Aerosol generating device and method for controlling the same

Abstract

To provide a method of preventing a situation in which a user cannot use an aerosol generating device because of a lack of consumables or a lack of remaining electric energy of a battery.SOLUTION: An aerosol generating device includes: a heating element configured to heat an aerosol-generating material; a battery configured to supply power to the heating element and receive power from an external device; an output unit; and a processor configured to control the output unit to output a notification indicating whether the aerosol generating device is usable, within a predetermined time period after power supply from the battery to the heating element is discontinued, or within the predetermined time period after the battery is charged to a predetermined level.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material in a cigarette, rather than by burning the cigarette. As a result, research into heated cigarettes and heated aerosol-generating devices has been actively conducted. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for preventing a situation in which a user is unable to use an aerosol generating device due to a lack of consumables or a lack of remaining battery power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device includes a heating element that heats an aerosol generating material; a battery that supplies power to the heating element and receives power from an external device; an output unit; and a processor that controls the output unit to output a notification indicating whether the aerosol generating device can be used within a predetermined time after the power supply from the battery to the heating element is interrupted or within a predetermined time after the battery is charged to a predetermined level.

[0005] According to another aspect, a method for controlling an aerosol generating device includes the steps of: checking a first point in time when power supply from a battery to a heating element is interrupted; or a second point in time when the battery is charged to a predetermined level; and outputting a notification indicating whether the aerosol generating device can be used within a predetermined time period after the first point in time or the second point in time.

[0006] A computer-readable recording medium according to yet another aspect includes a recording medium having a program recorded thereon for causing a computer to execute the above-described method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The aerosol generating device monitors consumables (e.g., liquid compositions, aerosol generating products, etc.) and a battery, and outputs a notification regarding whether smoking is possible, including a predetermined number of puffs, after the previous smoking action has ended. Also, if the battery is charging, the aerosol generating device outputs a notification when the battery is charged with an amount of power corresponding to one smoking action. Therefore, the user does not need to manually monitor the status of the aerosol generating device, thereby increasing user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing another example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a processor outputs a notification through an output unit. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram for explaining the amount of liquid consumed in one use. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating another example in which a processor outputs a notification through an output unit. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram for explaining the amount of power consumed in one operation. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example in which a processor outputs a notification through an output unit. [Figure 10]10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example in which a processor outputs a notification through an output unit. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram for explaining various types of notices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The aerosol generating device includes a heating element that heats an aerosol generating material; a battery that supplies power to the heating element and receives power from an external device; an output unit; and a processor that controls the output unit to output a notification indicating whether the aerosol generating device can be used or not within a predetermined time after the power supply from the battery to the heating element is interrupted or within a predetermined time after the battery is charged to a predetermined level.

[0010] The aerosol generating device further includes a storage unit configured to store an aerosol generating material, and the notification indicates that the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material is less than an amount corresponding to one smoking act including a predetermined number of puffs.

[0011] The amount corresponding to one smoking action may be determined differently depending on the environment in which the user smokes.

[0012] The notification indicates that the remaining power of the battery is less than the power required for one smoking session including a predetermined number of puffs.

[0013] The amount of power required for one smoking operation may be determined differently depending on the environment in which the user smokes.

[0014] The notification indicates the number of doses remaining in the aerosol product, and the aerosol product is configured to deliver an aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material to the user's mouth, the aerosol comprising at least one component contained in the aerosol product.

[0015] The predetermined level is also the amount of power corresponding to one smoking action including the predetermined number of puffs.

[0016] The output unit may include at least one of a display, a light source, a motor, and a speaker.

[0017] The notification may include at least one of an image, light, vibration, and sound.

[0018] The notification may change over time by changing the image, the light emission, the vibration, or the sound.

[0019] The processor may stop the operation of the aerosol generating device when a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification was output.

[0020] The method for controlling the aerosol generating device includes: The method may include a step of checking the first point in time or a second point in time when the battery is charged to a predetermined level; and a step of outputting a notification indicating whether the aerosol generating device is usable or not within a predetermined time period after the first point in time or the second point in time.

[0021] The method may further include stopping operation of the aerosol generating device after a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification was output.

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily understand and practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0023] The terms used in the examples are currently widely used and common terms that have been selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of engineers in the field, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by their names.

[0024] Throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, it does not mean that it excludes other elements, but that it may further include other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily understand and practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0026] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0027] As used herein, phrases such as "at least one," when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and not individual elements of the list. For example, phrases such as "at least one of a, b, and c" may be understood to include "a," "b," "c," "a and b," "a and c," "b and c," or "a, b, and c."

[0028] When an element or layer is referred to as "over," "above," "on," "connected To," or "coupled To" another element or layer, it may be directly on, on, connected to, or coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly on," "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element, it must be understood that there are no intervening elements. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0029] The term "aerosol-producing article" refers to any article designed for inhalation by a smoker. The aerosol-producing article includes an aerosol-generating substance that generates an aerosol when heated without combustion. For example, one or more aerosol-producing articles may be attached to an aerosol-generating device and heated to generate an aerosol. The shape, size, material, and structure of the aerosol product may vary depending on the embodiment. Examples of aerosol products include, but are not limited to, cigarette-type substrates and cartridges. Herein, the term "cigarette," when used alone without modifiers such as general, traditional, or burning, refers to an aerosol product similar in shape to a traditional burning cigarette.

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device.

[0032] 1, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a battery 110, a processor 120, a heater 130, a vaporizer 140, and an output unit 150. An aerosol product 200 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0033] The aerosol generating device 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person skilled in the art will understand that the aerosol generating device 100 includes other general components in addition to the components shown in Fig. 1.

[0034] 1 illustrates that the battery 110, the processor 120, the vaporizer 140, and the heater 130 are arranged in a row. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, the arrangement of the battery 110, the processor 120, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 140 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0035] When the aerosol production product 200 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 100, the aerosol generation device 100 may activate the heater 130 and / or vaporizer 140 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 130 and / or vaporizer 140 passes through the aerosol production product 200 and is delivered to the user.

[0036] If necessary, the aerosol generating device 100 can heat the heater 130 even when the aerosol production item 200 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0037] The battery 110 supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the battery 110 supplies power to heat the heater 130 and the vaporizer 140, and supplies power necessary for the operation of the processor 120. The battery 110 can also supply power necessary for the operation of the output unit 150 and the like provided in the aerosol generation device 100.

[0038] The processor 120 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 100. Specifically, the processor 120 controls the operation of not only the battery 110, the heater 130, the vaporizer 140, and the output unit 150, but also other components included in the aerosol generation device 100. The processor 120 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device 100 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 100 is in an operable state.

[0039] The processor 120 may be realized by an array of logic gates, a general-purpose microprocessor, and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor, or by other hardware configurations, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0040] The heater 130 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 110. For example, if the aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the heater 130 may be located outside the aerosol product. Thus, the heated heater 130 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol product.

[0041] The heater 130 may also be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 130 may include a conductive track, and the heater 130 may be heated by passing a current through the conductive track. However, the heater 130 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater capable of being heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 100, or may be set by a user.

[0042] For example, the heater 130 may also be cylindrical and may heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol production article 200 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0043] A plurality of heaters 130 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 100. In this case, the plurality of heaters 130 may be inserted inside the aerosol product 200 or may be arranged outside the aerosol product 200. Some of the plurality of heaters 130 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 200, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol product 200. The shape of the heater 130 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1, and various shapes may be manufactured.

[0044] The vaporizer 140 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to a user through the aerosol product 200. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 moves along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device 100, and the airflow path may be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 passes through the aerosol product and is delivered to a user. At this time, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 entrains at least one component contained in the aerosol product 200.

[0045] For example, the vaporizer 140 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating means. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating means may be included in the aerosol generation device 100 as independent modules.

[0046] The liquid storage unit stores a liquid composition. The liquid composition includes at least one aerosol-forming substance. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be configured to be detachable from / attachable to the vaporizer 140, or may be configured integrally with the vaporizer 140.

[0047] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavorings include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients. Flavorings may include ingredients that provide the user with a variety of flavors or tastes. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0048] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage portion to the heating means. For example, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. ck), but is not limited to them.

[0049] The heating means is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating means may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating means may also be formed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating means is heated by supplying an electric current and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating means, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0050] For example, the vaporizer 140 may also be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0051] The output unit 150 outputs various information related to the aerosol generating device 100 under the control of the processor 120. For example, the output unit 150 may include at least one of a display, a light source, a motor, and a speaker. The display outputs an image. Here, image is a concept including text. That is, the display conveys visual information to the user by outputting various types of characters, figures, etc. The light source emits light corresponding to at least one color. For example, the light source may be composed of at least one LED, but is not limited thereto. That is, the light source conveys visual information to the user by emitting light in at least one light-emitting manner. The motor outputs vibration. That is, the motor operates in at least one vibration manner to convey tactile information to the user. The speaker outputs sound. Here, sound can be a beep or a voice. That is, the speaker conveys auditory information to the user by outputting various types of beeps or voices.

[0052] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 110, the processor 120, the heater 130, the vaporizer 140, and the output unit 150. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or an aerosol product insertion detection sensor). The aerosol generating device 100 may also be constructed to allow external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the aerosol product 200 is inserted.

[0053] 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, the heater 130 may heat the aerosol generating device 100 when the cradle and the aerosol generating device 100 are combined.

[0054] The aerosol product 200 may have a shape and structure similar to that of a typical cigarette. For example, the aerosol product 200 may be divided into a first portion containing at least one aerosol-generating material and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the aerosol product 200 may also contain at least one aerosol-generating material. For example, a granular or encapsulated aerosol-generating material may be inserted into the second portion.

[0055] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 100, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 100, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. A user can inhale the aerosol by holding the second part in their mouth.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of an aerosol generating device.

[0057] The aerosol production product 200, the battery 110, the processor 120, the heater 130, the vaporizer 140, and the output unit 150 shown in Fig. 2 may correspond to the aerosol production product 200, the battery 110, the processor 120, the heater 130, the vaporizer 140, and the output unit 150 shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0058] Fig. 2 illustrates an example in which the vaporizer 140 and the heater 130 are arranged in parallel. That is, the vaporizer 140 and the heater 130 may be arranged in line as illustrated in Fig. 1 or in parallel as illustrated in Fig. 2. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. That is, the arrangement of the battery 110, the processor 120, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 140 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing yet another example of an aerosol generating device.

[0060] The battery 110, the processor 120, the vaporizer 140, and the output unit 150 shown in Fig. 3 may correspond to the battery 110, the processor 120, the vaporizer 140, and the output unit 150 shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0061] Comparing the example illustrated in Fig. 3 with the example illustrated in Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 in Fig. 3 does not have an aerosol producing product 200 inserted therein. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 may be transmitted to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., the user's mouth) without passing through the aerosol producing product 200.

[0062] When a user smokes, consumables in the aerosol generating device 100 are depleted. For example, the liquid composition (including the aerosol generating material) stored in the liquid storage unit of the vaporizer 140 is depleted when the user smokes, and the aerosol generating material in the aerosol product 200 is also depleted.

[0063] The aerosol generating device 100 operates based on the power of the battery 110. In particular, the heater 130 and the vaporizer 140 are heated by the power of the battery 110, thereby vaporizing the aerosol-generating substance. Therefore, the remaining power of the battery 110 gradually decreases as the user smokes.

[0064] In order for the user to use the aerosol generating device 100 smoothly, the user must continuously monitor the remaining amount of consumables and the remaining power of the battery 110, which is inconvenient for the user.

[0065] The aerosol generating device 100 according to the present invention monitors consumables (e.g., liquid composition, aerosol product 200, etc.) and the battery 110, and outputs a notification regarding whether or not a user can smoke more after finishing smoking. Furthermore, if the battery 110 is being charged, the aerosol generating device 100 outputs a notification regarding the availability of the next smoking action when the battery level is such that the next smoking action including a predetermined number of puffs is available. Therefore, the user does not need to directly monitor the status of the aerosol generating device 100, thereby increasing user convenience. Here, the term "smoking action" refers to a user action for smoking including a predetermined number of puffs.

[0066] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11, an example in which the aerosol generating device 100 monitors the consumables and the battery 110 and outputs an alarm will be described.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device.

[0068] 4, the method for controlling the aerosol generating device is composed of steps that are processed in time series by the processor 120 shown in Figures 1 to 3. Therefore, even if the content is omitted below, it can be understood that the content described above regarding the processor 120 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is also applicable to the method for controlling the aerosol generating device of Figure 4.

[0069] In step 410, the processor 120 determines a first point in time when the supply of power from the battery 110 to the heating element is interrupted or a second point in time when power is supplied to the battery 110 from an external device.

[0070] The heating element refers to a component that heats the aerosol-forming material, such as the heater 130 or the heating means included in the vaporizer 140 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0071] The first point in time is when power to the heating element is interrupted, for example, when a smoking session including a predetermined number of puffs is completed. In this case, the interruption of power to the heating element can be performed by user input (e.g., pushing a button) or automatically by processor 120.

[0072] The second time point is a time point related to charging of the battery 110, for example, a charging start time point, a specific time point during the charging progress period, or a charging end time point.

[0073] In operation 420, the processor 120 outputs a notification indicating whether the aerosol generating device 100 is usable within a predetermined time interval from the first or second time point. For example, the processor 120 may control the output unit 150 to output the notification.

[0074] Here, the usability of the aerosol generating device 100 refers to whether the user can smoke the next cigarette without any additional action.

[0075] For example, if a consumable item (e.g., a liquid composition, an aerosol product 200, etc.) is exhausted, the user can smoke only after replacing the consumable item or purchasing a new one. Alternatively, if the remaining power of the battery 110 is insufficient, the user can smoke only after charging the battery 110. Therefore, in such a case, the processor 120 outputs a notice through the output unit 150 indicating that the aerosol generating device 100 is unusable.

[0076] As another example, when the battery 110 is charged, it may be charged to a level that allows one smoking action including a predetermined number of puffs. In this case, the processor 120 may output a notification through the output unit 150 indicating that the aerosol generating device 100 is ready for another smoking action.

[0077] For example, the notification may include at least one of an image, light, vibration, and sound. However, the types of notification are not limited to those described above and may be any type that can convey information to the user. Furthermore, the notification is not limited to one type. That is, the notification may change over time.

[0078] It is also desirable that the notification be output within a short time from the end of the user's smoking series. In other words, it is desirable that the notification be output immediately after the user finishes smoking. Therefore, after finishing smoking, the user can immediately check whether or not it is possible to smoke again. For example, but not limited to, the notification may be output within 5 seconds of the user completing one smoking series.

[0079] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 4 , the processor 120 may stop the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification was output. That is, after the notification indicating that the aerosol generation device 100 is unusable is output, the processor 120 may stop the operation of the modules included in the aerosol generation device 100. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 100 cannot be operated unless the user resolves the cause of the unusable state (e.g., depletion of consumables or insufficient remaining power of the battery 110). For example, the processor 120 may stop the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 within 30 seconds since the notification was output, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] Hereinafter, an example in which the processor 120 outputs a notice through the output unit 150 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0081] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the processor outputs a notice through the output unit.

[0082] 5 shows an example in which the amount of liquid composition in the liquid storage units 510, 520, and 530 is changed over time. In this case, the amount of liquid composition is changed depending on the user's smoking.

[0083] At the initial time T0, the amount of the liquid composition in the liquid storage unit 510 reaches a maximum value. For example, the initial time T0 is also the time when a new vaporizer 140 or liquid storage unit 510 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0084] At the end of the user's smoking action at time T1, the amount of liquid composition in the liquid storage unit 510 decreases by L1. That is, the amount of liquid composition consumed in one smoking action (hereinafter referred to as "liquid consumption amount per smoking") is L1. In this case, the liquid consumption amount per smoking action L1 can be determined in various ways. An example of determining the liquid consumption amount per smoking action L1 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0085] The end time T of the user's mth smoking behavior m In the liquid storage unit 510, the remaining amount L m is less than the amount corresponding to one smoking act. m The remaining amount of liquid composition is L m is less than the liquid consumption amount L1 per puff. This means that the user cannot completely finish the (m+1)th smoking action (i.e., the predetermined number of puffs) due to the lack of liquid composition. In other words, the (m+1)th smoking action cannot proceed normally.

[0086] The processor 120 determines the end times T0, T1, T2 of a single smoking action by the user. m The amount of liquid composition in the liquid storage unit 510 is confirmed. m becomes less than the liquid consumption amount L1, the processor 120 determines the end time T m The output unit 150 is controlled so that the notification is output within a predetermined time interval α from the time when the user finishes smoking. mFor example, the predetermined time interval α may be 5 seconds, but is not limited to this.

[0087] Therefore, the user may recognize that the next smoking action (the (m+1)th smoking action) cannot proceed, and may replace the liquid storage unit 510 or the vaporizer 140 including the liquid storage unit 510.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the amount of liquid consumed in one session.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 6, the liquid consumption amount L1 per session can be determined in various ways.

[0090] As an example, the amount of liquid consumed in one session L1 may be determined taking into consideration a variety of users 610. For example, the processor 120 may determine the amount of liquid consumed in one session L1 taking into consideration the usage history of the aerosol generating device 100 of users worldwide or a specific group of users.

[0091] As another example, the amount of liquid consumed per session L1 may be determined taking into consideration only a specific user 620. The processor 120 may determine the amount of liquid consumed per session L1 taking into consideration the usage history of the aerosol generating device 100 of the specific user 620. In this case, the amount of liquid consumed per session L1 may be determined differently depending on the environment in which the specific user 620 smokes. For example, the amount of liquid consumed per session L1 may be determined differently based on the season 631 and / or the time period 632.

[0092] If a specific user 620 uses the aerosol generating device 100 for the first time, the liquid consumption amount L1 per use may be saved as a default value. In this case, the default value may be a value determined in consideration of various users 610, or may be an arbitrary value.

[0093] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example in which the processor outputs a notice through the output unit.

[0094] 7 illustrates an example in which the remaining power of the battery 710 varies over time. In this case, the remaining power varies depending on the power consumption of the modules included in the aerosol generating device 100, and in particular, the remaining power varies depending on the power consumption of the heating elements (i.e., the heater 130 and / or the vaporizer 140).

[0095] At the initial time T0, the remaining power of the battery 710 is at a maximum value, for example, the initial time T0 is also the time when the battery 710 is fully charged.

[0096] At the end time T1 of the first smoking action by the user, the remaining power of the battery 710 decreases by B1. That is, the amount of power consumed by one smoking action (hereinafter referred to as "one-time power consumption") is B1. In this case, the one-time power consumption B1 can be determined in various ways. An example of determining the one-time power consumption B1 will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0097] The end time T of the user's nth smoking action n In this case, the remaining power amount B of the battery 710 is n is less than the amount of power corresponding to one smoking action. n The remaining power amount B of the battery 710 n is less than the single power consumption B1. This means that the user cannot completely finish the next smoking action (the n+1th smoking action) due to the lack of battery power. In other words, the n+1th smoking action cannot proceed normally.

[0098] The processor 120 determines the end times T0, T1, T2 of a single smoking action by the user. n The remaining power of the battery 710 is checked every time. The remaining power of the battery 730 is B n becomes less than the single-smoking power consumption B1, the processor 120 determines the end time T n The output unit 150 is controlled so that the notification is output within a predetermined time interval β from the end of the user's smoking action Tn For example, the predetermined time interval β is 5 seconds, but is not limited to this.

[0099] Therefore, the user can perform the next smoking action (the n+1th smoking action) without charging the battery 710. The patient may recognize that they are unable to complete the task (the act of smoking).

[0100] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the amount of power consumed per time.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 8, the one-time power consumption B1 can be determined in various ways.

[0102] As an example, the one-time power consumption B1 may be determined taking into consideration various users 810. For example, the processor 120 may determine the one-time power consumption B1 taking into consideration the usage history of the aerosol generating device 100 of users all over the world or a specific group of users.

[0103] As another example, the amount of power consumption per trip B1 may be determined taking into consideration only a specific user 820. The processor 120 may determine the amount of power consumption per trip B1 taking into consideration the usage history of the aerosol generating device 100 of the specific user 820. In this case, the amount of power consumption per trip B1 may be determined differently depending on the environment in which the specific user 820 inhales. For example, the amount of power consumption per trip B1 may be determined differently based on the season 831 and / or the time period 832.

[0104] If a specific user 620 uses the aerosol generating device 100 for the first time, the power consumption per use B1 may be saved to a default value. In this case, the default value may be a value determined in consideration of various users 810, or may be an arbitrary value.

[0105] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating yet another example in which the processor outputs a notice through the output unit.

[0106] FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which the remaining amount (i.e., number) of an aerosol-producing product 910 (i.e., cigarettes) changes over time. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol-producing product 910 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100 and contributes to the generation of aerosol together with the vaporizer 140. For example, the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material contained in the vaporizer 140 may be discharged to the outside, entraining at least one component contained in the aerosol-producing product 910.

[0107] For example, a user may purchase a package containing multiple aerosol product items 910. In this case, the number of aerosol product items 910 contained in the package may vary. Also, one aerosol product item 910 may be consumed per smoking. In this case, if there is no aerosol product item 910 in the package, the user cannot smoke.

[0108] At the initial time T0, the remaining amount (i.e., the remaining number) of the aerosol product 910 indicates a maximum value. For example, the initial time T0 is also the time when the user purchases the package.

[0109] At the end time T1 of the first smoking action by the user, one aerosol product product 910 is consumed, that is, the number of aerosol product products 910 in the package decreases by one due to one smoking action.

[0110] The end time T of the first smoking action by the user l At , the last aerosol-producing item 920 in the package is consumed, which means that the user cannot completely finish the next smoking action (the l+1th smoking action), i.e., the l+1th smoking action cannot proceed normally.

[0111] The processor 120 determines the end times T0, T1, T2 of a single smoking action by the user. l Every E The processor 120 counts the consumption of the aerosol product 910, 920. The processor 120 counts the consumption of the aerosol product 920 at the time T l The output unit 150 is controlled so that the notification is output within a predetermined time interval γ from the time when the user finishes smoking. l For example, the predetermined time interval γ may be 5 seconds, but is not limited to this.

[0112] Therefore, the user knows that the next smoking series (l+1 smoking series) cannot proceed and can purchase a new package. When the user purchases a new package, the processor 120 can reset the counting result of the consumption of the aerosol product items 910, 920. For example, the processor 120 can proceed with the reset by user input (e.g., pushing a button). Alternatively, the processor 120 can proceed with an automatic reset after outputting a notification.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example in which the processor outputs a notice through the output unit.

[0114] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of charging a battery 1010 over time.

[0115] At the initial time T0, the remaining power of the battery 1010 is at a minimum value, which is a state in which the battery 1010 is completely discharged and a state in which the remaining power of the battery 1010 is less than the amount sufficient to power one smoking session.

[0116] As the charging of the battery 1010 progresses, at a predetermined time T k From the time T k In this case, the battery 1020 can be charged enough to last for one smoking session.

[0117] The processor 120 monitors the charging process of the battery 1010 and determines whether the charging time is reached at time T k The output unit 150 is controlled so that the notification is output within a predetermined time interval δ from the time T k For example, the predetermined time interval δ may be 5 seconds, but is not limited to this.

[0118] Therefore, the user knows that smoking is permitted and can inhale smoke using the aerosol generating device 100.

[0119] 1 to 3, the output unit 150 may include at least one of a display, a light source, a motor, and a speaker. Therefore, the output unit 150 can output various types of notifications. Examples of notifications will be described below with reference to FIG. 11.

[0120] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining types of notifications.

[0121] 11, the output unit 150 may output text 151 indicating the content of the notification. Alternatively, the output unit 150 may output a specific color 152 or image 152 corresponding to the content of the notification. Alternatively, although not shown in FIG. 11, the output unit 150 may flash in a predetermined light-emitting manner corresponding to the content of the notification. Alternatively, the output unit 150 may output vibration corresponding to the content of the notification. Alternatively, the output unit 150 may output sound indicating the content of the notification.

[0122] Meanwhile, the output unit 150 may output the notification in various ways, that is, the output unit 150 may change the text 151, color 152, image 152, light emission mode, vibration mode, or sound over time.

[0123] As described above, the processor 120 monitors the consumables (e.g., liquid composition, aerosol product 200, etc.) and the battery 110, and outputs a notification regarding whether the next smoking session is possible after the user has finished smoking. Also, if the battery 110 is being charged, the processor 120 outputs an alarm regarding this when the amount of power corresponding to one smoking session is charged in the battery 110. Therefore, the user does not need to directly monitor the status of the aerosol generating device 100, which increases the user's convenience.

[0124] Meanwhile, the above-described methods can be created as a computer-executable program and can be implemented on a general-purpose digital computer that runs the program using a computer-readable recording medium. Furthermore, the data structures used in the above-described methods can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium by various means. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic recording media (e.g., ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, USB, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optically readable media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

[0125] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in various modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and the scope of protection is defined in the claims, not the above description, and should be interpreted to include all variations within the scope of equivalents.

Claims

1. a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating material; a battery for powering the heating element; an output unit; a processor, The processor: An aerosol generating device that controls the output unit to output a notification if at least one of the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material and the remaining power of the battery is less than the amount corresponding to the next smoking series within a predetermined time period from the time when the supply of power from the battery to the heating element is interrupted.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification indicates that the remaining amount of power in the battery is less than the amount of power corresponding to the next smoking series.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the notification indicates that the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material is less than the amount corresponding to the next smoking series.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the amount corresponding to the next smoking series is determined differently depending on the environment in which the user inhales.

5. the output unit includes at least one of a display, a light source, a motor, and a speaker; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification includes at least one of an image, light emission, vibration, and sound.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the notification changes over time in the form of the type of image, the form of light emission, the form of vibration, or the type of sound.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor stops the operation of the aerosol generating device after a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification was output.

8. a cigarette insertion section into which a cigarette including a plurality of segments is inserted and which includes a heater for heating some of the plurality of segments; a vaporizer that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance and releases the generated aerosol through a cigarette inserted in the cigarette insertion portion; a battery that supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device; an output unit that displays a status notification of the aerosol generation device; a processor that controls power supply to the vaporizer and the heater when the cigarette is inserted through the cigarette insertion portion, The processor: An aerosol generating device that controls the output unit to display the status notification indicating that at least one of the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material and the remaining power of the battery is less than the amount corresponding to the next smoking series within a predetermined time period from the time when power supply to the heater is terminated.

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