阅读说明：本技术 供应电力的方法及其装置 (Method and apparatus for supplying power ) 是由 李炆峰 于 2019-01-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：根据一实施例,公开了一种装置,所述装置包括：电池；接收端子,从外部装置接收电力；第一路径,为了对电池进行充电,将从外部装置接收的电力的一部分供应到电池；及第二路径,为了对加热器进行加热,从外部装置接收的电力的一部分供应到加热器。(According to an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a battery; a reception terminal that receives power from an external device; a first path supplying a part of power received from an external device to the battery in order to charge the battery; and a second path to which a part of the power received from the external device is supplied in order to heat the heater.)

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a reception terminal that receives power from an external device;

a first path supplying a part of power received from the external device to a battery included in the device in order to charge the battery; and

a second path to supply a part of the power received from the external device to a module included in the device in order to supply the power to the module.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein,

the electric quantity consumed by the module in unit time is above a preset value.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein,

the module includes a heater.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein,

the device further includes a processor for controlling supply of power received from the external device to simultaneously perform charging of the battery and heating of the heater.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein,

the processor blocks a third path for supplying power from the battery to the heater when power is supplied to the battery.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein,

the heater performs heating sweeping using the power received through the second path.

7. An apparatus, comprising:

a reception terminal that receives power from an external device;

a first path that supplies all or a part of the power received from the external device to a battery according to a received amount per unit time of the power received from the external device in order to charge the battery included in the device; and

a second path supplying a part of the power received from the external device to the heater in order to heat the heater when the received amount per unit time is above a preset value.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein,

the device further includes a processor for controlling the supply of power received from the external device such that:

supplying a part of the power received from the external device to the battery through the first path to charge the battery in a case where the received amount per unit time is the preset value or more;

in a case where the received amount per unit time is less than the preset value, supplying all of the power received from the external device to the battery through the first path, charging the battery.

9. An apparatus, comprising:

a reception terminal that receives power from an external device;

a first path supplying a part of power received from the external device to a battery in order to charge the battery in a case where a remaining amount of the battery included in the device is a preset value or less; and

a second path supplying all of the power received from the external device to a heater in order to heat the heater in a case where a remaining amount of the battery exceeds a preset value.

10. A method of charging a battery included in an apparatus, comprising:

a step of receiving power from an external device;

a step of supplying a part of the received electric power to the battery through a first path, and charging the battery; and

supplying a part of the received power to a heater through a second path, heating the heater.

11. The method of charging a battery included in an apparatus according to claim 10,

charging of the battery and heating of the heater are performed simultaneously.

12. The method of charging a battery included in an apparatus according to claim 10,

the step of charging the battery includes the step of blocking a third path for supplying power from the battery to the heater.

13. A method of charging a battery included in an apparatus, comprising:

a step of receiving power from an external device;

a step of supplying all or a part of the received electric power to the battery through a first path according to a received amount per unit time of the received electric power, and charging the battery; and

and a step of supplying a part of the received power to a heater through a second path to heat the heater, in a case where a received amount of the received power per unit time is a preset value or more.

14. The method of charging a battery included in an apparatus according to claim 13,

in the step of charging the battery,

supplying a part of the received electric power to the battery through the first path, charging the battery, in a case where a received amount per unit time of the received electric power is the preset value or more,

in a case where the received amount of the received electric power per unit time is less than the preset value, the entire of the received electric power is supplied to the battery through the first path, charging the battery.

15. A computer program stored in a recording medium for implementing the method of any one of claims 10 to 14.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method of supplying power to a module in an apparatus including the module consuming power and an apparatus therefor.

Background

The frequency of use of devices including batteries and various modules is rapidly increasing. In particular, in the case of a device including a battery and a heater, power consumption thereof may be large due to the characteristics of the heater.

In such a device including a battery and one or more modules, various functions of the device can be generally operated while charging. However, in connection with this, a specific power supply manner capable of causing various functions of the device to operate while charging has not been provided.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention provides a method of supplying power to a heater or a battery in an apparatus including the heater and the battery, and an apparatus therefor. Specifically, a specific power supply manner that enables various functions of the device to be operated while charging is disclosed. The technical problem to be solved is not limited to the technical problem described above, and other technical problems may be present.

Means for solving the problems

The apparatus including a battery according to the first aspect, in the apparatus including a battery, may include: a reception terminal that receives power from an external device; a first path that supplies a part of power received from the external device to the battery in order to charge the battery; and a second path supplying a part of the power received from the external device to the heater in order to heat the heater.

In addition, the device may further include a processor controlling supply of power received from the external device to simultaneously perform charging of the battery and heating of the heater.

In addition, the processor may block a third path for supplying power from the battery to the heater when supplying power to the battery.

In addition, the heater may perform heating sweeping using power received through the second path.

In addition, the apparatus including a battery according to the second aspect may include: a reception terminal that receives power from an external device; a first path that supplies all or a part of the power received from the external device to the battery according to a received amount per unit time of the power received from the external device in order to charge the battery; and a second path supplying a part of the power received from the external device to the heater in order to heat the heater when the received amount per unit time is above a preset value.

In addition, the apparatus may further include a processor for controlling supply of power received from the external apparatus such that: supplying a part of the power received from the external device to the battery through the first path to charge the battery in a case where the received amount per unit time is the preset value or more; in a case where the received amount per unit time is less than the preset value, supplying all of the power received from the external device to the battery through the first path, charging the battery.

In addition, the apparatus including a battery according to the third aspect may include: a reception terminal that receives power from an external device; a first path supplying a part of power received from the external device to the battery in order to charge the battery in a case where a remaining amount of the battery is a preset value or less; and a second path supplying all of the power received from the external device to the heater in order to heat the heater in a case where a remaining amount of the battery exceeds a preset value.

In addition, the method of charging a battery included in the apparatus according to the fourth aspect may include: a step of receiving power from an external device; a step of supplying a part of the received electric power to the battery through a first path, and charging the battery; and supplying a part of the received electric power to a heater through a second path to heat the heater.

In addition, the method of charging a battery included in the device according to the fifth aspect may include: a step of receiving power from an external device; a step of charging the battery by supplying all or a part of the received electric power to the battery through a first route in accordance with a received amount per unit time of the received electric power; and a step of supplying a part of the received electric power to a heater through a second path to heat the heater when the received amount of the received electric power per unit time is a preset value or more.

In addition, a sixth aspect may provide a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the methods of the fourth and fifth aspects.

Effects of the invention

A specific manner of supplying power is provided that enables various functions of the device to be operated while charging.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an apparatus including a plurality of paths according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a device that receives power from an external device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example in which the device including the battery receives power from an external device to charge the battery according to the embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of charging a battery according to the received amount per unit time of received power by the apparatus including a battery according to the embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of charging the battery or heating the heater according to the remaining battery level in the apparatus including the battery according to the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a device that performs charging or heating of a heater using power received from various external devices according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of charging the electronic cigarette or heating the heater by using power received from an external device, which is an example of the device according to the embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which the apparatus according to the embodiment is included in an electronic cigarette.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of charging or heating the heater by the holder as an example of the device according to the embodiment using power received from the cradle.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of charging or heating a heater by the holder as an example of the device according to the embodiment using power received from an external device.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a device capable of generating aerosol according to an embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a device capable of generating aerosol by inserting a cigarette according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

The apparatus including a battery according to the first aspect may include, in the apparatus including a battery: a reception terminal that receives power from an external device; a first path that supplies a part of power received from the external device to the battery in order to charge the battery; and a second path that supplies a part of the electric power received from the external device to the heater in order to heat the heater.

Modes for carrying out the invention

Terms used in the embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible in consideration of functions in the present invention, but they may be changed according to intentions of those skilled in the art, cases, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in a specific case, the applicant has arbitrarily selected some terms, but in this case, the meanings of the selected terms will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms as well as the overall contents of the present invention, and not only on the simple names of the terms.

Throughout the specification, a portion "comprising" a component means that the portion may include other components but not exclude other components unless there is a characteristic description contrary to the portion. In addition, terms such as "… section" and "… module" described in the present specification mean a unit for processing at least one function or operation, and may be implemented in hardware or software, or in a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the embodiments. The invention is not, however, limited to the embodiments described herein but may be embodied in various different forms.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an apparatus including a plurality of paths according to an embodiment. As shown in fig. 1, the apparatus 100 may include: a receiving terminal 110, a battery 120, a module 130, a first path 140, and a second path 150. Alternatively, the apparatus according to other examples may further comprise a processor (disclosed in fig. 2).

However, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate that the apparatus 100 may include other conventional components in addition to those shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, according to other embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that some of the components shown in fig. 1 may be omitted.

The device 100 of an embodiment may receive power from the external device 1000. The external device 1000 may be of various types as a device for supplying power to the device 100. The external device 1000 may supply a predetermined form of power to the device 100. For example, the external device 1000 may be a device that supplies power according to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard (e.g., USB1.0, USB2.0, USB3.0, etc.). As another example, the external device 1000 may be a cradle (cradle), in which case the external device 1000 may supply power to the device 100 according to a preset standard other than USB.

Device 100 of an embodiment may receive power from external device 1000 through receive terminal 110. The receiving terminal 110 of an embodiment may include a plurality of lines, and may receive power of a predetermined form (e.g., dc or ac).

Unlike that shown in fig. 1, the device 1000 may receive power wirelessly from the external device 1000. In this case, the receiving terminal 110 may perform the function of a wireless power receiving terminal to receive power wirelessly.

The receiving terminal 110 of an embodiment may be implemented in a form of being attached to the battery 120 or the module 130. In addition, the device 100 of an embodiment may include more than one receive terminal 110. For example, a first receiving terminal may be attached to the battery 120 and a second receiving terminal may be attached to the module 130.

The receiving terminal 110 of an embodiment supplies power to the battery 120 through a first path 140 and supplies power to the module 130 through a second path 150. In FIG. 1, although only one module 130 is disclosed according to an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include more than one module 130.

The first path 140 and the second path 150 may each act independently. For example, the first path 140 and the second path 150 may simultaneously supply power to the battery 120 and the module 130, respectively. As another example, the battery 120 or the module 130 may be supplied with power through only one of the first path 140 and the second path 150. As an example, in the case where the power (e.g., current) per unit time supplied from the external device 1000 is a preset value or less, only one of the first path 140 and the second path may be activated. For example, in the case where the power (e.g., current) per unit time supplied from the external device 1000 is a preset value or less, only the first path 140 may be activated to perform only the charging of the battery 120. As another example, in the case where the power (e.g., current) per unit time supplied from the external device 1000 is a preset value or less, only the second path 150 may be activated to operate only the module 130. In the case where the power (e.g., current) per unit time supplied from the external device 1000 exceeds a preset value, the first path 140 and the second path 150 are simultaneously activated, and the battery 120 may be simultaneously charged and the module 130 may be operated. Therefore, the battery 120 does not have a risk of overheating or explosion, and the device 100 can be used even during charging. The user does not need to wait until the charging is completed to a certain extent and can use the battery immediately. In addition, the charging time can be shortened.

The battery 120 of an embodiment may supply power to one or more modules 130 included in the apparatus 100. For example, the apparatus 100 may supply power to a heater (disclosed in fig. 2) included in the apparatus 100.

The battery 120, as an example, may supply power to more than one module 130. For example, the battery 120 may supply power to one or more modules 130 in a direct current or alternating current form.

The battery 120 as an example may be charged with power received through the first path 140. For example, the battery 120 may be charged by receiving power in the form of direct current or alternating current through the first path 140.

The battery 120 of an embodiment may be charged in a wireless charging manner. In the case where the battery 120 is charged in a wireless charging manner, the first path 140 may be omitted.

Module 130 for one embodiment may implement more than one function implemented in device 100. For example, the module 130 may include devices that consume power above a preset value per unit time. As another example, the module 130 may include an electronic device that operates using power regardless of the amount of power consumed per unit time. The present invention can be applied to an electronic device that consumes less power regardless of the amount of power consumption or the amount of power consumption per unit time. According to an embodiment, when the receiving terminal 110 receives power, the module 130 does not receive power from the battery 120 but directly receives power from the terminal 110 regardless of the amount of power consumption of the module 130, so that it is possible to reduce the danger of overheating the battery 120, excessive consumption of power of the battery 120, explosion of the battery 120, and the like.

For example, since power is supplied directly from the receiving terminal 110 to the module 130 without passing through the battery 120 regardless of the amount of power consumption of the module 130, the life of the battery 120 can be prolonged as compared with a case where power is consumed from the battery 120 after the battery 120 is charged, and the present invention can be applied to a mobile phone, an auxiliary battery, a notebook computer, and the like.

As another example, the module 130 may include a device that consumes more than a predetermined amount of power per unit time. As an example, the module 130 may be a heater. The heater may convert the power received through the second path 150 into thermal energy. A specific operation of the heater will be described below with reference to fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the apparatus 100 for receiving power from the external apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 2, the apparatus 100 may include a receiving terminal 110, a battery 120, a heater 135, a first path 140, a second path 150, and a processor 210.

However, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate that the apparatus 100 may include other conventional components in addition to those shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, according to other embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that some of the components shown in fig. 2 may be omitted.

The receiving terminal 110 of an embodiment may receive power from the external device 1000.

The receiving terminal 110 of an embodiment may receive power in a predetermined form (e.g., voltage, current, amount of power, etc. within a predetermined range) from the external device 1000. In addition, the receiving terminals 110 may adopt a form (e.g., 5 pins, 8 pins, etc.) compatible with the output terminal of the external device 1000 so as to be easily connected in contact with each other.

In the case where the device 100 of an embodiment wirelessly receives power from the external device 1000, the reception terminal 110 may be omitted. Alternatively, in the case where the device 100 wirelessly receives power from the external device 1000, the reception terminal 110 can perform the function of a wireless power reception terminal to wirelessly receive power transmitted from the external device 1000.

The receiving terminal 110 of an embodiment may supply power to the battery through the first path 140 and may supply power to the heater 135 through the second path 150.

The first path 140 of an embodiment may supply a part of power received from the external device 1000 to the battery 120 in order to charge the battery 120. Alternatively, the first path 140 of an embodiment may supply all or a part of the power received from the external device 1000 to the battery 120 according to the received amount of the power received from the external device 1000 per unit time (e.g., current, power, etc.) in order to charge the battery 120.

For example, among the power applied to the receiving terminal 110, a preset proportion of the power may be supplied to the battery 120 through the first path 140. As an example, among the power applied to the receiving terminal 110, 70% to 80% of the power may be supplied to the battery 120, but is not limited thereto.

As another example, among the power applied to the receiving terminal 110, power of a preset value may be supplied to the battery 120 through the first path 140. As an example, among the power applied to the receiving terminal 110, the power of a [ w ] may be supplied to the battery 120. If the power applied to the receiving terminal 110 is less than a [ w ], the entire power applied to the receiving terminal 110 may be supplied to the battery 120.

As another example, among the power applied to the receiving terminal 110, other power than a preset value of power may be supplied to the battery 120 through the first path 140. As an example, among the power applied to the receiving terminal 110, power other than b [ w ] may be supplied to the battery 120. The power supplied to the battery 120 through the first path 140 may be 0 if the power applied to the receiving terminal 110 is less than bw.

The second path 150 of an embodiment may supply a part or all of the power received from the external device 1000 to the heater 135 in order to heat the heater 135.

For example, among the power applied to the receiving terminal 110, a preset proportion of the power may be supplied to the heater 135 through the second path 150. As an example, among the power applied to the receiving terminal 110, 70% to 80% of the power may be supplied to the heater 135, but is not limited thereto.

As another example, among the power applied to the receiving terminal 110, power of a preset value may be supplied to the heater 135 through the second path 150. As an example, among the power applied to the receiving terminal 110, the power of cw may be supplied to the heater 135. If the power applied to the reception terminal 110 is less than c [ w ], the entire power applied to the reception terminal 110 may be supplied to the heater 135.

As another example, among the power applied to the receiving terminal 110, the remaining power except for the preset value of power may be supplied to the heater 135 through the second path 150. As an example, among the power applied to the receiving terminal 110, power other than d [ w ] may be supplied to the heater 135. The power supplied to the heater 135 through the second path 150 may be 0 if the power applied to the reception terminal 110 is less than d [ w ].

The processor 210 of an embodiment may control the supply of power received from the external device 1000 to be able to simultaneously perform charging of the battery 120 and heating of the heater 135. The processor 210 may control the reception terminal 110 to supply power to the battery 120 through the first path 140 and to supply power to the heater 135 through the second path 150, so that charging of the battery 120 and heating of the heater 135 can be simultaneously performed. The ratio of the power supplied to battery 120 to the power supplied to heater 135 may be determined according to circumstances.

For example, in the case where the power applied to the receiving terminal 110 is a preset value or less, the processor 210 may control the receiving terminal 110 to preferentially supply the power to the battery 120.

As another example, in the case where the power applied to the receiving terminal 110 is a preset value or less, the processor 210 may control the receiving terminal 110 to preferentially supply the power to the heater 135.

As another example, in the case where the power applied to the receiving terminal 110 is a preset value or less, the processor 210 may determine an object to which the power is preferentially supplied according to the remaining amount of the battery 120. As an example, the processor 210 may control the reception terminal 110 to preferentially supply power to the battery 120 in a case where the remaining amount of the battery 120 is below a preset value, and the processor 210 may control the reception terminal 110 to preferentially supply power to the heater 135 in a case where the remaining amount of the battery 120 exceeds the preset value.

As another example, in the case where the power applied to the receiving terminal 110 is a preset value or less, the processor 210 may determine an object to which the power is preferentially supplied according to the input information of the user. As an example, in the case where the user operates the heater 135, the processor 210 may control the reception terminal 110 to preferentially supply power to the heater 135.

According to an embodiment, in the case where it has been decided to preferentially supply power to the heater 135, the processor 210 may control the reception terminal 110 to supply power to the battery 120 only in the case where the remaining amount of the battery 120 is below a preset value. The first path 140 of an embodiment may supply a part of power received from the external device 1000 to the battery 120 in order to charge the battery 120 when the remaining amount of the battery 120 is below a preset value. In addition, the second path 150 of an embodiment may supply all power received from the external device 1000 to the heater 135 in order to heat the heater 135 when the remaining amount of the battery 120 exceeds a preset value.

According to an embodiment, in the case where it has been decided to preferentially supply power to the battery 120, the processor 210 may control the reception terminal 110 to supply power to the heater 135 only in the case where specific input information of a user is received, and to control the supply power to perform only charging of the battery 120 without supplying power to the heater 135 in the case where specific input information of a user is not received.

According to an embodiment, since the charging of the battery 120 and the heating of the heater 135 are performed simultaneously, a device (e.g., an electronic cigarette) can be utilized even without interrupting the charging during the charging, which is very convenient, and the overall charging time can be shortened. In addition, even during charging, the function of the apparatus 100 (e.g., heating and cleaning) can be performed using sufficient power supplied from the external apparatus 1000, and user convenience can be greatly improved. In addition, when the function of the apparatus 100 (e.g., heating cleaning) is executed using the power of the external apparatus 1000, the power of the battery 120 consumed for executing the function of the apparatus 100 (e.g., heating cleaning) can be saved.

In addition, depending on the type of function (e.g., heating cleaning) of the apparatus 100 to be performed, if the amount of electricity required for the function of the apparatus 100 to be performed is small, the amount of electricity used to charge the battery 120 is relatively large. For example, when the apparatus 100 performs the heating sweep a plurality of times, if the amount of electricity used at the time of the initial heating sweep is small, the charging of the battery 120 at the time of performing the initial heating sweep is performed faster.

The processor 210 of an embodiment may block the third path 220 for supplying power from the battery 120 to the heater when power is supplied to the battery 120.

The third path 220 of an embodiment may refer to a power supply path for supplying power from the battery 120 to the heater 135. The processor 210 of an embodiment blocks the third path 220 for supplying power from the battery 120 to the heater when supplying power to the battery 120 to prevent the battery 120 from being charged, thereby being able to prevent problems (e.g., instability) that may occur when charging is performed while the battery 120 supplies power to the heater 135. For example, by blocking the third path 220, it is possible to prevent danger such as overheating or explosion of the battery 120, excessive consumption of power of the battery 120, and the like.

The processor 210 of an embodiment supplies power to the battery 120 and the heater 135 through the first path 140 and the second path 135, respectively, and blocks the third path 220 so that power is not supplied from the battery 120 to the heater 135 in the case of charging the battery 120, thereby being able to control power supplied to the battery 120 and the heater 135 in such a manner that charging of the battery 120 and heating of the heater 135 are simultaneously performed.

The heater 135 of an embodiment may perform heating using power received through the second path 150.

For example, the heater 135 may heat a cigarette attached to the heater 135 using power received through the second path 150 to generate aerosol. As another example, the heater 135 may perform heating cleaning using power received through the second path 150. Specifically, the heater 135 may be heated to remove foreign substances attached to the heater 135. As another example, the heater 135 may heat a substance adjacent to the heater 135 to generate an aerosol by using power received through the second path 150.

In the device 100 of an embodiment, the external device 1000 may supply all or a part of the power received from the external device 1000 to the battery 120 or the heater 135 according to the received amount of the power (e.g., power, current, etc.) received from the external device 1000 per unit time.

For example, the processor 210 may prioritize charging of the battery 120. As an example, in the case where a received amount per unit time (e.g., power, current, etc.) of power received from the external device 1000 is a preset value or more, the second path 150 may supply a part of the power received from the external device 1000 to the heater 135 in order to heat the heater 135. As another example, in the case where a received amount per unit time (e.g., power, current, etc.) of power received from the external device 1000 is less than a preset value, the first path 140 may supply all of the power received from the external device 1000 to the battery 120 to charge the battery 120.

Alternatively, as another example, processor 210 may prioritize heating of heater 135. As an example, in the case where a received amount of power per unit time (e.g., power, current, etc.) received from the external device 1000 is a preset value or more, the first path 140 may supply a part of the power received from the external device 1000 to the battery 120 in order to charge the battery 120. As another example, in the case where the received amount per unit time (e.g., power, current, etc.) of power received from the external device 1000 is less than a preset value, the second path 150 may supply all of the power received from the external device 1000 to the heater 135 to heat the heater 135.

Processor 210 for one embodiment may control the power supply based on the remaining capacity of battery 120. For example, the processor 210 may perform only heating of the heater 135 when the remaining amount of the battery 120 is sufficient. Specifically, in the case where the remaining amount of the battery 120 is the preset value or less, the first path 140 may supply a part of the power received from the external device 1000 to the battery 120 in order to charge the battery 120. Alternatively, in the case where the remaining amount of the battery 120 exceeds a preset value, the second path 150 may supply all of the power received from the external device 1000 to the heater 135 in order to heat the heater 135.

The device 100 of an embodiment may receive power wirelessly from the external device 1000.

For example, the battery 120 may receive power wirelessly from the external device 1000. When power is transmitted wirelessly, it may be transmitted in the form of alternating current. Therefore, the battery 120 can receive power in the form of wireless alternating current from the external device 1000 to be charged. The battery 120 may supply power to the heater 135 through the third path 220 in a preset form (e.g., direct current, alternating current). However, as described above, the third path 220 may be blocked according to circumstances.

As another example, the heater 135 may receive power wirelessly from the external device 1000. When power is transmitted wirelessly, it may be transmitted in the form of alternating current. Accordingly, the heater 135 may receive power in the form of wireless alternating current from the external device 1000 to perform heating. The heater 135 may use a predetermined form (e.g., direct current, alternating current) of power to increase the temperature of the heater 135. In this case, since the heater 135 receives power directly supplied from the external device 1000, it operates without receiving power from the battery 120.

The apparatus 100 according to an embodiment can receive power in an ac form from the external apparatus 1000 in a wireless or wired manner. When the device 100 receives the ac power, the ac power can be used as it is without conversion. When receiving the ac power and performing an operation using the ac power, energy efficiency is increased. Since the process of converting ac power into dc power or converting dc power into ac power is omitted, energy efficiency can be improved if ac power is received and used.

For example, the heater 135 included in the apparatus 100 may receive power in an ac form and perform a heating operation using the received power in the ac form. In this case, since the process of converting the ac power into the dc power is omitted, the heater 135 can operate with higher efficiency.

When the ac power is used in the wireless charging system, the efficiency is higher. Therefore, the apparatus 100 according to an embodiment can receive the ac power in a wireless charging manner and perform a predetermined operation (e.g., heating the heater 135) using the ac power.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the device 100 including the battery 120 receiving power from the external device 1000 to charge the battery 120 according to the embodiment. The contents of this figure can be referred to the contents of fig. 1 and 2 described above.

In step S310, the device 100 of an embodiment may receive power from the external device 1000.

The apparatus 100 of an embodiment may receive power in a predetermined form (e.g., voltage, current, amount of power, etc. within a predetermined range) from the external apparatus 1000. The receiving terminal 110 for receiving power from the external device 1000 may be configured to be compatible with the output terminal of the external device 1000 (for example, 5 pins, 8 pins, etc.) so as to facilitate contact connection with each other, and the device 100 may receive power from the external device 1000 wirelessly or by wire.

In step S320, the apparatus 100 of an embodiment supplies a part or all of the power received in step S310 to the battery 120 through the first path 140 to charge the battery 120.

The first path 140 of an embodiment may supply a part of power received from the external device 1000 to the battery 120 in order to charge the battery 120. Alternatively, the first path 140 of an embodiment may supply all or a part of the power received from the external device 1000 to the battery 120 according to the received amount of the power received from the external device 1000 per unit time (e.g., current, power, etc.) in order to charge the battery 120.

In step S330, the apparatus 100 of an embodiment may supply a part or all of the power received in step S310 to the heater 135 through the second path 150 to heat the heater 135.

The second path 150 of an embodiment may supply a part or all of the power received from the external device 1000 to the heater 135 in order to heat the heater 135.

The apparatus 100 of an embodiment may supply all or a portion of the power received from the external device 1000 to the heater 135 to heat the heater 135, according to the received amount of power per unit time (e.g., current, power, etc.) received from the external device 1000, the remaining battery level, user input information, etc.

In step S340, the apparatus 100 of an embodiment may block the third path 220 for supplying power from the battery 120 to the heater 135.

The third path 220 of an embodiment may refer to a power supply path utilized when power is supplied from the battery 120 to the heater 135. The processor 210 of an embodiment may block the third path 220 for supplying power from the battery 120 to the heater when supplying power to the battery 120 to prevent the battery 120 from being charged, thereby being able to prevent problems (e.g., instability) that may occur when charging is performed while the battery 120 supplies power to the heater 135.

The processor 210 of an embodiment supplies power to the battery 120 and the heater 135 through the first path 140 and the second path 135, respectively, and blocks the third path 220 so that power is not supplied from the battery 120 to the heater 135 in the case of charging the battery 120, thereby being able to control power supplied to the battery 120 and the heater 135 in such a manner that charging of the battery 120 and heating of the heater 135 are simultaneously performed.

The order of steps S320, S330, and S340 may be changed, and the steps may be executed independently of each other.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of charging the battery 120 according to the received amount per unit time of the received power by the apparatus 100 including the battery 120 according to the embodiment.

Since step S410 corresponds to step S310 described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to simplify the overall description.

In step S420, the apparatus 100 of an embodiment determines whether a received amount of received power per unit time (e.g., power, current, etc.) is above a preset value. For example, the apparatus 100 may determine whether the magnitude of the current is above a predetermined value when the voltage is at the predetermined value.

In the case where the received amount per unit time of the power received in step S410 is the preset value or more, the device 100 supplies a part of the power received in step S410 to the battery 120 through the first path to charge the battery 120 in step S430, and the device 100 supplies a part of the received power to the heater 135 through the second path to heat the heater 135 in step S410 in step S440. The order of step S430 and step S440 may be changed or the steps may be executed independently by the control of the processor 210.

In the case where the received amount per unit time of the power received in step S410 is less than the preset value, the device 100 of an embodiment supplies all of the power received in step S410 to the battery 120 through the first path 140 to charge the battery 120 in step S450. Since all of the power received in step S410 is used to charge the battery 120, in the case where the received amount of power per unit time received in step S410 is less than a preset value, heating of the heater 135 may not be performed.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of charging the battery 120 or heating the heater 135 according to the remaining battery capacity in the apparatus 100 including the battery 120 according to the embodiment.

Since step S510 corresponds to step S310 described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted to simplify the overall description.

In step S520, the apparatus 100 of an embodiment determines whether the remaining amount of the battery 120 is below a predetermined value. For example, the apparatus 100 may determine whether the remaining amount of the battery 120 is below a preset value according to whether the output voltage of the battery 120 is below the preset value, but is not limited thereto.

In the case where the remaining amount of the battery is the preset value or less, the apparatus 100 of an embodiment supplies a part of the power received in step S510 to the battery 120 through the first path 140 to charge the battery 120 in step S530. Since a part of the power received in step S510 is used to charge the battery 120, the heater 135 can be heated while charging the battery 120.

In the case where the remaining amount of the battery exceeds the preset value, the apparatus 100 of an embodiment supplies all of the power received in step S510 to the heater 135 through the second path 150 to heat the heater 135 in step S540. In this case, since all of the power received in step S510 is supplied to the heater 135, the charging of the battery 120 may not be performed.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a device that performs charging or heating of the heater 135 using power received from various external devices 1000-1, 1000-2, 1000-3 according to an embodiment.

The external device 1000 that supplies power to the device 100 may be of various kinds. For example, the device 100 may receive power from a computer 1000-1, an adapter 1000-2, an auxiliary battery 1000-3, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, the device 100 may receive power from the external device 1000 through the cable 200. Referring to fig. 6, the cable is shown as a cable complying with the USB standard, but this is only an example and not limited thereto, and cables of other standards may be used.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the electronic cigarette 100-1 as an example of the device 100 according to the embodiment performs charging or heating of the heater 135 by power received from the external device 1000.

As an example of the apparatus 100, an electronic cigarette 100-1 is disclosed. An electronic cigarette 100-1 as an example of the device 100 includes a battery 120 and a heater 135, and can generate aerosol by heating with the heater 135.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which the apparatus 100 according to the embodiment is included in an electronic cigarette 810.

Referring to figure 8, unlike that shown in figure 7, the device 100 may be included in an e-cigarette 810 to form a structure of the e-cigarette 810. For example, the device 100 including the battery 120 and the heater 135 may constitute one module in the e-cigarette 810.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of charging or heating the heater 135 by the holder 100-2 as an example of the apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment using power received from the cradle 910.

As an example of the apparatus 100, a holder 100-2 is disclosed. The holder 100-2, which is an example of the apparatus 100, includes a battery 120 and a heater 135, and the aerosol can be generated by heating the heater 135. Additionally, the holder 100-2 may receive power from the bracket 910. In this case, the bracket 910 may be an example of the external device 1000. The holder 100-2 may receive power from the bracket 910 in a wired or wireless manner.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the holder 100-2 as an example of the device 100 according to the embodiment, which performs charging or heating of the heater 135 by using power received from the external device 1000.

Referring to fig. 10, unlike the one shown in fig. 9, the holder 100-2 does not necessarily have to receive power from the bracket 910, but may receive power from an external device 1000 other than the bracket 910. When the holder 100-2 receives power from the external device 1000, the power may be received by the cable 200, by a predetermined contact connection manner, or wirelessly.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the device 100 capable of generating aerosol according to the embodiment.

Referring to fig. 11, the device 100 includes a battery 2110, a processor 2120, and a heater 2130. In addition, the device 100 includes an interior space formed by the housing 2140. A cigarette may be inserted within the interior space of the device 100.

The device 100 shown in fig. 11 shows only the components relevant to the present embodiment. Therefore, as long as a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment can understand, the apparatus 100 may further include other general components (for example, an external heating type, etc.) other than the components shown in fig. 11.

If a cigarette is inserted into the device 100, the device 100 heats the heater 2130. By the heated heater 2130, the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette rises, thereby generating an aerosol. The generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the filter of the cigarette. Further, even when a cigarette is not inserted into the apparatus 100, the apparatus 100 can heat the heater 2130. For example, when a cigarette is not inserted into the apparatus 100, the heater 2130 may be heated to remove residual adhering substances for heating and cleaning.

The housing 2140 may be separable from the apparatus 100. For example, a user can disengage the housing 2140 from the device 100 by rotating the housing 2140 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

In addition, the diameter of the hole formed by the end 2141 of the housing 2140 may be smaller than the diameter of the space formed by the housing 2140 and the heater 2130, in which case it may play a role of guiding the cigarettes inserted into the device 100.

The battery 2110 supplies electric power for operating the apparatus 100. For example, the battery 2110 may supply power to the heater 2130 for heating, and may supply power to the processor 2120 for operation. The battery 2110 can supply power necessary for operations of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the device 100.

The battery 2110 may be lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO)₄) A battery, but not limited to the above examples. For example, the battery 2110 may be lithium cobaltate (LiCoO)₂) Batteries, lithium titanate batteries, and the like.

In addition, the battery 2110 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10mm and a length of 37mm, but is not limited thereto. The battery 2110 may have a capacity of 120mAh or more, and may be a battery capable of being charged several times or a disposable battery. For example, in the case where the battery 2110 is a battery capable of being charged a plurality of times, the charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 2110 may be 10C, and the discharging rate (C-rate) may be 16C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for reliable use, the battery 2110 can be manufactured so as to ensure 80% or more of the total capacity even when 8000 times of charge/discharge are performed.

Here, whether the battery 2110 is fully charged and fully discharged may be determined according to a level of the power stored in the battery 2110 with respect to the total capacity of the battery 2110. For example, when the electric power stored in the battery 2110 is 95% or more of the total capacity, it can be determined that the battery 2110 is fully charged. When the electric power stored in battery 2110 is 10% or less of the total capacity, it can be determined that battery 2110 is completely discharged. However, the criterion for determining whether or not battery 2110 is fully charged and fully discharged is not limited to the above-described example.

The heater 2130 is heated by the power supplied from the battery 2110. The heater 2130 is located inside the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted into the device 100. Therefore, the heated heater 2130 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette.

The heater 2130 may be in the shape of a combination of a cylinder and a cone. For example, the heater 2130 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 2mm and a length of about 23mm, and the tip 2131 of the heater 2130 may terminate at an acute angle, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the heater 2130 is not particularly limited as long as it can be inserted into the cigarette. The heater 2130 may heat only a part of the region. For example, assuming that the length of the heater 2130 is 23mm, only a portion 12mm from the distal end 2131 of the heater 2130 may be heated, and the remaining portion of the heater 2130 may be unheated.

Heater 2130 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 2130 may include a conductive track (track), and the heater 2130 is heated if current flows in the conductive track.

In order to stably use, the heater 2130 may be supplied with 3.2V, 2.4A, 8W standard electric power, but is not limited thereto. For example, when power is supplied to the heater 2130, the surface temperature of the heater 2130 may be increased to 400 ℃. The surface temperature of heater 2130 may rise to about 350 ℃ before more than 15 seconds from the time power is supplied to heater 2130.

The device 100 may be provided with an additional temperature detection sensor. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 may not include a temperature detection sensor, and the heater 2130 may function as a temperature detection sensor. For example, the heater 2130 may include a second conductive track for detecting temperature in addition to the first conductive track for generating heat.

For example, the resistance R can be determined if the voltage across the second conductive track and the current flowing through the second conductive track are detected. At this time, the temperature T of the second conductive track may be determined by the following mathematical formula 1.

Mathematical formula 1

R＝R₀{1+α(T-T₀)}

In mathematical formula 1, R represents the current resistance value of the second conductive track, R₀Represents the temperature T₀(e.g., 0℃.) resistance value, α, represents the temperature coefficient of resistance of the second conductive track the conductive material (e.g., metal) has an inherent temperature coefficient of resistance and thus, based on the conductive material comprising the second conductive track, α can be predetermined and, thus, the temperature T of the second conductive track can be calculated based on equation 1, given the resistance R of the second conductive track.

The heater 2130 may be constituted by at least one conductive track (a first conductive track and a second conductive track). For example, the heater 2130 may be comprised of two first electrically conductive tracks and one or two second electrically conductive tracks, but is not limited thereto.

The conductive tracks comprise resistive material. As an example, the conductive tracks are made of a metallic material. As another example, the conductive tracks may be made of conductive ceramic materials, carbon, metal alloys or composite materials of ceramic materials and metals.

In addition, the device 100 may include both a conductive track and a temperature detection sensor that function as a temperature detection sensor.

The processor 2120 controls the operation of the apparatus 100 as a whole. Specifically, the processor 2120 controls the operations of other components in the apparatus 100, in addition to the battery 2110 and the heater 2130. The processor 2120 may check the states of the respective components of the apparatus 100 to determine whether the apparatus 100 is operable.

The processor 2120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented by a plurality of logic gate arrays, or may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. It should be noted that the present invention may be implemented by other hardware as long as it is understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention.

For example, the processor 2120 can control the operation of the heater 2130. The processor 2120 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 2130 and the timing of the power supply so that the heater 2130 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature. In addition, the processor 2120 may confirm the state of the battery 2110 (for example, the remaining amount of the battery 2110 and the like) and may generate a prompt signal as necessary.

In addition, the processor 2120 may confirm whether or not the user has aspirated (puff) and the strength of the aspiration, or may count the number of aspirations. In addition, the processor 2120 may continue to confirm the time the device 100 is operating. In addition, the processor 2120 may confirm whether the cradle is coupled to the apparatus 100 and control the operation of the apparatus 100 according to the coupling or decoupling of the cradle to the apparatus 100.

On the other hand, the device 100 may include other components commonly used in addition to the battery 2110, the processor 2120 and the heater 2130.

For example, the device 100 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As an example, when the device 100 includes a display, the processor 2120 may transmit information on a state of the device 100 (e.g., whether the holder is usable or not, etc.), information on the heater 2130 (e.g., warm-up starts, warm-up is in progress, warm-up is completed, etc.), information on the battery 2110 (e.g., remaining capacity of the battery 2110, whether it is usable or not, etc.), information on reset of the device 100 (e.g., reset timing, reset is in progress, reset is completed, etc.), information on cleaning of the device 100 (e.g., cleaning timing, cleaning required, cleaning in progress, cleaning completed, etc.), information on charging of the device 100 (e.g., charging required, charging is in progress, charging is completed, etc.), information on suction (e.g., the number of times of suction, a suction end notice, etc.), or information on safety (e.g., exceeding the use time, etc.) to a user through a display. As another example, when the device 100 includes a motor, the processor 2120 may generate a vibration signal using the motor to transmit the information to the user.

Additionally, the device 100 may include at least one input device (e.g., a key) and/or terminals associated with the cradle through which a user can control the functions of the device 100. For example, a user may utilize the input device of device 100 to perform a variety of functions. By adjusting the number of times (e.g., 1, 2, etc.) the user presses the input device or the time (e.g., 0.1, 0.2, etc.) for which the user presses the input device, a desired function of the plurality of functions of the device 100 can be executed. The user can operate the input device to cause the apparatus 100 to perform a function of preheating the heater 2130, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 2130, a function of cleaning a space into which cigarettes are inserted, a function of checking whether the apparatus 100 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 2110, a reset function of the apparatus 100, and the like. However, the function of the apparatus 100 is not limited to the above example.

Additionally, the device 100 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and/or a cigarette insertion detection sensor. For example, the puff detection sensor may be implemented by a common pressure sensor, and the cigarette insertion detection sensor may be implemented by a common capacitive sensor or resistive sensor. In addition, the apparatus 100 may be configured to allow external air to be introduced and discharged even in a state where a cigarette is inserted.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an apparatus 100 capable of generating aerosol by inserting a cigarette according to an embodiment.

The device 100 may include a cigarette insert 3110, a vaporizer (vapourizer) 3120, a processor 3130 and a battery 3140. The device 100 shown in fig. 12 shows only the components relevant to the present embodiment. Therefore, as long as a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment can understand, other general components than those shown in fig. 12 may be included. In addition, the device 100 may be in a bar form or a holder (holder) form.

The cigarette insertion portion 3110 corresponds to a region of one end of the apparatus 100, and may include a space into which a cigarette 3010 is inserted, according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, as shown in fig. 12, the cigarette 3010 may have the shape of a regular cigarette. According to another embodiment, the cigarette 3010 may be in the form of a tobacco material laminated to a thermally conductive substance.

The vaporizer 3120 is capable of generating an aerosol by heating the liquid composition and releasing the generated aerosol toward the inserted cigarette 3010 such that the generated aerosol passes through a cigarette inserted into the cigarette insert 3110. Accordingly, since the aerosol passing through the cigarette 3010 can be imparted with a tobacco flavor (tobaco flavor), the user can inhale the aerosol with a tobacco flavor by sucking one end of the cigarette 3010 through the mouth. According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 3120 may also be referred to as an electronic cigarette (cartomizer) or an atomizer (atomizer).

According to one embodiment, the cigarette insert 3110 may include a heater module for heating the inserted cigarette 3010. The heater module may include a tubular heating member, a plate-shaped heating member, a needle, or a rod-shaped heating member, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 3010 according to the shape of the heating member. The heater module may generate an aerosol with tobacco flavor by heating the cigarette 3010, whereby a user can inhale the aerosol with tobacco flavor if the user puffs on one end of the cigarette 3010. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 3120 together with the aerosol generated by heating the cigarette 3010. In addition, the heater module heats the cigarette 3010 at a relatively low temperature (e.g., 40 to 200 degrees), so harmful components generated from the cigarette 3010 can be effectively reduced.

According to another embodiment, the cigarette insert 3110 may not include a heater module for heating the inserted cigarette 3010. In this case, even if the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 3120 passes through the unheated cigarette 3010, it has a tobacco flavor (tobaco flavor). In particular, in the case of cigarettes 3010 that have been flavor-modified, tobacco flavor components can also be released by contact with the surrounding air or aerosol. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol with tobacco flavor from the unheated cigarette 3010. In addition, since the aerosol is generated by heating the vaporizer 3120, the user can inhale the aerosol having a thermal sensation from the unheated cigarette 3010.

According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 3120 is replaceably incorporated on the apparatus 100.

The processor 3130 controls the operation of the apparatus 100 as a whole. Specifically, the processor 3130 controls the operations of other components included in the apparatus 100, in addition to the battery 3140 and the vaporizer 3120. The processor 3130 determines whether or not the apparatus 100 is in an operable state by checking the states of the respective components of the apparatus 100.

The processor 3130 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented by a plurality of logic gate arrays, or may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. It should be noted that the present invention may be implemented by other hardware as long as it is understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention.

The battery 3140 supplies electric power for operating the device 100. For example, the battery 3140 may supply electric current to the vaporizer 3120 to heat the heater 2130, and the battery 3140 may supply electric power necessary for operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the device 100.

The battery 3140 may be lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO)₄) A battery, but not limited to the above examples. For example, the battery 3140 may be lithium cobaltate (LiCoO)₂) Batteries, lithium titanate batteries, and the like.

In addition, the battery 3140 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10mm and a length of 37mm, but is not limited thereto. The capacity of the battery 3140 may be 120mAh to 250mAh, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the battery 3140 may be a battery capable of being charged several times or a disposable battery. For example, in the case where the battery 3140 is a battery capable of being charged a plurality of times, the charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 3140 may be 10C, and the discharging rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for reliable use, the battery 3140 can be made to ensure 80% or more of the total capacity even when 2000 times of charge/discharge are performed.

In one aspect, the device 100 may also include other conventional components in addition to the battery 3140, the processor 3130 and the vaporizer 3120.

For example, the device 100 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As an example, when the device 100 includes a display, the processor 3130 may communicate information about the state of the vaporizer 3120 (e.g., whether the vaporizer 3120 may be used, etc.), information about the heater module (e.g., warm-up starts, warm-up is in progress, warm-up is completed, etc.), information about the battery 3140 (e.g., remaining capacity of the battery 3140, whether it may be used, etc.), information about the reset of the device 100 (e.g., reset timing, reset is in progress, reset is completed, etc.), information about the cleaning of the device 100 (e.g., cleaning timing, cleaning is needed, cleaning is in progress, cleaning is completed, etc.), information about the charging of the device 100 (e.g., charging is needed, charging is in progress, charging is completed, etc.), information about the pumping of the user (e.g., intensity of pumping, etc.) or information about safety (e.g., time over use, etc.), etc., to the user via the. As another example, when the device 100 includes a motor, the processor 3130 may generate a vibration signal using the motor to transmit the information to the user.

The device 100 may include at least one input device (e.g., a key) and/or terminals associated with the cradle through which a user can control the functions of the device 100. For example, a user may utilize the input device of device 100 to perform a variety of functions. The user can perform a desired function among the plurality of functions of the apparatus 100 by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the time for which the user presses the input device (e.g., 0.1 second, 0.2 second, etc.). The user can perform a function of preheating the heating member or the heater module of the vaporizer 3120, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heating member or the heater module of the vaporizer 3120, a function of cleaning the cigarette insertion space, a function of checking whether the apparatus 100 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 3140, a reset function of the apparatus 100, and the like by operating the input device. However, the function of the apparatus 100 is not limited to the above example.

The device 100 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and/or a cigarette insertion detection sensor. In addition, the apparatus 100 may be configured to allow external air to be introduced and discharged even in a state where a cigarette is inserted.

In one aspect, the above-described method may be programmed as a program executable in a computer, and may be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer capable of executing the program using a computer readable recording medium. Also, the data structure used in the method may be stored in the computer-readable recording medium by various methods. The computer-readable recording medium includes storage media such as magnetic recording media (e.g., Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), USB, floppy disks, hard disks) and optical storage media (e.g., compact disk-high (CD-ROM), digital video disk-high (DVD), etc.).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to which the embodiment relates that variations may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the above description. Accordingly, the disclosed methods are not to be considered limiting, but rather illustrative. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the claims should be construed as being included in the present invention.