Ultrasonic vibration-based aerosol generator and its control method

Abstract

An example aerosol generating method is disclosed, which obtains unique information of a cartridge from a tag of the cartridge connected to an electronic device using short-range wireless communication, authenticates the cartridge based on the unique information, and if the cartridge is authenticated, generates an aerosol by vibrating an aerosol generating material in the cartridge based on information regarding the natural vibration frequency of a vibrator in the cartridge obtained from the tag.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The following embodiments relate to devices that generate aerosols, and in particular to techniques for controlling electronic devices to which cartridges equipped with tags are coupled. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, the demand for vapes has been gradually increasing. In addition, as the demand for electronic cigarettes has increased, the functions related to electronic cigarettes have been continuously developed. In particular, the related functions according to the types and characteristics of electronic cigarettes have been continuously developed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One embodiment provides a method for controlling an electronic device to which a tagged cartridge is coupled.

[0004] One embodiment provides an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aerosol generating method performed by an electronic device in one embodiment includes an operation of acquiring unique information of a cartridge from a tag of a cartridge connected to the electronic device using short-range wireless communication, an operation of authenticating the cartridge based on the unique information, and, if the cartridge is authenticated, an operation of generating an aerosol by vibrating an aerosol generating material in the cartridge based on information regarding the natural vibration frequency of a vibrator in the cartridge acquired from the tag.

[0006] The method may further include transmitting usage information for the electronic device to the tag.

[0007] The usage information may include puff count, duration of use, or reuse information.

[0008] The tag may be embedded inside the cartridge in the form of an NFC module, or may be attached to the outside of the cartridge in the form of a sticker.

[0009] The aerosol generating material can be aerosolized by ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer within the cartridge.

[0010] The aerosol generating method may further include an operation of acquiring information regarding the natural vibration frequency of the transducer from the tag, and an operation of calibrating a driving circuit to which the transducer is connected based on the information regarding the natural vibration frequency.

[0011] An electronic device in one embodiment includes a control unit that executes a program to authenticate a cartridge connected to the electronic device, and the control unit performs the following operations: acquire unique information of the cartridge from a tag of the cartridge connected to the electronic device using short-range wireless communication; authenticate the cartridge based on the unique information; and, if the cartridge is authenticated, generate an aerosol by vibrating an aerosol generating material in the cartridge based on information regarding the natural vibration frequency of a vibrator in the cartridge acquired from the tag.

[0012] The control unit may further perform an operation of transmitting usage information for the electronic device to the tag.

[0013] The usage information may include puff count, duration of use, or reuse information.

[0014] The tag may be embedded inside the cartridge in the form of an NFC module, or may be attached to the outside of the cartridge in the form of a sticker.

[0015] The aerosol generating material can be aerosolized by ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer within the cartridge.

[0016] The control unit may further perform an operation of acquiring information regarding the natural vibration frequency of the transducer from the tag, and an operation of calibrating a driving circuit to which the transducer is connected based on the information regarding the natural vibration frequency. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to one embodiment, a method for controlling an electronic device coupled to a tagged cartridge may be provided.

[0018] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an example. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an example. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generating device with a cartridge and a body portion separated. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generating device with a cartridge and a body portion coupled together; FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart of an aerosol generating method according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of a method for transmitting usage information for an aerosol generating device to a tag according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of a method for calibrating a driving circuit of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] When any component is referred to as being "connected" to another component, it is directly connected or connected to the other component, but it should be understood that there may be other components in between.

[0023] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like 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 possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description with reference to the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes a control unit 110, a detection unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, an atomization unit 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment can understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0028] The detection unit 120 detects the state of the aerosol generation device 100 or the state around the aerosol generation device 100, and transmits the detected information to the control unit 110. Based on the detected information, the control unit 110 can control the aerosol generation device 100 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the atomization unit 150, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., an aerosol generating article, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying notifications, etc.

[0029] The detection unit 120 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection unit 124, and a puff sensor 126, but is not limited to these.

[0030] The temperature sensor 122 detects the temperature of the atomizing unit 150 (or the aerosol-generating substance). The aerosol generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the atomizing unit 150, or the atomizing unit 150 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be disposed near the battery 140 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0031] The insertion detection sensor 124 detects the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and detects a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article.

[0032] The puff sensor 126 detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 may detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0033] The detection unit 120 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor, in addition to the above-mentioned sensors 122 to 126. A typical engineer can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0034] The output unit 130 outputs and provides to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 100. The output unit 130 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an audio output unit 136. When the display unit 132 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 is used not only as an output device but also as an input device.

[0035] The display unit 132 visually provides information about the aerosol generation device 100 to a user. For example, the information about the aerosol generation device 100 means various information such as the charging / discharging state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generation device 100, the state of the atomization unit 150, the insertion / removal state of an aerosol-generating article, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generation device 100 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 132 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 132 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Also, the display unit 132 may be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0036] The haptic unit 134 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the haptic unit 134 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0037] The acoustic output unit 136 audibly provides the user with information regarding the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 may convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0038] The battery 140 can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 100. The battery 140 supplies power for the operation of the atomization unit 150. The battery 140 also supplies power necessary for the operation of other components (e.g., the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180) provided in the aerosol generation device 100. The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0039] The atomization unit 150 atomizes the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol generation device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies the converted power to the atomization unit 150. In addition, when the aerosol generation device 100 generates the aerosol using an ultrasonic vibration method, the aerosol generation device 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 140 into an AC power.

[0040] The control unit 110, the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 may function by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in FIG 1, each of the components may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies the power to each of the components.

[0041] In one embodiment, the atomizing unit 150 includes a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibrations by an applied signal (e.g., power). For example, the material of the vibrator includes, but is not limited to, piezoelectric ceramic. The vibrator includes a piezoelectric body. The piezoelectric body according to one embodiment is a conversion element that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, and may generate ultrasonic vibrations under the control of the control unit 110. In one embodiment, when an AC power source is applied to a polarized piezoelectric body, the piezoelectric body can repeatedly expand and contract. The repeated expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric body causes the vibrator to vibrate at a characteristic frequency. When a signal is applied to the vibrator, short high-frequency vibrations are generated, and the generated vibrations can break the aerosol-generating material into small particles and atomize them into an aerosol.

[0042] The user input unit 160 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 160 may be, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact type capacitance type, pressure type resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral type tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may be connected to another external device through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0043] The memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device 100, and stores data processed by the control unit 110 and data to be processed. The memory 170 includes at least one type of storage medium, including a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 170 can store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0044] The communication unit 180 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0045] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0046] The wireless communication unit 184 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 184 can also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)).

[0047] The control unit 110 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. The controller 110 may also be embodied in other forms of hardware, which would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains.

[0048] The control unit 110 controls the operation of the atomization unit 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the atomization unit 150. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element of the driving circuit 138 located between the battery 140 and the atomization unit 150.

[0049] The control unit 110 analyzes the results detected by the detection unit 120 and controls the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit 110 controls the power supplied to the atomization unit 150 so that the operation of the atomization unit 150 starts or ends based on the results detected by the detection unit 120. As another example, the control unit 110 can control the amount of power supplied to the atomization unit 150 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results detected by the detection unit 120 so that the atomization unit 150 vibrates at a predetermined frequency or maintains an appropriate vibration frequency.

[0050] The control unit 110 controls the output unit 130 based on the result detected by the detection unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 can notify the user through at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the audio output unit 136 that the aerosol generating device 100 will soon be shut down.

[0051] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the time and / or amount of power supplied to the atomization unit 150 by controlling the drive circuit 138 depending on the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the detection unit 120. For example, the control unit 110 can control the vibration frequency of the vibrator of the atomization unit 150 depending on the type or remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article.

[0052] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium including computer executable instructions such as a program module executed by a computer. A computer readable medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. Also, a computer readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media embodied in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery medium.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an example.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 200 (eg, the aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a cartridge 220 that holds an aerosol generating substance and a body portion 210 that is coupled to the cartridge 220.

[0055] The cartridge 220 of the aerosol generating device 200 can be coupled to the body part 210 in a state in which the aerosol generating material is contained therein. For example, the cartridge 200 and the body part 210 are coupled to each other by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 220 into the body part 210. As a different example, the cartridge 220 and the body part 210 are coupled to each other by inserting at least a portion of the body part 210 into the cartridge 220.

[0056] The cartridge 220 and the body portion 210 may be connected by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a screw-type coupling method, a magnetic coupling method, or a force-fitting method, but the coupling method between the cartridge 220 and the body portion 210 is not limited to the above examples.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 220 includes a housing 222 , a mouthpiece 224 , a storage portion 230 , a transmission portion 230 , a transducer 250 and an electrical terminal 260 .

[0058] The housing 222 of the aerosol generating device 200, together with the mouthpiece 224, forms the overall appearance of the cartridge 220, and components for operating the cartridge 220 are disposed inside the housing 222. For example, the housing 222 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the shape of the housing 222 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the housing 222 may be formed in a polygonal prism (e.g., triangular prism, pentagonal prism) or cylindrical shape.

[0059] The mouthpiece 224 of the aerosol generating device 200 is disposed in one region of the housing 222, and includes an outlet 224e for discharging the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material to the outside. For example, the mouthpiece 224 is disposed in another region located in the opposite direction to one region of the cartridge 220 coupled to the body part 210, and the user can receive the aerosol from the cartridge 220 by contacting the mouthpiece 224 with the oral cavity and inhaling.

[0060] A pressure difference occurs between the outside of the cartridge 220 and the inside of the cartridge 220 due to the inhalation or puffing action of the user, and the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 220 due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cartridge 220 is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the outlet 224e. That is, the user can inhale by contacting the mouthpiece 224 with the oral cavity, thereby supplying the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the outlet 224e.

[0061] The storage unit 230 of the aerosol generating device 200 is located in the internal space of the housing 222 and can store an aerosol generating substance. In the present disclosure, the expression "the storage unit stores an aerosol generating substance" means that the storage unit 230 simply functions to hold the aerosol generating substance as in the case of a container, and that the storage unit 230 includes an element that is impregnated with (contains) the aerosol generating substance, such as sponge cotton, cloth, or a porous ceramic structure, inside the storage unit 230. The above expressions are also used hereinafter with the same meaning.

[0062] The storage unit 230 may store an aerosol generating material in any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, a gel state, and the like.

[0063] In one embodiment, the aerosol forming material comprises a liquid phase composition, which may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing material, including volatile tobacco aroma components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco material.

[0064] The liquid phase composition may be, for example, any one of or a mixture of the following ingredients: water, solvent, ethanol, botanical extracts, flavors, flavorings, and vitamin mixtures. Flavors may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavorings, and the like.

[0065] The flavoring agent may include ingredients that provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0066] For example, the liquid phase composition may include any weight ratio of glycerin and propylene glycol solution to which a nicotine salt is added. The liquid phase composition may include two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic acid or an inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid phase composition, as naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

[0067] The acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected in consideration of the blood nicotine absorption rate, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 200, the flavor or taste, the solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be, but is not limited to, a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group.

[0068] The transmitting unit 240 of the aerosol generating device 200 can absorb the aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material stored or contained in the storage unit 230 can be transmitted from the storage unit 230 to the vibrator 250 via the transmitting unit 240, and the vibrator 250 can atomize the aerosol generating material in the transmitting unit 240 or the aerosol generating material transmitted from the transmitting unit 240 to generate an aerosol. In this case, the transmitting unit 240 may include at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but the transmitting unit 240 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0069] According to one embodiment, transmitting unit 240 is disposed adjacent to storage unit 230 and receives a liquid phase aerosol generating material from storage unit 230. For example, the aerosol generating material stored in storage unit 230 is discharged to the outside of storage unit 230 through a liquid phase supply port formed in an area of ​​storage unit 230 facing transmitting unit 240, and transmitting unit 240 can absorb at least a portion of the aerosol generating material discharged from storage unit 230, thereby absorbing the aerosol generating material from storage unit 230.

[0070] According to an embodiment, cartridge 210 may further include an absorber (not shown) arranged to cover at least a portion of transducer 250 where aerosol is generated and to transmit the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by transmission unit 240 to transducer 250. The absorber may be made of a material capable of absorbing the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the absorber includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of SPL30(H), SPL50(H)V, NP100(V8), SPL60(FC), and melamine. By further including an absorber in cartridge 220, the aerosol-generating substance may be absorbed not only by transmission unit 240 but also by the absorber, thereby improving the amount of absorption of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0071] The vibrator 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 is located inside the housing 222 and can generate an aerosol by changing the phase of the aerosol generating material stored inside the cartridge 220. For example, the vibrator 250 can generate an aerosol by heating or vibrating the aerosol generating material.

[0072] In addition, since the absorber is disposed to cover at least a portion of the vibrator 250, the absorber serves as a physical barrier to prevent "splash", which occurs when particles that are not sufficiently atomized during the aerosol generation process are immediately discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device 200. Here, "splash" refers to particles of the aerosol generating material that are not sufficiently atomized and have a relatively large size being discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220. The inclusion of an absorber in the cartridge 220 further reduces the occurrence of splash, improving the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0073] In one embodiment, the absorber is located between one surface of the oscillator 250 where the aerosol is generated and the transmission section 240, and can transmit the aerosol supplied to the transmission section 240 to the oscillator 250. For example, one region of the absorber may be in contact with one region of the transmission section 240 facing the -z direction, and another region of the absorber may be in contact with one region of the oscillator 250 facing the +z direction. That is, the absorber is located on the upper end surface (e.g., in the +z direction) of the oscillator 250, and can supply the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the transmission section 240 to the oscillator 250.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the transducer 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 may change the phase of the aerosol generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method that atomizes the aerosol generating material with ultrasonic vibration. For example, the transducer 250 may generate short-period vibration, and the vibration generated from the transducer 250 may be ultrasonic vibration. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibration is within a range of about 100 kHz to about 10 MHz (preferably, a range of about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz), but is not limited thereto. When the transducer generates ultrasonic vibration in the above-mentioned frequency band, the transducer is vibrated along the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the cartridge 220 or the housing 222. However, the embodiment is not limited by the direction in which the transducer vibrates, and the direction in which the transducer vibrates may be changed to various directions (e.g., any one of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction, or a combination of these directions). Due to the short-period vibration generated from the vibrator 250, the aerosol generating material supplied from the storage unit 230 to the vibrator 250 can be vaporized and / or atomized and atomized into an aerosol.

[0075] For example, the vibrator 250 may include a piezoelectric ceramic, which may be a functional material capable of converting between electric power and mechanical power by generating electric power (voltage) from physical force (pressure) and, conversely, generating vibration (mechanical force) when electric power is applied. That is, when electric power is applied to the vibrator 250, short-period vibration (physical force) is generated, and the generated vibration can break the aerosol-generating substance into small particles and atomize them into an aerosol.

[0076] The vibrator 250 is electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generation device 200 via the electrical terminal 260. The electrical terminal 500 may be disposed on one surface of the cartridge 220. For example, the electrical terminal 260 may be disposed on a coupling surface of the cartridge 220 where the cartridge 220 is coupled to the body portion 210 of the aerosol generation device 20. The electrical terminal 260 may be disposed on one surface of the housing 222 facing the mouthpiece 224.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the transducer 250 may be electrically connected to at least one of the drive circuit 212 , the control unit 214 , and the battery 216 of the body portion 210 via electrical terminals 260 located inside the housing 222 of the cartridge 220 .

[0078] For example, the vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to an electrical terminal 260 located inside the cartridge 220 via a first conductor, and the electrical terminal 260 may be electrically connected to the driving circuit 212 of the body part 210 via a second conductor. That is, the vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to components of the body part 210 via the electrical terminal 260.

[0079] The transducer 250 can generate ultrasonic vibrations by receiving power from the battery 216 of the body part 210 via the electrical terminal 260. The transducer 250 is also electrically connected to the control unit 214 of the body part 210 via the electrical terminal 260, and the control unit 214 can control the operation of the transducer 250 via the drive circuit 212.

[0080] For example, the electrical terminal 260 may include at least one of a pogo pin, a wire, a cable, a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and a C-clip, but the electrical terminal 260 is not limited to the above examples.

[0081] In one embodiment, the vibrator 250 may be realized as a mesh-shaped or plate-shaped vibration container that performs both the function of absorbing the aerosol-generating material and maintaining it in an optimal state for converting it into an aerosol, without using a separate transmission part 240, and the function of transmitting vibrations to the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0082] The aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 via the airflow passage 223 and supplied to the user.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the airflow passage 223 may be located inside the cartridge 220 and connected to the vibrator 250 and the outlet 224e of the mouthpiece 224. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 flows along the airflow passage 223 and is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 or the aerosol generation device 200 through the outlet 224e. The user may receive the aerosol by contacting the mouthpiece 224 with the oral cavity and inhaling the aerosol discharged from the outlet 224e.

[0084] Although not shown in the drawings, the airflow passage 223 may include at least one inlet for allowing air outside the cartridge 220 to flow into the inside of the cartridge 220. The inlet is disposed in at least a portion of the housing 222 of the cartridge 220. For example, the inlet may be disposed in a joining surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the cartridge 220 where the cartridge 220 and the body portion 210 are joined together.

[0085] At least one gap may be formed where the cartridge 220 and the body part 210 are joined, so that external air can flow in through the gap between the cartridge 220 and the body part 210 and move into the interior of the cartridge 220 through the inlet.

[0086] The airflow passage 223 is connected at its inlet to a space where aerosol is generated by the transducer 250, and is connected at the corresponding space to an outlet 224e.

[0087] Therefore, air flowing in through the inlet is transmitted to the vibrator 250, and the transmitted air moves to the outlet 224e together with the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250, thereby allowing airflow to circulate inside the cartridge 220.

[0088] According to one example, at least a portion of airflow passage 223 may be arranged so as to be surrounded by storage section 230 inside housing 222. According to another example, at least a portion of airflow passage 223 may be arranged between an inner wall of housing 222 and an outer wall of storage section 230. The arrangement structure of airflow passage 223 is not limited to the above example, and airflow passage 223 may be arranged in various structures that circulate airflow between the inlet, transducer 250, and outlet 224e.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 220 may optionally include a first tag 272 attached to the outside of the cartridge 220 in the form of a sticker and / or a second tag 274 embedded inside the cartridge 220 in the form of a Near Field Communication (NFC) module.

[0090] The first tag 272 and the second tag 274 include an NFC integrated circuit (IC) and an antenna. The NFC IC modulates and demodulates radio signals and processes and stores data. The antenna may transmit and receive radio waves. The first tag 272 and the second tag 274 may have a high-frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz) operating frequency. The first tag 272 and the second tag 274 may have a short-distance (e.g., about 10 cm) communication range.

[0091] The first tag 272 and the second tag 274 store unique information for the cartridge 220 and information relating to the natural vibration frequency of the vibrator 250 included in the cartridge 220. The unique information for the cartridge 220 indicates information for identifying the cartridge 220, such as genuine product authentication information (e.g., a serial number) of the cartridge 220. The information relating to the natural vibration frequency of the vibrator 250 included in the cartridge 220 indicates the natural vibration frequency determined according to the physical characteristics of the vibrator 250. The closer the frequency of the signal supplied to the vibrator 250 is to the natural vibration frequency, the stronger the resonance that may occur.

[0092] When the body portion 210 and cartridge 220 of the aerosol generating device 200 are coupled, the aerosol generating device 200 can communicate with the first tag 272 or the second tag 274 using a short-range communication unit (e.g., the short-range communication unit 182 described with reference to FIG. 1).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the body portion 210 includes a driving circuit 212, a control unit 214, and a battery 216 therein, and one end of the body portion 210 can be coupled to one end of the cartridge 220. For example, the body portion 210 may be coupled to a bottom surface or a coupling surface of the cartridge 220.

[0094] When the vibrator 250 of the cartridge 220 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 212 via the electrical terminal 260, the drive circuit 212 supplies power to the vibrator 250. For example, the amount of power supplied to the vibrator 250 may be determined by the control unit 214. The vibration frequency of the vibrator 250 is controlled according to the amount of power. The form of the drive circuit 212 according to an embodiment may be a class E power amplifier circuit, a half-bridge circuit, or a full-bridge circuit, and is not limited to the described embodiment.

[0095] The control unit 214 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the control unit 214 can control the power supplied from the battery 216 to the vibrator 250 and control the amount of aerosol generated by the vibrator 250. For example, the control unit 214 can control the power supplied to the vibrator so that the vibrator 250 can vibrate at a predetermined frequency.

[0096] The control unit 214 may be realized by an array of multiple logic gates, or may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. In addition, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains will understand that the control unit 214 may be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0097] The control unit 214 analyzes the results detected by at least one sensor included in the aerosol generating device 200 and controls the processes to be subsequently executed. For example, the control unit 214 can control the power supplied to the transducer 250 so as to start or end the operation of the transducer 250 based on the results detected by the at least one sensor. In addition, the control unit 214 can control the amount of power supplied to the transducer 250 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the transducer 250 generates an appropriate amount of aerosol based on the results detected by the at least one sensor.

[0098] The battery 216 provides power used to operate the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the battery 216 can provide power to the transducer 250 when the body portion 210 is electrically coupled to the cartridge 220.

[0099] The battery 216 provides the power necessary for the operation of other hardware elements (e.g., sensors, a user interface, memory, and the control unit 214) included in the aerosol generating device 200. The battery 216 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0100] For example, the battery 216 may include a nickel-based battery (e.g., a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery) or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium-ion battery, or a lithium-polymer battery).

[0101] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge 220 and / or the body portion 210 of the aerosol generating device 200 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction may be a circle, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle, or a polygon of various shapes. However, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge 220 and / or the body portion 210 is not limited to the above-mentioned shapes, and does not necessarily have to be formed from a structure that extends linearly when the aerosol generating device 200 extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0102] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 200 may be curved in a streamlined manner to make it easier for a user to grip, or may be bent at a predetermined angle in certain areas to extend elongated, and the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 200 may vary along its length.

[0103] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generating device in which the cartridge and the body part are separated, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generating device in which the cartridge and the body part are joined together.

[0104] The aerosol generating device 300 relating to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 is a modified example of the aerosol generating device 200 shown in Figure 2 (or the aerosol generating device 100 in Figure 1), and the cartridge 220-1 and body part 210-1 relating to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 are modified examples of the cartridge 220 and body part 210 shown in Figure 2, respectively, and duplicate content will be omitted below.

[0105] 3 and 4, the cartridge 220-1 may be detachably coupled to the body part 210-1. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled to the body part 210-1 by being inserted into the interior of the body part 210-1.

[0106] The cartridge 220-1 includes a mouthpiece 10m that is movable between an open position and a closed position, for example, the mouthpiece 10m is opened and closed by rotating between the open position and the closed position.

[0107] The body part 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled to the mouthpiece 10m via a rotation axis. As an example, the mouthpiece 10m may be disposed in an open position. The open state of the mouthpiece 10m means a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is expanded in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220-1 so that the user can easily contact the mouthpiece 10m with the mouth. Here, the longitudinal direction means the direction in which the cartridge 220-1 extends the longest among various directions. As another example, the mouthpiece 10m may be disposed in a closed position. The closed state of the mouthpiece 10m means a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is folded in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220-1 so as to be stored in the body part 210-1 of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0108] The cartridge 220-1 includes a body portion 10b that includes a number of components necessary for generating an aerosol and discharging the generated aerosol, for example, the body portion 10b includes a storage section, a transducer, and at least a portion of an airflow passage.

[0109] The body part 210-1 includes a coupling part 20a to which the cartridge 220-1 can be coupled. For example, the body part 210-1 includes a receiving groove 20a-1 in which at least a part of the cartridge 220-1 is received. The body part 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may be inserted into the receiving groove 20a-1. For example, the body part 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may be in the form of a substantially rectangular pillar, and the corners of the rectangular pillar may be subjected to C-chamfering or R-chamfering. However, the shape of the body part 10b of the cartridge 220-1 is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and may be in the form of a circular cylinder or a polygonal pillar.

[0110] As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled to the body part 210-1 by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a screw-fit method, a magnetic coupling method, and a forced fit method. For example, the cartridge 220-1 includes a first magnetic body, the body part 210-1 includes a second magnetic body, and the cartridge 220-1 and the body part 210-1 are coupled to each other by magnetic force. However, the strength of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body may be designed in consideration of the ease of attachment and detachment of the cartridge 220-1 and the body part 210-1 and / or the operational stability of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0111] The body part 210-1 includes a button 20b. The button 20b is disposed on one surface of the body part 210-1. For example, the button 20b may be disposed on one surface of the body part 210-1 corresponding to one end 20c-1 of the cover 20c. When using the aerosol generation device 300, a user can operate the aerosol generation device 300 by using the button 20b.

[0112] The body portion 210-1 may further include a storage portion 20s that can store the mouthpiece 10m when the mouthpiece 10m of the cartridge 220-1 is moved to the closed position. The storage portion 20s is located on one side of the body portion 210-1 and has a shape or size corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m.

[0113] As shown in Figure 4, when the mouthpiece 10m is moved to the closed position, the portion protruding outside the aerosol generating device 1 in the closed position, i.e., the portion protruding toward the outside on the outer surface of the body portion 210-1, is minimized, thereby improving portability.

[0114] In one embodiment, the body part 210-1 further includes a cover 20c coupled to a portion of the body part 210-1. The cover 20c may be coupled to at least one surface of the body part 210-1. For example, the cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the body part 210-1 where the coupling portion 20a is located. Alternatively, the cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the body part 210-1 where the storage portion 20s is located.

[0115] The cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o. The cover 20c has an opening 20c-o of a size corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m. For example, the opening 20c-o has a predetermined length and width. Here, the width of the opening 20c-o may be smaller than or equal to the body part of the cartridge 220-1 and larger than or equal to the mouthpiece 10m. The length of the opening 20c-o may be longer than or equal to the mouthpiece 10m.

[0116] The cover 20c extends from one end 20c-1 to the other end 20c-2, and is disposed on the mounting portion 20c' of the body portion 210-1. For example, the mounting portion 20c' has a size and shape corresponding to the cover 20c. The mounting portion 20c' is a portion that extends in both directions from the entrance side portion of the coupling portion 20a and the storage portion 20s as the center so that the cover 20c can be coupled, and is recessed to a predetermined depth.

[0117] When the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the body part 210-1, the cover 20c may be coupled to the body part 210-1 after the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the body part 210-1. The cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the body part 210-1 by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a forced-fit method, or a magnetic coupling method, but is not limited thereto.

[0118] The cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o through which the mouthpiece 10m can pass, and therefore protects the cartridge 220-1 while not interfering with the opening and closing operation of the mouthpiece 10m when the cartridge 220-1 is connected to the body portion 210-1, and can maintain the connection between the cartridge 220-1 and the body portion 210-1.

[0119] 4 illustrates the aerosol generating device 300 in which the cartridge 220-1 and the cover 20c are all coupled to the body part 210-1, and the mouthpiece 10m is positioned in the closed position. As illustrated, the body part 210-1 includes a storage part 20s having a size and shape corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m, and a mounting part 20c' having a size and shape corresponding to the cover 20c, and the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o having a size and shape corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m, so that the overall finish of the aerosol generating device 300 is completed in a strong and elegant manner.

[0120] In order to separate cartridge 220-1 from body part 210-1, cover 20c may be separated from body part 210-1 first, and then cartridge 220-1 may be separated from body part 210-1. In this manner, cover 20c and cartridge 220-1 may be separated from body part 210-1 in that order, or may be coupled to body part 210-1 in that order.

[0121] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an aerosol generating method according to one embodiment.

[0122] The following operations 510 to 530 are performed by an electronic device (eg, the aerosol generation device 100 in FIG. 1 or the aerosol generation device 200 in FIG. 2).

[0123] In operation 510, the electronic device obtains cartridge unique information from a tag (e.g., first tag 272 or second tag 274 in FIG. 2) of a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 220 in FIG. 2) that is coupled to the electronic device using near-field wireless communication.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the tag may be stored inside the cartridge in the form of an NFC module or attached to the outside of the cartridge in the form of a sticker. The tag may include an NFC IC and an antenna.

[0125] The tag stores unique information for the cartridge, which indicates information for identifying the cartridge (hereinafter, genuine product authentication information), such as a cartridge serial number.

[0126] When the electronic device and the cartridge are mated, the electronic device can communicate with the tag using the near field communication portion.

[0127] In operation 520, the electronic device authenticates the cartridge based on the unique information. For example, genuine product authentication information for cartridges compatible with the electronic device is pre-stored in the electronic device, and the electronic device can authenticate the cartridge based on a comparison between the unique information and the genuine product authentication information.

[0128] In operation 530, if the cartridge is authenticated, the electronic device can generate an aerosol by vibrating an aerosol-generating material in the cartridge based on information regarding the natural vibration frequency of a vibrator in the cartridge (e.g., vibrator 250 in FIG. 2) obtained from the tag.

[0129] The tag stores information about the natural vibration frequency of the transducer included in the cartridge. The information about the natural vibration frequency of the transducer included in the cartridge indicates the natural vibration frequency determined according to the physical characteristics of the transducer. The closer the frequency of the signal supplied to the transducer is to the natural vibration frequency, the stronger the resonance that can occur.

[0130] According to one embodiment, information regarding the natural vibration frequency of the transducer contained in the cartridge may be obtained from the tag along with the cartridge's unique information.

[0131] According to one embodiment, information regarding the natural vibration frequency of the transducer contained in the cartridge may be obtained from the tag when the cartridge is authenticated based on the unique information of the cartridge.

[0132] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating material within the cartridge may be aerosolized by ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer within the cartridge.

[0133] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for transmitting usage information for an aerosol generating device to a tag according to one embodiment.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the following operation 610 is performed after the operation 530 described above with reference to Fig. 5 is performed. The operation 610 may be performed by an electronic device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 100 of Fig. 1 or the aerosol generating device 200 of Fig. 2).

[0135] In operation 610, the electronic device transmits usage information for the electronic device to the tag.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the usage information may include the number of puffs a user takes on an electronic device coupled with the cartridge (e.g., cartridge 220 of FIG. 2), usage time, or cartridge reuse information. Usage information transmitted from the electronic device may be stored on the tag.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the number of puffs and the usage time indicate the number of puffs and the usage time while the user activates the electronic device and smokes one cigarette. Alternatively, the number of puffs and the usage time indicate the cumulative number of puffs and the usage time after the user activates the electronic device. The reuse information indicates, for example, information regarding the number of times the cartridge has been reused. That is, in one embodiment, the user can reuse the cartridge by charging the aerosol generating material when the aerosol generating material in the cartridge runs out. The electronic device can refer to the reuse information stored in the tag and stop its operation when the reuse information exceeds a predetermined threshold number of times.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the usage information stored on the tag may be referenced for cartridge history management.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the usage information stored on the tag may be referenced to maintain a database of user usage patterns for the electronic device.

[0140] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for calibrating a driving circuit of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0141] According to one embodiment, operations 710-720 may be performed in parallel with operations 510-520 shown in Fig. 5. Operations 710-720 may be performed by an electronic device (e.g., the aerosol generation device 100 of Fig. 1 or the aerosol generation device 200 of Fig. 2).

[0142] In operation 710, the electronic device obtains information from the tag regarding the natural vibration frequency of a transducer (eg, transducer 250 in FIG. 2) in a cartridge (eg, cartridge 220 in FIG. 2).

[0143] According to one embodiment, information regarding the natural vibration frequency of the transducer contained in the cartridge may be obtained from the tag along with the cartridge's unique information.

[0144] According to one embodiment, information regarding the natural vibration frequency of the transducer contained in the cartridge may be obtained from the tag when the cartridge is authenticated based on the unique information of the cartridge.

[0145] In operation 720, the electronics calibrates a drive circuit to which the transducer is coupled based on the information about the natural vibration frequency. The electronics can provide optimized control for the authenticated cartridge based on the information about the natural vibration frequency.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can calibrate the drive circuit using capacitors, inductors, or switching elements, and the drive circuit includes components for optimized control over the cartridge, such as monitoring circuits, converters, or amplifiers.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the electronic device can control the vibration frequency of the drive circuit to match the natural vibration frequency of the vibrator by connecting one or more capacitors in parallel to the vibrator. This can increase the vibration efficiency of the vibrator and prevent overheating when resonance occurs. The drive circuit may include one or more capacitors, and the one or more capacitors may be arranged in the drive circuit to be connected in parallel to the vibrator when the vibrator of the cartridge is connected to the drive circuit. The capacitors may be connected in series with the switches, respectively. By turning the switches on and off, the capacitors connected in series with the corresponding switches may be connected or not connected in parallel to the vibrator.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can control the vibration frequency of the drive circuit to match the natural vibration frequency of the vibrator by an inductor included in the drive circuit. For example, the inductor may be connected between an electrical contact where the vibrator of the cartridge is connected to the drive circuit and a power source that supplies a signal to the vibrator.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may provide a test signal having a test frequency to the driving circuit, the test frequency being within a preset range similar to the natural frequency of the resonator, and if the response of the driving circuit to the test signal does not satisfy the preset driving condition, the electronic device may calibrate the driving circuit coupled to the resonator based on information about the natural frequency.

[0150] According to one embodiment, after operation 720 is performed, operation 530 described with reference to FIG. 5 may be performed.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] Accordingly, other implementations, embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. The aerosol generating method performed by the electronic device includes: acquiring unique information of the cartridge from a tag of the cartridge coupled to the electronic device using short-range wireless communication; an operation of authenticating the cartridge based on the unique information; an operation of generating an aerosol by vibrating an aerosol generating material in the cartridge based on information regarding a natural vibration frequency of a vibrator in the cartridge acquired from the tag when the cartridge is authenticated; 13. A method for generating an aerosol comprising:

2. The aerosol generating method of claim 1 , further comprising the act of transmitting usage information for the electronic device to the tag.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the usage information includes a puff count, usage time, or reuse information.

4. The aerosol generating method according to claim 1 , wherein the tag is incorporated inside the cartridge in the form of an NFC module, or attached to the outside of the cartridge in the form of a sticker.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol generating material is aerosolized by ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer in the cartridge.

6. obtaining information about the natural vibration frequency of the transducer from the tag; calibrating a drive circuit to which the vibrator is coupled based on information about the natural vibration frequency; The aerosol generating method of claim 1 , further comprising:

7. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the electronic device includes a controller that executes a program to authenticate a cartridge coupled to the electronic device; The control unit is acquiring unique information of the cartridge from a tag of the cartridge coupled to the electronic device using short-range wireless communication; an operation of authenticating the cartridge based on the unique information; an operation of generating an aerosol by vibrating an aerosol generating material in the cartridge based on information regarding a natural vibration frequency of a vibrator in the cartridge acquired from the tag when the cartridge is authenticated; An electronic device that performs

9. The electronic device of claim 8 , wherein the control unit further performs an operation of transmitting usage information for the electronic device to the tag.

10. The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the usage information includes puff count, usage time, or reuse information.

11. 9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the tag is embedded inside the cartridge in the form of an NFC module, or attached to the outside of the cartridge in the form of a sticker.

12. The electronic device of claim 8 , wherein the aerosol generating material is aerosolized by ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer within the cartridge.

13. The control unit is obtaining information about the natural vibration frequency of the transducer from the tag; calibrating a drive circuit to which the vibrator is coupled based on information about the natural vibration frequency; The electronic device of claim 8 , further comprising:

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