Aerosol-generating device and method of causing it to act and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

Provided is an aerosol generating device capable of earlier determining occurrence of exhaustion or deficiency of an aerosol source. The aerosol generating device (100) includes: a storage portion (116A) that stores an aerosol source or an aerosol substrate (116B) that holds an aerosol source; a load (132) that atomizes the aerosol source by heat generated from power supply from a power supply (110); a sensor (112) that outputs a value associated with the temperature of the load (132); and a control portion (106). The control portion (106) is configured to perform a power supply cycle in which power is supplied from the power supply (110) to the load (132) in accordance with an aerosol generation request, and determine occurrence of exhaustion or deficiency of the aerosol source in the storage portion (116A) or the aerosol substrate (116B) in accordance with an index based on a deviation in the output value of the sensor (112) in a single power supply cycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus for generating an aerosol for a user to inhale, and to a method and procedure for making it operate. Background Technology

[0002] In aerosol generating devices such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and atomizers, which generate aerosols for users to inhale, insufficient aerosol supply cannot be provided if the user inhales when the source of aerosols generated by atomization is insufficient. Furthermore, in the case of e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products, there may be a problem where an aerosol with the desired flavor cannot be generated.

[0003] As a solution to this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for determining vacancy of the aerosol forming substrate based on the rate of temperature rise and a threshold value of the heater at the initial stage of power supply. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for determining vacancy of the aerosol forming substrate based on the heater temperature after a predetermined time elapsed since the start of power supply or the rate of temperature rise of the heater at the initial stage of power supply, during a period when the heater is not in operation. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for detecting the amount of liquid remaining in the wick based on the resistance value of the wick.

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 or 2 focuses on minute quantities and requires setting a threshold to prevent interference from noise or errors, thus potentially slowing down the determination process. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 neither discloses nor teaches a method to expedite the determination of when the liquid level in the absorbent core has decreased.

[0005] Furthermore, patent documents 1 to 3, for example, do not disclose or teach the following subject: in order to be able to distinguish which part of the aerosol source is insufficient in the tank, the absorbent core, and the path from the tank to the absorbent core of the aerosol forming substrate, and to estimate or detect the state of at least one of the tank and the absorbent core.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2012 / 085203

[0009] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2017 / 084818

[0010] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2017 / 021550 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] This disclosure is made in view of the foregoing.

[0013] The first problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and a method and procedure for activating it, which can determine earlier the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source.

[0014] The second problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus and a method and procedure for operating it, which is capable of estimating or detecting the state of at least one of the storage section and the holding section of an aerosol source.

[0015] Methods for solving problems

[0016] To address the aforementioned problem 1, according to embodiments of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising: a storage unit for storing an aerosol source or an aerosol substrate for holding the aerosol source; a load for atomizing the aerosol source using heat generated by power supplied from a power source; a sensor for outputting a value associated with the temperature of the load; and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to supply power from the power source to the load according to an aerosol generating requirement, execute a power supply cycle, and determine, based on an index of deviation of the output value of the sensor in a single power supply cycle, the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source in the storage unit or the aerosol substrate.

[0017] According to this embodiment, since the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source can be determined based on the standard deviation or variance of the load temperature in a single power supply cycle, the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source can be detected earlier.

[0018] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine the occurrence of the depletion or the insufficiency based on a comparison between the indicator and an indicator based on the deviation of the sensor output value in a single power supply cycle when the depletion or insufficiency has not occurred.

[0019] According to this embodiment, since the standard deviation or variance of the load temperature when the aerosol source is depleted or insufficient can be used as a threshold, the occurrence of the depletion or insufficient aerosol source can be detected with high precision.

[0020] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to ensure that the output value of at least one of the sensors at the beginning of a single power supply cycle, the end of a single power supply cycle, more than one time point within a single power supply cycle, and a portion of a single power supply cycle has zero or reduced impact on the derivation of the indicator. In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to not acquire the temperature of the load at at least one of the following: the beginning of a single power supply cycle, the end of a single power supply cycle, more than one time point within a single power supply cycle, and a portion of a single power supply cycle.

[0021] According to this embodiment, since data containing noise caused by changes in room temperature can be excluded from the data such as the standard deviation or variance of the temperature used to derive the load, temperature fluctuations when the aerosol source is depleted or insufficient will not be buried in the noise, thus improving the detection accuracy related to the depletion or occurrence of the aerosol source.

[0022] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to reduce or eliminate the influence of the sensor's output value on the derivation of the index during either the heating or cooling period in a single power supply cycle.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured not to acquire the temperature of the load during either or both of the heating and cooling periods in a single power supply cycle.

[0024] According to this embodiment, since data during the heating and cooling periods can be excluded from the data used to derive standard deviation or variance, temperature fluctuations when the aerosol source is depleted or insufficient will not be buried in temperature changes during the heating or cooling periods, thereby improving the detection accuracy related to the occurrence of aerosol source depletion or insufficientness.

[0025] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to divide a single power supply cycle into multiple phases including a first phase and a second phase that is later in time than the first phase, and to determine the occurrence of the depletion or the insufficiency based on the index derived from the output value of the sensor only in the second phase.

[0026] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to divide a single power supply cycle into multiple stages including a first stage and a second stage that is later in the time sequence than the first stage, such that the impact of the sensor output value in the first stage on the derivation of the indicator is less than the impact of the sensor output value in the second stage on the derivation of the indicator.

[0027] According to this embodiment, since the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source can be determined by using only the standard deviation or variance of the load in the latter half of the sample obtained during the power supply cycle, it is difficult to pick up the exceptional temperature fluctuations in the first half of the power supply cycle when there is an excess of aerosol source in the holding section, thus improving the detection accuracy related to the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to divide a single power supply cycle into multiple stages including a first stage and a second stage that is later in the time sequence than the first stage, derive an index derived from the output value of the sensor in the first stage (i.e., a first index) and an index derived from the output value of the sensor in the second stage (i.e., a second index), and determine the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency based on the difference between the second index and the first index.

[0029] According to this embodiment, since the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source can be determined by using the difference in the standard deviation or variance of the first half and the second half of the data acquired during the power supply cycle, it is possible to emphasize the temperature fluctuations that occur only during the second half of the power supply cycle when the aerosol source in the holding section is depleted, thereby improving the detection accuracy related to the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first stage is shorter than the second stage.

[0031] According to this embodiment, since the data acquired during the power supply cycle can be segmented, making the latter half longer, the portion of the power supply cycle that does not contain temperature fluctuations can be excluded, thereby improving the detection accuracy related to the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source.

[0032] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine the occurrence of the depletion or the insufficiency based on the index derived from at least a portion of the sensor's output values ​​after the sensor's output values ​​have reached a stable state within a single power supply cycle.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source can be determined by using factors such as the temperature fluctuations that may occur after the load temperature reaches a stable state, the standard deviation or variance of the load temperature, etc., thereby improving the detection accuracy related to the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source.

[0034] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to divide a single power supply cycle into multiple stages including a first stage and a second stage that is later in the time sequence than the first stage, and to determine whether the output value of the sensor has reached a stable state based on at least one of the index derived from the output value of the sensor in the first stage, the output value of the sensor, and the average value of the output value of the sensor.

[0035] According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the temperature of the load has reached a stable state based on the average value, standard deviation, or variance of the load temperature. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the temperature of the load has reached a stable state using a simple method that does not require dedicated sensors or algorithms.

[0036] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine the occurrence of the depletion or the insufficiency based on the indicator and the output value of the sensor or the average value of the sensor output values ​​in a single power supply cycle.

[0037] According to this embodiment, in addition to the standard deviation or variance of the load temperature, the average temperature can also be used to determine the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source, thereby improving the detection accuracy related to the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source.

[0038] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to detect the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency only if the output value of the sensor or the average value of the sensor's output value in a single power supply cycle is higher than the temperature at which the aerosol is generated from the aerosol source.

[0039] According to this embodiment, since the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source can be detected only when the average temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source, it is difficult to pick up exceptional temperature fluctuations, thus improving the detection accuracy related to the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source.

[0040] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus includes: a storage unit for storing an aerosol source or an aerosol substrate for holding the aerosol source; a load for atomizing the aerosol source using heat generated by power supplied from a power source; a sensor that outputs a value associated with the temperature of the load; and a control unit. The method includes: the control unit supplying power from the power source to the load according to an aerosol generating requirement, performing a power supply cycle; and the control unit determining, based on an index of deviation of the output value of the sensor in a single power supply cycle, whether the aerosol source in the storage unit or the aerosol substrate has been depleted or insufficient.

[0041] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising: a storage unit for storing an aerosol source or an aerosol substrate for holding the aerosol source; a load that atomizes the aerosol source by heat generated from power supply from a power source; a sensor that outputs a value associated with the temperature of the load; and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to supply power from the power source to the load according to an aerosol generating requirement, execute a power supply cycle, and determine, based on the change in the output value of the sensor after the output value of the sensor reaches a stable state in a single power supply cycle, the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source in the storage unit or the aerosol substrate. According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus includes: a storage unit for storing an aerosol source or an aerosol substrate for holding the aerosol source; a load that atomizes the aerosol source by heat generated from power supply from a power source; a sensor that outputs a value associated with the temperature of the load; and a control unit. The method includes: the control unit supplying power from the power source to the load according to aerosol generating requirements, performing a power supply cycle; and the control unit determining, based on changes in the sensor output value after the sensor output value has reached a stable state during a single power supply cycle, whether the aerosol source in the storage unit or the aerosol substrate has been depleted or insufficient.

[0042] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a program is provided that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method described above.

[0043] According to this embodiment, since the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source can be determined based on the standard deviation or variance of the load temperature in a single power supply cycle, the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source can be detected earlier.

[0044] To address the second problem mentioned above, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising: a storage unit for storing an aerosol source; a load that atomizes the aerosol source by heat generated from a power supply; a holding unit that maintains the aerosol source supplied by the storage unit in a manner that allows the load to be heated; a sensor that outputs a value associated with the temperature of the load; and a control unit configured to supply power from the power supply to the load according to an aerosol generating requirement, execute a power supply cycle, and estimate or detect the state of at least one of the storage unit and the holding unit based on at least a first value and a second value, wherein the first value is an output value of the sensor in a first power supply cycle of a single power supply cycle or a value related to a change in the temperature of the load in the first power supply cycle derived from the output value, and the second value is an output value of the sensor in a second power supply cycle of a single power supply cycle following the first power supply cycle or a value related to a change in the temperature of the load in the second power supply cycle derived from the output value.

[0045] According to this embodiment, since the state of the storage section and the holding section can be estimated based on temperature behavior in the past and current loads, the state of the storage section and the holding section can be determined early and accurately.

[0046] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to estimate or detect, when at least one of the first and second values ​​indicates that the temperature of the load has reached a stable state at a second temperature, which is higher than the first temperature at which the aerosol is generated from the holding section when the aerosol source is saturated, at least one of the following relationships: the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage section, the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding section, the atomization rate of the aerosol source in the holding section, and the supply rate of the aerosol source from the storage section to the holding section.

[0047] According to this embodiment, since it is possible to detect that the temperature of the load has stabilized at a temperature higher than the boiling point of the aerosol source during past or current power supply cycles, it is possible to determine that a problem has occurred in any of the storage section, the holding section, the storage section, and the holding section.

[0048] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to estimate or detect, in the case that the temperature of the load has reached a stable state at the second temperature, at least one of the following: insufficient or depleted remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage unit, and the atomization rate of the aerosol source in the holding unit being greater than the supply rate of the aerosol source from the storage unit to the holding unit.

[0049] According to this embodiment, since it is possible to detect that the temperature of the load in the past power supply cycle is stable at a temperature higher than the boiling point of the aerosol source, it is possible to determine that a problem has occurred in the storage section or between the storage section and the holding section.

[0050] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to estimate or detect the insufficiency or depletion of the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage unit when the first value indicates that the temperature of the load has reached a stable state at the second temperature, and when the second value indicates that the temperature of the load has reached a stable state at the second temperature.

[0051] According to this embodiment, since it is possible to detect that the temperature of the load has been stable at a temperature higher than the boiling point of the aerosol source during past and current power supply cycles, it is possible to determine that a problem has occurred in the storage section.

[0052] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to, in the case that the temperature of the load becomes stable at the second temperature in the first value and the temperature of the load becomes stable at the first temperature in the second value, estimate or detect that the atomization rate of the aerosol source in the holding unit is greater than the supply rate of the aerosol source from the storage unit to the holding unit.

[0053] According to this embodiment, since it is possible to detect that the temperature of the load in the past power supply cycle is stable at a temperature higher than the boiling point of the aerosol source, and the temperature of the load in the current power supply cycle is stable at the boiling point of the aerosol source, it is possible to determine that a problem has occurred between the storage section and the holding section.

[0054] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to estimate or detect that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage unit is insufficient or depleted when the temperature of the load becomes stable at the second temperature, which represents the second value.

[0055] According to this embodiment, since it is possible to detect that the temperature of the load in the current power supply cycle is stable at a temperature higher than the boiling point of the aerosol source, it is possible to determine that a problem has occurred in the storage section.

[0056] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to estimate or detect that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage unit is insufficient or depleted, and the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding unit is depleted, when the first value indicates that the temperature of the load is stable at the second temperature, and when at least one of the average value of the second value and the value based on the deviation of the second value is greater than a threshold.

[0057] According to this embodiment, since it is possible to detect that the temperature of the load in the past power supply cycle was stable at a temperature higher than the boiling point of the aerosol source, and the temperature of the load in the current power supply cycle is disordered, it is possible to detect the depletion of the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding unit.

[0058] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to estimate or presume that, in the second value, when the temperature of the load reaches a stable state at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the aerosol is generated from the holding unit in a saturated state from the aerosol source, the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding unit will be depleted after a predetermined number of power supply cycles.

[0059] According to this embodiment, since it is possible to detect that the temperature of the load in the current power supply cycle is stable at a temperature higher than the boiling point of the aerosol source, it is possible to detect signs of depletion of the aerosol source in the holding unit.

[0060] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to estimate or detect, in the case that the temperature of the load has reached a stable state at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the aerosol is generated from the aerosol source, after a predetermined number of power supply cycles, that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding unit is depleted.

[0061] According to this embodiment, since it is possible to detect that the temperature of the load has stabilized at a temperature higher than the boiling point of the aerosol source during past and current power supply cycles, it is possible to detect signs of depletion of the aerosol source in the holding unit.

[0062] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine, based on at least one of the continuous output values ​​of the sensor, the average value of the output values, and the deviation of the output values ​​during the first power supply cycle or the second power supply cycle, that the first value or the second value indicates that the temperature of the load has reached a stable state.

[0063] According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the load temperature has reached a stable state based on the average value, standard deviation, or variance of the load temperature in the first half of the power supply cycle. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the load temperature has reached a stable state using a simple method that does not require dedicated sensors or algorithms.

[0064] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus includes: a storage unit for storing an aerosol source; a load that atomizes the aerosol source by heat generated from power supplied by a power source; a holding unit that maintains the aerosol source supplied by the storage unit in a manner that allows the load to be heated; a sensor that outputs a value associated with the temperature of the load; and a control unit. The method includes: the control unit supplying power from the power source to the load according to an aerosol generating requirement, performing a power supply cycle; and the control unit estimating or detecting the state of at least one of the storage unit and the holding unit based at least on a first value and a second output value, wherein the first value is a value related to the output value of the sensor in a first power supply cycle of a single power supply cycle or a value derived from the output value related to the temperature variation of the load in the first power supply cycle, and the second output value is a value related to the output value of the sensor in a second power supply cycle of a single power supply cycle following the first power supply cycle or a value derived from the output value related to the temperature variation of the load in the second power supply cycle.

[0065] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising: a storage unit for storing an aerosol source; a load that atomizes the aerosol source by heat generated from power supplied by a power source; a holding unit that maintains the aerosol source supplied by the storage unit in a manner that allows the load to be heated; a sensor that outputs a value associated with the temperature of the load; and a control unit configured to supply power from the power source to the load according to a requirement for aerosol generation, execute a power supply cycle, derive the temperature of the load in a single power supply cycle based on the output value of the sensor, and, in multiple power supply cycles, if the temperature of the load is stable at a temperature higher than the temperature at which aerosol is generated from the holding unit in a saturated state, estimate or detect that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage unit is insufficient or depleted, or estimate or detect that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding unit is depleted after a predetermined number of power supply cycles.

[0066] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus includes: a storage unit for storing an aerosol source; a load that atomizes the aerosol source by heat generated from a power supply; a holding unit that maintains the aerosol source supplied by the storage unit in a manner that allows the load to be heated; a sensor that outputs a value associated with the temperature of the load; and a control unit. The method includes: the control unit supplying power from the power supply to the load according to a requirement for aerosol generation, performing a power supply cycle; the control unit deriving the temperature of the load in a single power supply cycle based on the output value of the sensor; and, in a plurality of power supply cycles, if the temperature of the load is stable at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the aerosol is generated from the aerosol source, the control unit estimating or detecting that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage unit is insufficient or depleted, or estimating or detecting that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding unit is depleted after a predetermined number of power supply cycles.

[0067] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising: a storage unit for storing an aerosol source; a load for atomizing the aerosol source by heat generated from power supply from a power source; a holding unit for maintaining the aerosol source supplied by the storage unit in a manner that allows the load to be heated; a sensor for outputting the state of the load or the storage unit; and a control unit configured to, when the output value of the sensor indicates that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage unit is insufficient or depleted, but does not indicate that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding unit is depleted, or to suppress power supply to the load after a predetermined number of power supply cycles.

[0068] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus includes: a storage unit for storing an aerosol source; a load that atomizes the aerosol source by heat generated from power supply from a power source; a holding unit that maintains the aerosol source supplied by the storage unit in a manner that allows the load to be heated; a sensor that outputs the state of the load or the storage unit; and a control unit. The method includes: when the output value of the sensor indicates that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage unit is insufficient or depleted, but does not indicate that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding unit is depleted, the control unit estimates or detects that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding unit is depleted after a predetermined number of power supply cycles, or the control unit suppresses power supply to the load after a predetermined number of power supply cycles.

[0069] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a program is provided that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method described above.

[0070] According to this embodiment, since the state of the storage section and the holding section can be estimated based on temperature behavior in the past and current loads, the state of the storage section and the holding section can be determined early and accurately. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Figure 1A This is a schematic block diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Figure 1B This is a schematic block diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit structure related to a portion of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0074] Figure 3A This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the present disclosure of a process for determining the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of an aerosol source.

[0075] Figure 3B This is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process for determining the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of an aerosol source, as one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0076] Figure 4A It is a graph showing the temperature of the load during each power supply cycle.

[0077] Figure 4B It is a graph showing the temperature of the load during two power supply cycles.

[0078] Figure 4C It is a graph showing the temperature of the load during two power supply cycles.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a first exemplary process for determining the depletion or insufficiency of an aerosol source, according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0080] Figure 6 It is a graph showing the standard deviation of the load temperature for each power supply cycle.

[0081] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a second exemplary process for determining the depletion or insufficiency of an aerosol source, according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0082] Figure 8 It is a graph showing the standard deviation of the load temperature for each power supply cycle.

[0083] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a third exemplary process for determining the depletion or insufficiency of an aerosol source, according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0084] Figure 10 It is a graph showing the standard deviation of the load temperature for each power supply cycle.

[0085] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a fourth exemplary process for determining the depletion or insufficiency of an aerosol source, according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0086] Figure 12 It plots the standard deviation and average temperature of the load for each power supply cycle.

[0087] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a fifth exemplary process for determining the depletion or insufficiency of an aerosol source, according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0088] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the present disclosure of a process for estimating or detecting the state of an aerosol source.

[0089] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a first exemplary process for estimating or detecting the state of an aerosol source, according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0090] Figure 16 It is a graph showing the standard deviation of the load temperature for each power supply cycle.

[0091] Figure 17 Several patterns representing the migration of average temperature during the power supply cycle.

[0092] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a second exemplary process for estimating or detecting the state of an aerosol source, according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0093] 1. Overview of the aerosol generating device

[0094] Figure 1A This is a schematic block diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating apparatus 100A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A This is a schematic and conceptual representation of the components of the aerosol generating device 100A. Please note that it does not represent the precise arrangement, shape, size, or positional relationship of the components and the aerosol generating device 100A.

[0095] like Figure 1AAs shown, the aerosol generating device 100A includes a first component 102 (hereinafter referred to as "body 102") and a second component 104A (hereinafter referred to as "cartridge 104A"). As an example, the body 102 may also include a control unit 106, a notification unit 108, a power supply 110, a sensor 112, and a memory 114. The aerosol generating device 100A may also have sensors such as a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a voltage sensor, and a temperature sensor, which are collectively referred to as "sensor 112" in this disclosure. The body 102 may also include a circuit 134, which will be described later. As an example, the cartridge 104A may also include a storage unit 116A, an atomizing unit 118A, an air intake flow path 120, an aerosol flow path 121, an inhalation port 122, a holding unit 130, and a load 132. Some of the components included in the body 102 may be included in the cartridge 104A. Some of the components included in the cartridge 104A may be contained within the body 102. The cartridge 104A may be configured to be detachable from the body 102. Alternatively, instead of the body 102 and the cartridge 104A, all the components contained in the body 102 and the cartridge 104A may be contained in the same housing.

[0096] The storage section 116A can also be configured as a container for holding an aerosol source. In this case, the aerosol source may be a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water. If the aerosol generating device 100A is an electronic cigarette, the aerosol source in the storage section 116A may also contain tobacco raw material that releases aroma components upon heating, or an extract from tobacco raw material. The holding section 130 holds the aerosol source. For example, the holding section 130 is made of a fibrous or porous material, holding the liquid aerosol source in the gaps between the fibers or in the pores of the porous material. Examples of fibrous or porous materials include cotton, glass fiber, or tobacco raw material. If the aerosol generating device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also contain a medication for inhalation by a patient. As another example, the storage section 116A may also have a structure capable of replenishing consumed aerosol sources. Alternatively, the storage unit 116A may be configured to be replaceable when the aerosol source is consumed. Furthermore, the aerosol source is not limited to liquid; it may also be solid. When the aerosol source is solid, the storage unit 116A may also be a hollow container.

[0097] The atomizing section 118A is configured to atomize an aerosol source to generate an aerosol. When a suction action is detected by the sensor 112, the atomizing section 118A generates the aerosol. For example, the holding section 130 is configured to connect the storage section 116A and the atomizing section 118A. At this time, a portion of the holding section 130 extends into the interior of the storage section 116A and contacts the aerosol source. Another portion of the holding section 130 extends into the atomizing section 118A. Alternatively, the other portion of the holding section 130 extending into the atomizing section 118A can be housed within the atomizing section 118A, or it can extend back into the interior of the storage section 116A through the atomizing section 118A. The aerosol source is transported from the storage section 116A to the atomizing section 118A via the capillary effect of the holding section 130. As an example, the atomizing section 118A includes a heater comprising a load 132 electrically connected to the power supply 110. The heater is configured to contact or approach the holding part 130. When a suction action is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomizing unit 118A to atomize the aerosol source transported through the holding part 130 by heating it. An air intake flow path 120 is connected to the atomizing unit 118A, and the air intake flow path 120 leads to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100A. The aerosol generated in the atomizing unit 118A is mixed with air taken in through the air intake flow path 120. The mixture of aerosol and air is delivered to the aerosol flow path 121 as indicated by arrow 124. The aerosol flow path 121 has a tubular structure for conveying the mixture of aerosol and air generated in the atomizing unit 118A to the suction port 122.

[0098] The suction port 122 is located at the end of the aerosol flow path 121, and is configured such that the aerosol flow path 121 is open to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100A. The user draws air containing the aerosol into his mouth by sucking through the suction port 122.

[0099] The notification unit 108 may also include light-emitting elements such as LEDs, displays, speakers, vibrators, etc. The notification unit 108 may, as needed, provide notifications to the user through light emission, display, sound emission, vibration, etc.

[0100] Power supply 110 supplies power to various components of the aerosol generating device 100A, including notification unit 108, sensor 112, memory 114, load 132, and circuit 134. Power supply 110 can be a primary battery or a secondary battery that can be charged by connecting to an external power source via a designated port (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 100A. Power supply 110 can be removed from the main body 102 or the aerosol generating device 100A, or it can be replaced with a new power supply 110. Alternatively, power supply 110 can be replaced by replacing the entire main body 102 with a new main body 102.

[0101] Sensor 112 may also include one or more sensors for acquiring values ​​such as voltage applied to the entire circuit 134 or a specific portion thereof, values ​​related to the resistance of the load 132, or values ​​related to temperature. Sensor 112 may also be integrated into the circuit 134. The function of sensor 112 may also be integrated into the control unit 106. Sensor 112 may also include a pressure sensor for detecting pressure changes within the air intake flow path 120 and / or the aerosol flow path 121, or a flow sensor for detecting flow rate. Sensor 112 may also include a weight sensor for detecting the weight of components such as the storage unit 116A. Sensor 112 may also be configured to count the number of puffs taken by a user using the aerosol generating device 100A. Sensor 112 may also be configured to accumulate the energizing time of the atomizing unit 118A. Sensor 112 may also be configured to detect the liquid level height within the storage unit 116A. The sensor 112 can also be configured to determine or detect the SOC (State of Charge), accumulated current, voltage, etc. of the power supply 110. The SOC can also be obtained by the current accumulation method (coulomb counting method) or the SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method. The sensor 112 can also be an operation button that can be operated by the user.

[0102] The control unit 106 may also be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or microcomputer. The control unit 106 may also be configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator 100A according to computer-executable commands stored in the memory 114. The memory 114 may be a storage medium such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory. In addition to the aforementioned computer-executable commands, the memory 114 may also store setting data required for controlling the aerosol generator 100A. For example, the memory 114 may also store various data such as the control method of the notification unit 108 (light emission, sound emission, vibration, etc.), values ​​acquired and / or detected by the sensor 112, and the heating history of the atomizing unit 118A. The control unit 106 reads data from the memory 114 as needed for controlling the aerosol generator 100A, and stores data in the memory 114 as needed.

[0103] Figure 1B This is a schematic block diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating apparatus 100B according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] As shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 100B has the same... Figure 1AThe structure is similar to that of the aerosol generating device 100A. However, the structure of the second component 104B (hereinafter referred to as "aerosol generating article 104B" or "stick 104B") differs from that of the first component 104A. As an example, the aerosol generating article 104B may also include an aerosol substrate 116B, an atomizing section 118B, an air intake flow path 120, an aerosol flow path 121, and a suction port 122. A portion of the components included in the main body 102 may also be included in the aerosol generating article 104B. A portion of the components included in the aerosol generating article 104B may also be included in the main body 102. The aerosol generating article 104B may also be configured to be pluggable relative to the main body 102. Alternatively, instead of the main body 102 and the aerosol generating article 104B, all the components included in the main body 102 and the aerosol generating article 104B may be included in the same housing.

[0105] Aerosol substrate 116B can also be configured as a solid carrying an aerosol source. Figure 1A Similar to the storage section 116A, the aerosol source can also be a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source in the aerosol substrate 116B can also contain tobacco raw materials or extracts from tobacco raw materials that release aroma components upon heating. In the case where the aerosol generating device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source can also contain a medication for patient inhalation. The aerosol substrate 116B can also be configured to be replaceable when the aerosol source is consumed. The aerosol source is not limited to liquids and can also be solid.

[0106] The atomizing unit 118B is configured to atomize an aerosol source to generate an aerosol. When a suction action is detected by sensor 112, the atomizing unit 118B generates the aerosol. The atomizing unit 118B includes a heater (not shown) containing a load electrically connected to the power supply 110. When a suction action is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomizing unit 118B to atomize the aerosol source carried in the aerosol substrate 116B by heating the aerosol source. An air intake flow path 120 is connected to the atomizing unit 118B, and the air intake flow path 120 leads to the outside of the aerosol generating apparatus 100B. The aerosol generated in the atomizing unit 118B mixes with air taken in via the air intake flow path 120. The mixture of aerosol and air is discharged into the aerosol flow path 121, as indicated by arrow 124. The aerosol flow path 121 has a tubular structure for conveying the mixture of aerosol and air generated in the atomizing section 118B to the inlet section 122.

[0107] The control unit 106 is configured to control the aerosol generating apparatus 100A and 100B (hereinafter collectively referred to as "aerosol generating apparatus 100") of the embodiments of this disclosure by various methods.

[0108] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit structure related to a portion of an aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] Figure 2 The circuit 200 shown includes: a power supply 110, a control unit 106, sensors 112A to 112D (hereinafter collectively referred to as "sensor 112"), a load 132 (hereinafter also referred to as "heater resistor"), a first circuit 202, a second circuit 204, a switch Q1 including a first field-effect transistor (FET) 206, a switching unit 208, a switch Q2 including a second FET 210, and a resistor 212 (hereinafter also referred to as "shunt resistor"). The resistance value of the load 132 varies with temperature. The shunt resistor 212 is connected in series with the load 132 and has a known resistance value. The resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 may also remain constant relative to temperature. The shunt resistor 212 has a larger resistance value than the load 132. According to the embodiment, sensors 112C and 112D may also be omitted. Those skilled in the art will understand that not only FETs, but also various components such as IGBTs and contactors can be used as switches Q1 and Q2. In addition, switches Q1 and Q2 preferably have the same characteristics, but they may not have the same characteristics. Therefore, the FET, IGBT, contactor, etc. used as switches Q1 and Q2 preferably have the same characteristics, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0110] The conversion unit 208 is, for example, a switch converter, and may include a FET 214, a diode 216, an inductor 218, and a capacitor 220. The control unit 106 can control the conversion unit 208, causing it to convert the output voltage of the power supply 110, thereby applying the converted output voltage to the entire circuit. Preferably, the conversion unit 208 is configured to output a fixed voltage, at least during the period when switch Q2 is on, under the control of the control unit 106. Alternatively, the conversion unit 208 may also be configured to output a fixed voltage during the period when switch Q1 is on, or to always output a fixed voltage, under the control of the control unit 106. Furthermore, the fixed voltage output by the conversion unit 208 under the control of the control unit 106 during the period when switch Q1 is on may be the same as or different from the fixed voltage output by the conversion unit 208 under the control of the control unit 106 during the period when switch Q2 is on. Depending on the specific conditions, the fixed voltage output by the switching unit 208 under the control of the control unit 106 during the period when switch Q1 is on can be higher or lower than the fixed voltage output by the switching unit 208 under the control of the control unit 106 during the period when switch Q2 is on. According to this configuration, since the voltage and the parameters during voltage measurement are stable, the accuracy of estimating the remaining amount of aerosol is improved. Furthermore, the switching unit 208 can also be configured such that, under the control of the control unit 106, the output voltage of the power supply 110 is directly applied to the first circuit during the period when only switch Q1 is on. Additionally, the switching unit 208 is not a necessary component and can be omitted.

[0111] Figure 1A The circuit 134 shown electrically connects the power supply 110 and the load 132, and may include a first circuit 202 and a second circuit 204. The first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204 are connected in parallel with respect to the power supply 110 and the load 132. The first circuit 202 may include a switch Q1. The second circuit 204 may include a switch Q2 and a resistor 212 (and, optionally, a sensor 112D). The first circuit 202 may have a smaller resistance value than the second circuit 204. In this example, sensors 112B and 112D are voltage sensors configured to detect the potential difference (hereinafter also referred to as "voltage" or "voltage value") across the load 132 and the resistor 212, respectively. However, the structure of sensor 112 is not limited to this. For example, sensor 112 may be a current sensor, and may also detect the value of the current flowing through the load 132 and / or the resistor 212.

[0112] like Figure 2As shown by the dashed arrows, the control unit 106 can control switches Q1, Q2, etc., and can acquire values ​​detected by the sensor 112. The control unit 106 can also be configured to activate the first circuit 202 by switching switch Q1 from an off state to an on state, and to activate the second circuit 204 by switching switch Q2 from an off state to an on state. Alternatively, the control unit 106 can be configured to alternately activate the first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204 by alternately switching switches Q1 and Q2.

[0113] The first circuit 202 is used for atomizing the aerosol source. When switch Q1 is switched to the ON state and the first circuit 202 functions, power is supplied to the heater (i.e., the load 132 within the heater), and the load 132 is heated. Through the heating of the load 132, the aerosol source (in the holding portion 130 within the atomizing section 118A) is held in the holding portion 130. Figure 1B In the case of the aerosol generating apparatus 100B, the aerosol source (carried on the aerosol substrate 116B) is atomized to generate an aerosol.

[0114] The second circuit 204 is used to obtain the value of the voltage applied to the load 132, the value associated with the resistance value of the load 132, the voltage value applied to the resistor 212, etc. As an example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, consider the case where sensors 112B and 112D included in the second circuit 204 are voltage sensors. When switch Q2 is turned on and the second circuit 204 is functioning, current flows through switch Q2, resistor 212, and load 132. The voltage values ​​applied to load 132 and resistor 212 are obtained through sensors 112B and 112D, respectively. Furthermore, the voltage value applied to resistor 212 obtained by sensor 112D and the known resistance value R of resistor 212 can be used. shunt Calculate the current flowing through load 132. This can be done based on the output voltage V of converter 208. out Given this current value, calculate the sum of the resistance values ​​of resistor 212 and load 132. Then, subtract the known resistance value R from this sum. shunt It is possible to determine the resistance value R of load 132. HTR When load 132 has a positive or negative temperature coefficient characteristic that its resistance changes with temperature, the resistance R of load 132 can be calculated based on the previously known relationship between the resistance of load 132 and temperature, as described above. HTRThe temperature of load 132 is estimated. Those skilled in the art will understand that the value of the current flowing through resistor 212 can be used to estimate the resistance or temperature of load 132. Values ​​associated with the resistance of load 132 in this example may include the voltage value, current value, etc., of load 132. Specific examples of sensors 112B and 112D are not limited to voltage sensors and may include other components such as current sensors (e.g., Hall elements).

[0115] Sensor 112A detects the output voltage of power supply 110. Sensor 112C detects the output voltage of converter 208. Alternatively, the output voltage of converter 208 may be a predetermined target voltage. These voltages are applied across the entire circuit.

[0116] The temperature of load 132 is T HTR The resistance value R of the load 132 at that time HTR It can be represented as follows.

[0117] R HTR (T HTR )=(V HTR ×R shunt ) / (V Batt -V HTR (1)

[0118] Here, V Batt It is the voltage applied across the entire circuit. Without the converter 208, V Batt This is the output voltage of power supply 110. When using conversion unit 208, V... Batt The equivalent output voltage V of the converter 208 out Or the target voltage. V HTR This is the voltage applied to the heater. Alternatively, the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 can be used instead of V. HTR .

[0119] In addition, the circuit included in the aerosol generating device 100A may replace at least one of the above-mentioned sensors and include a temperature sensor that directly outputs a value corresponding to the temperature of the load 132, or in addition to at least one of the above-mentioned sensors, it may also include a temperature sensor that directly outputs a value corresponding to the temperature of the load 132.

[0120] 2. Treatment for determining the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source.

[0121] The following description assumes that the control unit 106 performs all the steps. However, it should be noted that some steps may also be performed by other components of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0122] 2-1 Processing Overview

[0123] Figure 3A This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 300 for determining the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of an aerosol source according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the term "depletion" of the remaining amount of the aerosol source means a state in which the remaining amount of the aerosol source is zero or approximately zero.

[0125] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the term "insufficient" remaining amount of the aerosol source means a state where the remaining amount of the aerosol source is inadequate but not depleted. Alternatively, it could mean that the remaining amount of the aerosol source is sufficient for momentary aerosol generation, but insufficient for continuous aerosol generation.

[0126] When the aerosol source in the aerosol substrate 116B or the holding portion 130 (hereinafter referred to as "holding portion, etc.") is saturated, the temperature of the load 132 becomes stable at the boiling point of the aerosol source or at the temperature at which the aerosol is generated by the evaporation of the aerosol source (hereinafter referred to as "boiling point, etc."). Here, even when the aerosol source in the holding portion, etc., is not saturated but its remaining amount is above a certain level, the temperature of the load 132 also becomes stable at the boiling point, etc. In this disclosure, the term "sufficient" for the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding portion, etc., means that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding portion, etc., is above that certain level, or that the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding portion, etc., is such that the temperature of the load 132 becomes stable at the boiling point, etc. (including a saturated state). Furthermore, in the latter case, it is important to note that it is not necessary to determine the specific remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding portion, etc. Furthermore, the boiling point of the aerosol source and the temperature at which the aerosol is generated are the same when the aerosol source is a single-component liquid. On the other hand, when the aerosol source is a mixture, the theoretical boiling point of the mixture, calculated according to Raoult's law, can be regarded as the temperature at which the aerosol is generated. Alternatively, the temperature at which the aerosol is generated due to the boiling of the aerosol source can be determined experimentally.

[0127] Furthermore, if the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 116A is less than a certain amount, in principle, the supply of aerosol source from the storage section 116A to the holding section 130 will no longer be carried out (sometimes by supplying a very small amount of aerosol source, or by tilting or shaking the aerosol generating device 100). In this disclosure, the term "sufficient" remaining amount of aerosol source for the storage section 116A means that the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 116A is greater than or equal to that certain amount, or that a supply is sufficient to saturate the holding section 130 with aerosol source or to provide a remaining amount of aerosol source greater than or equal to that certain amount. In the latter case, it is worth noting that since the sufficiency of the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 116A can be estimated by the fact that the temperature of the load 132 is stable at its boiling point, it is not necessary to determine the specific remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 116A.

[0128] 302 indicates the step of determining whether to request the generation of aerosol. For example, if the control unit 106 detects the start of the user's suction based on information obtained from a pressure sensor, flow sensor, etc., it can determine that the generation of aerosol is requested. More specifically, for example, if the output value of the pressure sensor, i.e., the pressure, is lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 106 can determine that the start of the user's suction has been detected. Additionally, for example, if the output value of the flow sensor, i.e., the flow rate or velocity, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 106 can determine that the start of the user's suction has been detected. In this determination method, a flow sensor is particularly preferred in order to generate an aerosol that matches the user's sensation. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may also determine that the start of the user's suction has been detected when the output values ​​of these sensors begin to change continuously. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the start of the user's suction has been detected based on the pressing of a button for starting aerosol generation, etc. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the start of the user's suction has been detected based on both information obtained from the pressure sensor or flow sensor and the pressing of the button.

[0129] If it is determined that an aerosol needs to be generated, the process proceeds to step 304; otherwise, the process returns to step 302.

[0130] 304 indicates the step of turning switch Q1 on. By performing this step, current flows through switch Q1 through load 132, causing load 132 to generate heat.

[0131] 306 represents the step of turning switch Q1 to the open state and switch Q2 to the closed state. By performing this step, current flows through switch Q2, shunt resistor 212, and load 132.

[0132] 308 indicates the step of acquiring the sensor's output value. Any sensor that outputs a value related to the temperature of load 132 can be used; for example, it could be one or both of sensors 112B and 112D.

[0133] 310 indicates the step to put switch Q2 in the open state.

[0134] 312 represents the step of storing data based on the output values ​​obtained in step 308.

[0135] "Data based on the output value obtained in step 308" can be the output value obtained in step 308 itself, or a value derived from the output value obtained in step 308. Regarding "values ​​derived from output values," for example, if the output value is a voltage value from voltage sensor 112D, it can be the resistance value of load 132 derived from that voltage value. Regarding "values ​​derived from output values," for example, if the output value is a voltage value from voltage sensor 112D, it can be the average of multiple voltage values ​​obtained from voltage sensor 112D, or a value derived from that average.

[0136] In step 312, the data needs to be stored in a manner where the order in which it is stored is known. Preferably, the data can be stored in association with the time when the original output value was obtained. The time can be a relative time, for example, a relative time based on the time when it was determined in step 302 that the aerosol generator was required to be generated. Furthermore, it should be noted that if the time required for the loop from step 304 through step 314 (described later) to step 304 is known, then even if the data is stored in a manner where only the order in which it is stored is known, the relative time associated with each piece of data can be estimated afterward. Instead of the aforementioned relative time, the time can also be an absolute time, serving as the current time.

[0137] Step 314 indicates the step of determining whether aerosol generation was not requested. For example, if the control unit 106 detects the end of the user's suction based on information obtained from a pressure sensor, flow sensor, etc., it can determine that aerosol generation was not requested. Here, for example, if the output value of the pressure sensor, i.e., the pressure, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 106 can determine that the user's suction has ended; in other words, it can determine that aerosol generation was not requested. Similarly, if the output value of the flow sensor, i.e., the flow rate or velocity, is lower than a predetermined threshold that may be zero, the control unit 106 can determine that the user's suction has ended; in other words, it can determine that aerosol generation was not requested. Furthermore, this threshold may be greater than, equal to, or less than the threshold in step 302. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's suction has ended based on the release of a button used to start aerosol generation; in other words, it can determine that aerosol generation was not requested. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's suction has ended, or in other words, that no aerosol generation was requested, when a predetermined condition, such as a predetermined time, has been met since the button for starting aerosol generation was pressed.

[0138] If it is determined that no aerosol generation is required, the process proceeds to step 316; otherwise, the process returns to step 304.

[0139] 316 indicates a step of trimming (shaping) the data stored in step 312 by removing a specified portion of the data. Furthermore, the "specified portion" could be, for example, the portion corresponding to the heating or cooling period of the load 132. That is, according to step 316, the trimmed data, excluding the portion corresponding to the heating or cooling period, can be used in step 318, which will be described later.

[0140] Here, refer to Figure 4A Explain the temperature change of load 132.

[0141] Figure 4A A graph 400 plots the temperature of load 132 during each power supply cycle at various times. Hereinafter, the temperature plotted at each time point, i.e., the temporal variation of temperature, will be referred to as a temperature profile. The horizontal axis of graph 400 represents the relative time based on the time determined in step 302 when aerosol generation is required, and the vertical axis represents the temperature of load 132. Furthermore, time 407 corresponds to the time determined in step 314 when aerosol generation is not required. Each temperature profile corresponds to each power supply cycle.

[0142] A power supply cycle is a period that includes a period from the start of a substantial power supply to the load 132, either continuously or intermittently, in response to a request to generate an aerosol, until the substantial power supply to the load 132 ceases to be requested or ceases to be requested to generate an aerosol.

[0143] Therefore, a power supply cycle can be the period from when it is determined in step 302 that a request to generate an aerosol is needed until it is determined in step 314 that a request to generate an aerosol is not needed. In the following description, it is assumed that a power supply cycle begins at the moment when it is determined in step 302 that a request to generate an aerosol is needed, i.e., time 405, but it is not limited to this. A power supply cycle can also begin, for example, before it is determined in step 302 that a request to generate an aerosol is needed.

[0144] Furthermore, strictly speaking, the moment in step 302 when the aerosol generation is requested is different from the moment when actual power supply to load 132 begins. A power supply cycle may also begin after the aerosol generation is requested in step 302, at the start of actual power supply to load 132, for example, when power is actually supplied, electrical energy is supplied, current is supplied, or voltage is applied that is greater than a specified threshold (including 0) for load 132.

[0145] Alternatively, a power supply cycle can also be the period from when it is determined in step 302 that an aerosol generation is required until the next time it is determined in step 302 that an aerosol generation is required.

[0146] In addition, the length of each power supply cycle can be different or the same. One power supply cycle can be generated by one inhalation (sucking) by the user of the aerosol generating device 100, and is therefore also referred to as one sucking.

[0147] 402 represents the illustrated heating period. The heating period is the time from when the temperature of load 132 begins to rise until the temperature change stabilizes or reaches a specified temperature. Whether the temperature change of load 132 is stable can also be determined based on the time derivative of the temperature of load 132 or the difference between the previous temperature and the current temperature. In graph 400, it is assumed that the heating period starts from the moment in step 302 when it is determined that aerosol generation is required, i.e., moment 405, until moment 406 when sufficient margin is left.

[0148] The heating period can be manually calculated after a graph like curve 400 has been pre-created. Note that in this case, the length of the heating period is fixed in each power supply cycle. Alternatively, the heating period can be determined by the control unit 106 using any method to determine the start time of the temperature rise of the load 132 and the time when the temperature change stabilizes. For example, the control unit 106 can determine the time when it is determined in step 302 that aerosol generation is required as the former, and the time when the rate of temperature rise of the load 132 (temperature rise per unit time) falls below a predetermined threshold or falls below the predetermined threshold consecutively a predetermined number of times as the latter. Alternatively, the time when the difference between the previously acquired temperature of the load 132 and the currently acquired temperature falls below a predetermined threshold can be determined as the latter. Alternatively, the time when the standard deviation or variance of multiple recently acquired temperatures of the load 132 falls below a predetermined threshold can be determined as the latter. It should be noted that in these cases, the length of the heating period in each power supply cycle may vary depending on individual differences of the smoke cartridge 104A or the aerosol generating item 104B, or various conditions such as ambient temperature.

[0149] 404 represents a portion of the illustrated cooling period. The cooling period can be the period from the start of the temperature drop of load 132 until the temperature change stabilizes or reaches a specified temperature. Alternatively, the cooling period can end at the start of the next power supply cycle or the heating period. In graph 400, it is assumed that the cooling period begins at time 407, the moment in step 314 when it is determined that aerosol generation is not required.

[0150] The cooling period can be manually determined after a curve such as curve 400 has been pre-created. Note that in this case, the length of the cooling period is fixed in each power supply cycle. Alternatively, the cooling period can be determined by the control unit 106 in any way, specifying the start of the temperature drop in the load 132 and the time when the temperature change reaches a predetermined temperature. For example, the control unit 106 can determine the moment in step 314 when it is determined that aerosol generation is not required as the former, and the moment when the temperature of the load 132 falls below a predetermined threshold or falls below the predetermined threshold continuously a predetermined number of times as the latter. Alternatively, the moment when the difference between the previously acquired temperature of the load 132 and the currently acquired temperature falls below a predetermined threshold can be determined as the latter. Alternatively, the moment when the standard deviation or variance of multiple recently acquired temperatures of the load 132 falls below a predetermined threshold can be determined as the latter. Note that in these cases, the length of the cooling period in each power supply cycle may vary depending on individual differences in the smoke cartridge 104A or the aerosol generating article 104B, or various conditions such as ambient temperature.

[0151] In the exemplary process 300, it is determined in step 314 that data storage is not required after aerosol generation. However, the process for determining the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source in this disclosure does not preclude other processes that determine, in a step equivalent to step 314, that it is not required to acquire and store the sensor's output value after aerosol generation. Therefore, in such other examples, the "prescribed portion" in the step equivalent to step 316 may also include the cooling period.

[0152] Furthermore, the "prescribed portion" in step 316 can be a portion corresponding to the start of a power supply cycle, the end of a power supply cycle, any one or more points in time within a power supply cycle, or any portion of a period within a power supply cycle. Therefore, according to step 316, for example, data including data corresponding to the start of a power supply cycle but excluding data immediately following it can be used in step 318 (described later). Additionally, a portion corresponding to any one or more periods within a power supply cycle can also include the start of a power supply cycle or the end of a power supply cycle. In this case, a prescribed period from the start of the power supply cycle and / or a prescribed period traced back from the end of the power supply cycle can correspond to the "prescribed portion".

[0153] 318 represents the step of determining the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source based on the data obtained after removing a portion in step 316. Furthermore, hereinafter, "based on data" includes at least a portion of the data.

[0154] Figure 3BThis is a flowchart of another exemplary process 320 for determining the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source, according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Some steps included in exemplary process 320 are the same as those included in exemplary process 300; therefore, steps not included in exemplary process 300 will be described below.

[0155] Step 322 indicates the step of determining whether data based on the sensor output values ​​obtained in step 308 should be stored. If it is determined that the data should be stored, the process proceeds to step 312; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 314.

[0156] In step 322, if the sensor output value obtained in step 308 is a value corresponding to a portion of the value specified above regarding step 316, it can be determined that it should not be stored as data. That is, according to step 322, it can be set so that data equivalent to the heating or cooling period is not pre-stored in step 312. As a result, since the storage capacity of memory 114 is relatively small, the cost, weight, and size of the aerosol generating device 100 can be reduced. In addition, since step 316 is not required in the illustrated process, the determination of the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source in step 324 can be performed more quickly.

[0157] 324 indicates the step of determining whether the aerosol source is depleted or insufficient based on the data stored in step 312.

[0158] 2-2 Example 1 of the treatment for determining the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source

[0159] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the first instance process 500 executed in step 318 or 324.

[0160] 502 indicates the step of calculating an index based on the deviation of the sensor output value obtained in step 308. An "index based on deviation" could be, for example, the standard deviation or variance.

[0161] Step 502 is a step of calculating the above-mentioned index based on the sensor output value obtained by removing a portion in step 316 or step 322 (hereinafter referred to as "calculation data"). Here, the above-mentioned index can be calculated based on the calculation data itself or based on values ​​derived from the calculation data.

[0162] Therefore, for example, if the data stored in step 308 is the sensor's output value itself, the standard deviation of the data used for calculation, i.e., the output value, is clearly "an index based on the deviation of the sensor's output value".

[0163] Additionally, for example, if the sensor outputs a voltage value and stores the resistance value of the load 132 derived from that voltage value in step 308 as data, the statistical properties of the temperature value of the load 132 derived from the calculation data, i.e., the resistance value, are the same as those of the sensor output voltage value. Therefore, the standard deviation of such a temperature value of the load 132 is ultimately an "index of the deviation based on the sensor output value".

[0164] Therefore, an index based on the deviation of the sensor's output value can be an index based on the deviation of various physical quantities derived only from the sensor's output value in each power supply cycle; in other words, it can be an index based on the deviation that can be generated from a single power supply cycle.

[0165] Step 504 indicates a step to determine whether the index calculated in step 502 is above a predetermined threshold. If the index calculated in step 502 is above the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step 506; otherwise, the process ends. Additionally, for example, as with standard deviation, if the greater the deviation of the calculation data, the larger the index value calculated in step 502, then step 504 is sufficient to determine whether the index is above the threshold. Conversely, it should be noted that if the greater the deviation of the calculation data, the smaller the index value calculated in step 502, then step 504 is sufficient to determine whether the index is below the threshold.

[0166] 506 indicates a step in determining that the aerosol source in the storage section 116A or aerosol substrate 116B (hereinafter referred to as "storage section, etc.") has become depleted or insufficient.

[0167] Here, refer to Figure 4B and Figure 6 The determination of the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source in Example Process 500 is explained.

[0168] Figure 4B The graph 420 shows the temperature distribution 422 when the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding unit, etc., is sufficient, and the temperature distribution 424 when it is insufficient, as included in the temperature distribution in graph 400. In particular, the power supply cycle corresponding to temperature distribution 424 is the power supply cycle in which discoloration due to scorching or oxidation first occurs on the load 132, as confirmed by visual inspection. This refers to the power supply cycle in which the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding unit, etc., is depleted.

[0169] In this regard, if Figure 1AAn examination of the structure reveals that when the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 116A is sufficient, the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130 is also sufficient. However, if the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 116A is insufficient, the supply stops, and the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130 becomes depleted or insufficient. In particular, when the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 116A is depleted, the supply completely stops, and therefore the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130 becomes depleted. Conversely, when the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130 is depleted, the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 116A becomes depleted or insufficient.

[0170] In addition, if for Figure 1B If we study the structure, as described above, during the power supply cycle corresponding to temperature distribution 424, the remaining amount of aerosol source in aerosol substrate 116B is depleted.

[0171] Therefore, during the power supply cycle corresponding to temperature distribution 424, the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section or the like is depleted or insufficient.

[0172] Comparing temperature distributions 422 and 424, it can be seen that the temperature fluctuation of the load 132 on the side of temperature distribution 424, which corresponds to the power supply cycle where the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding section is depleted, becomes larger. In the example process 500 described later, the temperature fluctuation of the load 132 is evaluated using the standard deviation, etc. However, if the extremely low temperature of the load 132 during heating or cooling is included in the sample when deriving the standard deviation, the value of the standard deviation will be significantly changed. Therefore, it can be understood that the aforementioned processing in step 316 or step 322 is important in order to correctly evaluate the temperature fluctuation of the load 132 using the standard deviation.

[0173] The power supply cycle may include multiple stages. The lengths of these stages may be the same or different. Furthermore, the stages may overlap at least partially. Additionally, some stages among the multiple stages may be considered equivalent to one or both of the aforementioned heating and cooling periods. 432 represents an example of the first stage among the multiple stages. 434 represents an example of the second stage among the multiple stages, which is later in the time sequence than the first stage. Furthermore, in graph 420, the first stage 432 and the second stage 434 are adjacent, but there may be more than one stage between the first stage 432 and the second stage 434. Additionally, the first stage 432 and the second stage 434 may overlap at least partially. Figure 4B In this context, it is assumed that stage 1 432 and stage 2 434 are respectively from time 435 (in this example, with...). Figure 4A The period from time 406 (the same as in time 436) to time 437 (in this example, the same as in time 436) and from time 436 to time 437 (in this example, the same as in time 436) Figure 4A The period up to time 407 (the same as in the original text).

[0174] Figure 6 This is a graph 600 plotting the standard deviation of the temperature of load 132 based on calculated data for each power supply cycle. Hereinafter, the standard deviation plotted for each power supply cycle will be referred to as the standard deviation distribution. The horizontal axis of graph 600 represents the number of power supply cycles, and the vertical axis of graph 600 represents the standard deviation of the temperature of load 132. 602 and 604 respectively represent... Figure 4B The temperature distributions 422 and 424 correspond to the power supply cycles. 612 represents the standard deviation distribution derived from the calculated data corresponding to both Phase 1 432 and Phase 2 434. 614 represents the standard deviation distribution derived from the calculated data corresponding only to Phase 2 434 of Phase 1 432 and Phase 2 434.

[0175] If we examine the standard deviation curves, we find that the standard deviation of temperature in power supply cycle 604 is greater than the standard deviation of the largest temperature in the preceding power supply cycle, namely, the standard deviation in power supply cycle 602. As mentioned earlier, power supply cycle 604 is the power supply cycle in which the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding unit is depleted, corresponding to temperature distribution 424. Furthermore, the power supply cycles preceding power supply cycle 604 correspond to temperature distributions when the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding unit is sufficient, or when it is insufficient but not depleted. As mentioned earlier, when the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding unit is sufficient, the temperature of load 132 becomes stable at the boiling point of the aerosol source. Similarly, even when the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding unit is insufficient but not depleted, the temperature of load 132 also becomes stable (described later in section 3-2). Therefore, in power supply cycles earlier than power supply cycle 604, the standard deviation of temperature tends to be smaller. On the other hand, as in power supply cycle 604, during power supply cycles where the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section is depleted, the holding section or other parts become entirely or partially devoid of aerosol source. That is, depending on the distribution of the aerosol source in the holding section, temperature unevenness occurs in the load 132. This temperature unevenness can be considered to cause temperature fluctuations in the load 132, resulting in a large standard deviation of temperature in power supply cycle 604. Furthermore, it can be considered that in power supply cycles later than power supply cycle 604, the standard deviation of the load 132's temperature becomes even larger due to factors such as the aerosol source not functioning as a refrigerant for the load 132 and the further development of discoloration in the load 132.

[0176] This means that by setting the threshold specified in step 504 to a value below the standard deviation of the temperature in the power supply cycle (the power supply cycle in which the aerosol source in the storage unit or the like is depleted or insufficient) when the aerosol source in the storage unit or the like is depleted or insufficient (e.g., the standard deviation of the temperature in power supply cycle 604), and greater than the maximum standard deviation of the temperature in the power supply cycle when it is not like this (e.g., the standard deviation of the temperature in power supply cycle 602), it can be determined in step 506 that the aerosol source in the storage unit or the like has been depleted or insufficient.

[0177] Furthermore, when comparing standard deviation distributions 612 and 614, the difference 624 between the standard deviation in power supply cycle 602 and the standard deviation in power supply cycle 604 for the latter is greater than the difference 622 between the standard deviation in power supply cycle 602 and the standard deviation in power supply cycle 604 for the former. This means that the standard deviation distribution 614, that is, the standard deviation distribution derived from the calculation data corresponding only to the second stage 434 in the first stage 432 and the second stage 434, differs significantly when the aerosol source in its storage unit or the like is depleted or insufficient compared to when it is not depleted or insufficient. Therefore, by appropriately setting the part of the calculation data that derives the standard deviation, a more appropriate threshold that is less susceptible to the influence of noise, etc., can be set in step 504.

[0178] Furthermore, the standard deviation of the temperature in the power supply cycle 602 is a relatively large value. For example, it can be explained by the following: by leaving the aerosol generating device 100 for a long time, the amount of aerosol source in the components becomes excessive, and in the early stage of temperature distribution, the temperature of the load 132 is difficult to rise.

[0179] 2-3 Example 2 of treatment for determining the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source

[0180] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the second example process 700 executed in step 318 or 324. Some steps included in example process 700 are the same as those included in example process 500; therefore, steps not included in example process 500 will be described below.

[0181] Steps 702 and 704 represent steps for calculating the first and second indicators based on the deviation derived from the sensor output value obtained in step 308, respectively. Steps 702 and 704 are identical to step 502, except for deriving the data for calculating the deviation-based indicators. See again... Figure 4B In step 702, the calculation data used to derive the first indicator can be the calculation data equivalent to that in the first stage 432, and in step 704, the calculation data used to derive the second indicator can be the calculation data equivalent to that in the second stage 434.

[0182] Steps 706 and 708 represent the steps of calculating the difference between the first and second indicators, and determining whether the calculated difference is above a threshold, respectively. In this example, the first and second indicators are those where a larger deviation from the calculated data indicates a larger value; it is assumed that the difference between the first and second indicators is calculated by subtracting the first indicator from the second indicator. Note that when using indicators where a larger deviation from the calculated data indicates a smaller value as the first and second indicators, or when calculating the difference between the first and second indicators by subtracting the second indicator from the first indicator, in step 708, it is sufficient to determine whether the calculated difference is less than a threshold.

[0183] Here, refer to Figure 8 The determination of the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source in the example treatment 700 is explained.

[0184] Figure 8 It is a graph 800 that plots the standard deviation of the temperature of load 132 derived from the calculation data for each power supply cycle, the same as graph 600. Here, 814 represents the standard deviation distribution obtained by subtracting the first index from the second index.

[0185] Comparing the standard deviation distributions 612 and 814, the difference 824 between the standard deviation in power supply cycle 602 and power supply cycle 604 for the latter is greater than the difference 822 between the standard deviation in power supply cycle 602 and power supply cycle 604 for the former. That is, by deriving the first and second indices to make the difference between the standard deviation of temperature in the power supply cycle when the aerosol source in the storage unit or the like is depleted or insufficient (the power supply cycle when the aerosol source in the maintenance unit or the like is depleted) and the standard deviation of the maximum temperature in the power supply cycle when this is not the case, a more appropriate threshold that is less susceptible to noise, etc., can be set in step 708.

[0186] The phenomenon that the difference between the standard deviation in power supply cycle 602 and the standard deviation in power supply cycle 604 is larger than that in standard deviation distribution 814 compared to standard deviation distribution 612 can be explained as follows. This can be attributed to the fact that in power supply cycle 602, by placing the aerosol generating device 100 for a long time, the temperature of the load 132 is difficult to rise in the initial stage of the temperature distribution, but after the middle stage of the temperature distribution, the temperature of the load 132 stabilizes at a stable state below its boiling point. That is, in power supply cycle 602, since the standard deviation is small after the middle stage of the heating distribution, the value obtained by subtracting the first index from the second index (equivalent to the latter) tends to be small. On the other hand, in power supply cycle 604, the remaining amount of aerosol source in the maintenance unit is depleted midway through the cycle, thus the temperature of the load 132 tends to fluctuate. That is, in power supply cycle 604, the standard deviation is large after the middle stage of the heating distribution. Therefore, the value obtained by subtracting the first index from the second index (equivalent to the latter) tends to be large.

[0187] Example 3 of 2-4 for determining the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source

[0188] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the third example process 900 executed in step 318 or 324. Some steps included in example process 900 are the same as those included in example process 500 or 700. Therefore, the steps not included in example process 500 or 700 will be described below.

[0189] Step 902 indicates the step of determining whether the first indicator is less than the first threshold. The purpose of this step is to determine whether the deviation of the data derived from the first indicator is small, i.e., whether the temperature of load 132 is in a stable state. If the first indicator is less than the first threshold, the process proceeds to step 704; otherwise, the process ends.

[0190] Step 904 indicates the step of determining whether the second indicator is above the second threshold. The purpose of this step is to determine if the deviation of the data derived from the second indicator is significant. Here, the second threshold is sometimes equal to the first threshold, and sometimes different from the first threshold. If the second indicator is above the second threshold, the process proceeds to step 506; otherwise, the process ends.

[0191] Furthermore, in this example, it is assumed that the greater the deviation of the calculation data, the larger the value represented by the first and second indicators. It is important to note that when using indicators where a larger deviation of the calculation data represents a smaller value as the first and second indicators, it is sufficient to determine in step 902 whether the first indicator is above the first threshold and in step 904 whether it is below the second indicator.

[0192] Here, refer to Figure 10 The determination of the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source in the example treatment 900 is explained.

[0193] Figure 10 This is a graph 1000, which plots the standard deviation of the temperature of load 132 derived from the calculated data for each power supply cycle, identical to graph 600. Here, 1012 represents the period from time 435 to time 436, corresponding to the first stage (see reference). Figure 4B The temperature distribution is derived from the data used in the calculation. Furthermore, in the following explanation illustrating process 900, it is assumed that the second stage is the period from time 436 to time 437 (see...). Figure 4B Therefore, each point in the standard deviation distributions 1012 and 614 corresponds to the first and second indices determined in steps 702 and 704, respectively.

[0194] Comparing the standard deviation distributions 1012 and 614, in power supply cycle 604, the standard deviation of the former (1022) is smaller than that of the latter (1024). In other words, in power supply cycles when the aerosol source in the storage section or the like is depleted or insufficient (power supply cycles when the aerosol source in the holding section or the like is depleted), the deviation of the temperature of the load 132 is small in the first half but large in the second half. On the other hand, in power supply cycle 602, the standard deviation of the former (1032) is larger than that of the latter (1034). This can be attributed to the fact that in power supply cycle 602, in the initial stage of the temperature distribution, the temperature of the load 132 is difficult to rise and will not reach a stable state, but after the middle stage of the temperature distribution, the temperature of the load 132 stabilizes at a stable state below the boiling point, etc. Therefore, the deviation of the temperature of the load 132 is large in the first half but small in the second half.

[0195] According to the example processing 900, by utilizing this feature, the possibility of making incorrect judgments can be reduced by using a second index derived from at least a portion of the output value after the sensor's output value has reached a stable state.

[0196] Furthermore, whether the sensor output value has reached a stable state can be determined simply by whether the sensor output value converges within a specified range within a specified time, or whether the difference between the average value of the sensor output value over a specified time and a specified value is below a specified value. To elaborate, when the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding unit is sufficient, the temperature of the load 132 converges to near the boiling point, which microscopically represents slight fluctuations and becomes stable. As described later, when the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding unit is insufficient but not depleted, the temperature of the load also becomes stable. Therefore, when the sensor output becomes stable, the sensor output value converges within a specified range, and its average value is close to a specified value. Therefore, the determination in step 902 of the example process 900 can be based on one or both of the sensor output value and its average value, or it can be combined with a determination based on the first index.

[0197] Furthermore, the first and second thresholds in steps 902 and 904 can be the standard deviation of the first half and the standard deviation of the temperature of the load 132 in the power supply cycle (power supply cycle in which the aerosol source in the maintenance unit is depleted) when the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the storage unit or the like is exhausted or insufficient, for example... Figure 10 The value between the standard deviation of 1022 and the standard deviation of 1024.

[0198] 2-5 Example 4 of the treatment for determining the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source

[0199] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the fourth example process 1100 executed in step 318 or 324. Some steps included in example process 1100 are the same as those included in example process 500; therefore, steps not included in example process 500 will be described below.

[0200] 1102 indicates the step of calculating the average temperature of load 132 based on the calculation data.

[0201] Step 1104 represents a step similar to step 504. However, the difference lies in the fact that if the "threshold" in step 504 is the "first threshold" in step 1104, and the calculated index is above the first threshold, the process proceeds to step 1106. Furthermore, in this example, it is assumed that the greater the deviation of the calculation data, the larger the value represented by the index. It should be noted that when using an index where a larger deviation of the calculation data represents a smaller value, this step only requires determining whether the index is less than the first threshold.

[0202] Step 1106 indicates the step of determining whether the average value calculated in step 1102 is above the second threshold. If the calculated average value is above the second threshold, the process proceeds to step 506; otherwise, the process ends.

[0203] Here, refer to Figure 12 The determination of the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source in the example treatment 1100 is explained.

[0204] Figure 12 A graph 1200, identical to graph 600, plots the standard deviation and average temperature of load 132 derived from calculated data for each power supply cycle. Here, 1216 represents the period corresponding to time 436 to 437 (see reference). Figure 4B The average temperature is calculated using data derived from the data. The average temperature plotted below for each power supply cycle is referred to as the average temperature distribution.

[0205] If we examine the average temperature distribution 1216, the average temperature in power supply cycle 604 is greater than the average temperature in power supply cycle 1206, which is the highest average temperature in the preceding power supply cycle. In other words, the average temperature in power supply cycles when the aerosol source in the storage unit or the like is depleted or insufficient (power supply cycles when the aerosol source in the holding unit or the like is depleted) is greater than the average temperature in power supply cycles when this is not the case. Utilizing this feature, by adding the average temperature to the determination of the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source in the storage unit or the like, the possibility of making incorrect determinations can be reduced. Furthermore, the second threshold in step 1106 can be a value that is below the average temperature in power supply cycles when the aerosol source in the storage unit or the like is depleted or insufficient (power supply cycles when the aerosol source in the holding unit or the like is depleted) and greater than the highest average temperature when this is not the case.

[0206] Furthermore, the reason for the relatively high average temperature value in the power supply cycle (power supply cycle in the maintenance section when the aerosol source in the storage section or the like is depleted or insufficient) when the aerosol source in the storage section or the like can be explained by the fact that the liquid with the lower boiling point in the mixed solution constituting the aerosol source is preferentially atomized, or by the fact that the cooling effect of the load 132 caused by the aerosol source is weakened.

[0207] Example 5 of 2-6 Treatment for determining the depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source

[0208] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of the fifth example process 1300 executed in step 318 or 324. Some steps included in example process 1300 are the same as those included in example processes 500 and 700, therefore, the steps not included in example processes 500 and 700 will be described below.

[0209] 1302 indicates the step of initializing the indicator calculation conditions. The indicator calculation conditions specify the data for deriving the first and second indicators in steps 702 and 704.

[0210] Here, refer to Figure 4C The initialization of the index calculation conditions is explained. Figure 4C The curve shown is Figure 4B The curves are the same.

[0211] In the example processing 1300, the calculation data can be divided into two parts based on a certain moment (hereinafter referred to as the "segmentation moment"). A first index is derived from the calculation data corresponding to the first half, and a second index is derived from the calculation data corresponding to the second half. Therefore, step 1302 can, for example, initialize the index calculation conditions so that the first index is derived from the calculation data corresponding to the first half (which can be equivalent to the first stage) 442 divided by time 440, and the second index is derived from the calculation data corresponding to the second half (which can be equivalent to the second stage) 444. Here, it is preferable that the initialized second half 444 is relatively short. This is because, as will be explained later, the temperature fluctuation of the load 132 after the middle of the heating distribution caused only during the power supply cycle when the aerosol source in the holding section or the like becomes easier to observe.

[0212] Step 1304 indicates the step of determining whether the difference calculated in step 706 is above a threshold. If the calculated difference is above the threshold, the process proceeds to step 506; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 1306.

[0213] Step 1306 indicates the step of determining whether the indicator calculation conditions can be updated. If it is determined that the indicator calculation conditions can be updated, the process proceeds to step 1308, which updates the indicator calculation conditions; otherwise, the process ends.

[0214] Here, refer again Figure 4C This indicates an update to the calculation conditions for the indicator.

[0215] Updating the criteria for index calculation can, for example, shift the segmentation time further back. For instance, by updating the segmentation time from time 440 to time 450, in subsequent steps 702 and 704, it becomes possible to derive the first index from the calculation data corresponding to the first half (time 452) and the second index from the calculation data corresponding to the second half (time 454). Thus, in the next steps 702 and 704, the first index can be calculated from the earlier calculation data in the time series, and the second index can be calculated from the later calculation data in the time series. The amount of shift in the segmentation time can be fixed or different in each update.

[0216] In addition, the determination of whether the indicator calculation conditions can be updated can be made by any method, such as whether step 1308 has been executed a specified number of times, whether the segmentation time has reached a specified time, or whether the length of the first half has become less than a specified length.

[0217] The deviation-based index varies depending on the portion of the data used to calculate it. As mentioned earlier, during a power supply cycle where the aerosol source in the storage unit or similar facility is depleted, the temperature of the load 132 tends to fluctuate after the middle of the heating distribution. If the index calculation conditions are gradually updated, the temperature (sample) of the load 132 used to calculate the second index gradually increases. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the aerosol source has become depleted or insufficient in the storage unit or similar facility while observing the temperature fluctuations of the load 132 after the middle of the cycle. Therefore, according to the example process 1300, by calculating the deviation-based index while changing the calculation data, the possibility of making incorrect judgments can be reduced.

[0218] 3. Processing for estimating or detecting the state of aerosol sources

[0219] The following description assumes that the control unit 106 performs all the steps. However, it should be noted that some steps may also be performed by other components of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0220] 3-1 Processing Summary

[0221] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 1400 for estimating or detecting the state of at least one of the storage unit 116A and the holding unit 130, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Since some steps included in the exemplary process 1400 are the same as those included in the exemplary process 300, steps not included in the exemplary process 300 will be described below.

[0222] 1402 represents the step of estimating or detecting the state of at least one of the storage unit 116A and the holding unit 130 based on the data stored in step 312.

[0223] 3-2 Example 1 of estimating or detecting the state of an aerosol source

[0224] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the first instance process 1500 executed in step 1402.

[0225] 1502 represents the step of calculating an index σ based on the deviation of the sensor output value obtained in step 308, based on the data stored in step 312.

[0226] Furthermore, the sensor in step 308 is a sensor that outputs a value associated with the temperature of the load 132, so the index σ is an example of a value associated with the temperature variation of the load 132.

[0227] 1504 indicates that the average temperature T of load 132 is calculated based on the data stored in step 312. ave The steps.

[0228] 1510 indicates whether the indicator σ is less than the threshold σ. thre And the average value T ave The difference between the temperature and the first specified temperature T1 is less than the threshold Δ. thre The steps.

[0229] If the index σ is less than the threshold σ thre To explain the determination, a small index σ means that the deviation of the sensor output value in step 308 is small, which means that the temperature of load 132 is stable.

[0230] Here, refer to Figure 16 The following explanation addresses the case where the sensor's output value deviates only slightly. Figure 16 A graph 1600, identical to graph 600, is plotted showing the standard deviation of the temperature of load 132 derived from calculated data for each power supply cycle. Based on graph 1600, it is visually confirmed that the standard deviation 1612 of the temperature in power supply cycle 604, where the load 132 first exhibits discoloration due to burning or oxidation, is greater than the largest standard deviation 1602 in the preceding power supply cycle, i.e., the standard deviation 1602 in power supply cycle 602. Therefore, if the threshold σ... thre If the value is set to be greater than the standard deviation of 1602 but less than the standard deviation of 1612, then during the power supply cycle before the initial discoloration of load 132 due to reasons such as burning or oxidation, σ < σ thre The result is false, therefore the determination in step 1510 is false.

[0231] Back Figure 15 Temperature T1 is the temperature reached by load 132 when the remaining amount of aerosol source in holding section 130 is sufficient, i.e., the boiling point of the aerosol source, etc. (Refer to again...) Figure 4A 411 represents such a temperature T1. For example, when the aerosol source is propylene glycol, the temperature T1 can be 200°C. Alternatively, the temperature T1 can be determined experimentally. Here, it is known that when the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130 is insufficient, not all the energy supplied from the power source 110 is used for atomization of the aerosol source; therefore, the average temperature T of the load 132 is... ave Temperature T1 is exceeded.

[0232] That is, step 1510 is an example of determining whether the temperature of the load 132 has reached a stable state at the boiling point T1 of the aerosol source. Alternatively, whether the temperature of the load 132 has reached a stable state at a certain temperature can also be determined simply by whether the sensor output value converges within a specified time to a specified range corresponding to a specified temperature range containing that temperature, or whether the difference between the average value of the sensor output value over a specified time and a specified value corresponding to that temperature is below a specified value.

[0233] When the index σ is less than the threshold σ thre And the average value T ave The difference between the temperature and the first specified temperature T1 is less than the threshold temperature T. thre If the condition is met, proceed to step 1512; otherwise, proceed to step 1520.

[0234] Step 1512 indicates the step of determining whether the variable COUNT is zero. As explained later, the variable COUNT serves as a flag indicating past decision information; simply put, a non-zero COUNT indicates that the decision in the past step 1510 was false. Furthermore, the variable COUNT can be initialized to zero at any point before the initial execution of the instance process 1400. Therefore, when step 1512 is executed for the first time, the decision must be true. When the variable COUNT is zero, the process proceeds to step 1514; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 1516.

[0235] 1514 indicates a step of estimating or detecting that the remaining amount of aerosol source in both the storage section 116A and the holding section 130 is sufficient. Here, reference will be made to... Figure 17 Describe the estimation or detection in step 1514.

[0236] 1700 represents several modes 1702–1710 regarding the average temperature shift of load 132 during a power supply cycle when the temperature of load 132 is stable. In each mode, c1 represents a single power supply cycle (hereinafter referred to as "Power Supply Cycle 1"), and c2 represents a single power supply cycle following Power Supply Cycle 1 (hereinafter referred to as "Power Supply Cycle 2").

[0237] 1702 indicates a migration mode where the average temperature in the first power supply cycle c1 is near temperature T1, and the average temperature in the second power supply cycle c2 is also near temperature T1. In other words, migration mode 1702 indicates that the temperature of the load 132 is in a stable state near temperature T1, both in the past and present, which corresponds to the situation where the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding unit 130 is sufficient, both in the past and present.

[0238] Therefore, when migration mode 1702 occurs, it can be determined that the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130 is sufficient, both in the past and present. This determination is an estimate that the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 116A is sufficient.

[0239] Return to Figure 15 Step 1514 is executed only when the variable COUNT is zero. As will be described later, when the temperature of the load 132 was not in a stable state at the boiling point of the aerosol source, the variable COUNT increases. In other words, reaching step 1514 means that the temperature of the load 132 was also in a stable state at the boiling point of the aerosol source, i.e., migration mode 1702 occurred. Therefore, in step 1514, it is possible to estimate or detect that the remaining amount of aerosol source in both the storage section 116A and the holding section 130 is sufficient.

[0240] 1516 indicates the step of initializing the variable COUNT to zero. Since the temperature of the load 132 was not in a stable state at the boiling point of the aerosol source, the variable COUNT, which had a value greater than 0, was initialized to zero in this step.

[0241] 1518 indicates the step of estimating or detecting that the atomization rate of the aerosol source in the holding section 130 exceeds the supply rate of the aerosol source from the storage section 116A to the holding section 130. Here, refer again... Figure 17 The estimation or detection in step 1518 is explained.

[0242] 1706 indicates a migration pattern where the average temperature in the first power supply cycle c1 is near a temperature T2, which is higher than temperature T1, while the average temperature in the second power supply cycle c2 is near temperature T1. In other words, migration pattern 1706 indicates that the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130 was insufficient in the past but is currently sufficient. Such a migration pattern 1706 occurs when an imbalance arises between the atomization rate of the aerosol source in the holding section 130 and the supply rate of the aerosol source from the storage section 116A to the holding section 130. For example, in the case of an aerosol generating device 100 that adjusts the power supplied from the power source 110 to the load 132 according to the user's inhalation rate, it is conceivable that if the inhalation rate is high, the atomization rate of the aerosol source in the holding section 130 exceeds the supply rate of the aerosol source from the storage section 116A to the holding section 130. Therefore, when the aerosol source in the holding unit 130 is temporarily insufficient, but the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding unit 130 is restored by supplying the aerosol source after the user's inhalation temporarily ends, migration mode 1706 occurs. Furthermore, migration mode 1706 also occurs when the interval from the user's inhalation to the next inhalation is short.

[0243] Back Figure 15 Step 1518 reaches the following condition: although the temperature of the load 132 has reached a stable state at the boiling point of the aerosol source, the variable COUNT is not zero. The variable COUNT not being zero means that, in the past, the temperature of the load 132 had not reached a stable state at the boiling point of the aerosol source. That is, reaching step 1518 means that migration mode 1706 has occurred. Therefore, in step 1518, it can be estimated or detected that the atomization rate of the aerosol source in the holding section 130 exceeds the supply rate of the aerosol source from the storage section 116A to the holding section 130.

[0244] 1520 indicates whether the indicator σ is less than the threshold σ. thre And the average value T ave The difference between the temperature T2 specified in section 2 and the temperature T2 is less than the threshold Δ. thre The steps. Additionally, the threshold Δ in steps 1510 and 1520. thre They can be the same or different.

[0245] Here, refer again Figure 4A The applicant has discovered that, when the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130 is neither sufficient nor depleted, the temperature of the load 132 sometimes reaches a stable state at a temperature 412, which is higher than temperature 411. The reason for this phenomenon is not fully understood, but it is likely caused by a combination of factors. For example, a possible cause is the partial depletion or insufficiency of the aerosol source in the holding section 130. Another possible cause is a change in the composition of the aerosol source. Furthermore, when the aerosol source is a mixture, a possible cause is the difference in the boiling points of the liquids constituting the aerosol (atomization preferentially begins from the liquid with the lower boiling point). Temperature T2 is such a temperature 412, which can be determined experimentally.

[0246] That is, step 1520 is an example of a process for determining whether the temperature of load 132 has reached a stable state at the temperature T2 described above.

[0247] When the indicator σ is less than the threshold σ thre And the average value T ave The difference between the temperature T2 specified in section 2 and the threshold temperature T is less than the threshold temperature T. thre If the condition is met, proceed to step 1522; otherwise, proceed to step 1530.

[0248] 1522 indicates whether the variable COUNT is equal to the threshold COUNT. thre The above steps. COUNT threIt can be a specified value greater than 1. When the variable COUNT is the threshold COUNT... thre In the above cases, proceed to step 1524; otherwise, proceed to step 1526.

[0249] 1524 indicates a step that estimates or detects insufficient aerosol source in holding section 130. Here, refer again... Figure 17 The judgment in step 1524 will be explained.

[0250] 1708 indicates a migration mode where the average temperature in the first power supply cycle c1 is near temperature T2, and the average temperature in the second power supply cycle c2 is also near temperature T2. In other words, migration mode 1708 indicates a situation where the temperature of the load 132 is stable near temperature T2, both in the past and present. This means that, both in the past and present, the aerosol source in the holding unit 130 is insufficient, but not depleted.

[0251] Therefore, when migration mode 1708 occurs, the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130 is insufficient, but not depleted, both in the past and present. This can be judged as a design deficiency. Furthermore, when migration mode 1708 occurs, both in the past and present, there are instances of insufficient or depleted aerosol source in the storage section 116A. However, since the design does not distinguish between the two, it can be judged that the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 116A is either depleted or insufficient.

[0252] return Figure 15 Step 1524 only applies when the variable COUNT is the threshold COUNT. thre The above is executed, and as described later, the variable COUNT is only incremented by 1 in step 1526. In other words, reaching step 1524 means that the determination in step 1520 that the temperature of load 132 reaches a steady state at temperature T2 has been performed at least by COUNT. thre This means that the temperature of load 132 has been stable around temperature T2, regardless of past or current conditions, indicating the occurrence of migration mode 1708. Therefore, in step 1524, it can be estimated or detected that the remaining amount of aerosol source in holding section 130 is insufficient. Additionally, in step 1524, it can also be estimated or detected that the remaining amount of aerosol source in storage section 116A is depleted or insufficient. Alternatively, in step 1524, it is also possible not to estimate or detect the holding section 130, but instead estimate or detect that the remaining amount of aerosol source in storage section 116A and in holding section 130 is depleted or insufficient.

[0253] Furthermore, the number of power supply cycles from the initial arrival at step 1524 until the aerosol source in the actual holding unit 130 is depleted can be determined in advance through experiments, and this number of power supply cycles can be set as a predetermined number. In step 1524, after the user of the aerosol generating device 100A performs this predetermined number of inhalations, i.e., after this predetermined number of power supply cycles are generated, it is possible to estimate or detect that the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding unit 130 is depleted. In other words, migration mode 1708 indicates a sign that the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding unit 130 is depleted. In addition, when step 1524 is executed, the control unit 106 can be configured to suppress the power supply to the load 132 after a predetermined number or fewer power supply cycles have been generated. By configuring it in this way, the power supply to the load 132 is not performed and the process ends when a sufficient amount of aerosol cannot be generated or when an aerosol with the desired fragrance cannot be generated. In other words, the power supply to the load 132 is terminated when the remaining amount of the aerosol source in the holding section 130 is depleted, so the load 132 will not become hot.

[0254] 1526 represents the step that increments the variable COUNT. Through this step, the variable COUNT can be incremented by only 1.

[0255] 1528 indicates the step of determining whether to retain the status of the aerosol source or to follow the most recent determination. Here, please refer again... Figure 17 The judgment in step 1528 will be explained.

[0256] 1704 indicates a transition mode where the average temperature in the first power supply cycle c1 is near temperature T1, while the average temperature in the second power supply cycle c2 is near temperature T2. Here, when the second power supply cycle c2 is considered the first power supply cycle (hereinafter also referred to as the first power supply cycle), and a power supply cycle later than the first power supply cycle is considered the second power supply cycle (hereinafter also referred to as the second power supply cycle), if the average temperature of the load 132 drops to temperature T1 in the second power supply cycle, then transition mode 1706 has essentially occurred; if it is temperature T2, then transition mode 1708 has essentially occurred. In other words, when transition mode 1704 occurs, it is difficult to distinguish whether, as in transition mode 1706, an imbalance has occurred between the atomization rate of the aerosol source in the holding section 130 and the supply rate of the aerosol source from the storage section 116A to the holding section 130, or as in transition mode 1708, the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 116A is insufficient. Therefore, when transition mode 1704 occurs, it is possible to make a judgment that either retains the judgment or follows the judgment made in the past (including judgments that retain the judgment or follow the judgment made in the past).

[0257] return Figure 15 Only when the variable COUNT is the threshold COUNT thre The following step is to execute step 1528. Here, when the variable COUNT becomes greater than the threshold COUNT... thre Then, the judgment in step 1524 becomes: when the variable COUNT becomes greater than the threshold COUNT thre When the temperature of the load 132 previously dropped to near the first specified temperature T1, the judgment in step 1518 was performed. In other words, if step 1528 is reached, it can be considered that migration mode 1704 has occurred. Therefore, in step 1528, a judgment can be made to either retain the previous judgment or to continue the previous judgment.

[0258] 1530 indicates whether the judgment index σ is the threshold σ. thre Above, or average temperature T ave Is it a step above the temperature specified in section 3? Refer again. Figure 17 T3 indicates the third specified temperature. Temperature T3 can be a temperature greater than temperature T2 but less than the maximum temperature of load 132 that can be reached when the aerosol source in holding section 130 is depleted, and can be determined experimentally. For example, temperature T3 can be 350°C.

[0259] 1532 indicates the step of estimating or detecting the depletion of the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130.

[0260] When the index σ is the threshold σ thre The above steps involve executing step 1532. Refer to the above steps again. Figure 16 When the number of power supply cycles exceeds the specified number, the index σ should increase in principle. Specifically, as mentioned above, if the threshold σ is... thre If the value is set to be greater than the standard deviation of 1602 and less than the standard deviation of 1612, it can be determined whether the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130 is in the state before the initial discoloration due to scorching or oxidation occurs on the load 132. Here, the occurrence of discoloration due to scorching or oxidation on the load 132 can be regarded as the depletion of the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130. Therefore, in the design, the index σ is set to the threshold σ. thre Under the above circumstances, it is possible to estimate or detect the depletion of the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130.

[0261] In addition, at the average temperature T ave If the temperature is above T3, also execute step 1532. Refer again. Figure 16The standard deviation of temperature 1612 in power supply cycle 604 tends to be smaller than the standard deviation of temperature in power supply cycles later than 604. However, the standard deviation of temperature 1622 in power supply cycle 1606 is smaller than the standard deviation of temperature 1612 in power supply cycle 604. This is believed to be because, due to the complete depletion of the aerosol source, the heating effect of the electricity supplied from power source 110 to load 132 is balanced by the cooling effect of the air surrounding load 132, and the temperature of load 132 reaches a stable state at a relatively high temperature.

[0262] However, during power supply cycle 1606, since time has elapsed since power supply cycle 604, it is presumed that the average temperature of load 132 has reached near the maximum temperature of load 132 that could be reached when the aerosol source in holding section 130 is depleted. Therefore, even at the average temperature T ave Even at temperatures above T3, it is possible to estimate or detect the depletion of the remaining aerosol source in the holding section 130. Additionally, refer to... Figure 17 Given that the average temperature of the previous load 132 was around temperature T2, and the average temperature was determined to be T... ave When the temperature is above T3, migration mode 1710 appears.

[0263] In the case of depletion of the remaining aerosol source in the holding section 130, it means that no supply of aerosol source from the storage section 116A to the holding section 130 is made; that is, it means that the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 115A is depleted or insufficient. Therefore, in step 1532, it can be estimated or detected that the remaining amount of aerosol source in the storage section 116A is depleted or insufficient, and the remaining amount of aerosol source in the holding section 130 is depleted.

[0264] When the index σ is determined to be the threshold σ thre The above, or determined to be the average temperature T ave If the temperature is above the specified temperature T3, the process proceeds to step 1532; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 1534.

[0265] Step 1534 is the step reached when any of the determinations in steps 1510, 1520, and 1530 is false. Similar to the determination in step 1528, it can be a step of making a determination to retain the state of the aerosol source or following the determination of the most recent determination.

[0266] 3-3 Example 2 of estimating or detecting the state of an aerosol source

[0267] Figure 18This is a flowchart of the second example process 1800 executed in step 1402. Some steps included in example process 1800 are the same as or similar to those included in example process 1500; therefore, steps not included in example process 1800 will be described below.

[0268] Step 1810 is similar to step 1510, except that the index σ is less than the threshold σ. thre And the average value T ave The difference between the temperature and the first specified temperature T1 is less than the threshold Δ. thre In the case of a certain condition, the process proceeds to step 1514; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 1820. That is, according to the example process 1800, if it is determined that the temperature of the load 132 is stable at the boiling point of the aerosol source, etc., T1, it is possible to directly estimate or detect that the remaining amount of aerosol source in both the storage section 116A and the holding section 130 is sufficient.

[0269] Step 1820 is similar to step 1520, except that the index σ is less than the threshold σ. thre And the average value T ave The difference between the temperature T2 specified in section 2 and the temperature T2 is less than the threshold Δ. thre In this case, the process proceeds to step 1524. That is, according to the example process 1800, if it is determined that the temperature of the load 132 is in a stable state at the first temperature T2, it is possible to directly estimate or detect that the remaining amount of aerosol source in at least the holding section 130 is insufficient.

[0270] Comparing example processing 1500 and example processing 1800, the difference lies in the fact that the variable COUNT is used in the former, while it is not used in the latter. Furthermore, the difference is that the first to fourth estimations or detections can be performed in the former, while the second estimation or detection cannot be performed in the latter. While example processing 1500, which uses the variable COUNT, is more cumbersome in estimating or detecting the state of at least one of the storage unit 116A and the holding unit 130, it ensures accuracy. On the other hand, example processing 1800 can easily estimate or detect the state of at least one of the storage unit 116A and the holding unit 130, but its accuracy is inferior to that of example processing 1500.

[0271] 4. Summary

[0272] In the foregoing description, embodiments of this disclosure have been described as an aerosol generating apparatus and a method for operating the aerosol generating apparatus. However, it is understood that when this disclosure is executed by a processor, it can be executed as a program that causes the processor to execute the method or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

[0273] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that changes, additions, modifications, etc., of the implementation methods can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined solely by the claims and their equivalents.

[0274] Label Explanation

[0275] 100A, 100B… Aerosol generating device, 102…Main body, 104A…Cartridge, 104B…Aerosol generating article, 106…Control unit, 108…Notification unit, 110…Power supply, 112A~112D…Sensors, 114…Memory, 116A…Storage unit, 116B…Aerosol substrate, 118A, 118B…Atomizing unit, 120…Air intake path, 121…Aerosol path, 122…Inhalation port, 130…Holding unit, 132…Load, 134…Circuit, 202…First circuit, 204…Second circuit, 206, 210, 214…FE T, 208…Converter, 212…Resistor, 216…Diode, 218…Inductor, 220…Capacitor, 402…Heating period, 404…Cooling period, 411…Temperature T1, 412…Temperature T2, 422, 424…Load temperature distribution, 432, 442, 452…Phase 1, 434, 444, 454…Phase 2, 440, 450…Segmentation time, 612, 614, 814…Standard deviation distribution of load temperature, 1216…Average temperature distribution of load, 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710…Migration mode.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: A storage section for storing an aerosol source or an aerosol substrate for holding the aerosol source; A load that atomizes the aerosol source using heat generated by power supplied from a power source; A sensor that outputs a value associated with the temperature of the load; as well as Control Department The control unit is configured such that, According to the aerosol generation requirements, a power supply cycle is performed by supplying power from the power source to the load. Based on the standard deviation or variance of the sensor's output value in a single power supply cycle, determine whether the aerosol source in the storage unit or the aerosol substrate has been depleted or insufficient. Each of the power supply cycles corresponds to one suction cycle in the aerosol generating device. The control unit is configured such that, The single power supply cycle is divided into multiple stages, including a first stage and a second stage that is later in time than the first stage. The standard deviation or variance derived from the output value of the sensor in the first stage, i.e., the first index, and the standard deviation or variance derived from the output value of the sensor in the second stage, i.e., the second index, are described. The occurrence of depletion or insufficiency is determined based on the difference between the second indicator and the first indicator.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is further configured to determine the occurrence of the depletion or the insufficiency by comparing the standard deviation or variance with the standard deviation or variance of the sensor output value in a single power supply cycle when the depletion or the insufficiency has not occurred.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is further configured to be such that... The effect of the sensor's output value on the derivation of the standard deviation or variance is reduced to zero or lessened at the beginning of a single power supply cycle, at the end of a single power supply cycle, at more than one time point within a single power supply cycle, and during a portion of a single power supply cycle.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is further configured to be such that... The temperature of the load is not acquired at least one of the following: at the start of a single power supply cycle, at the end of a single power supply cycle, at more than one time point within a single power supply cycle, and during a portion of a single power supply cycle.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is further configured to be such that... The effect of the sensor's output value during either the heating or cooling phase of a single power supply cycle on the derivation of the standard deviation or variance is reduced to zero or lessened.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is further configured to be such that... The temperature of the load during either or both of the heating and cooling periods in a single power supply cycle is not obtained.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is further configured to be such that... The single power supply cycle is divided into multiple stages, including a first stage and a second stage that is later in time than the first stage. The occurrence of depletion or insufficiency is determined based on the standard deviation or variance derived from the output values ​​of the sensors in the second stage only.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is further configured to be such that... The single power supply cycle is divided into multiple stages, including a first stage and a second stage that is later in time than the first stage. The effect of the sensor output value in the first stage on the derivation of the standard deviation or variance is less than the effect of the sensor output value in the second stage on the derivation of the standard deviation or variance.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The first stage is shorter than the second stage.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is further configured to be such that... The occurrence of depletion or insufficiency is determined based on the standard deviation or variance derived from at least a portion of the sensor's output values ​​after the sensor's output values ​​have reached a stable state within a single power supply cycle.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The control unit is further configured to be such that... The single power supply cycle is divided into multiple stages, including a first stage and a second stage that is later in time than the first stage. Based on at least one of the standard deviation or variance derived from the sensor's output value in the first stage, the sensor's output value, and the average value of the sensor's output value, it is determined whether the sensor's output value has reached a stable state.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The control unit is further configured to determine the occurrence of the depletion or the insufficiency based on the standard deviation or variance and the output value of the sensor or the average value of the sensor output values ​​in a single power supply cycle.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The control unit is further configured to detect the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency only if the output value of the sensor or the average value of the sensor's output value in a single power supply cycle is higher than the temperature at which the aerosol is generated from the aerosol source.

14. A method for operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: A storage section for storing an aerosol source or an aerosol substrate for holding the aerosol source; A load that atomizes the aerosol source using heat generated by power supplied from a power source; A sensor that outputs a value associated with the temperature of the load; as well as Control Department The method includes: The control unit performs the power supply cycle steps by supplying power from the power source to the load according to the aerosol generation requirements; and The step of the control unit determining whether the aerosol source in the storage unit or the aerosol substrate has been depleted or insufficient based on the standard deviation or variance of the sensor's output value in a single power supply cycle, wherein a single power supply cycle corresponds to one suction in the aerosol generating device. The control unit divides a single power supply cycle into multiple stages, including a first stage and a second stage that is later in the time sequence than the first stage. The steps of the control unit deriving the standard deviation or variance, i.e., the first index, derived from the output value of the sensor in the first stage, and the standard deviation or variance, i.e., the second index, derived from the output value of the sensor in the second stage, are as follows: The step of the control unit determining the occurrence of depletion or insufficiency based on the difference between the second indicator and the first indicator.

15. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method described in claim 14.

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