Inhaler including a photoprethysmography sensor

Abstract

An inhaler according to one embodiment includes a stick having a chamber for accommodating capsules containing powder and a piercing hole opening towards the chamber, a holder including an insertion groove into which the stick is inserted, a piercing member provided in the insertion groove and piercing the piercing hole to crush the capsules when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove, a vibrating member for providing vibrations to the piercing member, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for measuring biosignals of a user of the inhaler, and a controller for controlling the operation of the inhaler.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of this document relate to inhalers.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the disadvantages of traditional rolled cigarettes. For example, an inhaler is a mechanism for allowing a user to inhale a liquid or gaseous state containing a composition such as a drug through the oral cavity or nasal cavity.

[0003] Such a device includes a chamber for containing an inhalable composition, and the composition moves from the chamber through a channel and ultimately to the oral cavity or nasal cavity and can be inhaled by the user.

[0004] The above-described background art is what the inventor retained or acquired in the process of deriving the disclosure of this document and is not necessarily known art that was publicly disclosed to the general public before this application.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In an inhaler that uses a composition in powder form, conventional non-electronic inhalers had to rely on the user's breathing to inhale the powder. In this case, the amount of powder released from the inhaler varies according to the user's lung breathing volume, and there was a problem that users whose lung breathing volume could not reach a certain level were restricted in the use of the inhaler.

[0006] To solve this, there was a need for an inhaler that allows smooth inhalation even for users with weak lung breathing volume, and furthermore, allows general users to individually control the powder release state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An inhaler according to an embodiment includes an insertion groove that extends in a first direction and houses a smoking stick, a piercing member provided in the insertion groove for crushing a capsule contained in the stick when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove, a vibration member that provides vibration to the piercing member, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that measures a biological signal of a user of the inhaler, and a control unit that controls the operation of the inhaler.

[0008] The photoplethysmography sensor can be disposed on the inhaler so as to be in close contact with at least a part of the user's hand when the user grips the inhaler via the hand.

[0009] When the power of the inhaler is turned on, the control unit can generate a first biological signal of the user using the photoplethysmography sensor.

[0010] When the vibration by the vibration member ends, the control unit can generate a second biological signal of the user using the photoplethysmography sensor.

[0011] The control unit can generate a powder inhalation result indicating the difference between the first biological signal and the second biological signal and output the powder inhalation result.

[0012] The inhaler further includes a puff sensor that detects an air flow inside the stick, and the control unit can receive a detection result from the puff sensor and control the vibration of the vibration member.

[0013] The inhaler can further include a sub-vibration member that provides vibration to the stick.

[0014] The inhaler further includes an elastic member provided in the insertion groove and pressed by the stick when the stick is inserted, and the sub-vibration member can provide vibration to the stick via the elastic member.

[0015] The sub-vibration member can vibrate the stick in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0016] The sub-vibration member can vibrate the stick in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0017] The stick can include a chamber that houses the capsule and is arranged to be located in the insertion groove when the stick is inserted, a mouthpiece provided in the opposite direction of the chamber, an air flow channel that provides fluid communication between the chamber and the mouthpiece, and a mesh arranged between the air flow channel and the chamber.

[0018] The stick can further include a piercing hole through which the piercing member penetrates to crush the capsule, and a sealing member that seals the piercing hole and is crushed by the piercing member when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove.

[0019] The stick can include a piercing hole through which the piercing member penetrates to crush the capsule, and a door that selectively opens and closes the piercing hole.

[0020] The inhaler further includes an insertion detection sensor that detects whether the stick is inserted into the insertion groove, and a door hinge that opens and closes the door, and the control unit can receive a detection result from the insertion detection sensor and control the door hinge based on the detection result to open and close the door.

[0021] In a method for outputting a powder inhalation result executed by an inhaler according to an embodiment, the inhaler includes an insertion groove for accommodating a smoking stick, a piercing member provided in the insertion groove for crushing a capsule contained in the stick when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove, a vibration member for providing vibration to the piercing member, a photoplethysmograph sensor for measuring a biological signal of a user of the inhaler, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the inhaler. The method for outputting the powder inhalation result includes, when the power of the inhaler is turned on, an operation of generating a first biological signal of the user using the photoplethysmograph sensor, an operation of generating a second biological signal of the user using the photoplethysmograph sensor when the vibration by the vibration member ends, an operation of generating a powder inhalation result indicating a difference between the first biological signal and the second biological signal, and an operation of outputting the powder inhalation result.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] An inhaler according to an embodiment can provide a powder inhalation result to a user.

[0023] The effects of an inhaler according to an embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and different effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] The terms used in various embodiments are selected as general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not merely the names of the terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0026] Throughout the specification, when any part "includes" any component, this means that other components are not excluded and further includes other components, unless there is a particularly contrary description. Also, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, and this can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of the arranged components, it modifies the entire components that are not each of the arranged components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0028] In various embodiments, "puff" means a user's inhalation, and inhalation means a situation of drawing in through the user's mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0029] In one embodiment, the inhaler may include a body (or holder) that supports a cartridge (or stick) that houses a capsule holding a composition. The cartridge is detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed with or assembled to the body and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the body with a capsule housed therein. However, without being limited thereto, a powder or a capsule holding the same may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0030] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form realizable with the inhalers of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an inhaler 100 according to one embodiment.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, an inhaler 100 according to one embodiment includes at least one of a control unit 110, a detection unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, a communication unit 180, and a driving unit 190.

[0033] However, the internal structure of the inhaler 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. That is, depending on the design of the inhaler 100, those skilled in the art of the technology related to this embodiment will understand that some of the configurations shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be added.

[0034] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 can detect the state of the inhaler 100 or the state around the inhaler 100 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 110 (or, the processor). The control unit 110 can control the driving of other components of the inhaler 100 based on the detected information.

[0035] For example, the control unit 110 can control the operation of the heater 150 based on the detection result of the detection unit 120, determine whether a stick (e.g., the stick 210 in FIG. 2), a capsule (e.g., the capsule 232 in FIG. 3A), a cartridge, a rolled cigarette, etc. can be inserted and control the driving unit 190, or perform various functions such as displaying a notification on the output unit 130.

[0036] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, a puff sensor 126, and a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor 128, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 122 detects the temperature heated by the heater 150. The inhaler 100 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 150, or the heater 150 itself can serve as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be arranged around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0038] In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 124 detects the insertion and / or removal of a stick (e.g., stick 230 in FIG. 2) or a capsule (e.g., capsule 232 in FIGS. 3A and 3B). For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 includes 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 the stick or the capsule.

[0039] In one embodiment, 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.

[0040] In one embodiment, the PPG sensor 128 includes a first end that outputs a signal to the user's body and a second end that receives the signal output from the user's body. For example, the PPG sensor 128 may be composed of a plurality of physically separated elements for transmitting and receiving signals. As a different example, the PPG sensor 128 may be configured such that the elements for transmitting and receiving signals are physically integrated into one. For example, the PPG sensor 128 can measure basic information used to determine the activity level of a functional substance, the stress level, the heart rate, the oxygen saturation, and the blood pressure index.

[0041] In one embodiment, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, the detection unit 120 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric 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.

[0042] In one embodiment, the output unit 130 outputs information regarding the state of the inhaler 100 and provides it to the user. The output unit 130 includes at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an acoustic output unit 136, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 132 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 132 may be used not only as an output device but also as an input device.

[0043] In one embodiment, the display unit 132 visually provides information regarding the inhaler 100 to the user. For example, the information regarding the inhaler 100 may include information regarding at least one of various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 140 of the inhaler 100, the preheating state of the heater 150, the insertion / removal state of the stick or capsule, or a state in which the use of the inhaler 100 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal articles), the vibration state of the driving unit 190, and the display unit 132 outputs such information to the outside. The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Also, the display unit 132 may be in the state of an LED light emitting element.

[0044] In one embodiment, the haptic unit 134 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus and tactually provides information regarding the inhaler 100 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 134 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0045] In one embodiment, the acoustic output unit 136 aurally provides information regarding the inhaler 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.

[0046] In one embodiment, the battery 140 can supply power used for the operation of the inhaler 100. The battery 140 supplies power so that the heater 150 heats.

[0047] In one embodiment, the battery 140 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, the communication unit 180, or the drive unit 190) provided within the inhaler 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.

[0048] In one embodiment, the heater 150 is supplied with power from the battery 140 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the inhaler 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to the heater 150. Also, when the inhaler 100 generates an aerosol by an induction method, the inhaler 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 140 into an AC power source.

[0049] In one embodiment, the control unit 110, the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, the communication unit 180, and the drive unit 190 may function by being supplied with power from the battery 140. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the inhaler 100 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component.

[0050] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but are not limited thereto. Also, the heater 150 may be realized by a metal wire, a metal hot plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0051] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 150 may generate heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and include a susceptor that heats the aerosol product substance.

[0052] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 150 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

[0053] In one embodiment, 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, piezoresistive 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 inhaler 100 may further include 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.

[0054] In one embodiment, the memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the inhaler 100, and stores the data processed by the control unit 110 and the data to be processed. The 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.

[0055] In one embodiment, the memory 170 stores data such as the operating time of the inhaler 100, the maximum number of puff cycles, the current number of puff cycles, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

[0056] In one embodiment, the communication unit 180 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 includes a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0057] In one embodiment, 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.

[0058] In one embodiment, 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 can also confirm and authenticate the inhaler 100 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0059] In one embodiment, the driving unit 190 may include various driving devices for assisting the user's inhalation operation of the inhaler 100. For example, the driving unit 190 includes a vibration member 191 and can assist in the transmission of the powder of the inhaler 100.

[0060] In one embodiment, the vibration member 191 may be realized by an electronic vibrator and can generate vibrations correspondingly when a voltage (e.g., an alternating voltage) is applied. Without being limited thereto, the driving unit 190 may further include elements such as a motor, a shaft, a plurality of pinions, or a hydraulic device.

[0061] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 controls the overall operation of the inhaler 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 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.

[0062] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. As a different example, according to a control command of the control unit 110, the heating direct circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 150.

[0063] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may analyze the results detected by the detection unit 120 and then control the processes to be executed. For example, based on the results detected by the detection unit 120, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 150 so that the operation of the heater 150 or the drive unit 190 is started or ended.

[0064] For example, based on the results detected by the detection unit 120, the control unit 110 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the time during which the power is supplied so that the heater 150 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 controls the output unit 130 based on the result detected by the detection unit 120. 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 inhaler 100 will end immediately via at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the acoustic output unit 136. Or, for example, the puff sensor 126 detects the inhalation state of the user, and the control unit 110 can control the driving of the vibrating member 191 of the driving unit 190 based on this.

[0066] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the power supply time and / or the power supply amount to the heater 150 according to the state of the stick or the capsule detected by the detection unit 120.

[0067] 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 that can be accessed by a computer, including all volatile and non-volatile media, 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.

[0068] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2, the inhaler 200 according to one embodiment includes a holder 210 and a stick 230, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the inhaler 200 may mean the holder 210 excluding the stick 230. The stick 230 may be integrally formed with the holder 210. Alternatively, the stick 230 (e.g., tobacco) may be detachable from the holder 210. Hereinafter, the term "inhaler" is used interchangeably with "holder".

[0070] In one embodiment, the holder 210 can be configured in a cylindrical or polygonal column shape. An insertion groove 215 for inserting the stick 230 is formed in the holder 210, and the stick 230 may be inserted into the insertion groove 215 in a first direction (e.g., -Y direction).

[0071] In one embodiment, the holder 210 includes a first surface 211, a second surface 212, and a side surface 213. The insertion groove 215 is formed in the first surface 211, and the second surface 212 may be a surface opposite to the first surface 211. The side surface 213 may be formed between the first surface 211 and the second surface 212.

[0072] In one embodiment, the insertion groove 215 may be constituted by a groove formed in the first surface 211.

[0073] For example, the insertion groove 215 may have a shape extending along the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the holder 210. The stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210 in a direction in which the insertion groove 215 extends into the holder 210 (e.g., -Y direction; hereinafter referred to as "first direction").

[0074] In one embodiment, an inlet (not shown) through which air outside the holder 210 flows into the insertion groove 215 may be formed between the outside of the holder 210 and the insertion groove 215.

[0075] Although not shown in the drawings, the holder 210 houses various components of the inhaler 200. For example, the holder 210 may house at least one of a control unit (e.g., the control unit 110 in FIG. 1), at least one sensor (e.g., the detection unit 120 in FIG. 1), and a battery (e.g., the battery 140 in FIG. 1).

[0076] In one embodiment, the stick 230 is sized and shaped to be insertable into the insertion groove 215 of the holder 210, which is configured in a cylindrical or polygonal columnar shape. The stick 230 houses the powder P inside.

[0077] In one embodiment, a mouthpiece 231 is provided at one end of the stick 230. For example, the mouthpiece 231 is provided at one end opposite to the other end inserted into the insertion groove 215. The user may apply negative pressure to the stick 230 to inhale air. For example, the user may chew the mouthpiece 231 with the mouth to inhale the powder P, or inhale the air or aerosol containing the powder P.

[0078] FIGS. 3A and 3B are views regarding the inside of the region A shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, FIG. 3A shows a state where the stick 230 is inserted (partially inserted) into the insertion groove 215 of the holder 210, and FIG. 3B shows a state where the stick 230 is substantially completely inserted into the insertion groove 215.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the inhaler 200 according to one embodiment may include at least one of a piercing member 220, an elastic member 225, a chamber 233, and a piercing hole 234.

[0080] In one embodiment, the stick 230 includes a chamber 233 for housing the capsule 232. The chamber 233 may be a partial region of the stick 230 inserted into the insertion groove 215. The chamber 233 may be a space for housing or storing the capsule 232, or a space for restricting the movement of the capsule 232.

[0081] In one embodiment, the capsule 232 contains powder P therein. The powder P may be a tobacco extract in the form of small particles, or the powder P may be a composition or functional substance containing pharmacological substances such as caffeine, taurine, aspirin, sedatives, sleeping pills, bronchodilators, vaccines, or substances such as free-nicotine and nicotine salts. However, this is merely exemplary, and the internal powder P of the capsule 232 may be replaced with a liquid, a gas, or a combination of some of them.

[0082] In one embodiment, the piercing hole 234 is an opening formed in the stick 230 to provide fluid communication between the chamber 233 and the outside. The piercing hole 234 may be formed on the surface of the stick 230 facing the insertion groove 215, preferably in a region facing the piercing member 220. The piercing hole 234 may have a diameter larger than or the same as the diameter of the piercing member 220.

[0083] In one embodiment, the stick 230 includes an air flow channel 235 that provides fluid communication from the chamber 233 to a mouthpiece (e.g., the mouthpiece 231 in FIG. 2). The air flow channel 235 is a flow path through which air containing the powder P flows, and a mesh 236 may be disposed between the air flow channel 235 and the chamber 233.

[0084] In one embodiment, the mesh 236 allows the powder P and air to pass through and restricts the passage of the capsule 232 or other foreign objects. Alternatively, the mesh 236 filters a part of the powder P or prevents the powder P from agglomerating. For example, the diameter of a single hole of the mesh 236 may be 5 micrometers.

[0085] In one embodiment, if the capsule 232 is crushed, at least a part of the powder P inside the capsule 232 is released into the chamber 233. When the user inhales the air of the stick 230 through the mouthpiece 231, the powder P passes through the mesh 236, travels through the air flow channel 235, moves to the mouthpiece 231, and is inhaled by the user.

[0086] In one embodiment, the stick 230 may be disposable and may be replaced with another stick 230 after the powder P is consumed. Alternatively, the stick 230 may be reusable, and if the powder P is consumed, the capsule 232 or the powder P may be refilled and used again.

[0087] In one embodiment, the piercing member 220 may be provided in the insertion groove 215 and may protrude in a direction (for example, the +Y direction) from the insertion groove 215 toward the stick 230. The piercing member 220 may crush the capsule 232. For example, if the stick 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215 in the first direction (for example, the -Y direction), at least a part of the piercing member 220 penetrates the piercing hole 234 and is inserted into the chamber 233 of the stick 230, and the piercing member 220 can partially crush the capsule 232.

[0088] In one embodiment, the end portion of the piercing member 220 has a sharp shape or a pointed shape. For example, the piercing member 220 may be a needle or a sting. The end portion of the piercing member 220 crushes a part of the capsule 232 and forms a perforation in the capsule 232. The capsule 232 may release the powder P into the chamber 233 through the perforation crushed by the piercing member 220.

[0089] The elastic member 225 according to one embodiment can be provided in the insertion groove 215. When the stick 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215, the elastic member 225 is pressurized and deformed (for example, compressed) by the stick 230. When the elastic member 225 is deformed, the elastic member 225 pressurizes the stick 230 in a direction opposite to the first direction (for example, the +Y direction) by the elastic force. The elastic member 225 may be composed of a coil spring that applies an elastic force.

[0090] FIG. 4A is a diagram schematically showing the inside of the inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 4A, the inhaler 200 according to one embodiment includes a vibration member 250 (for example, the vibration member 191 in FIG. 1).

[0092] In one embodiment, when the capsule 232 is crushed by the piercing member 220, a perforation communicating with the chamber 233 is formed in the capsule 232, and at least a part of the powder P inside the capsule 232 is discharged into the chamber 233 through the perforation. The powder P discharged into the chamber 233 passes through the mesh 236 and is transmitted to the airflow channel 235, passes through the airflow channel 235, passes through the mouthpiece (for example, the mouthpiece 231 in FIG. 2), and is inhaled by the user.

[0093] In one embodiment, the amount of the powder P inhaled by the user can vary based on various parameters regarding the powder P discharged from the capsule 232 (for example, elements such as the amount of the powder P discharged per unit time, the density of the powder P in the air passing through the airflow channel 235, or the degree of diffusion of the discharged powder P).

[0094] In one embodiment, by controlling the amount of the powder P discharged from the capsule 232 per unit time (hereinafter, "the discharge amount of the powder P") via the vibration member 250, the inhaler 200 can provide the powder P to the user so as to be suitable for the user's conditions, usage environment, or preferences.

[0095] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 can provide vibration to the piercing member 220. Alternatively, the vibration member 250 may directly or indirectly vibrate at least one of the capsule 232, the powder P, or the chamber 233. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an embodiment of the inhaler 200 in which the vibration member 250 vibrates the piercing member 220 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0096] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 can be realized as an electronic oscillator that generates vibration when a voltage (for example, an alternating voltage) is applied. However, in actual implementation, it is not limited to this, and it can be realized with various structures and configurations that can provide vibration to the piercing member 220.

[0097] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 assists in the release of the powder P in the capsule 232 by applying vibration to the piercing member 220. If the vibration member 250 vibrates the piercing member 220, the perforation formed in the capsule 232 becomes larger, or vibration is transmitted to the capsule 232 or the powder P, and the amount of powder P released increases.

[0098] The vibration member 250 of one embodiment can vibrate the piercing member 220 in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210, that is, the first direction (for example, the -Y direction) (for example, the + / -Y direction).

[0099] In one embodiment, when the vibration member 250 vibrates in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction, it is efficient for releasing the powder P located or stagnating between the capsule 232 and the piercing member 220. Also, since it is not necessary to increase the diameter of the piercing hole 234 to secure space for the vibration of the piercing member 220, it is possible to prevent the powder P from escaping from the stick 230 through the piercing hole 234. Further, the vibration of the vibration member 250 is mainly transmitted to the piercing member 220 and the capsule 232, and the vibration transmitted to the stick 230 or the holder 210 can be reduced or prevented.

[0100] In one embodiment, the vibrating member 250 can vibrate the piercing member 220 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210, that is, the first direction (for example, the -Y direction) (for example, the X-Z plane direction). The vibration of the piercing member 220 is transmitted to the capsule 232, and the vibration of the capsule 232 can promote the release of the powder P.

[0101] In such a case, the piercing member 220 can increase the size of the perforation, or the piercing member 220 can effectively release the powder P by ensuring a space between the capsule 232 and the piercing member 220. Further, the capsule 232 repeatedly collides with the chamber 233 due to vibration, and the amount of powder P released is further increased through this.

[0102] In one embodiment, the vibrating member 250 can vibrate the piercing member 220 in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The vibrating member 250 can further increase the amount of powder P released relative to a simple one-way reciprocating motion by three-dimensionally vibrating the capsule 232 via the piercing member 220.

[0103] In various embodiments, the inhaler 200 needs to decrease or increase the release amount or release speed of the powder P released from the capsule 232 due to various factors such as the breathing volume of the user or according to the user's preference. When controlling this only by the fixed perforation size, it is difficult to respond to various environments and the requirements of various users.

[0104] For example, when the perforation is large, a large amount of powder P is released in a short period, and the density of the powder P inhaled by the user is irregular or greatly increased. On the other hand, when the perforation is small, it becomes difficult to release the powder P, and users with a small lung breathing volume have difficulty inhaling the powder P. According to one embodiment, the vibrating member 250 can be controlled so that the powder P is efficiently released from the capsule 232 by providing vibration to the capsule 232.

[0105] Inhaler 200 according to various embodiments of the present document forms a relatively small-sized perforation in capsule 232 via piercing member 220, and controls the discharge amount of powder P discharged from capsule 232 per unit time via vibration member 250, thereby enabling control of the inhalation density of powder P by the user.

[0106] FIG. 4B is a diagram schematically showing the interior of inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 4B, inhaler 200 according to one embodiment includes sub-vibration member 255 (e.g., vibration member 191 in FIG. 1).

[0108] In explaining FIG. 4B, descriptions overlapping with those described above for inhaler 200 will be omitted.

[0109] In one embodiment, sub-vibration member 255 can provide vibration to chamber 233. Sub-vibration member 255 can assist powder P discharged into chamber 233 to move to airflow channel 235 by directly or indirectly vibrating chamber 233. Alternatively, sub-vibration member 255 can assist vibration member 250 to promote the discharge of powder P from capsule 232.

[0110] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, sub-vibration member 255 can be connected to elastic member 225 and provide vibration to chamber 233 via elastic member 225. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and sub-vibration member 255 may be realized in various structures for transmitting vibration to chamber 233. For example, sub-vibration member 255 can be directly connected to stick 230 or disposed on holder 210 and have a structure for applying an impact to stick 230.

[0111] In one embodiment, the chamber 233 can provide kinetic energy to the powder P in the chamber 233 by vibration. Due to the vibration of the chamber 233, the powder P is evenly diffused and moves along the air flow. Also, the vibration of the chamber 233 can be transmitted to the capsule 232. The sub-vibration member 255 can promote the release of the powder P by vibrating the capsule 232.

[0112] The sub-vibration member 255 of one embodiment can vibrate the chamber 233 in a direction (e.g., + / -Y direction) substantially parallel to the direction in which the stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210, i.e., the first direction (e.g., -Y direction). In this case, the elastic member 255 can assist and strengthen the vibration of the sub-vibration member 255. In this case, by vibrating the chamber 233 in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction, the powder P remaining on the bottom surface of the chamber 233 can be efficiently moved, and there is no need to increase the opening of the insertion groove 215 due to the vibration of the chamber 233.

[0113] The sub-vibration member 255 of one embodiment can vibrate the chamber 233 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X-Z plane direction) in which the stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210. In this case, the chamber 233 can repeatedly strike the capsule 232 and effectively induce the release of the powder P. In this case, by vibrating the chamber 233 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the powder P can be evenly diffused in a substantially horizontal direction of the chamber 233.

[0114] The sub-vibration member 255 of one embodiment can vibrate the chamber 233 in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction and a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. By vibrating the chamber 233 three-dimensionally, the sub-vibration member 255 can further increase the release amount of the powder P compared to a simple one-way reciprocating motion.

[0115] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., the processor 110 in FIG. 1) acquires information regarding the driving of the inhaler 200 from various types of sensors (e.g., the detection unit 120 in FIG. 1), and based on this, changes various factors such as the vibration frequency, vibration intensity, and vibration time of the vibrating member 250 and / or the sub-vibrating member 255, and can control each of their vibrations.

[0116] For example, information regarding the airflow inside the stick 230 is transmitted to the processor 110 via a puff sensor (e.g., the puff sensor 126 in FIG. 1). If it is determined that the airflow is insufficient, the processor 110 can increase the vibration intensity or vibration frequency of the vibrating member 250 and / or the sub-vibrating member 255 to increase the discharge amount of the powder P.

[0117] Further, the processor 110 can receive a separate input signal from a user input unit (e.g., the user input unit 160 in FIG. 1) or a communication unit (e.g., the communication unit 180 in FIG. 1), and based on this, control the vibrations of the vibrating member 250 and / or the sub-vibrating member 255.

[0118] For example, the processor 110 can control the vibrations of the vibrating member 250 and / or the sub-vibrating member 255 according to various factors such as the breathing volume of the user's lungs, the user's preferences, and the usage environment. The inhaler 200 in various embodiments of this document can assist the user in smoothly inhaling the powder P, and can provide a user-ordered type inhaler 200.

[0119] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the stick 230 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the stick 230 according to one embodiment. Specifically, FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of a partial region of the stick 230 separated from the holder 210, respectively.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the stick 230 includes at least one of a sealing member 237 or a door 238.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 5A, the sealing member 237 can seal the piercing hole 234. The sealing member 237 may be crushed by the piercing member 220 during the process of inserting the stick 230 into the insertion groove 215. For example, the stick 230 may be disposable. Or, the stick 230 may be reusable multiple times, and can be alternately reused after the sealing member 237 and the capsule 232 are crushed.

[0122] In one embodiment, the sealing member 237 can protect the chamber 233 so that water or foreign matter does not flow into the chamber 233 during the manufacturing and transportation processes of the stick 230. Also, the sealing member 237 can limit the area of the piercing hole 234 that is crushed by the piercing member 220, and prevent the powder P from being discharged outside the stick 230 through the piercing hole 234.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 5B, the door 238 may selectively open and close the piercing hole 234. The door 238 may be opened before or while the stick 230 is being inserted into the insertion groove 215. The door 238 moves by means of a door hinge 239.

[0124] For example, the door hinge 239 may push and move the door 238 in a substantially parallel direction (e.g., in the X-Z plane direction), or may tilt it in a substantially vertical direction (e.g., in the + / -Y direction).

[0125] In one embodiment, the door 238 may be opened when the inhaler 200 is in use or ready for use, and may be closed when not in use. The door 238 can protect the chamber 233 so that water or foreign matter does not flow into the chamber 233 during the manufacturing and transportation processes of the stick 230. Also, the used or crushed capsules 232 in the chamber 233 can be replaced through the door 238.

[0126] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 110 in FIG. 1) can acquire information regarding the coupling of the stick 230 from various types of sensors (e.g., the detection unit in FIG. 1), and based on this, control the driving of the door hinge 239.

[0127] For example, the processor 110 can detect whether the stick 230 is inserted into or is being inserted into the insertion groove 215 via an insertion detection sensor (e.g., insertion detection sensor 124 in FIG. 1), and based on this, control the door hinge 239 so that the piercing member 220 can pass through the piercing hole 234 to open the door 238. Alternatively, the door 238 may be manually opened and closed by the user. For example, the user can directly open and close the door 238, or the inhaler 200 is provided with a separate switch (not shown) connected to the door 238, and the user can operate the switch (not shown) to open and close the door 238.

[0128] FIG. 6 shows an inhaler including a photoplethysmography sensor according to one embodiment.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the inhaler 200 described above with reference to FIG. 2 includes a PPG sensor 260. For example, the PPG sensor 260 may be disposed on the inhaler 200 so as to be in close contact with at least a part of the user's hand when the user holds the inhaler 200 via the hand. The PPG sensor 260 includes a first end that outputs a signal to the user's body and a second end that receives the signal output from the user's body. In FIG. 6, the PPG sensor 260 is shown as being composed of a plurality of physically separated elements for transmitting and receiving signals, but in an embodiment, the PPG sensor 260 can be configured with the elements for transmitting and receiving signals physically integrated into one.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the PPG sensor 260 can measure basic information used to determine the activity level of a functional substance, the stress level, the heart rate, the oxygen saturation, and the blood pressure index.

[0131] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for outputting powder inhalation results according to an embodiment.

[0132] The following operations 710 to 740 are executed via an inhaler (e.g., inhaler 100 in FIG. 1 or inhaler 200 in FIG. 2).

[0133] In operation 710, when the power of the inhaler is turned on, the control unit of the inhaler (e.g., control unit 110 in FIG. 1) generates a first biological signal of the user using a PPG sensor (e.g., PPG sensor 128 in FIG. 1 or PPG sensor 260 in FIG. 6). The control unit generates first biological information based on the first biological signal. For example, the biological information may include various types of biological information such as oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram, or skin moisture.

[0134] According to an embodiment, after operation 710 is executed, the user may inhale powder P through the inhaler. For example, the inhaler can vibrate a vibration member (vibration member 191 in FIG. 1 or vibration member 250 in FIG. 2) so that the user can easily inhale the powder P in the capsule (e.g., capsule 232 in FIG. 2).

[0135] For example, the powder P may be a fine powder having a size of 1 μm to 5 μm, and the powder P inhaled by the user may be immediately absorbed into the user's body through the user's lungs. When the powder P is immediately absorbed into the user's body, the effect of the powder P is immediately shown to the user. For example, when the powder P is a functional powder, the effect of the corresponding function is immediately shown to the user.

[0136] In operation 720, when the inhalation of the powder P or the vibration of the vibration member ends, the control unit of the inhaler generates a second biological signal of the user using the PPG sensor. For example, the control unit may generate second biological information based on the second biological signal.

[0137] In operation 730, the control unit of the inhaler generates powder inhalation results based on the first biological signal and the second biological signal.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the powder inhalation result can numerically indicate the difference between the first biological information and the second biological information. For example, at least one difference among the activity level of the functional substance, the stress level, the heart rate, the oxygen saturation, and the blood pressure index may be generated as the powder inhalation result.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the powder inhalation result can be shown using a graphic effect to indicate the difference between the first biological information and the second biological information. For example, when the change in the target measurement item is a change in a positive direction, a smile graphic effect or a sunny weather graphic effect may be generated as the powder inhalation result. For example, when the change in the target measurement item is a change in a negative direction, a crying graphic effect or a rainy weather graphic effect may be generated as the powder inhalation result.

[0140] According to one embodiment, when there are a plurality of items to be measured, the results of powder inhalation can be generated for each measurement item.

[0141] In operation 740, the control unit of the inhaler outputs the powder inhalation result. For example, the control unit may output the powder inhalation result via a display (e.g., the display 132 in FIG. 1). As a different example, the control unit may transmit information regarding the powder inhalation result to a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone) directly or indirectly connected to the inhaler via a communication unit (e.g., the communication unit 180 in FIG. 1), and the powder inhalation result may be output via the display of the user terminal.

[0142] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described technology 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, or may be replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents, and appropriate results can still be achieved. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is defined by equivalents such as those equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. An inhaler, comprising: An insertion groove extending in a first direction and accommodating a smoking stick; A piercing member provided in the insertion groove for piercing a capsule contained in the stick when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove; A vibration member for providing vibration to the piercing member; A photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for measuring a biological signal of a user of the inhaler; A sensing unit for acquiring information regarding driving of the inhaler; A control unit for controlling an operation of the inhaler; wherein the control unit adjusts an amount of powder discharged inside the capsule by controlling vibration of the vibration member based on information acquired by the sensing unit.

2. The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the photoplethysmography sensor is disposed on the inhaler so as to be in close contact with at least a part of the user's hand when the user grips the inhaler via the hand.

3. The inhaler according to claim 2, wherein the control unit generates a first biological signal of the user using the photoplethysmography sensor when the power of the inhaler is turned on.

4. The inhaler according to claim 3, wherein the control unit generates a second biological signal of the user using the photoplethysmography sensor when vibration by the vibration member ends.

5. The control unit generates a powder inhalation result indicating a difference between the first biological signal and the second biological signal, and outputs the powder inhalation result.

6. The sensing unit includes a puff sensor for detecting an air flow inside the stick, The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the vibration of the vibration member upon receiving a detection result from the puff sensor.

7. The inhaler according to claim 1, further comprising a sub-vibration member for providing vibration to the stick.

8. The inhaler according to claim 7, further comprising an elastic member provided in the insertion groove and pressurized by the stick when the stick is inserted, wherein the sub-vibration member provides vibration to the stick via the elastic member.

9. The sub-vibrating member vibrates the stick in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction, the inhaler according to claim 7.

10. The sub-vibrating member vibrates the stick in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the inhaler according to claim 7.

11. Further comprising the stick, The stick is, A chamber that houses the capsule and is arranged to be located in the insertion groove when the stick is inserted, A mouthpiece provided in the opposite direction of the chamber, An air flow channel that provides fluid communication between the chamber and the mouthpiece, A mesh disposed between the air flow channel and the chamber, The inhaler according to claim 1, comprising.

12. Further comprising the stick, The stick is, A piercing hole through which the piercing member penetrates to crush the capsule, A sealing member that seals the piercing hole and is crushed by the piercing member when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove, The inhaler according to claim 1, further comprising.

13. Further comprising the stick, The stick is, A piercing hole through which the piercing member penetrates to crush the capsule, A door that selectively opens and closes the piercing hole, The inhaler according to claim 1, comprising.

14. An insertion detection sensor that detects whether the stick is inserted into the insertion groove, A door hinge that opens and closes the door, Further comprising, The control unit receives a detection result from the insertion detection sensor and controls the door hinge based on the detection result to open and close the door, the inhaler according to claim 13.

15. A method for outputting a powder inhalation result executed by an inhaler, The inhaler is, An insertion groove in which a smoking stick is accommodated, A piercing member provided in the insertion groove and configured to crush a capsule contained in the stick when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove, A vibrating member that provides vibration to the piercing member, A photoplethysmograph sensor that measures a biological signal of a user of the inhaler, and a sensing unit that acquires information regarding driving of the inhaler, A control unit that controls the operation of the inhaler, Including, The control unit adjusts the discharge amount of the powder inside the capsule by controlling the vibration of the vibration member based on the information acquired by the sensing unit, The method for outputting the powder inhalation result is as follows: When the power of the inhaler is turned on, an operation of generating a first biological signal of the user using the photoplethysmography sensor; When the vibration by the vibration member ends, an operation of generating a second biological signal of the user using the photoplethysmography sensor; An operation of generating a powder inhalation result indicating the difference between the first biological signal and the second biological signal; An operation of outputting the powder inhalation result; A method for outputting a powder inhalation result, including the above operations.

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