Aerosol generating apparatus and control method thereof, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

This disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus and its control method, as well as a computer-readable recording medium. The aerosol generating apparatus includes: a housing having at least one light-transmitting window configured to allow external light to be transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating apparatus; a heating element comprising a plurality of nanoparticles configured to generate heat in response to light via surface plasmon resonance (SPR); a light source disposed within the housing and configured to emit light toward the heating element; a sensor configured to detect the temperature of the heating element or the amount of external light transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating apparatus via the at least one light-transmitting window; and a processor configured to: adjust the amount of light received by the heating element by controlling the light source based on the detected temperature of the heating element or the detected amount of external light transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more embodiments of this disclosure relate to an aerosol generating apparatus and a method for controlling the aerosol generating apparatus, and more specifically to an aerosol generating apparatus for generating aerosols by means of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using an external light source and an internal light source to heat an aerosol generating substance, and a method for controlling the aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the drawbacks of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing need for aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols by heating aerosol-generating substances in cigarettes or cartridges instead of burning the cigarettes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] Among the various methods for generating aerosols, a method has recently been proposed that uses light from a light source to generate aerosols.

[0005] Aerosol generating devices that use light emitted from a light source can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol generating material using, for example, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology.

[0006] SPR technology is a method of heating metals by the vibration of metal nanoparticles. Specifically, free electrons in the metal nanoparticles vibrate together due to external stimuli (e.g., incident light), and thus, the free electrons are polarized and the metal is heated.

[0007] In general, aerosol generating devices using existing SPR technology can heat the aerosol generating material by using light emitted from an internal light source of the aerosol generating device or by focusing an external light source of the aerosol generating device.

[0008] However, when using an internal light source to heat the aerosol-generating material, more electricity is consumed compared to using an external light source, thus shortening the operating time of the aerosol generating device.

[0009] Furthermore, when an external light source is used to heat the aerosol-generating material, the heating performance varies depending on the incident position of the external light, the angle of the external light, or the surrounding environment. Therefore, the aerosol generation performance is inconsistent.

[0010] The technical problems addressed in this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems from the various embodiments described below.

[0011] Technical solutions to solve technical problems

[0012] To overcome the above limitations, one or more embodiments of this disclosure provide an aerosol generating apparatus capable of improving aerosol generation efficiency with low power consumption. The aerosol generating apparatus can use both an external light source and an internal light source, and the apparatus can compensate for insufficient light received by the metal nanoparticles by driving the internal light source according to changes in the external light source.

[0013] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus includes: a housing including at least one light-transmitting window configured to allow external light to be transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating apparatus; a heating element including a plurality of nanoparticles configured to generate heat in response to light via surface plasmon resonance (SPR); a light source disposed within the housing and configured to emit light toward the heating element; a sensor configured to detect the temperature of the heating element or the amount of external light transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating apparatus via the at least one light-transmitting window; and a processor configured to: adjust the amount of light received by the heating element by controlling the light source based on the detected temperature of the heating element or the detected amount of external light transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0014] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus includes: detecting the temperature of a heating element or detecting the amount of external light transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the heating element is configured to generate heat in response to light via surface plasmon resonance (SPR); and supplementing the amount of light received by the heating element by controlling a light source disposed inside the aerosol generating apparatus based on the detected temperature of the heating element or the detected amount of external light.

[0015] Beneficial technical effects

[0016] According to one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device can compensate for insufficient light received by the metal nanoparticles by controlling the operation of the internal light source. Therefore, the aerosol generating device can provide the user with a uniform amount of aerosol, regardless of the amount of external light transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating device.

[0017] Furthermore, aerosol generating devices can produce aerosols using both external and internal light sources. Therefore, compared to devices that use only an internal light source to generate aerosols, aerosol generating devices can provide users with sufficient atomization volume using lower power.

[0018] However, the effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand from this specification and the accompanying drawings the effects not mentioned. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the covering component of the aerosol generating device moving from the first position to the second position.

[0021] Figure 3A This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3B This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4A This is a diagram of the heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4B This is a diagram of the heating element of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the components of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6 This is an illustration for explaining the electronic circuitry of a sensor included in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 It is a graph showing the operation of compensating for insufficient light received by the heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Regarding the terminology used to describe various embodiments, generally used terms are selected in consideration of the function of the structural elements in the various embodiments of this disclosure. However, the meanings of these terms may change depending on intent, judicial precedent, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, less commonly used terms may be selected. In such cases, the meaning of the term will be described in detail in the corresponding part of the description of this disclosure. Therefore, the terminology used in the various embodiments of this disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of these terms and the description provided herein.

[0032] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms “comprising” and its variations, such as “including” and “including,” will be understood to mean that the stated element is included but not excluding any other element. Additionally, the terms “device,” “component,” and “module” described in this application refer to a unit for performing at least one function and / or operation, and such unit is implemented by hardware components, software components, or combinations thereof.

[0033] In the following description, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0034] The terms "implementation" or "various embodiments" described in this application are used to clearly illustrate the invention. Therefore, the various embodiments should not be construed as mutually exclusive. For example, within the scope of this application, the elements described with respect to the embodiments can be implemented and applied in many different forms.

[0035] Furthermore, the terminology used in this application is for describing the various embodiments and is not intended to limit the embodiments. In this application, unless specifically stated in the phrase, the singular form also includes the plural form.

[0036] As used in this article, expressions such as "at least one of..." modify the entire list of elements when placed after the list of elements, without modifying the individual elements in the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be understood as: including only a, including only b, including only c, including both a and b, including both a and c, including both b and c, or including all of a, b, and c.

[0037] Throughout the application, the “length direction” of a component can be the direction in which the component extends along its longitudinal axis, and in this case, the longitudinal axis of the component can represent the direction in which the component extends further along another axis direction that intersects the longitudinal direction.

[0038] In the following, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the covering component of the aerosol generating device moving from the first position to the second position.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating apparatus 10 includes: a housing 100 that allows external light to be transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating apparatus 10; a light source 200 disposed inside the housing 100 and emitting light; and a heating element 300 that generates heat by receiving external light and / or light emitted from the light source 200 and heats the aerosol generating substance by using the generated heat.

[0041] The housing 100 may form the exterior of the aerosol generating device 10 and may include at least one light-transmitting window 110 (or “transmission window”) for transmitting external light from the aerosol generating device 10 into the interior of the housing 100.

[0042] In one embodiment, the at least one light-transmitting window 110 may be formed on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 100, and may allow sunlight and visible rays emitted to the aerosol generating device 10, or light emitted from an external light source, to be transmitted into the interior space of the housing 100. At least a portion of the external light transmitted into the interior space of the housing 100 via the at least one light-transmitting window 110 may reach the heating element 300 and may generate heat in the heating element 300. A detailed description thereof is provided below.

[0043] For example, one or more light-transmitting windows 110 may be arranged at predetermined intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 100, but the arrangement of the light-transmitting windows 110 is not limited to this.

[0044] In another embodiment, the at least one light-transmitting window 110 may include a lens unit 111, which can concentrate external light transmitted into the interior of the housing 100. For example, the lens unit 111 may include a convex lens and can concentrate external light onto a heating unit 300 disposed in the interior space of the housing 100.

[0045] Inside the housing 100, components for heating the aerosol-generating material (e.g., light source 200 and / or heating element 300) and components for operating the aerosol-generating device 10 (e.g., processor, memory, battery, etc.) may be arranged.

[0046] For example, the processor can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10, the memory can store the data required to operate the aerosol generating device 10, and the battery can supply power to the various components of the aerosol generating device 10. These components will be described in detail below.

[0047] The light source 200 (or "internal light source") may be arranged in the internal space of the housing 100 and may emit light when powered. The light source 200 may emit light toward the heating element 300, and the heating element 300 may be heated by receiving light from the light source 200.

[0048] The light from the light source 200 can be, for example, light with a wavelength (λ) in the range of about 380 nm to about 780 nm or from about 400 nm to about 750 nm.

[0049] For example, light source 200 may be at least one of arc lamp, halogen lamp, metal halide lamp, mercury lamp, fluorescent lamp, laser, and light-emitting diode (LED). However, light source 200 is not limited to this.

[0050] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Only one embodiment is shown, in which two light sources 200 are arranged in the interior space of the housing 100. However, the number of light sources 200 arranged in the interior space of the housing 100 is not limited to the embodiment shown. In another embodiment, one light source 200 or at least three light sources 200 may be arranged in the interior space of the housing 100.

[0051] The heating element 300 can be arranged in the interior space of the housing 100, and can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol generating material by using external light transmitted into and / or focused in the interior space of the housing 100.

[0052] For example, heating element 300 can generate aerosols by heating aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material can be arranged within heating element 300, or the aerosol-generating material can be arranged such that at least some portions of the aerosol-generating material are surrounded by heating element 300. A detailed description is provided below.

[0053] The heating element 300 may include metal nanoparticles that generate heat by receiving light via surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and the heating element 300 may heat the aerosol-generating material via SPR. For example, the metal nanoparticles may be arranged on at least one surface of the heating element 300 and may generate heat by incident light, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0054] When the diameter of metal particles is between 1 nanometer (nm) and 100 nanometer (nm), surface plasmon resonance (SPR) can occur due to the behavior of the free electrons in the metal. The term "surface plasmon resonance" refers to the phenomenon that when light is incident on the surface of a metal nanoparticle that acts as a conductor, the free electrons on the metal surface vibrate together due to resonance with the electromagnetic field of a specific light energy.

[0055] When external light from outside the aerosol generating device 10 is transmitted to or focused on the heating element 300, or when light from the light source 200 is incident on the heating element 300, the free electrons of the metal nanoparticles on the surface of the heating element 300 can vibrate together via SPR.

[0056] Therefore, the free electrons of the metal nanoparticles in the heating element 300 can be polarized, and the metal nanoparticles in the heating element 300 can be heated. Since the surface temperature of the heating element 300 can increase when the metal nanoparticles on the surface of the heating element 300 are heated, the heating element 300 can be used as a heater or atomizer for generating aerosols by heating aerosol-generating substances.

[0057] In another embodiment, the heating element 300 may include various types of metal nanoparticles that vibrate and heat upon contact with light of different wavelengths. For example, the heating element 300 may include: a first metal nanoparticle that can vibrate and heat upon contact with light of a first wavelength; and a second metal nanoparticle that can vibrate and heat upon contact with light of a second wavelength.

[0058] The aerosol generated inside the housing 100 by the heating element 300 can be transmitted via a structure formed along the length of the housing 100 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 through the discharge path 100e at the end of the aerosol (in the +z direction). In this application, the term "length direction of the housing" can mean approximately parallel to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The direction of the z-axis.

[0059] The user can touch the end of the housing 100 with their mouth and inhale the aerosol discharged via the discharge path 100e. In this case, the end of the housing 100 that touches the user's mouth can be used as a mouthpiece, and the end of the housing 100 can have at least a portion of the end curved to facilitate contact with the user's mouth. However, one or more embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0060] The aerosol generating apparatus 10 may include a cover member 120 movably coupled to the housing 100 and surrounding at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 100. The aerosol generating apparatus 10 may also include a motion detection sensor 121 capable of detecting movement of the cover member 120.

[0061] The covering member 120 can move along the length of the housing 100. When the covering member 120 moves along the length of the housing 100, the at least one light-transmitting window 110 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 100 can be covered by the covering member 120 or exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the covering member 120 is in the first position P1 relative to the housing 100, the at least one light-transmitting window 110 can be covered by the covering member 120 and is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. Therefore, the covering member 120 can prevent external light from being transmitted into the internal space of the housing 100.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, conversely, when the covering member 120 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the at least one light-transmitting window 110 can be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. Therefore, external light from the aerosol generating device 10 can be transmitted into the internal space of the housing 100 and can be received by the heating element 300.

[0064] In other words, in the aerosol generating device 10, when the covering member 120 is in the first position P1, the at least one light-transmitting window 110 can be covered by the covering member 120, or when the covering member 120 is in the second position P2, the at least one light-transmitting window 110 can be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0065] The motion detection sensor 121 can detect the movement of the cover member 120 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 or from the second position P2 to the first position P1. For example, the motion detection sensor 121 can be a Hall effect sensor, but the type of motion detection sensor 121 that can detect the movement of the cover member 120 is not limited to the above examples.

[0066] Information about the movement of the cover member 120 detected by the motion detection sensor 121 can be transmitted to a processor, and the processor can control the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 based on this information from the motion detection sensor 121. A detailed description is provided below.

[0067] In one embodiment, the motion detection sensor 121 may be positioned in the movement path of the cover member 120 on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 100, but the position is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the motion detection sensor 121 may be arranged in the interior space of the housing 100, or the motion detection sensor 121 may be arranged in at least a portion of the cover member 120 facing the housing 100.

[0068] Figure 3A This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 3B This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. Figure 3A and Figure 3B This shows the cover member 120 in the second position (e.g., Figure 2 The cross section is obtained by cutting the aerosol generating device 10 along the longitudinal direction in the state of the second position P2).

[0069] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B The aerosol generating device 10 may include a housing 100, at least one light-transmitting window 110, a covering member 120, a motion detection sensor 121, a light source 200, a heating element 300, a sensor 310, a processor 410, a memory 420, and a battery 430.

[0070] Some components of the aerosol generating device 10 have been referenced above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The description has been provided, and the description already provided will not be repeated.

[0071] The heating element 300 can be arranged within the interior space of the housing 100 and may include metal nanoparticles that generate heat by receiving light via SPR. When heat is generated in the metal nanoparticles of the heating element via SPR, the temperature of the heating element 300 can also increase, and therefore the heating element 300 can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating material. The process of aerosol generation is described in detail below.

[0072] When the covering member 120 is in the second position P2, the heating element 300 can receive external light, which is transmitted into the interior space of the housing 100 through the at least one light-transmitting window 110 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 100. Therefore, the heating element 300 can generate heat by receiving the external light and can heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0073] In one embodiment, the at least one light-transmitting window 110 may include a lens unit 111, which can focus light incident on the at least one light-transmitting window 110 onto the heating element 300. Therefore, the amount of external light received by the heating element 300 can be increased, and thus, the atomization performance of the heating element 300 can be improved.

[0074] The heating element 300 can receive light from the light source 200 disposed in the internal space of the housing 100, as well as external light. The heating element 300 can heat the aerosol-generating substance by generating heat from the light from the light source 200.

[0075] In the implementation method, refer to Figure 3A The light source 200 can be spaced apart from the heating element 300 by a certain distance, and light from the light source 200 can be reflected by the reflector 210 adjacent to the light source 200 and can be incident on the heating element 300. For example, the reflector 210 can be arranged at an angle relative to the length direction of the heating element 300, such that light from the light source 200 is incident on the reflective surface of the reflector 210 and then travels toward the heating element 300. However, one or more embodiments are not limited to this.

[0076] In another embodiment, refer to Figure 3B The light source 200 can be arranged in an area adjacent to the heating element 300, and therefore, light from the light source 200 can directly incident on the heating element 300 without the need for a separate reflector (e.g., Figure 3A The reflector 210 reflects the image.

[0077] The aerosol generating device 10 can generate aerosols using a heating element 300, the temperature of which is increased by external light and / or internal light via SPR. External light can be transmitted into the interior space of the housing 100 through the at least one light-transmitting window 110, and internal light can be received from the light source 200. The generated aerosols can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 via an exhaust path 100e, which provides fluid communication between the interior space of the housing 100 and the outside of the aerosol generating device 10, so that the aerosols can be provided to the user.

[0078] In other words, the aerosol generating device 10 can heat the aerosol generating substance using a light source 200 arranged inside the housing 100 and external light received from the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. Thus, compared to heating the aerosol generating substance using only light from the light source 200, the aerosol generating device 10 can provide aerosols to the user using less electricity.

[0079] The sensor 310 can measure the amount of external light transmitted from the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 through the at least one light-transmitting window 110 toward the heating element 300 inside the housing 100, and / or measure the temperature of the heating element 300.

[0080] For example, sensor 310 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of heating element 300; and a light intensity measurement sensor for measuring the amount of external light. However, one or more embodiments are not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the light intensity measurement sensor may measure the amount of external light incident on the at least one light-transmitting window 110, or the amount of external light incident on heating element 300.

[0081] In an embodiment, sensor 310 may be electrically connected to processor 410 or operatively connected to processor 410, and may transmit or send to processor 410 information relating to the amount of external light detected from outside the aerosol generating apparatus 100 incident on the heating element 300 and / or information relating to the temperature of the heating element 300.

[0082] In this application, the term "operationally connected" can refer to a state in which components are connected to each other to exchange signals via wired or wireless communication. For example, optical signals and / or magnetic signals can be exchanged between components that are operably connected to each other.

[0083] The processor 410, memory 420 and battery 430 can be arranged in the internal space of the housing 100 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0084] The processor 410 is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. In one embodiment, the processor 410 may be electrically connected to the light source 200 or operatively connected to the light source 200 and may turn the light source 200 on or off.

[0085] In another embodiment, the processor 410 may be electrically connected to the sensor 310 and / or the motion detection sensor 121, or operatively connected to the sensor 310 and / or the motion detection sensor 121. The processor 410 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 based on information from the sensor 310 and / or the motion detection sensor 121.

[0086] For example, the processor 410 can control the light emitted from the light source 200 onto the heating element 300 by controlling the power state of the light source 200 and the amount of light from the light source 200 based on information from the sensor 310 and / or the motion detection sensor 121.

[0087] According to an implementation, processor 410 may include a plurality of processors 410. Processors 410 may be implemented using an array of logic gates. Processors 410 may be implemented using a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor 410 and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor 410. Alternatively, processor 410 may be implemented using another type of hardware.

[0088] The memory 420 may be electrically connected to the processor 410, and data for operating the aerosol generating apparatus 10 may be stored in the memory 420. For example, the memory 420 may store data relating to temperature profiles of the heating element for improving atomization performance and / or light profiles relating to the amount of light received by the heating element 300. In an embodiment, the processor 410 may control the operation of the light source 200 based on the data stored in the memory 420, and a detailed description thereof is provided below.

[0089] Battery 430 can provide power for operating the aerosol generating apparatus 10. Battery 430 can be electrically connected to and supply power to the light source 200. Furthermore, battery 430 can supply power required for the operation of other hardware components included in the aerosol generating apparatus 10. Battery 430 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 430 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] Figure 4A This is a diagram of the heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment. Figure 4B This is a diagram of the heating element of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0091] Figure 4A and Figure 4B It shows the applicability Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B The heating element 300 of the aerosol generating device 10 is omitted from repeated description.

[0092] Reference Figure 4A The heating element 300 of the aerosol generating device can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol generating substance 20 included in the heating element 300.

[0093] In one embodiment, the heating element 300 may be hollow, and the aerosol generating substance 20 may be included within the internal space of the heating element 300. For example, the aerosol generating substance 20, which may be in a solid or liquid state, may be arranged within the internal space of the heating element 300.

[0094] Aerosol-generating substance 20 may include at least one of nicotine, propylene glycol (PG), and glycerin, or a mixture thereof. Nicotine may be nicotine contained in tobacco substances obtained by molding or reconstructing tobacco leaves. Furthermore, nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic. For example, nicotine may include free nicotine, nicotine salts, or any combination thereof.

[0095] Aerosol generating substance 20 may include nicotine or nicotine salts. Nicotine salts may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. Nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total weight of aerosol generating substance 20.

[0096] The acid used to form nicotine salts can be appropriately selected considering factors such as the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device, aroma or flavor, and solubility. For example, the acid used to form nicotine salts can be a single acid selected from the group consisting of, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from that group: benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, decanoic acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, sucralose, malonic acid, or malic acid, but is not limited thereto.

[0097] Propylene glycol and glycerol, included in aerosol generating material 20, are aerosol forming substances. When propylene glycol and glycerol are atomized, aerosols can be generated. For example, aerosol generating material 20 may include a solution of glycerol and propylene glycol with added nicotine, and the weight ratio between glycerol and propylene glycol may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0098] Furthermore, the aerosol-generating substance 20 may include any one or a mixture of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, and vitamins. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, and various fruity flavorings.

[0099] Flavoring agents may include ingredients capable of providing users with a variety of fragrances or flavors. Vitamin mixtures may be, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E.

[0100] External light incident on the heating element 300 from outside the aerosol generating device or from a light source (e.g., Figure 3A or Figure 3B When the light emitted by the light source 200 is received by the heating element 300, the temperature of the heating element 300 can be increased according to the SPR.

[0101] Therefore, the aerosol generating material 20 arranged in the internal space of the heating element 300 can be heated and atomized by the heating element 300. Thus, aerosols can be generated in the internal space of the heating element 300. The aerosols generated in the internal space of the heating element 300 can be discharged to the outside of the heating element 300 through the mesh portion 300m formed in at least one region of the heating element 300, and the discharged aerosols can be discharged via a discharge path (e.g., Figure 3A or Figure 3B The discharge path 100e) is provided to the user.

[0102] The mesh portion 300m can be formed, for example, at the end portion of the heating element 300 adjacent to the discharge path, but the location of the mesh portion 300m is not limited thereto. For example, the mesh portion 300m can be formed on the side surface of the heating element 300.

[0103] In one embodiment, the heating element 300, which includes the aerosol generating substance 20, can be detachably connected to the housing 100 of the aerosol generating device, so that the user can replace the heating element 300 when the aerosol generating substance 20 inside the heating element 300 is depleted.

[0104] Reference Figure 4B The aerosol generating substance 20 can be a separate consumable that can be inserted into the heating element 300 and heated to generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol generating substance 20 can be provided in the form of a cigarette (i.e., a cigarette-type aerosol generating substance), but is not limited thereto.

[0105] In one embodiment, the heating element 300 may include an insertion hole 300i for accommodating at least a portion of the aerosol generating substance 20, and at least a portion of the aerosol generating substance 20 inserted into the insertion hole 300i may be surrounded by the heating element 300.

[0106] When external light incident on the heating element 300 from outside the aerosol generating device or light emitted from a light source is received by the heating element 300, the temperature of the heating element 300 can increase according to the SPR.

[0107] Therefore, the aerosol generating substance 20 can be heated by the heating element 300 to generate an aerosol. The generated aerosol can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device via the discharge path, and the user can inhale the discharged aerosol.

[0108] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the components of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 6This is an illustration for explaining the electronic circuitry of a sensor included in an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0109] Reference Figure 5 The aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment may include a motion detection sensor 121, a light source 200, a sensor 310, a processor 410, and a memory 420. Some components of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 have been referenced. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B It has been described, and therefore its repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0110] The processor 410 may be electrically connected to or operatively connected to the light source 200, which supplies heat to the heating element (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 The heating element 300 emits light, and the processor 410 can control the operation of the light source 200. For example, the processor 410 can turn the light source 200 on and off, or control the amount of light emitted from the light source 200.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the processor 410 may be electrically connected to the sensor 310 and may control the operation of the light source 200 based on information from the sensor 310. For example, the sensor 310 may detect the temperature of the heating element and / or detect the amount of external light incident on the heating element from outside the aerosol generating apparatus. The processor 410 may receive information from the sensor 310 regarding the temperature of the heating element and / or the amount of external light, and control the operation of the light source 200 based on this information.

[0112] According to one embodiment, sensor 310 may include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating element. For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to at least a portion of the heating element and directly measure the temperature of the heating element. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be separate from the heating element and indirectly measure the temperature of the heating element. However, the temperature sensor is not limited to these embodiments.

[0113] Reference Figure 6 In another embodiment, the sensor 310 may include a measuring unit 311 in contact with at least a portion of the heating element 300, and electronic circuitry 312 electrically connected to the measuring unit 311 and the processor 410. Electronic circuitry 312 may include at least one fixed resistor R0.

[0114] The measuring unit 311 may contact at least a portion of the heating element 300 whose temperature increases due to external light or light emitted from the light source 200. The resistance of the measuring unit 311 may also change when the temperature of the heating element 300 changes.

[0115] Since the measuring unit 311 is in contact with at least a portion of the heating element 300, the measuring unit 311 may include a material with thermal contact resistance (TCR) characteristics to prevent the measuring unit 311 from being damaged by the increase in temperature of the heating element 300. For example, the measuring unit 311 may include at least one of stainless steel (SUS), platinum, and titanium, but the material of the measuring unit 311 is not limited to these.

[0116] Electronic circuit 312 may include at least one fixed resistor R0, and the at least one fixed resistor R0 may be electrically connected to measuring unit 311 via terminals (e.g., a first terminal T0 and a second terminal T1). For example, the first terminal T0 may be arranged between one end of the fixed resistor R0 and one end of the measuring unit 311, and the second terminal T1 may be arranged between the other end of the fixed resistor R0 and the other end of the measuring unit 311. Therefore, measuring unit 311 may be electrically connected to fixed resistor R0. According to an embodiment, fixed resistor R0 may not be directly connected to the terminals, and other electronic components may be arranged between fixed resistor R0 and the terminals.

[0117] The processor 410 can detect the resistance change of the measuring unit 311 according to the temperature change of the heating element 300 based on the voltage between the two ends of the fixed resistor R0, and can detect the temperature of the heating element 300 based on the detected resistance change of the measuring unit 311. The aerosol generating device 10 can accurately measure the temperature of the heating element 300 while minimizing the power consumption of the battery 430 by using the measuring unit 311 and the electronic circuit 312, without the need for a separate sensor.

[0118] In this case, the resistance value of the fixed resistor R0 used to detect the resistance change of the measuring unit 311 can be less than or equal to about 5Ω. Preferably, the resistance value of the fixed resistor R0 can be in the range of about 4.5Ω to about 5Ω, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] According to the implementation, the processor 410 can control the operation of the light source 200 based on the temperature of the heating element 300 detected by the temperature sensor and / or the measuring unit 311 and the electronic circuit 312, and thus can adjust or supplement the amount of light received by the heating element 300.

[0120] The amount of light incident on the heating element 300 from outside the aerosol generating device 10 may decrease due to changes in the surrounding environment (e.g., weather). In this case, the temperature of the heating element 300 may not increase to the desired temperature. Therefore, the atomization performance of the heating element 300 may be reduced, or the aerosol may not be generated by external light alone.

[0121] In this regard, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can compare the measured temperature of the heating element 300 with a specified temperature profile. If the temperature of the heating element 300 does not reach the specified temperature of the temperature profile at a certain time, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 can compensate for the insufficient light received by the heating element by activating the light source 200 or increasing the amount of light emitted from the light source 200. Therefore, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 can maintain uniform atomization performance regardless of changes in the surrounding environment.

[0122] For example, the processor 410 of the aerosol generating device 10 can control the operation of the light source 200 by comparing specified temperature curve data stored in the memory 420 with the temperature of the heating element 300 measured by the sensor 310, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto. As another example, the processor 410 can compare specified temperature curve data stored in the processor 410's memory with the measured temperature of the heating element 300, and can control the operation of the light source 200 based on the comparison result.

[0123] In this application, the term "specified temperature curve" refers to data associated with the temperature of the heating element 300 per unit time to ensure sufficient atomization and improve aerosol generation efficiency.

[0124] According to another embodiment, sensor 310 may include a light quantity measurement sensor for measuring the amount of light incident on heating element 300. For example, the light quantity measurement sensor may include at least one of a light sensor and an illuminance sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0125] In an embodiment, the light intensity measurement sensor can measure light intensity from the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 through at least one light-transmitting window (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 The amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 through at least one light-transmitting window 110 is measured.

[0126] The processor 410 can adjust or supplement the amount of light received by the heating element 300 by controlling the operation of the light source 200 based on the amount of external light measured by the light quantity measurement sensor. Therefore, the atomization performance of the aerosol generating device 10 can be maintained uniformly, even if the amount of external light received by the heating element 300 changes.

[0127] For example, processor 410 can compare specified light curve data stored in memory 420 with the amount of external light received by heating element 300, as measured by sensor 310. Processor 410 can then control the operation of light source 200 based on the comparison result. However, one or more embodiments are not limited to this. As another example, processor 410 can compare specified light curve data stored in processor 410's memory with the measured amount of external light received by heating element 300. Processor 410 can then control the operation of light source 200.

[0128] In this application, the term "light curve" can refer to data about the amount of light that must be received by the heating element 300 per unit time to ensure sufficient atomization and increase aerosol generation efficiency.

[0129] According to an implementation, the processor 410 may be based on a cover component (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 The movement of the covering component 120 controls the power supply to the aerosol generating device 10.

[0130] The processor 410 can be electrically connected to a motion detection sensor 121 that can detect the movement of the cover member, so that the processor 410 can receive information about the movement of the cover member from the motion detection sensor 121.

[0131] For example, when the covering member is in a first position relative to the housing of the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., Figure 2 When in the first position P1), at least one light-transmitting window can be covered by a covering member, thus preventing external light from incident on the heating element 300 or reaching the interior of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0132] As another example, when the covering member moves from the first position to the second position (e.g., Figure 2 In the second position P2), at least one light-transmitting window can be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. Therefore, external light can be incident on the heating element 300, and the temperature of the heating element 300 can increase.

[0133] Therefore, when the motion detection sensor 121 detects movement of the covering member from the first position to the second position, the processor 410 can control the aerosol generating device 10 to be turned on. The statement "controlling the aerosol generating device 10 to be turned on" refers to the operation of initiating the aerosol generating process by supplying electricity to each component, particularly the heating element or the light source.

[0134] Conversely, when motion detection sensor 121 detects movement of the covering member from the second position to the first position, processor 410 can determine that external light supply to heating element 300 is blocked and can control aerosol generating device 10 to shut down. The statement "controlling aerosol generating device 10 to shut down" refers to the operation of terminating the aerosol generating process by stopping the supply of power to each component, particularly the heating element or light source.

[0135] Therefore, the user convenience of the aerosol generating device 10 can be improved because the power of the aerosol generating device 10 is controlled based on the movement of the covering member, without the need for separate power operation by the user.

[0136] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0137] Figure 7 It shows the Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and / or Figure 5 The operation of the aerosol generating device 10 is controlled as follows. (Refer to the following...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and / or Figure 5 This describes the operation of controlling the aerosol generating device.

[0138] Reference Figure 7 In operation 701, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can detect the temperature of the heating element 300 or the amount of external light transmitted into the aerosol generating apparatus 10 by using the sensor 310.

[0139] For example, sensor 310 can be achieved by using a measuring unit that is in contact with at least a portion of heating element 300 (e.g., Figure 6 The measuring unit 311) and the electronic circuit including the fixed resistor (e.g., Figure 6 The temperature of the heating element 300 is detected in real time by electronic circuit 312. Alternatively, the temperature of the heating element 300 can be detected by sensor 310 using a temperature sensor.

[0140] As another example, sensor 310 can use a light intensity measurement sensor to detect the amount of external light transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating apparatus 10. For example, the light intensity measurement sensor can measure the amount of light incident on the at least one light-transmitting window 110 or the amount of light incident on the heating element 300.

[0141] In operation 702, the processor 410 of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can control the operation of the light source 200 based on the temperature of the heating element 300 or the amount of external light detected in operation 701.

[0142] In this implementation, the processor 410 can compare the temperature of the heating element 300 detected in operation 701 with a specified temperature curve. When the temperature of the heating element 300 is lower than a specified temperature of the specified temperature curve at a certain time, the processor 410 can adjust or supplement the amount of light received by the heating element 300 by controlling the light source 200 to turn on or increasing the amount of light emitted from the light source 200, so that the temperature of the heating element 300 increases to the specified temperature.

[0143] In operation 702, for example, processor 410 can calculate the difference between a specified temperature of a specified temperature curve and the detected temperature of heating element 300, and can control the operation of light source 200 to increase the temperature of heating element 300 by the calculated difference.

[0144] In another example, processor 410 can compare a specified light curve with the amount of external light detected in operation 701. If the amount of external light detected at a certain time is less than a specified amount of the specified light curve, processor 410 can adjust or supplement the amount of light received by heating element 300 by controlling light source 200 to turn on or increasing the amount of light emitted from light source 200.

[0145] In operation 702, for example, processor 410 can calculate the difference between a specified amount of a specified light curve and the amount of detected external light, and can control the operation of light source 200 to increase the amount of light received by heating element 300 by the calculated difference.

[0146] In other words, the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment can maintain the temperature of the heating element 300 in an optimal manner by performing operations 701 and 702, regardless of changes in the surrounding environment (e.g., weather), and thus provide the user with a uniform smoking experience.

[0147] Furthermore, since the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can increase the temperature of the heating element 300 by using both external light and light from the light source 200 arranged inside the aerosol generating apparatus 10, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 can provide aerosol to the user with less power compared to using only the light source 200.

[0148] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The operation of adjusting or supplementing the amount of light received by the heating element 300 of the aerosol generating device 10 is described in more detail.

[0149] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 9 It is a graph showing the operation of compensating for insufficient light received by the heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0150] Figure 8 It shows the Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and / or Figure 5 The operation of the aerosol generating device 10 is controlled, and in the following text, by referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and / or Figure 5 The components of the aerosol generating device 10 are described, along with the operation of controlling the aerosol generating device.

[0151] Reference Figure 8 In operation 801, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can determine whether the covering member 120 is in a first position (e.g., Figure 2 Move from the first position P1 to the second position (e.g.) Figure 2 The second position P2) is detected. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can detect the movement of the covering member 120 from the first position to the second position by using the motion detection sensor 121.

[0152] When the covering member 120 is in the first position relative to the housing 100, at least one light-transmitting window 110 that transmits external light into the interior of the housing 100 can be covered by the covering member 120. Therefore, due to the covering member 120, external light may not be provided to the heating element 300.

[0153] Conversely, when the covering member 120 is in the second position relative to the housing 100, the at least one light-transmitting window 110 can be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. Therefore, external light can be incident on the heating element 300 through the at least one light-transmitting window 110, and the temperature of the heating element 300 can be increased.

[0154] In operation 802, if movement of the covering member 120 from the first position to the second position is detected in operation 801, the processor 410 of the aerosol generating device 10 can control the aerosol generating device 10 to open.

[0155] Conversely, in operation 801, when it is determined that the cover member 120 is in the first position because no movement of the cover member 120 from the first position to the second position is detected, the processor 410 can determine that the heating of the aerosol generating substance is not yet ready, and can execute operation 801 again.

[0156] In operation 803, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can use sensor 310 to detect the temperature of heating element 300 or the amount of external light incident on the interior of aerosol generating apparatus 10 through at least one light-transmitting window 110.

[0157] For example, sensor 310 can be achieved by using a measuring unit that is in contact with at least some portions of heating element 300 (e.g., Figure 6 The measuring unit 311) and the electronic circuit including the fixed resistor (e.g., Figure 6 The temperature of the heating element 300 can be detected in real time by electronic circuit 312. Alternatively, the temperature of the heating element 300 can be detected by sensor 310 using a temperature sensor.

[0158] As another example, sensor 310 can use a light quantity measurement sensor to detect the amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 located inside the aerosol generating device 10.

[0159] In operation 804, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can determine whether the temperature of the heating element 300 detected in operation 803 corresponds to a specified temperature profile. As another example, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 can determine whether the amount of external light incident on the heating element 300, as detected in operation 803, corresponds to a specified light profile.

[0160] For example, the processor 410 of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 can determine whether the detected temperature of the heating element 300 corresponds to a specified temperature of a temperature curve stored in the memory 420. As another example, the processor 410 can determine whether the amount of detected external light corresponds to a specified amount of a light curve stored in the memory 420.

[0161] The specified temperature and light profiles stored in memory 420 may include information about the optimal temperature and the optimal light intensity, respectively, to ensure sufficient atomization and increase aerosol generation efficiency. In operation 804, processor 410 may determine whether the temperature of heating element 300 at a given time is suitable for increasing aerosol generation efficiency or atomization.

[0162] In operation 804, when it is determined that the detected temperature of the heating element 300 does not correspond to a specified temperature and / or the detected amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 does not correspond to the light curve, the processor 410 can compensate for the insufficiency of light received by the heating element 300 by controlling the operation of the light source 200.

[0163] The processor 410 can compensate for insufficient light received by the heating element 300 by, for example, turning on the light source 200 or increasing the amount of light from the light source 200. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 10 can maintain the optimal temperature of the heating element 300 even if the amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 is reduced.

[0164] In an implementation, when the temperature of the heating element 300 detected at a certain time is lower than the temperature set for the corresponding time of a specified temperature curve, the processor 410 can compensate for the insufficient light received by the heating element 300 by increasing the amount of light emitted from the light source 200.

[0165] Reference Figure 9 The temperature curve data stored in the memory 420 shows that the temperature of the heating element 300 increases and reaches a first temperature T1 at a first time t1, the first temperature T1 is maintained until a second time t2, and then the temperature of the heating element 300 decreases and reaches a second temperature T2 at a third time t3.

[0166] In this case, the first time t1 can be approximately 32 seconds, the time interval between the first time t1 and the second time t2 can be approximately 20 seconds, and the time interval between the second time t2 and the third time t3 can be approximately 220 seconds, but the embodiments are not limited to these. Furthermore, the first temperature T1 can be approximately 285°C, and the second temperature T2 can be approximately 240°C, but the embodiments are not limited to these.

[0167] In an implementation, when the temperature of the heating element 300 detected during the first time t1 is lower than the temperature specified by the temperature curve for the first time t1 (e.g., the first temperature T1) by a first value ΔTd1, the processor 410 can control the operation of the light source 200 to allow the temperature of the heating element 300 to increase by the first value ΔTd1 and reach the specified temperature of the temperature curve.

[0168] For example, the processor 410 can calculate the difference between the specified temperature and the detected temperature of the heating element 300 at the first time t1, and can control the operation of the light source 200 to raise the temperature of the heating element 300 as the first value ΔTd1 of the calculated difference.

[0169] In another embodiment, when the temperature of the heating element 300 detected at the second time t2 is lower than the temperature specified for the second time t2 (e.g., the first temperature T1) by a second value ΔTd2, the processor 410 can control the operation of the light source 200 to raise the temperature of the heating element 300 by the second value ΔTd2, so that the temperature of the heating element 300 reaches the specified temperature.

[0170] For example, processor 410 can calculate the difference between a specified temperature of heating element 300 and a detected temperature at a second time t2, and can control the operation of light source 200 to raise the temperature of heating element 300 as a second value ΔTd2 of the calculated difference. Processor 410 can control light source 200 so that the amount of light increases as the difference between the specified temperature of the temperature curve and the detected temperature of heating element 300 increases.

[0171] For example, when the difference ΔTd1 between the specified temperature of the temperature curve at the first time t1 and the temperature of the heating element 300 is greater than the difference ΔTd2 between the specified temperature of the temperature curve at the second time t2 and the temperature of the heating element 300, the processor 410 can control the operation of the light source 200 so that the amount of light emitted from the light source 200 at the first time t1 is greater than the amount of light emitted from the light source 200 at the second time t2.

[0172] In another embodiment, similarly, the processor 410 can calculate the difference between a specified amount of light in the light profile and the amount of detected external light (e.g., external light incident on the heating element 300 or external light incident on at least one light-transmitting window 110), and can control the operation of the light source 200 to increase the amount of light received by the heating element 300 by the calculated difference. Repeated descriptions are omitted below.

[0173] In operation 806, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can detect whether the covering member 120 has moved from the second position to the first position. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 can detect the sliding movement of the covering member 120 by using a motion detection sensor 121.

[0174] When movement of the covering member 120 from the second position to the first position is detected in operation 806, the processor 410 can control the aerosol generating device 10 to shut down in operation 807.

[0175] For example, when the covering member 120 is in the first position, the at least one light-transmitting window 110 is covered by the covering member 120, and external light may not be able to reach the interior of the aerosol generating device 10 or the heating element 300. The processor 410 can determine that operation of the aerosol generating device 10 is not required and can control the aerosol generating device 10 to be turned off.

[0176] Conversely, if no movement of the covering member 120 to the first position is detected in operation 806, external light can be continuously transmitted to the heating element 300 through the at least one light-transmitting window 110, and thus the processor 410 can repeatedly execute operations 803 to 805.

[0177] Because the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment controls the power of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 based on the movement of the covering member 120 by performing the above-described operations 801 and 802 or operations 806 and 807, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented and user convenience can be improved.

[0178] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0179] Figure 10 It shows the Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and / or Figure 5 The operation of the aerosol generating device 10 is controlled, and as described below, by referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and / or Figure 5 The components of the aerosol generating device 10 are described, along with the operation of controlling the aerosol generating device.

[0180] Because the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment controls the operation of the light source 200 and / or sensor 310 based on the temperature of the heating element 300 and / or the amount of external light transmitted from the outside of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 to the inside of the aerosol generating apparatus 10, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented and the operating speed can be improved.

[0181] Reference Figure 10 In operation 1001, the processor 410 of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can determine whether the temperature of the heating element 300 detected by the sensor 310 or the amount of external light transmitted from the outside of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 to the heating element 300 is equal to or greater than a first value specified in the temperature curve or light curve.

[0182] In operation 1001, when the temperature of the heating element 300 is equal to or greater than a specified first value, or when the amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 is equal to or greater than a specified first value, the processor 410 can control the light source 200 to stop working.

[0183] When the temperature of the heating element 300 is equal to or greater than a specified temperature, or when the amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 is equal to or greater than a specified light amount, the temperature of the heating element 300 can be increased to the required temperature, so that the aerosol-generating material can be heated by external light alone, without the need for the light source 200 to operate. Therefore, when the temperature of the heating element 300 or the amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 is equal to or greater than a specified first value, in operation 1002, the processor 410 can stop the operation of the light source 200 to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

[0184] Here, the term "specified first value" can refer to the following value corresponding to the temperature of the heating element 300 or the amount of external light: at which a greater than specified amount of aerosol can be generated by using external light without requiring the light source 200. The first value can be changed according to the user's settings.

[0185] Conversely, in operation 1001, when it is determined that the temperature of the heating element 300 or the amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 is less than a specified first value, in operation 1003, the processor 410 may determine whether the initial temperature of the heating element 300 or the initial amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 is equal to or less than a specified second value.

[0186] In this application, the term "initial temperature of the heating element" can refer to the temperature of the heating element 300 after a specified time period (e.g., about 5 seconds to about 10 seconds) has elapsed after the aerosol generating device 10 has started operating.

[0187] Furthermore, in this application, the term "initial amount of external light" can refer to the amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 from outside the aerosol generating device 10 after a specified time period (e.g., about 5 seconds to about 10 seconds) has elapsed after the aerosol generating device 10 has started operating.

[0188] The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment in which the aerosol generating apparatus 10 performs operation 1001 and then operation 1003. However, according to the embodiment, operations 1001 and 1003 may be performed simultaneously, or operation 1003 may be performed before operation 1001.

[0189] When it is determined in operation 1003 that the initial temperature of the heating element 300 or the initial amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 is less than a specified second value, in operation 1004, the processor 410 may stop the operation of the sensor 310 and control the operation of the light source 200 so that the temperature of the heating element 300 corresponds to a specified temperature curve, or so that the amount of light incident on the heating element 300 corresponds to a specified light curve.

[0190] If the temperature of the heating element 300 fails to increase sufficiently by external light, or if the amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 is insufficient, the processor 410 may stop measuring the temperature of the heating element 300 or the amount of external light incident on the heating element 300 during operation 1004. Alternatively, the processor 410 may activate the light source 200 disposed inside the aerosol generating apparatus 10 such that the temperature of the heating element 300 corresponds to a specified temperature profile or that the amount of light incident on the heating element 300 corresponds to a specified light profile.

[0191] The aerosol generating device 10 can stop the operation of the sensor 310 and heat the aerosol generating material by increasing the temperature of the heating element 300 using the light source 200. Therefore, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced, and the operating speed of the processor 410 can be increased. Thus, the aerosol generating device 10 can reduce the user's smoking waiting time and increase the battery life of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0192] The above embodiments can also be implemented in the form of a recording medium, which includes computer-executable instructions, such as computer-executable program modules. A computer-readable recording medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer, and includes volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes all volatile and non-volatile, as well as removable and non-removable media, implemented by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0193] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail can be made to this embodiment without departing from the scope of the above features. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from a descriptive rather than restrictive perspective. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of equivalents of the appended claims should be interpreted as included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, wherein, The aerosol generating device includes: The housing includes at least one light-transmitting window, the at least one light-transmitting window being configured to allow external light to pass through into the interior of the aerosol generating device; A heating element comprising a plurality of nanoparticles configured to generate heat in response to light via surface plasmon resonance. A light source, which is arranged inside the housing and configured to emit light toward the heating element; The sensor includes a light quantity measurement sensor configured to: detect the amount of external light transmitted through the at least one light-transmitting window into the interior of the aerosol generating apparatus; and The processor is configured to control the light source based on the amount of external light detected and transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating device, thereby adjusting the amount of light received by the heating element.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The housing also includes a discharge path through which aerosols are discharged from the aerosol generating device.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The aerosol is generated by aerosol-generating substances contained inside the heating element, and A mesh portion is arranged in the heating element, such that the aerosol passes through the mesh portion from the interior of the heating element and is discharged to the discharge path.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor also includes a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the heating element.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The processor is configured to: Calculate the difference between the temperature of the specified temperature curve and the detected temperature of the heating element; and The calculated difference is obtained by controlling the light source to increase the temperature of the heating element.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The processor is configured to stop the operation of the light source when the detected temperature of the heating element is equal to or higher than a specified first temperature.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The processor is configured to: stop the operation of the sensor when the initial temperature of the heating element detected by the sensor is equal to or lower than a specified second temperature, and control the light source so that the temperature of the heating element corresponds to a specified temperature curve.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The aerosol generating device further includes a covering member connected to the housing, such that the covering member can move between a first position and a second position along the length of the housing. When the covering member is in the first position, the at least one light-transmitting window is covered by the covering member; when the covering member is in the second position, the at least one light-transmitting window is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The aerosol generating device further includes a motion detection sensor configured to detect the movement of the covering member. The processor is configured as follows: When movement of the covering member from the first position to the second position is detected, the aerosol generating device is turned on; and When movement of the covering member from the second position to the first position is detected, the aerosol generating device is turned off.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to: The difference between the amount of light on a specified light curve and the amount of external light detected and transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating device is calculated; and The light source is controlled to increase the amount of light received by the heating element by the calculated difference.

11. A method for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The method includes: The amount of external light transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating device is detected using a light intensity measurement sensor, wherein the heating element is configured to generate heat in response to light via surface plasmon resonance; and The amount of light received by the heating element is supplemented by controlling the light source arranged inside the aerosol generating device based on the amount of external light detected and transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating device.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Supplementing the amount of light received by the heating element includes: The difference between the amount of light on a specified light curve and the amount of external light detected and transmitted into the interior of the aerosol generating device is calculated; and The light source is controlled to increase the amount of light received by the heating element by the calculated difference.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, wherein, The computer-readable recording medium contains a program for implementing the method according to claim 11.

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