Ultrasonic vibration base aerosol generator and its control method

Abstract

In one embodiment, in an inhalation control method of an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device determines the type of liquid phase contained in a cartridge, transmits a liquid phase type signal to a terminal connected to the aerosol generating device, receives a control signal from the terminal including information about the liquid phase based on the type of liquid phase, controls the operation of the aerosol generating device that responds to a user's inhalation based on the control signal, and transmits an inhalation completion notification to the terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to an apparatus for generating an aerosol, and more particularly, to a method for controlling inhalation of an aerosol generating apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for electronic cigarettes has been gradually increasing. Also, due to the increasing demand for electronic cigarettes, 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

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] One embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus for generating an aerosol.

[0004] One embodiment is to provide a method for controlling inhalation of an aerosol generating apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A method for controlling a terminal according to one embodiment includes receiving information regarding the cartridge liquid phase of the electronic device from the electronic device, transmitting a request for information regarding the cartridge liquid phase to a server, receiving information regarding the cartridge liquid phase from the server, transmitting a control signal including information regarding the cartridge liquid phase to the electronic device, receiving an inhalation completion notification from the electronic device, and updating operation condition information of the electronic device in response to the inhalation completion notification.

[0006] The method may further include displaying information regarding the cartridge liquid phase on the terminal.

[0007] The step of updating the operation condition information may include a step of determining a start time of the next inhalation of the liquid phase of the cartridge, and a step of restricting the operation of the electronic device until the determined start time of the next inhalation.

[0008] When the received information regarding the liquid phase of the cartridge includes information regarding inhalation restriction, it may further include a step of performing user authentication.

[0009] The step of performing the user authentication may include a step of controlling to interrupt the operation of the electronic device until the user authentication is completed.

[0010] The information regarding the liquid phase of the cartridge may include at least one piece of information among the puffing time, puff cycle, and number of puffs required for one-dose inhalation.

[0011] A control method of an electronic device according to an embodiment includes a step of discriminating a type of a liquid phase included in a cartridge, a step of transmitting a type identification signal of the liquid phase to a terminal, a step of receiving a control signal including information regarding the liquid phase from the terminal in response to the type identification signal of the liquid phase, a step of controlling the operation of the electronic device based on the control signal, and a step of transmitting an inhalation completion notification at the terminal when inhalation of one dose of the liquid phase is completed.

[0012] The step of controlling the operation of the electronic device may include a step of providing a puff induction interface based on the control signal.

[0013] A terminal according to an embodiment includes a short-range communication unit that receives a signal including information regarding the liquid phase of a cartridge of the electronic device from the electronic device and receives an inhalation completion notification from the electronic device, a wireless communication unit that transmits an information request signal regarding the liquid phase of the cartridge to a server and receives the information regarding the liquid phase of the cartridge from the server, and a control unit that updates operation condition information of the electronic device in response to the inhalation completion notification.

[0014] including, the short - distance communication unit transmits a control signal including information regarding the liquid phase of the cartridge to the electronic device.

[0015] An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a control unit that discriminates the type of the liquid phase contained in a cartridge, and a communication unit that transmits the type discrimination signal of the liquid phase to a terminal and receives a control signal including information regarding the liquid phase from the terminal. The control unit controls the operation of the electronic device based on the control signal, and the communication unit transmits an inhalation completion notification at the terminal.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] It is possible to provide an inhalation control method for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0017] It is possible to provide an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol according to an embodiment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and can be changed into various forms. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives included in the technical idea.

[0020] Terms such as first or second may be used to describe a plurality of components, but such terms must be interpreted only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, the first component can be named the second component, and similarly, the second component can also be named the first component.

[0021] When it is mentioned that any component is "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it is directly connected or connected to the other component, but there may be other components in between.

[0022] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly gives a different meaning. In this specification, terms such as "including" or "having" indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as precluding the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0023] In this document, phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the corresponding phrase in that phrase.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs. Commonly used predefined terms shall be construed to have a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and shall not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless clearly defined herein.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference signs in the drawings, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

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

[0027] According to an 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, those of ordinary skill in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be added.

[0028] The detection unit 120 detects the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state around the aerosol generating 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 generating device 100 so that various functions such as operation control of the atomization unit 150, restriction of smoking, determination of the presence or absence of insertion of an aerosol generating article (for example, an aerosol generating article, a cartridge, etc.), and notification display are executed.

[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 thereto.

[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 for detecting the temperature of the atomizing unit 150, or the atomizing unit 150 itself may serve as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be arranged around 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 the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light 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 the aerosol generating article.

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

[0033] In addition to the sensors 122 to 126 described above, the detection unit 120 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, specific descriptions are omitted.

[0034] The output unit 130 outputs information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device 100 and provides it to the user. The output unit 130 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an acoustic output unit 136. When the display unit 132 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as 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 regarding the aerosol generating device 100 to the user. For example, the information regarding the aerosol generating device 100 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100, the state of the atomizing unit 150, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 100 is restricted (for example, 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), or the like. Further, 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 stimulus or an electrical stimulus and tactually provides information regarding the aerosol generating device 100 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 134 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

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

[0038] The battery 140 can supply the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 supplies power so that the atomizing unit 150 operates. Further, the battery 140 supplies the power necessary for the operation of other components (for example, 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 generating device 100. The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0039] The atomizing unit 150 is supplied with power from the battery 140 and atomizes the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to the atomizing unit 150. Further, when the aerosol generating device 100 generates an aerosol by an ultrasonic vibration method, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 140 into an AC power supply.

[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 be supplied with power from the battery 140 and function. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may be further included.

[0041] In one embodiment, the atomization unit 150 includes a vibrator that causes ultrasonic vibration by an applied signal (e.g., power). For example, the material of the vibrator includes, but is not limited to, piezoelectric ceramics. The vibrator includes a piezoelectric body. The piezoelectric body according to one embodiment may generate ultrasonic vibration under the control of the control unit 110 as a conversion element that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. In one embodiment, when an AC power supply is applied to the polarized piezoelectric body, the piezoelectric body can repeat expansion and contraction. Due to the repeated expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric body, the vibrator vibrates 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 product substance into small particles and atomize it into an aerosol.

[0042] The user input unit 160 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 includes, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch method, pressure resistive film method, infrared detection method, surface acoustic wave conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0043] Memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100, and stores the data processed by the control unit 110 and the data to be processed. Memory 170 includes at least one type of storage medium such as 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 RAM (random access memory), an SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Memory 170 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user, etc.

[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 infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[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., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 184 may confirm and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (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 multiple logic gates, or may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. Also, it may be embodied in other forms of hardware, which would be understandable to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs.

[0048] The control unit 110 controls the operation of the atomizing unit 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the atomizing unit 150. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element in the drive corridor 138 located between the battery 140 and the atomizing unit 150.

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

[0050] Based on the results detected by the detection unit 120, the control unit 110 controls the output unit 130. For example, when the puff count counted via the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number of times, the control unit 110 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 100 will end immediately via at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the acoustic output unit 136.

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

[0052] One embodiment is also embodied in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instruction words such as program modules executed by a computer. The computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, including all volatile and non-volatile media, and all separable and non-separable media. Also, the computer-readable medium may include all computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media includes all volatile and non-volatile, separable and non-separable media embodied by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules, and other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

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

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

[0055] The cartridge 220 of the aerosol generating device 200 can be coupled to the body portion 210 with the aerosol generating substance contained therein. For example, at least a part of the cartridge 220 is inserted into the body portion 210, whereby the cartridge 200 and the body portion 210 are coupled. As a different example, at least a part of the body portion 210 is inserted into the cartridge 220, whereby the cartridge 220 and the body portion 210 are coupled.

[0056] The cartridge 220 and the body portion 210 may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screwing method, a magnetic coupling method, or a forced fitting method, but the coupling method of the cartridge 220 and the body portion 210 is not limited to the above-described 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 vibrator 250, and electrical terminals 260.

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

[0059] The mouthpiece 224 of the aerosol generating device 200 is disposed in a region of the housing 222 and includes an outlet 224e for discharging the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substance 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 portion 210, and the user can inhale by bringing the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 224, so that the aerosol from the cartridge 220 can be supplied.

[0060] Due to the inhalation or puffing operation of the user, a pressure difference is generated between the outside and the inside of the cartridge 220, and the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 220 due to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the cartridge 220 is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the outlet 224e. That is, the user can be supplied with the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the outlet 224e by bringing the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 224 and inhaling.

[0061] The storage portion 230 of the aerosol generating device 200 is located in the internal space of the housing 222 and can store the aerosol generating substance. In the present disclosure, the expression "the storage portion stores the aerosol generating substance" means that the storage portion 230 simply performs a function of putting the aerosol generating substance like a container, and includes an element impregnated (containing) with the aerosol generating substance such as sponge cotton, cloth, or a porous ceramic structure inside the storage portion 230. Also, the above-mentioned expression is used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0062] The storage portion 230 can store an aerosol generating substance having any one state such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state.

[0063] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating substance includes a liquid phase composition. The liquid phase composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0064] The liquid composition may include, for example, any one component of water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, and a vitamin mixture, or a mixture of these components. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and aroma components of various fruits.

[0065] The flavoring agent may include components that provide various scents or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture in which at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E is mixed, but is not limited thereto. Further, the liquid composition may include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0066] For example, the liquid composition may include a glycerin and propylene glycol solution in any weight ratio with a nicotine salt added. The liquid composition may contain two or more types of nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding an appropriate acid containing an organic acid or an inorganic acid to nicotine. Nicotine may be natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have any appropriate weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0067] The acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected in consideration of factors such as the blood nicotine absorption rate, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 200, the scent or flavor, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be 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 said group, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The transmission part 240 of the aerosol generator 200 can absorb the aerosol product substance. For example, the aerosol product substance stored or accommodated in the storage part 230 is transmitted from the storage part 230 to the vibrator 250 via the transmission part 240, and the vibrator 250 can atomize the aerosol product substance in the transmission part 240 or the aerosol product substance transmitted from the transmission part 240 to generate an aerosol. At this time, the transmission part 240 may include at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but the transmission part 240 is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the transmission part 240 is disposed adjacent to the storage part 230 and the liquid-phase aerosol product substance is supplied from the storage part 230. For example, the aerosol product substance stored in the storage part 230 is discharged to the outside of the storage part 230 through a liquid-phase supply port formed in a region where the storage part 230 faces the transmission part 240, and the transmission part 240 can absorb the aerosol product substance from the storage part 230.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 210 is disposed so as to cover at least a part of the vibrator 250 where the aerosol is generated, and may further include an absorber (not shown) that transmits the aerosol product substance absorbed by the transmission part 240 to the vibrator 250. The absorber may be made of a material that can absorb the aerosol product substance. For example, the absorber includes at least one of SPL30(H), SPL50(H)V, NP100(V8), SPL60(FC), and Melamine. By further including the absorber in the cartridge 220, the aerosol product substance is absorbed not only by the transmission part 240 but also by the absorber, so that the absorption amount of the aerosol product substance can be improved.

[0071] The vibrator 250 of the aerosol generator 200 is located inside the housing 222 and can generate an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol product substance stored inside the cartridge 220. For example, the vibrator 250 can generate an aerosol by heating or vibrating the aerosol product substance.

[0072] Further, by arranging the absorber so as to cover at least a part of the vibrator 250, the absorber serves as a physical barrier to prevent "liquid splashing" in which particles that are not sufficiently atomized in the aerosol generation process are immediately discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 200. Here, "liquid splashing" means that particles of the aerosol product substance that are not sufficiently atomized and have a relatively large size are discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220. The inclusion of the absorber in the cartridge 220 further reduces the occurrence of liquid splashing and improves the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0073] In one embodiment, the absorber is located between one surface of the vibrator 250 where the aerosol is generated and the transmission part 240, and can transmit the aerosol supplied to the transmission part 240 to the vibrator 250. For example, one region of the absorber may contact the bottom surface of the transmission part 240, and another region of the absorber may contact the upper end surface of the vibrator 250. That is, the absorber is located on the upper end surface of the vibrator 250 and can supply the aerosol product substance absorbed by the transmission part 240 to the vibrator 250.

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

[0075] For example, the vibrator 250 may include a piezoelectric ceramic, and the piezoelectric ceramic may be a functional material that can mutually convert electric power and mechanical force by generating electric power (voltage) by a physical force (pressure) and generating vibrations (mechanical force) when electric power is applied conversely. That is, when electric power is applied to the vibrator 250, vibrations with a short period (physical force) are generated, and the generated vibrations can divide the aerosol generating substance into small particles and atomize it into an aerosol.

[0076] The vibrator 250 is electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating 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 the coupling surface of the cartridge 220 where the cartridge 220 is coupled to the body portion 210 of the aerosol generating 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 vibrator 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 unit 210 via an electrical terminal 260 located inside the housing 222 of the cartridge 220.

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

[0079] The vibrator 250 can receive power supply from the battery 216 of the body unit 210 via the electrical terminal 260 and generate ultrasonic vibrations. Also, the vibrator 250 is electrically connected to the control unit 214 of the body unit 210 via the electrical terminal 260, and the control unit 214 can control the operation of the vibrator 250 via the drive circuit 212.

[0080] For example, the electrical terminal 260 includes 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-described examples.

[0081] In one embodiment, the vibrator 250 does not use a separate transmission unit 240, and functions to hold the aerosol product substance in an optimal state for absorbing and converting it into an aerosol, and to transmit vibrations to the aerosol product substance to generate an aerosol can also be realized in a mesh shape or a plate shape vibration accommodating portion that performs all functions.

[0082] The aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the air flow path 223 and can be supplied to the user.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the air flow path 223 may be located inside the cartridge 220 and connected to the outlet 224e of the vibrator 250 and the mouthpiece 224. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 flows along the air flow path 223 and is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 or the aerosol generating device 200 through the outlet 224e. The user can supply the aerosol by bringing the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 224 and inhaling the aerosol discharged from the outlet 224e.

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

[0085] Since at least one gap may be formed in the portion where the cartridge 220 and the body portion 210 are joined, the outside air can flow in through the gap between the cartridge 220 and the body portion 210 and move into the inside of the cartridge 220 through the inlet.

[0086] The air flow path 223 is connected to the space where the aerosol is generated by the vibrator 250 at the inlet and connected to the outlet 224e in the corresponding space.

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

[0088] According to one example, at least a part of the air flow path 223 may be arranged such that the outer peripheral surface is surrounded by the storage part 230 inside the housing 222. According to a different example, at least a part of the air flow path 223 may be arranged between the inner wall of the housing 222 and the outer wall of the storage part 230. The arrangement structure of the air flow path 223 is not limited to the above-described examples, and the air flow path 223 can be arranged in various structures that circulate the air flow between the inlet, the vibrator 250, and the outlet 224e.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the body part 210 includes a drive circuit 212, a control part 214, and a battery 216 inside, and one end part of the body part 210 can be coupled to one end part of the cartridge 220. For example, the body part 210 may be coupled to the bottom surface or the coupling surface of the cartridge 220.

[0090] 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 size of the power supplied to the vibrator 250 may be determined by the control part 214. The vibration frequency of the vibrator 250 and the like are controlled according to the size of the power. The form of the drive circuit 212 according to one embodiment may be in the form of a class E power amplifier circuit, a half-bridge circuit, or a full-bridge circuit, and is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0091] The control part 214 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the control part 214 can control the power supplied from the battery 216 to the vibrator 250 and control the generation amount of the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250. For example, the control part 214 may control the power supplied to the vibrator so that the vibrator 250 can vibrate at a predetermined frequency.

[0092] The control unit 214 may be implemented by an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Also, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs will be able to understand that the control unit 214 may be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0093] The control unit 214 analyzes the results detected by at least one sensor included in the aerosol generator 200, and subsequently controls the processes to be executed. For example, the control unit 214 can control the power supplied to the vibrator 250 so that the operation of the vibrator 250 is started or ended based on the results detected by at least one sensor. Also, the control unit 214 can control the amount of power supplied to the vibrator 250 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the vibrator 250 generates an appropriate amount of aerosol based on the results detected by at least one sensor.

[0094] The battery 216 supplies the power used for the aerosol generator 200 to operate. For example, the battery 216 can supply power to the vibrator 250 if the body unit 210 is electrically coupled to the cartridge 220.

[0095] The battery 216 supplies the power necessary for the operation of other hardware elements (for example, sensors, user interfaces, memories, and the control unit 214) provided in the aerosol generator 200. The battery 216 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0096] For example, the battery 216 may include a nickel-based battery (for example, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery), or a lithium-based battery (for example, a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium-ion battery, or a lithium-polymer battery).

[0097] In one embodiment, the cross-section 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 circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or polygonal cross-sectional shape of various forms. However, the shape of the cross-section of the cartridge 220 and / or the body portion 210 is not limited to the above-described shapes. Also, when the aerosol generating device 200 extends in the longitudinal direction, it does not necessarily have to be formed in a structure that extends linearly.

[0098] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may be curved or bent so that it is easy for the user to grip, and the shape of the cross-section of the aerosol generating device 200 may change along the longitudinal direction.

[0099] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cartridge and the body portion of an aerosol generating device according to an example, separated from each other, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cartridge and the body portion of an aerosol generating device according to an example, combined with each other.

[0100] The aerosol generating device 300 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is an example in which the aerosol generating device 200 shown in FIG. 2 (or the aerosol generating device 100 in FIG. 1) is deformed. Each of the cartridge 220-1 and the body portion 210-1 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is an example in which the cartridge 220 and the body portion 210 shown in FIG. 2 are deformed, and the overlapping content will be omitted below.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cartridge 220-1 can be detachably coupled to the body portion 210-1. For example, at least a part of the cartridge 220-1 may be inserted into the body portion 210-1 to be coupled to the body portion 210-1.

[0102] 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.

[0103] The body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 can be coupled to the mouthpiece 10m via a rotating shaft. As an example, the mouthpiece 10m may be disposed in an open position. The state in which the mouthpiece 10m is open means a state in which the mouthpiece 10m extends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220-1 so that it is easy for the user to contact 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 state in which the mouthpiece 10m is closed means a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is folded in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220-1 so as to be housed in the body portion 210-1 of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0104] The cartridge 220-1 includes a body portion 10b that includes a plurality of components necessary for generating an aerosol and discharging the generated aerosol. For example, the body portion 10b includes at least a part of a storage portion, a vibrator, and an air flow path.

[0105] The body portion 210-1 includes a coupling portion 20a to which the cartridge 220-1 can be coupled. For example, the body portion 210-1 includes a housing groove 20a-1 in which at least a part of the cartridge 220-1 is housed. The body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may be inserted into the housing groove 20a-1. For example, the body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may be in the form of a substantially rectangular column, and the corners of the rectangular column may be chamfered or rounded. However, the shape of the body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be in the form of a cylinder or a polygonal column.

[0106] As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled to the body portion 210-1 by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screwing method, a magnetic coupling method, or a forced fitting method. For example, the cartridge 220-1 includes a first magnetic body, the body portion 210-1 includes a second magnetic body, and the cartridge 220-1 and the body portion 210-1 are magnetically coupled. However, the strengths 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 portion 210-1 and / or the operational stability of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0107] The body portion 210-1 includes a button 20b. The button 20b is disposed on one surface of the body portion 210-1. For example, the button 20b may be disposed on one surface of the body portion 210-1 corresponding to one end 20c-1 of the cover 20c. The user can operate the operation of the aerosol generating device 300 using the button 20b when using the aerosol generating device 300.

[0108] 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 moves to the closed position. The storage portion 20s is located on one surface of the body portion 210-1 and has a shape or size corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 4, the mouthpiece 10m that has moved to the closed position has a minimized portion that protrudes outside the aerosol generating device 1 in the closed position, that is, a portion that protrudes outward on the outer surface of the body portion 210-1, thereby improving portability.

[0110] In one embodiment, the body portion 210-1 further includes a cover 20c that couples to a part of the body portion 210-1. The cover 20c may be coupled to at least one surface of the body portion 210-1. For example, the cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the body portion 210-1 where the coupling portion 20a is located. Also, the cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the body portion 210-1 where the storage portion 20s is located.

[0111] The cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o. The cover 20c has an opening 20c-o sized to correspond 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 the same as the body portion of the cartridge 220-1, and may be larger than or the same as the mouthpiece 10m. The length of the opening 20c-o may be longer than or the same as the mouthpiece 10m.

[0112] The cover 20c extends from one end 20c-1 to the other end 20c-2 and is disposed on the placement portion 20c’ of the body portion 210-1. For example, the placement portion 20c’ has a size and shape corresponding to the cover 20c. The placement portion 20c’ is a portion that extends in both side directions centering around the entrance side portion of the coupling portion 20a and the storage portion 20s so that the cover 20c can be coupled, and is recessed at a predetermined depth.

[0113] When coupling the cartridge 220-1 to the body portion 210-1, the cover 20c can be coupled to the body portion 210-1 after the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the body portion 210-1. The cover 20c is coupled to one side of the body portion 210-1 by at least one of a snap fit method, a forced fitting method, or a magnetic coupling method, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] Since the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o through which the mouthpiece 10m can pass, it does not interfere with the opening and closing operation of the mouthpiece 10m while protecting the cartridge 220-1 and holding the connection between the cartridge 220-1 and the body portion 210-1 when the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the body portion 210-1.

[0115] FIG. 4 shows an aerosol generating device 300 in which a cartridge 220-1 and a cover 20c are both coupled to a body part 210-1, and a mouthpiece 10m is in a closed position. As shown, the body part 210-1 includes a storage part 20s having a size and shape corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m and a placement part 20c' having a size and shape corresponding to the cover 20c. 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 strong and smoothly completed.

[0116] When separating the cartridge 220-1 from the body part 210-1, the cover 20c may be separated from the body part 210-1 first, and then the cartridge 220-1 may be separated from the body part 210-1. Thus, the cover 20c and the cartridge 220-1 may be separated from the body part 210-1 in order, or may be coupled to the body part 210-1 in order.

[0117] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a terminal according to an embodiment.

[0118] For convenience of explanation, the following steps 511 to 516 are described as being performed by a terminal capable of communicating with the aerosol generating device 200 shown in FIG. 2. However, these steps 511 to 516 could be used via any other suitable electronic device and within any suitable system.

[0119] Furthermore, the operations shown in FIG. 5 can be executed in the order and manner shown, but the order of some operations may be changed or some operations may be omitted without departing from the spirit and scope of the illustrated embodiment. The plurality of operations shown in FIG. 5 may be executed in parallel or simultaneously. Hereinafter, an aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment may be referred to as an electronic cigarette or an electronic device.

[0120] A terminal according to an embodiment is a portable electronic terminal capable of transmitting and receiving data via wired or wireless communication with other devices. For example, the terminal may include a smartphone, a tablet, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), and a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player).

[0121] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may include the functions of a terminal.

[0122] A person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment may understand that the terminal may include a memory, a user input unit, a display unit, a communication unit, a control unit, etc., and the functions of each component. Although the present invention is described assuming the terminal is a smartphone, this is merely an example and does not limit the type of the terminal to a smartphone.

[0123] The terminal can transmit and receive data to and from the aerosol generating device 200 via a communication link. The terminal may use the data received from the aerosol generating device 200 to perform operations related to the aerosol generating device 200 or output information related to the aerosol generating device 200. Since the user generally has the terminal, the terminal can provide additional functions related to the aerosol generating device 200 to the user without location restrictions.

[0124] An aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment can supply an aerosol generating substance through an aerosol generating article (for example, a cartridge 220). Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the aerosol generating article will be described based on the cartridge, but it is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0125] The aerosol product according to one embodiment may contain not only nicotine but also various pharmacological components for mental and physical stability or therapeutic purposes. However, different from other aerosol products, there may be specific puff times, puff cycles, and puff numbers that maximize the effectiveness of the mental and physical stability components and / or pharmacological components. Here, when providing a user with an aerosol product containing mental and physical stability components and / or pharmacological components, the aerosol generating device 200 may be configured to prevent excessive inhalation of the components for a certain period of time after the end of one inhalation cycle, or may additionally require a function to notify the user of the start time of the next inhalation cycle.

[0126] In step 511, a terminal according to one embodiment receives, from an aerosol generating device 200 connected to the terminal, a signal including information regarding the cartridge liquid phase determined by the aerosol generating device 200. Hereinafter, the term "liquid phase" means a substance in a liquid state.

[0127] As described above, the aerosol product may contain a liquid phase composition, and the information regarding the liquid phase according to one embodiment means information regarding the types and ratios of the components constituting the liquid phase composition.

[0128] The aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment can determine the liquid phase information of the cartridge inserted into the aerosol generating device 200. For example, if it is determined that the cartridge liquid phase into which the aerosol generating device 200 is inserted is a first liquid phase (for example, a flavoring agent containing nicotine), the aerosol generating device 200 may transmit information regarding the type of the liquid phase, that is, the inserted cartridge liquid phase is the first liquid phase, to the connected terminal. A method for the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment to determine the liquid phase information of the cartridge will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0129] In step 512, a terminal according to an embodiment transmits an information request signal for the liquid phase of the cartridge to the server. For example, after the terminal receives information regarding the type of the liquid phase (e.g., the first liquid phase) from the aerosol generating device 200, the terminal may request additional information regarding the first liquid phase from the server.

[0130] The information regarding the liquid phase of the cartridge requested by a terminal according to an embodiment means the information necessary for additional control regarding inhalation by the liquid phase, which may vary depending on the liquid phase. For example, as described above, when the liquid phase contains a psychosomatic stability component and / or a pharmacological component for which the use of the liquid phase must be severely restricted, additional control of the aerosol generating device 200 is required, and the terminal requests relevant information regarding the liquid phase from the server.

[0131] The information regarding the liquid phase of the cartridge according to an embodiment may include at least one of the puffing time (e.g., the total puff duration) required for one administration of the liquid phase, the puff cycle (e.g., the interval between consecutive puffs), and the number of puffs.

[0132] In step 513, a terminal according to an embodiment receives information on the liquid phase of the cartridge from the server.

[0133] A terminal according to an embodiment can display information on the liquid phase of the cartridge on the display unit of the terminal based on the received information on the liquid phase of the cartridge. For example, the type of the liquid phase of the cartridge, the puffing time required for one dose, the puff cycle, and the number of puffs can be displayed on the display of the terminal, and the user can be guided to inhale appropriately.

[0134] The terminal is a device capable of installing and executing an application related to the server, and the terminal can provide an interface to the user. The interface may be provided by the terminal itself. For example, it may be provided by the terminal's OS (Operation System), or it may be provided by an application installed on the terminal. Also, the interface may be provided by the server, and the terminal may simply receive the interface provided by the server and only perform display.

[0135] According to an embodiment, when the terminal can obtain the liquid phase information without using the server (for example, when the liquid phase information is stored in the terminal's memory), the above-described steps 512 and 513 are not executed.

[0136] The terminal performs user authentication based on the received cartridge liquid phase information. When there is information regarding inhalation restriction in the cartridge liquid phase information, the terminal can control the aerosol generator 200 so that the cartridge liquid phase can be inhaled after user authentication is completed.

[0137] For example, psychosomatic stabilizing components and pharmacological components, etc. require a specific dosing cycle and dosing amount suitable for the user's condition. Therefore, other users other than the determined user must be restricted from using the aerosol generator 200. The aerosol generator 200 can only operate when the user is authenticated as the determined user through user authentication on the terminal.

[0138] In step 514, a terminal according to an embodiment transmits a control signal including information on the cartridge liquid phase to the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the control signal may include signals related to the puffing time, puff cycle, and number of puffs required for a single dose. Also, the control signal may include a signal indicating that user authentication has been completed. Further, the control signal may include a puff induction signal for smooth user puffs. A puff induction signal according to an embodiment may be generated based on signals related to the puffing time, puff cycle, and number of puffs required for a single dose. The aerosol generating device 200 that receives the puff induction signal can provide various interfaces to the user and induce accurate puffs.

[0139] In step 515, a terminal according to an embodiment receives a notification of completion of inhalation from the aerosol generating device 200.

[0140] For example, when the user completes inhalation of a single dose of the cartridge liquid phase through the aerosol generating device 200, the aerosol generating device 200 may transmit a signal indicating that the operation for inhalation has ended to the terminal.

[0141] A notification of completion of inhalation according to an embodiment can be determined based on the puff time, puff cycle, and number of puffs required for a single dose of inhalation. For example, when the puff time required for a single dose of inhalation is reached, the aerosol generating device 200 may transmit a signal indicating that the operation for inhalation has ended to the terminal. Or, when the number of puffs required for a single dose of inhalation is reached, the aerosol generating device 200 may transmit a signal indicating that the operation for inhalation has ended to the terminal. However, the method of determining the notification of completion of inhalation is not limited to the foregoing. For example, when the user manually performs an act of completing inhalation (e.g., turning off the power of the aerosol generating device 200), at that point, the aerosol generating device 200 transmits a signal indicating that the operation for inhalation has ended to the terminal.

[0142] In step 516, the terminal according to one embodiment responds to the inhalation completion notification and updates the operation condition information of the aerosol generating device 200. The operation condition information according to one embodiment may include information for determining whether the aerosol generating device 200 should be operated based on information regarding the liquid phase of the cartridge.

[0143] For example, when the liquid phase of the cartridge is a liquid phase containing a psychosomatic stabilizing component or a pharmacological component, in order to prevent misuse by the user, etc., it is necessary to limit the aerosol generating device 200 from operating for a certain period of time. If the cartridge liquid phase information includes information regarding the interval between consecutive inhalations, the terminal can limit the operation of the aerosol generating device 200 before the next inhalation start time based on the inhalation completion notification, and update the operation condition information of the electronic device to set the next inhalation start time.

[0144] The terminal according to one embodiment can determine the liquid phase of the cartridge at the next inhalation start time and limit the operation of the aerosol generating device 200 before the determined next inhalation start time. For example, after the end of one inhalation (for example, one dose) cycle, the terminal can control the aerosol generating device 200 not to operate for a certain period of time in order to prevent excessive inhalation of a specific component (for example, a psychosomatic stabilizing component and / or a pharmacological component) of the liquid phase. When the user operates the aerosol generating device 200 before the inhalable time, the terminal transmits a notification signal for instructing that the aerosol generating device 200 is inoperable. The aerosol generating device 200 that has received the notification signal may provide an inoperable notification via the interface. Also, the terminal itself may provide an inoperable notification via the interface.

[0145] Further, when the next inhalation cycle (e.g., the start time of inhalation) arrives at the aerosol generating device 200, the terminal can transmit a notification signal for notifying the inhalation time. The aerosol generating device 200 that has received the notification signal may provide an inhalation available notification via an interface. Also, the terminal itself may provide an inhalation available notification via an interface. The inhalation available notification may be provided not only at the time when inhalation is possible but also as a predetermined time before the time when inhalation is possible. For example, the terminal may provide a guidance message such as "There is 1 hour left until the next inhalation available time."

[0146] According to one embodiment, the terminal can communicate with an electronic device via the short-range wireless communication unit 182 and communicate with a server via the wireless communication unit 184.

[0147] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0148] For the sake of convenience of explanation, the following steps 611 to 615 are described as being executed using the aerosol generating device 200 shown in FIG. 2. However, these steps 611 to 615 can be used via any other suitable electronic device and in any suitable system.

[0149] Furthermore, the operations in FIG. 6 may be executed in the shown order and manner, but the order of some operations may be changed or some operations may be omitted without departing from the spirit and scope of the illustrated embodiment. The plurality of operations shown in FIG. 6 may be executed in parallel or simultaneously. Hereinafter, the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment is referred to as an electronic cigarette or an electronic device. The description with reference to FIG. 5 may be equally applicable to FIG. 6, and overlapping content may be omitted.

[0150] In step 611, the aerosol generating device 200 determines the type of the liquid phase contained in the cartridge liquid phase. For example, if the insertion detection sensor 124 of the aerosol generating device 200 detects the insertion of the cartridge, the control unit 214 of the aerosol generating device 200 can determine the type of the cartridge liquid phase through a method of grasping the composition of the cartridge liquid phase (for example, a temperature profile) or a method of using a predetermined impedance value of the cartridge liquid phase.

[0151] In step 612, the aerosol generating device 200 transmits a liquid phase type signal to the terminal connected to the aerosol generating device 200. The liquid phase type signal indicates the type of the liquid phase determined in step 611. The terminal may be the terminal described above with reference to FIG. 5.

[0152] In step 613, the aerosol generating device 200 receives a control signal including information on the liquid phase based on the type of the liquid phase obtained from the terminal. The information on the liquid phase may include at least one of the puff time, puff period, and number of puffs required for a single dose inhalation.

[0153] In step 614, the aerosol generating device 200 controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 200 based on the control signal. The aerosol generating device 200 can provide a puff guidance interface to the user based on the control signal. The operation of the aerosol generating device 200 can be started in response to a signal indicating that the user authentication is completed.

[0154] For example, when the control signal includes information on the puff time, puff period, and number of puffs required for a single dose, the above information may be displayed on the display unit 132 of the aerosol generating device 200. Also, the haptic unit 134 may operate every puff time and puff period to guide the user to inhale appropriately.

[0155] In step 615, the aerosol generation device 200 transmits an inhalation completion notification to the terminal. For example, if the user's inhalation is completed by a control signal including information regarding the liquid phase, the aerosol generation device 200 can stop aerosol generation and transmit a signal to the terminal indicating that the user's inhalation has been completed.

[0156] The embodiments described above are implemented by hardware components, software components, or combinations of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices and components described in this embodiment can be implemented using one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, a controller, an ALU (arithmetic logic unit), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, an FPA (field programmable array), a PLU (programmable logic unit), a microprocessor, or different devices that execute and respond to instructions. The processing device executes an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications executed on the operating system. Further, the processing device accesses, stores, operates on, processes, and generates data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device may be described as being used singly, but those 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. Also, other processing configurations, such as a parallel processor, are possible.

[0157] Software includes a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of them, and can configure a processing device to operate as desired or can command the processing device independently or in combination. Software and / or data can be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or signal wave being transmitted in order to be interpreted by the processing device or to provide instructions or data to the processing device. Software can be distributed on a computer system connected to a network and stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data can be stored in one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0158] The method according to this embodiment is embodied in the form of program instructions implemented via various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium can include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc. alone or in combination, and the recording medium and program instructions may be specially designed and configured for the purpose of the present invention, or may be known and usable to those skilled in the art of computer software technology. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy (registered trademark) disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs, 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, etc. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language code generated by a compiler but also high-level language code executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0159] The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to execute the operations shown in the present invention, and vice versa.

[0160] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the limited drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above description. For example, the described techniques may be executed in an order different from the described method, and / or the components such as the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. may be combined or assembled in a form different from the described method, and appropriate results can be achieved even if they are replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents.

[0161] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described hereinafter.

Claims

1. Receiving, from an electronic device, first information regarding a cartridge liquid phase of the electronic device; Transmitting, to a server, a request signal for requesting second information that is additional information regarding the cartridge liquid phase; Receiving the second information from the server; Transmitting, to the electronic device, a control signal including the second information; Receiving, from the electronic device, an inhalation completion notification; In response to the inhalation completion notification, updating information regarding whether the electronic device should operate after inhalation is completed; Transmitting, to the electronic device, a notification signal including information regarding whether the electronic device should operate; A method for controlling a terminal, comprising the above steps.

2. The method for controlling a terminal according to claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying the second information on the terminal.

3. The step of updating information regarding whether the electronic device should operate includes: Determining a next inhalation start time of the cartridge liquid phase; Restricting the operation of the electronic device until the determined next inhalation start time; The method for controlling a terminal according to claim 1, comprising the above steps.

4. The method for controlling a terminal according to claim 1, further comprising the step of performing user authentication when the received second information includes information regarding inhalation restriction.

5. The step of performing user authentication includes controlling to interrupt the operation of the electronic device until the user authentication is completed. The method for controlling a terminal according to claim 4.

6. The second information includes at least one or more pieces of information among puffing time, puff cycle, and number of puffs required for one-dose inhalation. The method for controlling a terminal according to claim 1.

7. Determining the type of liquid phase contained in the cartridge; Transmitting a liquid phase type identification signal to the terminal; Receiving, from the terminal in response to the liquid phase type identification signal, a control signal including information regarding the liquid phase; Controlling the operation of the electronic device based on the control signal; When inhalation of one dose of the liquid phase is completed, transmitting an inhalation completion notification to the terminal; Receiving, from the terminal in response to the inhalation completion notification, a notification signal including information regarding whether the electronic device should operate; A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising the above steps.

8. The step of controlling the operation of the electronic device includes the step of providing a performance induction interface based on the control signal, the control method of the electronic device according to claim 7.

9. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to claim 1.

10. A short-range communication unit that receives first information regarding the cartridge liquid phase of the electronic device from the electronic device and receives an inhalation completion notification from the electronic device; A wireless communication unit that transmits a request signal for requesting second information, which is additional information regarding the cartridge liquid phase, to a server and receives the second information from the server; A control unit that updates information regarding whether the electronic device should operate after completion of inhalation in response to the inhalation completion notification; comprising The short-range communication unit transmits a control signal including the second information to the electronic device and transmits a notification signal including information regarding whether the electronic device should operate to the electronic device, a terminal.

11. A control unit that discriminates the type of liquid phase contained in the cartridge; A communication unit that transmits a liquid phase type discrimination signal to a terminal and receives a control signal including information regarding the liquid phase from the terminal in response to the liquid phase type identification signal; comprising The control unit controls the operation of the electronic device based on the control signal, The communication unit transmits an inhalation completion notification to the terminal when inhalation of a single dose of the liquid phase is completed, The communication unit receives a notification signal including information regarding whether the electronic device should operate from the terminal in response to the inhalation completion notification, The control unit controls the operation of the electronic device based on the notification signal, an electronic device.

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