates an electronic device including a distance detection sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting a time when virtual smoke appears using a distance detection sensor according to an embodiment; [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates an electronic device including a capacitive sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the appearance time of virtual smoke using a capacitance sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates an electronic device including an orientation change sensor according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the appearance time of virtual smoke using an orientation change sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates an electronic device including a camera according to one embodiment. [Figure 8B] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the appearance time of virtual smoke using a camera according to an embodiment. [Figure 9A] 1 illustrates an electronic device including a pressure sensor and a button according to one embodiment. [Figure 9B] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting a time when virtual smoke is realized using a pressure sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates a state in which a user wears a surface electromyogram sensor module included in an XR device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10B] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the time when virtual smoke appears using a surface electromyogram sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 11A] 1 shows a state in which a user wears an electroencephalogram measuring module included in an XR device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11B] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting a virtual smoke appearance time using an electroencephalogram measurement module according to an embodiment. [Figure 12A] 1 illustrates an electronic device including a pressure sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 12B] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the appearance time of virtual smoke using a camera and a pressure sensor according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The specific structural or functional description of the embodiments is disclosed for the purpose of illustration only, and may be modified in various forms. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of the present specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the technical spirit.

[0031] Although terms such as first or second may be used to describe multiple components, such terms should be construed only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from the other components. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, a second component may be named a first component.

[0032] When a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that although it is directly coupled or connected to the other component, there may be other components in between.

[0033] The terms used in this specification are merely used to describe certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "include" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Commonly used predefined terms should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined in this specification.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and duplicated description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a virtual smoking system according to one embodiment.

[0037] Referring to Fig. 1, the virtual smoking system 100 includes a device 110 for displaying a virtual image (hereinafter referred to as a display device) and an electronic device 120. A user 10 using the virtual smoking system 100 can smoke via the electronic device 120 by wearing the display device 110. "Smoking" refers to heating, burning, and other actions that cause the emission of smoke or aerosol from a smokable substance. The display device 110 according to one embodiment can embody virtual smoke in conjunction with the smoking act of the user 10 through the electronic device 120.

[0038] More specifically, in one embodiment, the electronic device 120 may be named an aerosol generating device, an e-cigarette device, or a smoking stick. The structure and specific operation method of the electronic device 120 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0039] In one embodiment, a user uses electronic device 120 to engage in the act of smoking, which produces smoke 142 as the user breathes out. In one embodiment, electronic device 120 may provide an aerosol to user 10 by heating an aerosol product within electronic device 120 in a variety of ways. For example, the aerosol product product may be a stick that is inserted into electronic device 120. In another example, the aerosol product product may be a cartridge that is inserted into electronic device 120.

[0040] In one embodiment, but not limited to, the smoke 142 is produced by the user's breath upon inhaling the aerosol provided by the electronic device 120. In another embodiment, but not limited to, the electronic device 120 may only measure the user's smoking behavior through the electronic device 120, in which case the smoke 142 may not be produced by the user's breath.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the display device 110 may provide a virtual reality service or an augmented reality service independently, or may provide a virtual reality service or an augmented reality service in conjunction with the electronic device 120 or a third electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) that is wirelessly or wired connected to the display device 110. The structure and a specific operation method of the display device 110 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0042] Virtual reality or augmented reality is considered to mean visual simulation that creates a virtual or augmented visual environment. As used herein, the term "virtual reality" includes simulated images that are generated for visualization by the smoker and may include a partially or completely simulated environment. The term "augmented reality" as used herein is also considered to include the combination of simulated images used to augment a real or "live" environment, where a live image is used in combination with a simulated image overlaid on the live image. As a result of virtual or augmented reality, simulated virtual images may be provided or live visual images may be augmented with simulated augmented images to form an interactive environment that can be seen and felt as if it were real. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the space in which virtual reality or augmented reality is provided will be referred to as a virtual space.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the display device 110 may be worn at a predetermined position (e.g., on the head) of a user to provide an image to the user. For example, the display device 110 may be configured in the form of at least one of glasses, goggles, a helmet, or a hat, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 120 and the display device 110 may be connected via at least one wireless communication of short-range communication or cellular communication. For example, the short-range communication may include at least one of Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), or wireless LAN (e.g., WiFi direct). For example, the cellular communication may include at least one of long term evolution (LTE), LTE Advance (LTE-A), 5G (or new radio (NR)), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), or global system for mobile communication (GSM). Alternatively, the electronic device 120 and the display device 110 may be connected by wire based on a universal serial bus (USB) system.

[0045] The virtual smoking system 100 according to an embodiment may further include a playback device 130. For example, the playback device 130 may be a device capable of providing sound to a user, and is not limited by the method of providing sound. The display device 110, the article 120, and the playback device 130 included in the virtual smoking system 100 work together to provide a further improved smoking experience to the user 10 using the virtual smoking system 100. Although the display device 110 and the playback device 130 are illustrated separately in FIG. 1, the display device 110 may include the playback device 130 depending on the embodiment.

[0046] The display device 110 according to an embodiment may include one or more auxiliary devices. For example, the display device 110 may include an electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement module, a surface electromyogram (SEM) sensor, etc., in order to enhance the realism of the smoking behavior in the virtual space.

[0047] FIG. 2A illustrates a user's smoking behavior classified by time periods according to one embodiment.

[0048] The description with reference to FIG. 1 also applies to the description with reference to FIG. 2A, and duplicate content will be omitted.

[0049] According to an embodiment, a user performs one smoking session through a process from time t1 to time t4.

[0050] More specifically, referring to Fig. 2A, in one embodiment, a user can inhale smokable material (e.g., aerosol) through electronic device 120 in section D1 from time t1 to time t2. Electronic device 120 can generate aerosol in various ways. Hereinafter, the user's action in section D1 will be referred to as a "smoke inhalation" action, and the user can hold electronic device 120 to their mouth through the smoke inhalation action, inhale smokable material, and collect it in their mouth. In section D1, the user and one side of electronic device 120 (e.g., the inhalation port or mouthpiece) are in contact with each other.

[0051] In one embodiment, the user inhales the smoke collected in the mouth in section D2 between time t2 and time t3 through inhalation. Hereinafter, the user's action in section D2 is referred to as an "inhale" action (or an "inhale and lower hand" action), and the user separates one side of the electronic device 120 from the lips and lowers the hand while inhaling. In section D2, the user and the electronic device 120 are in a separated state.

[0052] In one embodiment, the user can exhale the inhaled smoke through exhalation in the section D3 between the time t3 and the time t4. Hereinafter, the user's action in the section D3 is referred to as an "exhalation" action.

[0053] The length of the D2 section (inhalation time) according to an embodiment can be estimated based on the length of the D1 section (smoke inhalation time). As an example, the length of the D2 section (inhalation time) is proportional to the length of the D1 section (smoke inhalation time). For example, if the smoke inhalation time is 1 second, the inhalation time may also be 1 second, and if the smoke inhalation time is 3 seconds, the inhalation time may also be 3 seconds. Alternatively, the inhalation time corresponding to the smoke inhalation time may be predicted using an artificial neural network. For example, the smoke inhalation time may be input to an artificial neural network trained based on paired learning data of the smoke inhalation time and the inhalation time, and the corresponding inhalation time may be predicted. However, the method of estimating the inhalation time based on the smoke inhalation time is not limited to the above example.

[0054] Predicting the length of D2 (inhalation time) means predicting t3 (exhalation time). In other words, by predicting the length of D2 by measuring the length of D1 (smoke inhalation time), and adding the predicted length of D2 to the measured length of D1, t3 (exhalation time) can be predicted.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the length of the D3 section (exhalation time) can be determined based on at least one of the length of the D1 section (smoke inhalation time) and the length of the D2 section (inhalation time). For example, the length of the D3 section can be determined to be proportional to the length of the D1 section or the length of the D2 section. The t4 time point can be predicted based on the predicted t3 (exhalation time point) and the length of the D3 section.

[0056] According to an embodiment, a user can set information regarding the length of section D3 in advance in electronic device 120. For example, the ratio of the length of section D3 to the length of section D1 or section D2 may be set according to the user. A user who wishes to keep the output time of virtual smoke relatively long may set the ratio to be large.

[0057] FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining a method for predicting the time when virtual smoke will be realized when a user is smoking in a virtual space and for realizing the virtual smoke.

[0058] The explanation with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2A also applies to the explanation with reference to FIG. 2B, and duplicate content will be omitted.

[0059] In the virtual smoking system according to an embodiment, a user can experience virtual reality or augmented reality of smoking by linking smoking through the real-world electronic device 120 with the display device 110. More specifically, the display device 110 according to an embodiment can realize virtual smoke in the virtual space at the time when the user exhales real smoke through the electronic device 120, thereby realizing virtual smoke that does not feel foreign.

[0060] 2A at least once, the user performs a smoking action, and the display device 110 or the electronic device 120 may implement virtual smoke by detecting or predicting the user's inhalation, inhalation, and exhalation of tobacco smoke. "Implementing virtual smoke" may include determining at least one of the time, duration, and appearance (e.g., shape, color) of the virtual smoke.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2B, when a user starts smoking according to an embodiment (200), the user inhales smokable material through the electronic device 120 and collects it in his / her mouth. Here, the time during which the user inhales the cigarette smoke (e.g., D1 in FIG. 2A) is measured (210). Then, when the user finishes inhaling the smoke, the user performs an inhalation and hand down action. Here, the time during which the user inhales and hands down (e.g., D2 in FIG. 2A) is measured (220). The display device 110 or the electronic device 120 can predict (230) the time of inhalation and hand down and the start time of the user's exhalation (e.g., t3 in FIG. 2A) based on the smoke inhalation time (210). When the user starts exhaling, the display device 110 can realize (240) virtual smoke during the time during which the user exhales (e.g., D3 in FIG. 2A). When a predetermined time has passed after the user starts exhaling, the display device 110 ends (250) the realization of the virtual smoke.

[0062] FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically an apparatus for displaying a virtual image.

[0063] 1 and 3, an XR device 310 is shown as an example of a display device 110 according to an embodiment. The XR device 310 includes a screen 320, a camera 330, and a temple portion 340. The XR device 310 may be a device for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or Metaverse, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0064] More specifically, when a user wears the XR device 310, the temple portion 340 of the XR device 310 can be hung on the user's ears. However, the XR device 310 may include a band instead of the temple portion 340, in which case the band may be worn on the user's head.

[0065] The XR device 310 can provide a virtual reality, an augmented reality, or a metaphorical image in which cigarette smoke is generated to a user through the screen 320. In one embodiment, the screen 320 may be controlled to be transparent or opaque depending on the purpose of use. When the XR device 310 provides a virtual reality or a metaphorical image, the screen 320 may be controlled to be opaque, and when the XR device 310 provides an augmented reality image, the screen 320 may be controlled to be transparent.

[0066] For example, the screen 320 may be made of, but is not limited to, a plastic material such as polycarbonate or a glass material, and may be coated with at least one of a light reflection and glare prevention coating, an anti-fog coating, and an ultraviolet ray blocking coating.

[0067] The virtual smoking system includes an XR device 310 and an article. The XR device 310 may receive content information for the article from the article. The XR device 310 may change an image displayed on a screen 320 based on the content information for the article.

[0068] In one embodiment, an image showing tobacco smoke is displayed on the screen 320, and the XR device 310 may change the image related to at least one of the color of the tobacco smoke, the amount of the tobacco smoke, and the shape of the tobacco smoke displayed on the screen 320 based on the content information for the item.

[0069] The camera 330 can scan the real-world surroundings when the user is using the XR device 310 to assist the user in utilizing the XR device 310. The camera 330 may also monitor the user's actions and send control signals to the XR device 310.

[0070] Applications may be installed on the XR device 310 to provide various experiences to the user. For example, a smoking application may be installed to provide a smoking system in a virtual space to provide a user with a smoking experience close to reality. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] The XR device 310 may include electronic devices to detect or predict the user's smoking behavior in the virtual smoking system. For example, the XR device 310 may include a surface electromyogram sensor or an electroencephalogram measurement module to detect the user's smoking behavior. The XR device 310 may include a communication device to communicate with the article. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0073] 4, electronic device 400 has a cigarette shape. The length and diameter of electronic device 400 may be substantially the same as the length and diameter of a traditional cigarette-type cigarette. Electronic device 400 may be divided into a first end 410, a middle portion 420, and a second end 430. Electronic device 400 corresponds to electronic device 120 described above with reference to FIG. 1.

[0074] The first end 410 is a portion for replicating the ignition portion of a cigarette. The first end 410 may include an LED. For example, the first end 410 may include a red LED.

[0075] The second end 430 may include nicotine. In one embodiment, the surface of the second end 430 may be coated with nicotine, or the second end 430 may include an aerosol product. For example, when the aerosol product is heated, an aerosol containing nicotine may be generated. When a user holds the second end 430 of the electronic device 400 in his mouth and inhales the aerosol, nicotine is provided to the user. Meanwhile, the second end 430 may further include a flavoring portion containing a flavoring in addition to the aerosol product.

[0076] In one embodiment, the intermediate portion 420 serves to connect the first end 410 and the second end 430. The length of the intermediate portion 420 determines the total length of the electronic device 400, but the length of the intermediate portion 420 may be set during manufacturing of the electronic device 400 so that the length of the electronic device 400 corresponds to the length of a typical cigarette.

[0077] In another embodiment, the electronic device 400 may include other electronic devices or electronic circuits inside (e.g., the middle portion 420) as an electronic device. For example, the electronic device 400 may include a sensor for detecting a user's smoking behavior. The sensor may include, for example, a sensor for detecting a distance change, a sensor for detecting a direction change, a sensor for detecting a capacitance change, and a pressure sensor. The electronic device 400 may include other electronic devices outside the housing as an electronic device. For example, the electronic device 400 may include a camera for observing a user's smoking behavior. The electronic device 400 may have buttons inside or outside for a power adjustment function, a smoking pattern learning function, or a smoking detection function. The electronic device 400 may include a communication device for communicating with the XR device 310 as an electronic device. However, the present disclosure is not limited to an electronic device including a sensor, a camera, or a button.

[0078] FIG. 5A illustrates an electronic device including a distance detection sensor according to one embodiment.

[0079] The description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 also applies to the description with reference to FIG. 5A, and duplicate content will be omitted.

[0080] 5A, an electronic device 500 according to an embodiment includes a first end 510, a middle portion 520, a second end 530, and a sensor portion 540. The first end 510, the middle portion 520, and the second end 530 may have functions similar to those of the first end 410, the middle portion 420, and the second end 430 shown in FIG.

[0081] The sensor unit 540 according to an embodiment may include a distance detection sensor according to an embodiment. The distance detection sensor may be disposed inside or outside the second end 530. The distance detection sensor according to an embodiment may be an infrared type, a lidar type, an ultrasonic type, or the like. However, the distance detection sensor of the present disclosure is not limited to the above types.

[0082] FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the appearance time of virtual smoke using a distance detection sensor according to an embodiment.

[0083] 5B , when a user starts smoking 550 according to an embodiment, the distance detection sensor monitors 560 the distance between an object (e.g., the user's lips) and the electronic device 500. The electronic device 500 predicts 570 the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on the monitoring result of the distance detection sensor. The electronic device 500 transmits 580 a control signal including the predicted time when virtual smoke will be realized to the display device 110 (or the XR device 310). The display device 110 may realize 590 virtual smoke based on the control signal, thereby providing the user with a smoking experience in a virtual space.

[0084] 5A and 5B, in one embodiment, a step 550 of initiating smoking includes a step in which a user brings the electronic device 500 to their lips and inhales. The user turns on the electronic device 500 to begin heating the aerosol product within the electronic device 500, and the powered-on electronic device 500 preheats a heater that heats the aerosol product.

[0085] In one embodiment, step 560 of the distance detection sensor monitoring the distance between the object and the electronic device 500 includes detecting a first point in time when the object contacts the second end 530 of the electronic device 500, and detecting a second point in time when the object moves away from the second end 530 of the item.

[0086] For example, the step of detecting the first time point may include a distance detection sensor detecting that the second end 530 of the electronic device 500 and the object are in close proximity within a first threshold distance.

[0087] For example, the step of detecting the second time point may include a distance detection sensor detecting that the object contacts the second end 530 of the electronic device 500 and then leaves the electronic device 500 at a distance exceeding a second threshold.

[0088] The step 570 of predicting the time when the virtual smoke is realized based on the distance monitoring result according to an embodiment includes predicting the time when the virtual smoke is realized based on an interval between a first time point and a second time point. The first time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling smoke. The interval between the first time point and the second time point is a time when the user inhales smoke, and the first breathing time of the user can be predicted based on the inhalation time of the smoke. The second time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling. The time of the second breathing is predicted based on the interval between the first time point and the second time point and the first breathing time. The time of the second breathing is a time point when the user starts exhaling. For example, the time of the second breathing can be determined as the time when the virtual smoke is realized.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the smoke inhalation time of the user is the interval between the first time point and the second time point, so that the first breath time, which is the time when the user inhales, can be estimated similarly to the smoke inhalation time. Then, the electronic device 500 can predict the second breath time, which is the time when the user starts exhaling, as the time when the first breath time has elapsed from the second time point.

[0090] For example, if the time from the first time point when the object comes into contact with the second end 530 to the second time point when the object is released from the second end 530 is 1 second, the first breathing time is estimated to be 1 second, and the time when the user inhales is predicted to be 1 second, similar to the first breathing time. Thus, the time of the second breathing, which is the time when the first breathing time has elapsed from the second time point, can be predicted as the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was separated from the electronic device 500. Therefore, the electronic device 500 can determine the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was released as the time when virtual smoke is realized.

[0091] According to an embodiment, predicting the appearance time of virtual smoke based on the distance monitoring result 570 includes estimating the inhalation and respiration volume of a user based on a period between a first time point and a second time point. The inhalation volume of a user may include an inhalation volume of aerosol inhaled by the user through the electronic device 500 when the electronic device 500 is in contact with an object. The respiration volume of a user includes an inspiration volume inhaled by the user when the electronic device 500 is not in contact with an object. The appearance time of virtual smoke can be predicted based on the estimated respiration and inhalation volumes.

[0092] The step 570 of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the monitoring result according to an embodiment includes a step of determining whether the electronic device 500 satisfies a predetermined operating condition, and a step of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the determination that the electronic device 500 satisfies the operating condition. The predetermined operating condition may include at least one of whether the user turns on or off the power of the electronic device 500, whether or not a puff sensor included in the electronic device and a pressure sensor included in the electronic device 500 are operated. Although the detection value of the distance detection sensor may change depending on other objects (e.g., a finger, etc.) other than the determined object, the user only turns on the power so that the distance detection sensor can be operated, and the distance detection sensor can be operated by detecting the user's inhalation through a puff sensor or a pressure sensor. However, the inhalation sensor of the present disclosure is not limited to a puff sensor or a pressure sensor.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the step of transmitting the control signal including the virtual smoke realization time to the display device 110 includes a step of transmitting information regarding the type of virtual smoke and a step of transmitting information regarding a delay time (delay) occurring in communication between the electronic device 500 and the display device 110. The type of virtual smoke may vary depending on a user's selection, and may vary depending on an aerosol product or other flavoring unit built into the second end 530. The control signal may also include information regarding the user's smoking amount, breathing amount, etc., and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0094] If the time when the virtual smoke is generated does not match the user's actual smoking behavior or if the exact predicted time cannot be determined, additional work can be performed to perform a separate "breath prediction detection" processing process.

[0095] FIG. 6A illustrates an electronic device including a capacitive sensor according to one embodiment.

[0096] The description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 also applies to the description with reference to FIG. 6A, and duplicate content will be omitted.

[0097] 6A, an electronic device 600 according to an embodiment includes a first end 610, a middle portion 620, a second end 630, and a sensor portion 640. The first end 610, the middle portion 620, and the second end 630 have functions similar to the first end 410, the middle portion 420, and the second end 430 in FIG.

[0098] The sensor unit 640 according to an embodiment may include a capacitance sensor according to an embodiment. The capacitance sensor may be disposed inside or outside the second end 630. The capacitance sensor according to an embodiment may be a sensor configured based on a capacitor. However, the capacitance sensor of the present disclosure is not limited to the above type.

[0099] FIG. 6B is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the appearance time of virtual smoke using a capacitance sensor according to one embodiment.

[0100] 6B, when a user, according to one embodiment, begins smoking 650, the capacitance sensor monitors 660 the capacitance of the capacitance sensor, which changes when an object (e.g., the user's lips) touches the electronic device 600. For example, the capacitance sensor may monitor the change in capacitance.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 600 predicts 670 a time when the virtual smoke will be realized based on the monitoring result of the capacitance sensor. The electronic device 600 transmits 680 a control signal including the predicted time when the virtual smoke will be realized to the display device 110 (or the XR device 310). The display device 110 realizes 690 the virtual smoke based on the control signal, and can provide the user with a smoking experience in a virtual space.

[0102] 6A and 6B, in one embodiment, a step 650 of starting smoking includes a step in which a user brings the electronic device 600 into contact with the lips and inhales. The user turns on the electronic device 600 to start heating the aerosol product within the electronic device 600, and the powered-on electronic device 600 preheats a heater that heats the aerosol product.

[0103] In one embodiment, step 660 of the capacitive sensor monitoring the change in capacitance when an object comes into contact with the electronic device 600 includes detecting a first point in time when the object contacts the second end 630 of the electronic device 600, and detecting a second point in time when the object moves away (or is removed) from the second end 630 of the item.

[0104] For example, the step of detecting a first time point may include a capacitance sensor detecting that a detected capacitance reaches within a first threshold when an object contacts the second end 630 of the electronic device 600.

[0105] For example, the step of detecting the second time point may include the capacitance sensor detecting that the detected capacitance exceeds a second threshold when the object is contacted at the second end 630 of the electronic device 600 and then removed.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the step 670 of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the result of monitoring the capacitance includes predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on an interval between a first time point and a second time point. The first time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling smoke. The interval between the first time point and the second time point is a time when the user inhales smoke, and the time of the first breath of the user can be predicted based on the time of inhaling smoke. The second time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling. The time of the second breath can be predicted based on the interval between the first time point and the second time point and the first breath time. The time of the second breath is a time point when the user starts exhaling. For example, the time of the second breath can be determined as the time when virtual smoke is realized.

[0107] According to one embodiment, since the time period during which the user inhales smoke is the interval between the first and second time points, the first breath time, which is the time period during which the user inhales, can be estimated similarly to the time period during which the user inhales smoke. Then, the electronic device 600 can predict the time period during which the user exhales, which is the time period when the first breath time has elapsed from the second time point.

[0108] For example, if the time from the first time point when the object comes into contact with the second end 630 to the second time point when the object is removed from the second end 630 is 1 second, the first breathing time is estimated to be 1 second, and the time when the user inhales is predicted to be 1 second, similar to the first breathing time. Thus, the time of the second breathing, which is the time when the first breathing time has elapsed from the second time point, can be predicted as the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was separated from the electronic device 600. Thus, the electronic device 600 can determine the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was removed as the time when virtual smoke is realized.

[0109] According to an embodiment, predicting 670 the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on the result of monitoring the capacitance includes estimating the inhalation and respiration volumes of the user based on the interval between the first and second time points. The inhalation volume of the user includes the inhalation volume of aerosol inhaled by the user through the electronic device 600 when the electronic device 600 is in contact with an object. The respiration volume of the user includes the inhalation volume of air inhaled by the user when the electronic device 600 is not in contact with an object. The time when virtual smoke will be realized can be predicted based on the estimated respiration and inhalation volumes.

[0110] The step 670 of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the capacitance monitoring result according to an embodiment includes a step of determining whether the electronic device 600 satisfies a predetermined operating condition, and a step of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the determination that the electronic device 600 satisfies the operating condition. The predetermined operating condition may include at least one of whether the user turns the electronic device 600 on or off, whether a puff sensor included in the electronic device and a pressure sensor included in the electronic device 600 are operated, and whether a pressure sensor included in the electronic device 600 is operated. Although the detection value of the capacitance sensor may change depending on other objects (e.g., a finger, etc.) other than the determined object, the capacitance sensor is operated only when the user turns the power on or off, and the capacitance sensor is operated by detecting the user's inhalation through a puff sensor or a pressure sensor. However, the inhalation sensor of the present disclosure is not limited to a puff sensor or a pressure sensor.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the step of transmitting the control signal including the time when virtual smoke is realized to the display device 110 includes a step of transmitting information regarding the type of virtual smoke and a step of transmitting information regarding a delay time generated in communication between the electronic device 600 and the display device 110. The type of virtual smoke may be changed according to a user's selection, or may be changed depending on an aerosol product or other flavoring unit built into the second end 630. The control signal may also include information regarding the user's smoking amount, breathing amount, etc., and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0112] FIG. 7A illustrates an electronic device including an orientation change sensor according to one embodiment.

[0113] The description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 also applies to the description with reference to FIG. 7A, and duplicate content will be omitted.

[0114] 7A, an electronic device 700 according to an embodiment includes a first end 710, a middle portion 720, a second end 730, and a sensor portion 740. The first end 710, the middle portion 720, and the second end 730 have functions similar to the first end 410, the middle portion 420, and the second end 430 shown in FIG.

[0115] The sensor unit 740 according to an embodiment may include an orientation change sensor according to an embodiment. The orientation change sensor may be disposed inside or outside the second end 730. The orientation change sensor according to an embodiment may be a sensor such as a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a 3dof / 6dof sensor. However, the orientation change sensor of the present disclosure is not limited to the above types.

[0116] FIG. 7B is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the instant of virtual smoke appearance using an orientation change sensor according to one embodiment.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 7B, when a user begins smoking 750 in accordance with one embodiment, an orientation change sensor monitors 760 the orientation change between the object (eg, the user's lips) and the electronic device 700 .

[0118] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 700 predicts 770 a virtual smoke realization time based on the monitoring result of the orientation change sensor. The electronic device 700 transmits 780 a control signal including the predicted virtual smoke realization time to the display device 110 (or the XR device 310). The display device 110 may realise 790 the virtual smoke based on the control signal, thereby providing the user with a smoking experience in a virtual space.

[0119] 7A and 7B, in one embodiment, a step 750 of starting smoking includes a step in which a user brings the electronic device 700 into contact with the lips and inhales. The user turns on the electronic device 700 to start heating the aerosol product within the electronic device 700, and the powered-on electronic device 700 preheats a heater that heats the aerosol product.

[0120] In one embodiment, step 760 of the orientation change sensor monitoring the orientation change between the object and the electronic device 700 includes detecting a first point in time when the object contacts the second end 730 of the electronic device 700 and detecting a second point in time when the object moves away from the second end 730 of the item.

[0121] For example, the step of detecting the first time point may include an orientation change sensor detecting proximity of the second end 730 of the electronic device 700 and the object in an orientation within a first threshold and detecting a change in acceleration while the user brings the electronic device 700 to the object.

[0122] For example, the step of detecting the second point in time may include detecting the object leaving in an orientation that exceeds a second threshold after contacting the object at the second end 730 of the electronic device 700, and detecting a change in acceleration while the user removes the electronic device 700 from the object.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the orientation change can be measured by comparing the x, y, and z axis orientations of the electronic device 700 when the user has his / her hand down with the x, y, and z axis orientations of the electronic device 700 when the user has the electronic device 700 in contact with an object. When the user moves his / her hand to move the electronic device 700, the measured acceleration increases, then decreases and stops. The orientation change can be predicted by measuring the change section of the acceleration, and the user's smoking time can be estimated based on the predicted orientation change.

[0124] The step 770 of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the monitoring result of the orientation change according to an embodiment includes predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on an interval between a first time point and a second time point. The first time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling smoke. The interval between the first time point and the second time point is a time when the user inhales smoke, and the time of the first breath of the user can be predicted based on the time of inhaling smoke. The second time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling. The time of the second breath can be predicted based on the interval between the first time point and the second time point and the first breath time. The time of the second breath is a time when the user starts exhaling. For example, the time of the second breath can be determined as the time when virtual smoke is realized.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the smoke inhalation time of the user is the interval between the first time point and the second time point, so that the first breath time, which is the time when the user inhales, can be estimated similarly to the smoke inhalation time. Then, the electronic device 700 can predict the second breath time, which is the time when the user starts exhaling, as the time when the first breath time has elapsed from the second time point.

[0126] For example, if the time from the first time point when the object comes into contact with the second end 730 to the second time point when the object is released from the second end 730 is 1 second, the first breathing time is estimated to be 1 second, and the time when the user inhales is predicted to be 1 second, similar to the first breathing time. Thus, the time of the second breathing, which is the time when the first breathing time has elapsed from the second time point, is predicted to be the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was separated from the electronic device 700. Thus, the electronic device 700 can determine the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was separated as the time when virtual smoke is realized.

[0127] According to an embodiment, predicting the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on the monitoring result in step 770 includes estimating the inhalation and respiration volume of a user based on a period between a first time point and a second time point. The inhalation volume of a user may include the inhalation volume of aerosol inhaled by the user through the electronic device 700 when the electronic device 700 is in contact with an object. The respiration volume of a user may include the inhalation volume of air inhaled by the user when the electronic device 700 is not in contact with an object. The time when virtual smoke will be realized can be predicted based on the estimated respiration and inhalation volumes.

[0128] The step 770 of predicting the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on the monitoring result according to an embodiment includes a step of determining whether the electronic device 700 satisfies a predetermined operating condition, and a step of predicting the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on the determination that the electronic device 700 satisfies the operating condition. The predetermined operating condition may include at least one of whether the user turns the electronic device 700 on or off, whether a puff sensor included in the electronic device and a pressure sensor included in the electronic device 700 are operated, and whether a pressure sensor included in the electronic device 700 is operated. Although the detection value of the orientation change sensor may change due to other objects (e.g., a finger, etc.) other than the determined object, the orientation change sensor is activated only when the user turns the power on or off, and the orientation change sensor is activated by detecting the user's inhalation via a puff sensor or a pressure sensor. However, the inhalation sensor of the present disclosure is not limited to a puff sensor or a pressure sensor.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the step of transmitting the control signal including the current time of the virtual smoke to the display device 110 includes a step of transmitting information regarding the type of virtual smoke and a step of transmitting information regarding a delay time generated in communication between the electronic device 700 and the display device 110. The type of virtual smoke may be changed according to a user's selection, or may be changed by an aerosol product or other flavoring unit built into the second end 730. The control signal may also include information regarding the user's smoking amount, breathing amount, etc., and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0130] FIG. 8A illustrates an electronic device including a camera according to one embodiment.

[0131] The description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 also applies to the description with reference to FIG. 8A, and duplicate content will be omitted.

[0132] 8A, an electronic device 800 according to an embodiment includes a first end 810, a middle portion 820, a second end 830, and a camera portion 840. The first end 810, the middle portion 820, and the second end 830 have functions similar to the first end 410, the middle portion 420, and the second end 430 in FIG.

[0133] The camera unit 840 according to an embodiment may include a camera according to an embodiment. The camera may be disposed on a surface of the housing of the electronic device 800.

[0134] FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the appearance time of virtual smoke using a camera according to an embodiment.

[0135] 8B , when a user starts smoking 85 according to an embodiment, the camera monitors 860 the movement of an object (e.g., the user's lips). The electronic device 800 predicts 870 the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on the camera monitoring result. The electronic device 800 transmits 880 a control signal including the predicted time when virtual smoke will be realized to the display device 110 (or the XR device 310). The display device 110 may realize 890 virtual smoke based on the control signal, thereby providing the user with a smoking experience in a virtual space.

[0136] 8A and 8B, in one embodiment, a step 850 of starting smoking includes a step in which a user brings the electronic device 800 into contact with the lips and inhales. The user turns on the electronic device 800 to start heating the aerosol product within the electronic device 800, and the powered-on electronic device 800 preheats a heater that heats the aerosol product.

[0137] In one embodiment, step 860 of the camera monitoring the distance between the object and the electronic device 800 includes detecting a first point in time when the object changes motion due to contact with the electronic device 800 at the second end 830 of the electronic device 800, and detecting a second point in time when the object changes motion due to separation from the electronic device 800 at the second end 830 of the article.

[0138] For example, detecting the first time point may include the camera detecting a first movement of the object to bring the second end 830 of the electronic device 800 to a lip for contact.

[0139] For example, detecting the second time point may include the camera detecting a second movement at the second end 830 of the electronic device 800 to separate the object.

[0140] The step 870 of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the monitoring result of the camera according to an embodiment includes predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on a period between a first time point and a second time point. The first time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling smoke. The period between the first time point and the second time point is a time when the user inhales smoke, and the time of the user's first breath can be predicted based on the time of inhaling smoke. The second time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling. The time of the second breath is predicted based on the period between the first time point and the second time point and the first breath time. The time of the second breath is a time point when the user starts exhaling. For example, the time of the second breath can be determined as the time when virtual smoke is realized.

[0141] According to one embodiment, since the time period during which the user inhales smoke is the interval between the first time point and the second time point, the first breathing time, which is the time period during which the user inhales, can be estimated similarly to the time period during which the user inhales smoke. Then, the electronic device 800 can predict the time period of the second breathing, which is the time period when the user begins to exhale, as the time period when the first breathing time has elapsed from the second time point.

[0142] For example, if the time from the first time point when the object comes into contact with the second end 830 to the second time point when the object is removed from the second end 830 is 1 second, the first breathing time is estimated to be 1 second, and the time when the user inhales is predicted to be 1 second, similar to the first breathing time. Thus, the time of the second breathing, which is the time when the first breathing time has elapsed from the second time point, is predicted to be the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was separated from the electronic device 800. Thus, the electronic device 800 can determine the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was removed as the time when virtual smoke is realized.

[0143] According to an embodiment, predicting the appearance time of virtual smoke based on the monitoring result 870 includes estimating the inhalation and respiration volume of a user based on a period between a first time point and a second time point. The inhalation volume of a user may include an inhalation volume of aerosol inhaled by a user through the electronic device 800 when the electronic device 800 is in contact with an object. The respiration volume of a user may include an inhalation volume inhaled by a user when the electronic device 800 is not in contact with an object. The appearance time of virtual smoke can be predicted based on the estimated respiration and inhalation volumes.

[0144] The step 870 of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the monitoring result according to an embodiment includes a step of determining whether the electronic device 800 satisfies a predetermined operating condition, and a step of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the determination that the electronic device 800 satisfies the operating condition. The predetermined operating condition may include at least one of whether the user turns on / off the power of the electronic device 800, whether a puff sensor included in the electronic device and a pressure sensor included in the electronic device 800 are operated, and whether a puff sensor included in the electronic device and a pressure sensor included in the electronic device 800 are operated. Although the operation detected by the camera may change depending on other objects (e.g., a finger, etc.) other than the determined object, the camera is operated only when the user turns on / off the power, and the camera is operated by detecting the user's inhalation through a puff sensor or a pressure sensor. However, the inhalation sensor of the present disclosure is not limited to a puff sensor or a pressure sensor.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the step of transmitting the control signal including the virtual smoke realization time to the display device 110 includes a step of transmitting information regarding the type of virtual smoke and a step of transmitting information regarding a delay time generated in communication between the electronic device 800 and the display device 110. The type of virtual smoke may be changed according to a user's selection, or may be changed depending on an aerosol product or other flavoring unit built into the second end 830. The control signal may also include information regarding the user's smoking amount, breathing amount, etc., and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0146] FIG. 9A illustrates an electronic device including a pressure sensor and a button according to one embodiment.

[0147] The description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 also applies to the description of FIG. 9A, and duplicate content will be omitted.

[0148] 9A, an electronic device 900 according to an embodiment includes a first end 510, a middle portion 920, a second end 930, a sensor portion 940, and a button 941. The first end 910, the middle portion 920, and the second end 930 may have functions similar to those of the first end 410, the middle portion 420, and the second end 430 in FIG.

[0149] The sensor unit 940 according to an embodiment may include a pressure sensor according to an example. The pressure sensor may be located inside or outside the second end 930. The pressure sensor may measure the pressure generated when the user brings the second end to the lips or bites it to smoke, and may detect whether the user has inhaled.

[0150] The button 941 according to one embodiment has a function of turning on / off the power of the electronic device 900, and may include an input function for storing a user's smoking pattern. The button 941 includes a function of determining whether a user's input is an operation for a power function or an operation for storing a smoking pattern. For example, the button 941 may have a function of turning on / off the power when pressed for a long time, may have a function of storing a smoking pattern when pressed for a short time, or may include a function of transmitting a control signal such as changing the type of virtual smoke. However, the button 941 of the present disclosure is not limited to the above functions.

[0151] FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the instant of appearance of virtual smoke using a pressure sensor according to an embodiment.

[0152] 9B , when a user starts smoking 95 according to an embodiment, the electronic device 900 learns the smoking pattern using a pressure sensor and a button 941. Based on the learned smoking pattern, the electronic device 900 predicts 971 the time when virtual smoke will be realized, and adjusts 972 the volume and density of the virtual smoke. The electronic device 900 transmits 980 a control signal including the predicted time when virtual smoke will be realized and the volume and density of the virtual smoke to the display device 110 (or the XR device 310). The display device 110 realizes 990 the virtual smoke based on the control signal, and can provide the user with a smoking experience in a virtual space.

[0153] 9A and 9B , in one embodiment, a step 950 of initiating smoking includes a step in which a user brings the electronic device 900 to their lips and inhales. The user turns on the electronic device 900 to begin heating the aerosol product within the electronic device 900, and the powered-on electronic device 900 preheats a heater that heats the aerosol product.

[0154] Step 960 of learning smoking patterns using the pressure sensor and button 941 in one embodiment includes detecting a first time point when an object contacts the second end 930 of the electronic device 900 and the pressure detection value of the pressure sensor is measured as exceeding a first threshold, detecting a second time point after the first time point when the object is separated from the second end 930 and the pressure detection value of the pressure sensor is measured within the second threshold, and detecting a third time point after the second time point when the button of the electronic device 900 is operated.

[0155] In one embodiment, the method for learning a smoking pattern measures and stores the time when the pressure changes in the pressure sensor when the user starts puffing to smoke. Then, stores the time when the detection value of the pressure sensor is restored when the user stops puffing. The time duration between the start and end of the puff is the smoke inhalation time of the user, which is similar to the user's inhalation time. Then, when the user exhales the inhaled smoke again, the user presses a button on the electronic device 900 to input the start of exhalation. When the user finishes exhaling, the user stops pressing the button. The time duration between the start and end of exhalation is similar to the user's exhalation time. The electronic device 900 can generate an algorithm for the user's smoking pattern based on the user's smoking pattern executed at least once, and store the smoking pattern learned based on the algorithm.

[0156] In one embodiment, step 971 of predicting the time of virtual smoke realization based on the learned smoking pattern includes storing the smoking pattern based on the intervals between the first and second time points and between the second and third time points, and collecting data for at least one interval between the first and second time points and between the second and third time points.

[0157] In one embodiment, the step 971 of predicting the time when virtual smoke is embodied based on the learned smoking pattern includes predicting the time when virtual smoke is embodied based on an interval between a first time point and a second time point. The first time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling smoke. The interval between the first time point and the second time point is a time when the user inhales smoke, and the time of the user's first breath can be predicted based on the time of inhaling smoke. The second time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling. The time of the second breath is predicted based on the interval between the first time point and the second time point and the first breath time. The time of the second breath is a time point when the user starts exhaling. For example, the time of the second breath can be determined as the time when virtual smoke is embodied.

[0158] According to one embodiment, since the time period during which the user inhales smoke is the interval between the first time point and the second time point, the first breathing time, which is the time period during which the user inhales, can be estimated similarly to the time period during which the user inhales smoke. Then, the electronic device 900 can predict the time period of the second breathing, which is the time period when the user begins to exhale, as the time period when the first breathing time has elapsed from the second time point.

[0159] For example, if the time from the first time point when the object comes into contact with the second end 930 to the second time point when the object is released from the second end 930 is 1 second, the first breathing time is estimated to be 1 second, and the time when the user inhales is predicted to be 1 second, similar to the first breathing time. Thus, the time of the second breathing, which is the time when the first breathing time has elapsed from the second time point, is predicted as the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was separated in the electronic device 900. Thus, the electronic device 900 can determine the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was separated as the time when virtual smoke is realized.

[0160] According to an embodiment, predicting the time when virtual smoke will be embodied based on the learned smoking pattern (971) includes estimating the inhalation and respiration volume of a user based on a period between a first time point and a second time point. The inhalation volume of a user may include the inhalation volume of aerosol inhaled by the user through the electronic device 900 when the electronic device 900 is in contact with an object. The respiration volume of a user may include the inhalation volume inhaled by the user when the electronic device 900 is not in contact with an object. The time when virtual smoke will be embodied may be predicted based on the estimated respiration and inhalation volumes.

[0161] The step 971 of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the learned smoking pattern according to an embodiment includes a step of determining whether the electronic device 900 satisfies a predetermined operating condition, and a step of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the determination that the electronic device 900 satisfies the operating condition. The predetermined operating condition may include at least one of whether the user turns the electronic device 900 on or off, and whether the puff sensor and the pressure sensor included in the electronic device 900 are operated. Although the detection value of the pressure sensor may change depending on other objects (e.g., a finger, etc.) other than the determined object, the pressure sensor is operated only when the user turns the power on or off, and the pressure sensor is operated by detecting the user's inhalation through the puff sensor or the pressure sensor. However, the inhalation sensor of the present disclosure is not limited to the puff sensor or the pressure sensor.

[0162] In one embodiment, adjusting 972 the volume and density of the virtual smoke based on the learned smoking pattern includes storing data comparing the pressure sensor operation time to the button 941 operation time, and storing the volume and density of the virtual smoke determined based on the compared data in the learned smoking pattern.

[0163] According to an embodiment, the volume and density of the virtual smoke may vary depending on the smoking pattern of the user. For example, if the user's exhalation time is shorter than the user's puff time, the volume of the virtual smoke may be increased to produce thicker smoke. If the user's puff time detected by the pressure sensor is 2 seconds, but the time between when the user presses and releases the button is 1.5 seconds, the volume and density of the virtual smoke may be adjusted to produce more smoke and thicker smoke. That is, since the user's puff time is the smoke inhalation time and the user's button operation time is the exhalation time, if the user's exhalation time is shorter than the user's smoke inhalation time, the user exhales the same amount of smoke in a short period of time, and the display device 110 must produce a larger amount of spray and thicker smoke in a short period of time.

[0164] According to an embodiment, the step of transmitting the control signal including the virtual smoke realization time and the volume and density of the virtual smoke to the display device 110 includes a step of transmitting information regarding the type of virtual smoke and a step of transmitting information regarding a delay time generated in communication between the electronic device 900 and the display device 110. The type of virtual smoke may be changed according to a user's selection, or may be changed depending on an aerosol product or other flavoring unit built into the second end 930. The control signal may also include information regarding the user's smoking amount, breathing amount, etc., and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0165] FIG. 10A shows a state in which a user wears a surface electromyogram sensor module included in an XR device according to an embodiment.

[0166] The description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 also applies to the description with reference to FIG. 10A, and duplicate content will be omitted.

[0167] 10A, the surface electromyography sensor 1000 can grasp what action the user is performing by analyzing the electrical signal emitted while the muscle is contracting. For example, surface electromyography (sEMG) measures a signal that is a composite of action potentials of motor units generated in the muscle around the surface electrode based on a method of measuring an electromyogram signal by attaching a surface electrode to the skin. By utilizing this, it is possible to predict exhalation by connecting a sensor device capable of monitoring muscle movement to the XR device 310 (or the display device 110) and then smoking.

[0168] FIG. 10B is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the instant of appearance of virtual smoke using a surface EMG sensor according to one embodiment.

[0169] 10B, when a user according to an embodiment starts smoking 105, the XR device 310 receives a signal from a surface EMG sensor to monitor 1060 muscle movement. The XR device 310 predicts 1070 the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on the monitoring result of the surface EMG sensor. The XR device 310 displays 1080 a virtual image of cigarette smoke being generated based on the predicted time when virtual smoke will be realized. The XR device 310 can realize 1090 the virtual smoke to provide the user with a smoking experience in a virtual space.

[0170] 10A and 10B, in one embodiment, a step 1050 of starting to smoke includes a step in which a user brings the electronic device 400 to his / her lips to perform an inhalation action. The user turns on the electronic device 400 to pre-heat it in order to start the operation of the electronic device 400.

[0171] In one embodiment, the XR device 310 receiving signals from the surface EMG sensor to monitor muscle movement 1060 includes detecting a first time point when the object performs a first muscle movement motion to bite and inhale the second end 430 of the electronic device 400, and detecting a second time point when the object performs a second muscle movement motion to separate from the second end 430 of the electronic device 400.

[0172] For example, detecting the first time point may include a surface EMG sensor detecting that the object reaches the first motion.

[0173] For example, detecting the second time point may include a surface EMG sensor detecting that the object reaches the second motion.

[0174] The step 1070 of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the result of the surface electromyogram monitoring according to an embodiment includes predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on an interval between a first time point and a second time point. The first time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling smoke. The interval between the first time point and the second time point is a time when the user inhales smoke, and the time of the first breath of the user can be predicted based on the time of inhaling smoke. The second time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling. The time of the second breath is predicted based on the interval between the first time point and the second time point and the first breath time. The time of the second breath is a time point when the user starts exhaling. For example, the time of the second breath can be determined as the time when virtual smoke is realized.

[0175] According to one embodiment, since the smoke inhalation time of the user is the interval between the first time point and the second time point, the first breath time, which is the time when the user inhales, can be estimated similarly to the smoke inhalation time. Then, the XR device 310 can predict the second breath time, which is the time when the user starts exhaling, as the time when the first breath time has elapsed from the second time point.

[0176] For example, if the time from the first time point when the object comes into contact with the second end 430 to the second time point when the object is removed from the second end 430 is 1 second, the first breathing time is estimated to be 1 second, and the time when the user inhales is predicted to be 1 second, similar to the first breathing time. Thus, the time of the second breathing, which is the time when the first breathing time has elapsed from the second time point, is predicted to be the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was separated from the electronic device 400. Thus, the XR device 310 can determine the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was removed as the time when virtual smoke is realized.

[0177] According to an embodiment, predicting the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on the result of surface electromyogram monitoring 1070 includes estimating the inhalation and respiration volume of a user based on a period between a first time point and a second time point. The inhalation volume of a user may include the inhalation volume of aerosol inhaled by the user through the electronic device 400 when the electronic device 400 is in contact with an object. The respiration volume of a user may include the inhalation volume inhaled by the user when the electronic device 400 is not in contact with an object. The time when virtual smoke will be realized can be predicted based on the estimated respiration and inhalation volumes.

[0178] The step 1070 of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the monitoring result according to an embodiment includes a step of determining whether the electronic device 400 satisfies a predetermined operating condition, and a step of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the determination that the electronic device 400 satisfies the operating condition. The predetermined operating condition may include at least one of whether the user turns the electronic device 400 on or off, whether a puff sensor included in the electronic device and a pressure sensor included in the electronic device 400 are operated, and whether a pressure sensor included in the electronic device 400 is operated. Although the detection value of the surface electromyogram sensor may change due to other object movements (e.g., talking, chewing, etc.) other than the determined object movements, the surface electromyogram sensor is activated only when the user turns the power on or off, and can detect only electrical signals of muscle movements for smoking behavior, and the surface electromyogram sensor is activated by detecting the user's inhalation via a puff sensor or a pressure sensor. However, the inhalation sensor of the present disclosure is not limited to a puff sensor or a pressure sensor.

[0179] In one embodiment, transmitting the control signal to the display device 110 includes transmitting information regarding the type of virtual smoke and transmitting information regarding a delay time caused in communication between the electronic device 400 and the display device 110. The type of virtual smoke may vary according to a user's selection, or may vary depending on an aerosol product or other flavoring unit built into the second end 430. The control signal may also include information regarding the user's smoking amount, breathing amount, etc., and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0180] FIG. 11A shows a state in which a user wears an electroencephalogram measuring module included in an XR device according to an embodiment.

[0181] The description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 also applies to the description with reference to FIG. 11A, and duplicate content will be omitted.

[0182] 11A, the electroencephalogram measuring module 1100 according to an embodiment is a device for measuring an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal, and includes electrodes for detecting an electroencephalogram signal, an amplifier for amplifying a weak electroencephalogram signal, and an AD converter for converting a measured analog electroencephalogram into a digital signal. When such an electroencephalogram measuring module is attached to an XR device and the smoker smokes, the smoker's brainwave can be measured and analyzed to predict exhalation. That is, by measuring the brainwaves for smoke inhalation and the brainwaves for the act of inhaling smoke into the lungs through inhalation, the inhalation volume and the time of exhalation can be predicted.

[0183] FIG. 11B is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the time when virtual smoke will be realized using an electroencephalogram measurement module according to one embodiment.

[0184] 11B, when a user according to an embodiment starts smoking 115, the XR device 310 receives an electroencephalogram signal related to the object's movement via the electroencephalogram measurement module and monitors 1160 the electroencephalogram signal. The XR device 310 predicts 1170 the virtual smoke appearance time based on the monitoring result of the electroencephalogram measurement module. The XR device 310 displays 1180 a virtual image in which cigarette smoke is generated based on the predicted virtual smoke appearance time. The XR device 310 may provide the user with a smoking experience in a virtual space by implementing 1190 the virtual smoke.

[0185] 11A and 11B, in one embodiment, the initiation step 1150 of smoking includes a step in which the user brings the electronic device 400 to their lips and inhales. The user turns on the electronic device 400 to begin heating the aerosol product within the electronic device 400, and the powered-on electronic device 400 preheats a heater that heats the aerosol product.

[0186] In one embodiment, the XR device 310 receives a signal from the EEG measurement module and monitors the EEG signal in step 1160, which includes detecting a first time point at which a first signal is generated, which is an EEG signal for performing a user action of biting and inhaling the second end 430 of the electronic device 400, and detecting a second time point at which a second signal is generated, which is an EEG signal for performing a user action of separating the object from the second end 430 of the electronic device 400.

[0187] For example, detecting the first time point may include the electroencephalogram measurement module detecting that the electroencephalogram signal reaches the first signal.

[0188] For example, the step of detecting the second time point may include the electroencephalogram measurement module detecting that an electroencephalogram second signal is reached.

[0189] The step 1170 of predicting the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on the electroencephalogram signal monitoring result according to an embodiment includes predicting the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on a period between a first time point and a second time point. The first time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling smoke. The period between the first time point and the second time point is a time when the user inhales smoke, and the user's first breathing time can be predicted based on the smoke inhalation time. The second time point is a time point when the user starts inhaling. The time of the second breathing can be predicted based on the period between the first time point and the second time point and the first breathing time. The time of the second breathing is a time point when the user starts exhaling. For example, the time of the second breathing can be determined as the time when virtual smoke will be realized.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the smoke inhalation time of the user is the interval between the first time point and the second time point, so the first breath time, which is the time when the user inhales, can be estimated similarly to the smoke inhalation time. Then, the XR device 310 can predict the second breath time, which is the time when the user starts exhaling, as the time when the first breath time has elapsed from the second time point.

[0191] For example, if the time from the first time point when the object comes into contact with the second end 430 to the second time point when the object is removed from the second end 430 is 1 second, the first breathing time is estimated to be 1 second, and the time when the user inhales is predicted to be 1 second, similar to the first breathing time. Thus, the time of the second breathing, which is the time when the first breathing time has elapsed from the second time point, is predicted to be the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was separated from the electronic device 400. Thus, the XR device 310 can determine the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was removed as the time when virtual smoke is realized.

[0192] According to an embodiment, the step 1170 of predicting the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on the electroencephalogram signal monitoring result includes estimating the inhalation and respiration volume of the user based on the interval between the first and second time points. The inhalation volume of the user may include the inhalation volume of aerosol inhaled by the user through the electronic device 400 when the electronic device 400 is in contact with an object. The respiration volume of the user may include the inhalation volume inhaled by the user when the electronic device 400 is not in contact with an object. The time when virtual smoke will be realized can be predicted based on the estimated respiration and inhalation volumes.

[0193] The step 1170 of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the monitoring result according to an embodiment includes a step of determining whether the electronic device 400 satisfies a predetermined operating condition, and a step of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the determination that the electronic device 400 satisfies the operating condition. The predetermined operating condition may include at least one of whether the user turns on / off the power of the electronic device 400, whether a puff sensor included in the electronic device and a pressure sensor included in the electronic device 400 are operated, and whether a pressure sensor included in the electronic device 400 is operated. Although the detection value of the electroencephalogram measurement module may change due to other objects other than the determined object (e.g., speaking or chewing behavior, etc.), the electroencephalogram measurement module is operated only when the user turns on / off the power, and the electroencephalogram measurement module is operated by detecting the user's inhalation via a puff sensor or a pressure sensor. However, the inhalation sensor of the present disclosure is not limited to a puff sensor or a pressure sensor.

[0194] According to an embodiment, the step of transmitting the control signal including the virtual smoke realization time to the display device 110 includes a step of transmitting information regarding the type of virtual smoke and a step of transmitting information regarding a delay time generated in communication between the electronic device 400 and the display device 110. The type of virtual smoke may be changed according to a user's selection, or may be changed depending on an aerosol product or other flavoring unit built into the second end 430. The control signal may also include information regarding the user's smoking amount, breathing amount, etc., and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0195] FIG. 12A illustrates an article including a pressure sensor according to one embodiment.

[0196] The description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 also applies to the description with reference to FIG. 12A, and duplicate content will be omitted.

[0197] 12A, an electronic device 1200 according to an embodiment includes a first end 1210, a middle portion 1220, a second end 1230, and a sensor portion 1240. The first end 1210, the middle portion 1220, and the second end 1230 may have the same functions as the first end 410, the middle portion 420, and the second end 430 in FIG.

[0198] The sensor unit 1240 according to an embodiment may include a pressure sensor according to an embodiment. The pressure sensor may be disposed inside or outside the second end 1230. The pressure sensor according to an embodiment may measure the pressure generated by the user's lips to detect whether or not the user is inhaling.

[0199] FIG. 12B is a block diagram illustrating a method for predicting the appearance time of virtual smoke using a camera and a pressure sensor according to one embodiment.

[0200] 3 and 12B, when a user according to an embodiment starts smoking 1250, the XR device 310 receives 1260 camera data detecting a hand movement of the user from the camera 330. The pressure sensor acquires 1270 pressure sensor data when the user bites the second end 1230 with the mouth to smoke. The electronic device 1200 or the XR device 310 predicts 1280 the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on the received camera data and pressure sensor data. The electronic device 1200 or the XR device 310 transmits 1290 a control signal including the time when virtual smoke will be realized to the display device 110, thereby providing the user with a smoking experience in virtual reality.

[0201] 3, 12A and 12B, in one embodiment, the initiation step 1250 of smoking includes a step in which a user brings the electronic device 1200 to their lips and inhales. The user turns on the electronic device 1200 to begin heating the aerosol product within the electronic device 1200, and the powered-on electronic device 1200 preheats a heater that heats the aerosol product.

[0202] The XR device 310 according to an embodiment may have an application installed therein that monitors the user's hand motion, and thus may detect the user's smoking motion data through the camera 330 that monitors the user's hand motion. The camera 330 monitors the situation in which the user brings the electronic device 1200 to the mouth to inhale smoke, inhales the smoke into the lungs through inhalation, and then separates the electronic device 1200 from the mouth to exhale the smoke. The data received from the camera 330 and the application installed in the XR device 310 may analyze the user's hand motion as described above to predict the inhalation volume and exhalation time.

[0203] According to an embodiment, the XR device 310, the camera 330, and the electronic device 1200 operate as follows. The XR device 310 and the electronic device 1200, on which a smoking device application is installed, are paired using short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark)). When a user holds the electronic device 1200 to his / her mouth for smoking, the application of the XR device 310 can analyze the user's hand movement using an image (e.g., camera data) captured by the camera 330. When it is determined that the electronic device 1200 has reached the mouth through the image of the camera 330 and the pressure sensor operates (e.g., the measured pressure value is equal to or greater than a threshold), it is determined that the user has started smoking. For example, the electronic device 1200 can transmit a pressure value measured by the pressure sensor to the paired XR device 310. After the user starts smoking, the user's action of inhaling smoke into the lungs through inhalation, i.e., the action of separating the electronic device 1200 from the mouth, can be monitored using the image of the camera 330. By analyzing the interval between the start of smoking and the start of inhalation, the inhalation volume and the amount of inhalation are estimated, and the time of exhalation can be measured based on the estimated inhalation volume and amount of inhalation.

[0204] In one embodiment, predicting the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on the monitoring result in step 1270 includes predicting the time when virtual smoke will be realized based on a time interval between a first time point and a second time point. The first time point is a time point when the user starts to inhale smoke. The time interval between the first time point and the second time point is a time when the user inhales smoke, and the time of the user's first breath can be predicted based on the time of inhaling smoke. The second time point is a time point when the user starts to inhale. The time of the second breath can be predicted based on the time interval between the first time point and the second time point and the first breath. The time of the second breath is a time point when the user starts to exhale. For example, the time of the second breath can be determined as the time when virtual smoke will be realized.

[0205] According to one embodiment, since the smoke inhalation time of the user is the interval between the first time point and the second time point, the first breath time, which is the time when the user inhales, can be estimated similarly to the smoke inhalation time. Then, the electronic device 1200 can predict the second breath time, which is the time when the user starts exhaling, as the time when the first breath time has elapsed from the second time point.

[0206] For example, if the time from the first time point when the object comes into contact with the second end 1230 to the second time point when the object is removed from the second end 1230 is 1 second, the first breathing time is estimated to be 1 second, and the time when the user inhales is predicted to be 1 second, similar to the first breathing time. Thus, the time of the second breathing, which is the time when the first breathing time has elapsed from the second time point, is predicted to be the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was separated from the electronic device 1200. Thus, the electronic device 1200 can determine the time when 1 second has elapsed since the object was removed as the time when virtual smoke is realized.

[0207] According to an embodiment, predicting the appearance time of virtual smoke based on the monitoring result in step 1270 includes estimating the inhalation and respiration volume of a user based on a period between a first time point and a second time point. The inhalation volume of a user may include an inhalation volume of aerosol inhaled by a user through the electronic device 1200 when the electronic device 1200 is in contact with an object. The respiration volume of a user may include an inhalation volume inhaled by a user when the electronic device 1200 is not in contact with an object. The appearance time of virtual smoke can be predicted based on the estimated respiration and inhalation volumes.

[0208] According to an embodiment, the step 1270 of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the monitoring result includes a step of determining whether the electronic device 1200 satisfies a predetermined operating condition, and a step of predicting the time when virtual smoke is realized based on the determination that the electronic device 1200 satisfies the operating condition. The predetermined operating condition may include at least one of whether the user turns on / off the power of the electronic device 1200, and whether the puff sensor and the pressure sensor included in the electronic device 1200 are operated. Although the detection value of the pressure sensor may change depending on the motion of other objects other than the determined object motion (e.g., hand motion other than smoking), the pressure sensor is operated only when the user turns on / off the power, and the pressure sensor is operated by detecting the user's inhalation via the puff sensor or the pressure sensor. However, the inhalation sensor of the present disclosure is not limited to the puff sensor or the pressure sensor.

[0209] According to an embodiment, the step of transmitting the control signal including the virtual smoke realization time to the display device 110 includes a step of transmitting information regarding the type of virtual smoke and a step of transmitting information regarding a delay time generated in communication between the electronic device 1200 and the display device 110. The type of virtual smoke may be changed according to a user's selection, or may be changed depending on an aerosol product or other flavoring unit built into the second end 1230. The control signal may also include information regarding the user's smoking amount, breathing amount, etc., and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0210] If the time when the virtual smoke is realized does not match the user's actual smoking behavior or if the exact predicted time cannot be determined, additional work may be performed to perform a separate "exhalation prediction detection" processing process.

[0211] The embodiments described above may be implemented using hardware components, software components, or a combination of hardware and software components. For example, the devices and components described herein may be implemented using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable array (FPA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or other devices that execute and respond to instructions. The processing device executes an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications that run on the operating system. The processing device also accesses, stores, manipulates, processes, and generates data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device may be described as being one in which only one processing device is used, but one skilled in the art will appreciate that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing device may include multiple processors or one processor and one controller. Other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0212] The software may include computer programs, codes, instructions, or any combination of one or more thereof, capable of configuring or instructing a processing device to operate as desired, either independently or in combination. The software and / or data may be embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave, either permanently or temporarily, to be interpreted by the processing device or to provide instructions or data to the processing device. The software may be distributed across computer systems coupled to a network, and may be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer readable recording media.

[0213] The method according to the present invention may be embodied in the form of program instructions to be executed by various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination. The recording medium and the program instructions may be specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or may be well known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROMs, RAMs, flash memories, and the like. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language code, such as that generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0214] The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations illustrated in the present invention, and vice versa.

[0215] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited drawings, those skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a different form than described, and may be replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents to achieve appropriate results.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an electronic device including a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure generated between a user's object and the electronic device to detect the presence or absence of inhalation for smoking, and a button for indicating an exhalation time of the user, comprising: predicting a time when virtual smoke will appear based on a smoking pattern learned based on a smoke inhalation time determined by a change in pressure detected by the pressure sensor, an inhalation time corresponding to a time from the end of the inhalation time until the user presses the button to indicate the start of exhalation, and an exhalation time corresponding to a time from the user pressing the button to indicate the start of exhalation until the user releases the button to indicate the end of exhalation; adjusting the volume and density of the virtual smoke based on the learned smoking patterns; transmitting a control signal including a time when the virtual smoke is realized and a volume and density of the virtual smoke to a device for displaying a virtual image; A method for controlling an electronic device comprising:

2. The step of predicting the time when the virtual smoke is realized includes: Detecting a first time point when the pressure measurement value of the pressure sensor exceeds a first threshold value; detecting a second time point when the pressure measurement value of the pressure sensor is within a second threshold; detecting a third time point after the second time point that the button is actuated; The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The step of predicting the time when the virtual smoke is realized includes: storing the smoking pattern based on an interval between the first time point and the second time point and an interval between the second time point and the third time point; The smoking pattern includes collecting data for at least one or more intervals between the first time point and the second time point and between the second time point and the third time point; The method of claim 2 , further comprising:

4. The step of predicting the time when the virtual smoke is realized includes: predicting a first breath time based on an interval between the first time point and the second time point; predicting a time point of a second breath based on an interval between the first time point and the second time point and the first breath time; determining a time point of the second breath as a realization time point of the virtual smoke; The method of claim 2 , further comprising:

5. The step of predicting a time when the virtual smoke is realized includes a step of estimating an inhalation amount and a breathing amount of the user based on a time interval between the first time point and the second time point; the inhaled amount includes an inhaled amount of aerosol inhaled by the user through the electronic device while the electronic device is in contact with the object; The method of claim 2 , wherein the respiratory volume includes an amount of air inhaled by the user when the electronic device is not in contact with the object.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein predicting a time when the virtual smoke will appear comprises predicting a time when the virtual smoke will appear based on the inhalation volume and the breathing volume.

7. The step of predicting the time when the virtual smoke is realized includes: determining whether the electronic device satisfies a predetermined operating condition; predicting a time when the virtual smoke will materialize based on the electronic device determining that the operating condition is satisfied; The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

8. The step of adjusting the volume and density of the virtual smoke includes: storing data comparing the actuation time of the pressure sensor with the actuation time of the button; storing the virtual smoke volume and density determined based on the compared data in the learned smoking pattern; The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

9. The method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 7 , wherein the operating conditions include at least one of whether a power source of the electronic device is turned on or off and whether an inhalation sensor included in the electronic device is operating or not.

10. The step of transmitting the control signal to a device for displaying a virtual image comprises: communicating information regarding the type of virtual smoke; transmitting information regarding a delay time occurring in communication between the electronic device and a device displaying the virtual image; The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

11. A computer program stored on a computer-readable recording medium for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 in combination with hardware.

12. a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure generated between the user's object and the electronic device to detect the presence or absence of inhalation for smoking; a button for indicating an exhalation time of the user; a processor for predicting a time when virtual smoke will be generated based on a learned smoking pattern based on an inhalation time of smoke determined by a change in pressure detected by the pressure sensor, an inhalation time corresponding to a time from the end of the inhalation time until the user presses the button to indicate the start of exhalation, and an exhalation time corresponding to a time from the user pressing the button to indicate the start of exhalation until the user releases the button to indicate the end of exhalation, adjusting a volume and density of virtual smoke based on the learned smoking pattern, and transmitting a control signal including the time when the virtual smoke will be generated and the volume and density of the virtual smoke to a device that displays a virtual image; 23. An electronic device comprising:

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