Method of performing self-diagnosis, aerosol-generating device, and readable recording medium

Abstract

A method of performing self-diagnosis by an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating device are provided, the method including determining whether to activate self-diagnosis for analyzing a failure of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device does not operate normally due to the failure, performing a function self-test by checking whether each function required for a normal heating operation of the aerosol generating device is functioning when the self-diagnosis is activated, determining a malfunctioning component of the aerosol generating device based on a result of the function self-test, determining a malfunctioning function of the malfunctioning component based on a failure log recorded in the aerosol generating device, determining a severity of the determined malfunctioning function, and outputting a final diagnosis result on the self-diagnosis based on the malfunctioning component, the malfunctioning function, and the severity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more embodiments relate to an aerosol generating apparatus and a method of operating the same, and more specifically to the self-diagnostic function of the aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been an increase in demand for alternatives to traditional combustible cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols by heating rather than burning aerosol-generating substances contained in aerosol-generating products (i.e., cigarettes). Therefore, research on aerosol-generating products and devices has been actively conducted. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] Because aerosol generating devices are electronic devices, their hardware modules or software may malfunction or become damaged. However, it is difficult for users to accurately identify the cause of the malfunction or damage and take appropriate measures.

[0005] Various embodiments provide an aerosol generating apparatus with self-diagnostic function and a method for operating the aerosol generating apparatus. The technical problem addressed in this disclosure is not limited to the above description; other technical problems can be derived from the embodiments described below.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] According to one or more embodiments, a method for performing self-diagnosis via an aerosol generating device includes: when the aerosol generating device is not operating normally due to a malfunction, determining whether to activate self-diagnosis for analyzing the malfunction of the aerosol generating device; when self-diagnosis is activated, performing a functional self-test by checking whether each function required for normal heating operation of the aerosol generating device is functioning; identifying the faulty component of the aerosol generating device based on the results of the functional self-test; determining the faulty function of the faulty component based on a fault log recorded in the aerosol generating device; determining the severity of the determined faulty function; and outputting a final diagnostic result regarding the self-diagnosis based on the faulty component, the faulty function, and the severity.

[0008] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0009] As described above, when the aerosol generator malfunctions and fails to operate normally, it can perform self-diagnosis and provide diagnostic results regarding the cause of the malfunction. Therefore, users can easily identify and resolve the malfunction. Furthermore, service centers can utilize the self-diagnostic results to accurately identify the cause of the malfunction and perform repairs on the aerosol generator. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the hardware components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figures 2A to 2E It shows Figure 1 Various examples of aerosol generating devices.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a view used to describe an aerosol generating apparatus that performs self-diagnosis according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart describing the process of activating self-diagnosis via an aerosol generating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the entire self-diagnostic process performed by the aerosol generating apparatus according to the example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 It is data representing the fault log stored in the memory of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the initial diagnostic process of the self-diagnosis of the aerosol generating apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the secondary diagnostic process of the self-diagnosis of the aerosol generating apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the third-level diagnostic process of the self-diagnosis of the aerosol generating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a view used to describe the following object according to the example implementation: the final diagnostic results are output to this object.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a method for performing self-diagnosis using an aerosol generating apparatus according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0021] According to one or more embodiments, a method for performing self-diagnosis via an aerosol generating device includes: when the aerosol generating device is not operating normally due to a malfunction, determining whether to activate self-diagnosis for analyzing the malfunction of the aerosol generating device; when self-diagnosis is activated, performing a functional self-test by checking whether each function required for normal heating operation of the aerosol generating device is functioning; identifying the faulty component of the aerosol generating device based on the results of the functional self-test; determining the faulty function of the faulty component based on a fault log recorded in the aerosol generating device; determining the severity of the identified faulty function; and outputting a final diagnostic result regarding the self-diagnosis based on the faulty component, the faulty function, and the severity.

[0022] Determining whether to activate self-diagnostics may include: activating self-diagnostics if the fault is a recent occurrence in the aerosol generating device or if the fault has occurred more than a predetermined number of times in the aerosol generating device.

[0023] The functional self-test can be performed on the operational functions of the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device and the execution functions of the software used to control the heating operation of the aerosol generating device, the hardware components including at least one of a heater, a sensor, a controller, and a battery.

[0024] Functional self-tests can be performed by referring to monitoring information related to the usage history of the aerosol generating device.

[0025] Identifying the faulty component may include filtering out the faulty component from multiple components of the aerosol generating device based on the cumulative frequency and recent frequency of the faulty function associated with the component of the aerosol generating device in the fault log.

[0026] Determining the erroneous function may include: if the function identified by the functional self-test has a predetermined priority among multiple functions associated with the erroneous component in the fault log, then the function identified by the functional self-test is determined to be the erroneous function of the erroneous component.

[0027] The method may also include: analyzing the frequency of immersion detection of aerosol generating devices.

[0028] Determining the severity may include: determining the severity of the malfunction by using a first set of threshold levels when the flooding detection frequency is equal to or greater than a first threshold; and determining the severity of the malfunction by using a second set of threshold levels when the flooding detection frequency is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0029] When the flooding detection frequency is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the final diagnostic results may include flooding-based diagnostic results.

[0030] The final diagnostic results may include guidance information indicating whether the aerosol generating device needs to be disassembled.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating device includes: a heater configured to generate aerosols by heating an aerosol generating substance; a battery; a memory storing information related to the usage history and fault logs of the aerosol generating device; and a controller configured to: determine whether to activate a self-diagnosis to analyze the faults of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device malfunctions; when the self-diagnosis is activated, analyze the fault category by performing a functional self-test, the functional self-test being used to check whether the various functions required for normal heating operation of the aerosol generating device are functioning; determine the faulty component of the aerosol generating device based on the results of the functional self-test; determine the faulty function of the faulty component based on the fault logs recorded in the aerosol generating device; determine the severity of the determined faulty function; and output a final diagnostic result regarding the self-diagnosis based on the faulty component, the faulty function, and the severity.

[0032] The controller can also be configured to activate self-diagnostics if the fault is a recent occurrence in the aerosol generating device or if the number of faults in the aerosol generating device exceeds a predetermined number.

[0033] The controller can also be configured to filter out defective components from multiple components of the aerosol generating device based on the cumulative and recent occurrence frequencies of erroneous functions associated with the component in the fault log.

[0034] The controller can also be configured to determine that the function identified by the functional self-test is the faulty function of the faulty component if the function has a predetermined priority among multiple functions associated with the defective component in the fault log.

[0035] The aerosol generating apparatus may further include a flooding detection module configured to detect flooding with respect to the aerosol generating apparatus. The controller may also be configured to: analyze the flooding detection frequency detected by the flooding detection module; determine the severity of the malfunction by using a first set of threshold levels when the flooding detection frequency is equal to or greater than a first threshold; and determine the severity of the malfunction by using a second set of threshold levels when the flooding detection frequency is less than the first threshold.

[0036] According to one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium includes a recording medium on which one or more programs are recorded, the programs including instructions for performing the methods described above.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention

[0038] Regarding the terminology used to describe various embodiments, generally used terms are selected considering the function of the structural elements in each embodiment. However, the meanings of these terms may change depending on intent, judicial precedent, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in some cases, less commonly used terms may be chosen. In such cases, the meanings of the terms will be described in detail in the corresponding sections of this disclosure. Therefore, the terminology used in various embodiments should be defined based on its meaning and the description provided herein.

[0039] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the words “comprising” and variations such as “including” or “including” should be understood to mean that the stated elements are included, but do not exclude any other elements. Additionally, the terms “device (-er),” “component (-or),” and “module” described in this specification mean a unit for performing at least one function and / or operation, and may be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0040] The embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are illustrated so that those skilled in the art can readily practice them. However, the embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0041] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the hardware components of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a battery 110, a heater 120, a controller 130, a user interface 140, a memory 150, and a sensor 160. However, the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 100 are not limited to... Figure 1 The hardware components are shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that, based on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, Figure 1 One or more of the hardware components shown may be omitted, or new components (e.g., immersion detection module, connection port, communication module, etc.) may be included in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0044] The operation of each component included in the aerosol generating apparatus 100 will be described below, but the arrangement of the components is not limited.

[0045] Battery 110 supplies power to operate aerosol generating apparatus 100. For example, battery 110 can supply power to heat heater 120. Furthermore, battery 110 can supply power required for the operation of other hardware components included in aerosol generating apparatus 100, such as heater 120, controller 130, user interface 140, memory 150, or sensor 160. Battery 110 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 110 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery or a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] The heater 120 receives power from the battery 110 under the control of the controller 130. The heater 120 can receive power from the battery 110 to heat a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 or a cartridge installed in the aerosol generating device 100. That is, the heater 120 can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol generating substances provided in the cigarette and / or cartridge.

[0047] The heater 120 may be located within the main body of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a main body and a cartridge, the heater 120 may be located within the cartridge. When the heater 120 is located within the cartridge, the heater 120 may receive power from a battery 110 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

[0048] The heater 120 can be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials can be metals or metal alloys, including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nickel-chromium. Furthermore, the heater 120 can be implemented using metal wires, ceramic heating elements, or metal plates on which electrically conductive traces are arranged, but is not limited to these.

[0049] The heater 120 can heat a cigarette inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol generating device 100. Since the cigarette is contained within the receiving space of the aerosol generating device 100, the heater 120 can be located inside and / or outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heater 120 can heat the aerosol-generating substances in the cigarette to generate aerosols.

[0050] The heater 120 can be implemented as a component included in a cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater 120, a liquid delivery element, and a liquid reservoir. Aerosol-generating material contained in the liquid reservoir can be moved to the liquid delivery element, and the heater 120 can heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery element to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater 120 may include a material such as nickel-chromium and may be wound around or arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery element.

[0051] Heater 120 may include an induction heater that heats aerosol-generating articles (e.g., cigarettes or cartridges) by induction heating. In this case, heater 120 may include an electrically conductive coil for generating an alternating magnetic field and a base for generating heat in response to the alternating magnetic field.

[0052] The controller 130 is a hardware component configured to control the overall operation of the aerosol generation apparatus 100. The controller 130 may include at least one processor, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU). The processor may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory for storing executable programs within the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0053] The controller 130 analyzes the results sensed by at least one sensor 160 and controls the subsequent processes based on the sensed results. For example, based on the results sensed by at least one sensor 160, the controller 130 can control the power supplied to the heater 120, causing the operation of the heater 120 to start or stop. Furthermore, based on the results sensed by at least one sensor 160, the controller 130 can control the amount of electricity supplied to the heater 120 and the duration of the power supply, causing the heater 120 to be heated to or maintained at a predetermined temperature.

[0054] The controller 130 can set the heater 120 to a preheating mode so that operation of the heater 120 can begin when the controller 130 receives user input regarding the aerosol generating device 100. Furthermore, the controller 130 can switch the heater 120 from the preheating mode to the operating mode when a user's suction is sensed using a suction sensor. Additionally, the controller 130 can count the number of suctions using the suction sensor and can stop supplying power to the heater 120 when the number of suctions reaches a preset number.

[0055] The controller 130 can control the user interface 140 based on the results sensed by at least one sensor 160. For example, after counting the number of aspirations using a suction sensor, when the number of aspirations reaches a preset number, the controller 130 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 100 will soon terminate by using at least one of a light, a motor, and a speaker.

[0056] The controller 130 can perform self-diagnosis of faults or damage occurring in the hardware components of the aerosol generating device 100 and the control software used to control these hardware components, such as the battery 110, heater 120, user interface 140, memory 150, and sensor 160. The controller 130 can generate a fault report based on the self-diagnosis results. The self-diagnosis performed by the controller 130 will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] User interface 140 can provide users with information about the status of aerosol generating device 100. User interface 140 may include various interface devices, such as a display or light for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting tactile information, a speaker for outputting sound information, an input / output (I / O) interface device (e.g., a button or touch screen) for receiving information input from or outputting information to the user, a terminal for performing data communication or receiving charging power, and a communication interface module for performing wireless communication with external devices (e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.).

[0058] The aerosol generating device 100 can be implemented by selecting one or more of the various interface devices 140 described above.

[0059] The memory 150 may be a hardware component configured to store various data segments processed in the aerosol generating apparatus 100, and the memory 150 may store data processed by or to be processed by the controller 130. The memory 150 may include various types of memory such as random access memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.

[0060] The memory 150 can store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of pumping operations, the current number of pumping operations, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's smoking patterns, water damage information of the aerosol generating device 100, etc. Furthermore, the memory 150 can store usage history information of the aerosol generating device 100 or fault log information regarding malfunctions / damage occurring in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0061] Despite Figure 1 Not shown, but the aerosol generation system can be constructed from an aerosol generation device 100 and a separate bracket. For example, the bracket can be used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generation device 100. The aerosol generation device 100 can be powered by the battery in the bracket to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generation device 100 when the aerosol generation device 100 is housed in the receiving space of the bracket.

[0062] Figures 2A to 2E It shows Figure 1 Various examples of aerosol generating devices. See also... Figures 2A to 2E The aerosol generating device 100 can be implemented as various types of aerosol generating devices 200a to 200e. Figures 2A to 2E In this context, batteries 110a to 110e, heaters 120a to 120e, and controllers 130a to 130e correspond to respectively Figure 1 The battery 110, heater 120 and controller 130.

[0063] Figure 2A An aerosol generating apparatus 200a including a base is shown according to an example embodiment.

[0064] Reference Figure 2A The aerosol generating device 200a may include: a heater 120a, which includes a coil 121 and a base 122; a battery 110a; and a controller 130a. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the aerosol generating device 200a may include, in addition to the above, a coil 121 and a base 122. Figure 2A In addition to the components shown, other general-purpose components may also be included.

[0065] The aerosol generating device 200a can generate aerosols by heating a cigarette contained within it using an induction heating method. The induction heating method can refer to heating a magnet by applying an alternating magnetic field to it, causing the magnet to heat up according to electromagnetic induction. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 200a can transfer the heat energy released from the magnet to the cigarette to heat it. Here, the magnet heated by an external magnetic field can be a base 122. The base 122 can be disposed within the aerosol generating device 200a, or it can be included in the cigarette in the form of a sheet, film, strip, or the like.

[0066] The base 122 can be formed as a ferromagnetic material. For example, the material of the base 122 may include a metal or carbon. The material of the base 122 may include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the material of the base 122 may include at least one of the following: ceramics such as graphite or zirconium oxide; transition metals such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co); and metalloids such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0067] The aerosol generating device 200a can contain a cigarette. The aerosol generating device 200a may include a space for containing the cigarette. A base 122 may be arranged around the space for containing the cigarette. For example, the base 122 may have a tubular shape and surround the exterior of the cigarette. Therefore, when the cigarette is contained in the containing space of the base 122, the base 122 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette. However, the shape of the base 122 is not limited to this and can vary.

[0068] The coil 121 can be arranged around the outer surface of the base 122, and an alternating magnetic field can be applied to the base 122. When power is supplied to the coil 121 from the aerosol generating apparatus 200a, a magnetic field can be formed in the internal region of the coil 121. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 121, the direction of the magnetic field formed in the coil 121 can be continuously changed. When the base 122 is exposed to the alternating magnetic field in the coil 121 with its direction changing periodically, the base 122 can be heated, and the cigarette contained in the base 122 can be heated.

[0069] Battery 110a can supply power to coil 121 for heating operation of aerosol generating device 200a.

[0070] The controller 130a can control the heating operation of the heater 120a by controlling the power supplied to the coil 121. For example, the controller 130a can perform control operations to continuously maintain the heating temperature of the cigarette.

[0071] Figure 2B It is an aerosol generating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, including a replaceable cartridge 220 containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0072] Figure 2B The aerosol generating device 200b includes: a cartridge 220 containing an aerosol generating substance; and a body 210 supporting the cartridge 220. Here, the hardware components of the aerosol generating device 200b may be located in the body 210 and / or in the cartridge 220.

[0073] The cartridge 220 containing aerosol-generating substances can be connected to the main body 120. A portion of the cartridge 220 can be inserted into the insertion portion of the main body 210, so the cartridge 220 can be mounted on the main body 210.

[0074] The cartridge 220 may contain an aerosol-generating substance of a liquid composition. However, the cartridge 220 is not limited thereto and may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any of the following states: solid, gaseous, or gel. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco substances having volatile tobacco flavoring components or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances.

[0075] The heater 120b disposed in the cartridge 220 can perform a heating operation according to an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body 210. Accordingly, the aerosol generating substances in the cartridge 220 can be vaporized by the heating operation of the heater 120b, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0076] Heater 120b can heat the aerosol-generating material transported by the liquid transport element by using resistance-generated heat. For this purpose, heater 120b can be implemented by a ceramic heating element or by a conductive wire comprising a metallic material such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), or tungsten (W), and heater 120b can be wound around the liquid transport element or arranged adjacent to the liquid transport element.

[0077] Figures 2C to 2E This is a view of an aerosol generating apparatus 200c to 200e in which a cigarette 260 is inserted, according to an example embodiment.

[0078] Reference Figure 2C The aerosol generating device 200c may include a battery 100c, a controller 130c, and a heater 120c. (See reference...) Figure 2D and Figure 2E Aerosol generating devices 200d and 200e may also include a vaporizer 270. The vaporizer 270 may contain the aerosol generating substance and may include a separate heater for heating the aerosol generating substance. A cigarette 260 may be inserted into aerosol generating devices 200c to 200e.

[0079] Figure 2C The diagram shows a battery 110c, a controller 130c, and a heater 120c arranged in series within an aerosol generating apparatus 200c. Furthermore, Figure 2D It is also shown that the battery 110d, controller 130d, vaporizer 270, and heater 120d are arranged in series in the aerosol generating apparatus 200d. On the other hand, Figure 2E The vaporizer 270 and heater 120e are shown arranged in parallel with each other in the aerosol generating device 200e. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating devices 200c to 200e is not limited to... Figures 2C to 2E The illustration is shown in the image.

[0080] When cigarette 260 is inserted into aerosol generating devices 200c to 200e, the aerosol generating devices 200c to 200e can operate heaters 120c to 120e and / or vaporizer 270 to generate aerosol from cigarette 260 and / or vaporizer 270. The aerosol generated by heaters 120c to 120e and / or vaporizer 270 is delivered to the user through cigarette 260.

[0081] Batteries 110c to 110e supply the power used by aerosol generating devices 200c to 200e to operate.

[0082] Vaporizer 270 generates an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through cigarette 260. That is, the aerosol generated by vaporizer 270 can move along the airflow channels of aerosol generating devices 200d and 200e, and the airflow channels can be configured such that the aerosol generated by vaporizer 270 is delivered to the user through cigarette. For example, vaporizer 270 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir for storing the liquid composition, a liquid delivery element (e.g., a wick, etc.) for delivering the liquid to a heating element, and a heating element (e.g., a wire, etc.). Vaporizer 270 may be referred to as a vaporizer cartridge or atomizer.

[0083] Although not in Figures 2A to 2E As shown, however, the aerosol generating devices 200a to 200e can form a system together with an additional bracket. For example, the bracket can be used to charge the batteries 110a to 110e of the aerosol generating devices 200a to 200e. Furthermore, when the bracket and the aerosol generating devices 200a to 200e are connected to each other, the heaters 120a to 120e can perform heating operations by using the power supplied from the bracket.

[0084] According to various implementation methods Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 can be implemented as Figures 2A to 2E It includes at least one of various types of aerosol generating devices 200a to 200e, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0085] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating the self-diagnostic process performed by the aerosol generating apparatus, according to an example embodiment.

[0086] As described above, unlike other electronic devices, the aerosol generating device 100 operates at a relatively high temperature due to the heating operation of the heater 120. Furthermore, the liquid aerosol generating substance contained in the aerosol generating device 100 may leak, or the generated aerosol may gradually permeate into other hardware components through tiny gaps in the housing. In such cases, malfunctions or damage may occur in the aerosol generating device 100. Therefore, for reliable and stable use of the aerosol generating device 100, it is necessary to accurately identify the root cause of any malfunctions or damage occurring in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0087] Reference Figure 3The controller 130 of the aerosol generating device 100 can diagnose various types of faults or damages occurring in the aerosol generating device 100 by executing the self-diagnostic module 133. Here, the self-diagnostic module 133 is a software module driven by the controller 130 and corresponds to a diagnostic scheme (or diagnostic program) that performs diagnostic processes on various hardware components in the aerosol generating device 100, such as the heater 120, sensor 160, battery 110, etc.

[0088] The self-diagnostic module 133 can perform self-diagnostics on the heater 120. For example, when the heater 120 is not heated to the target temperature—even if a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heater 120—the self-diagnostic module 133 can diagnose a malfunction in the heating function of the heater 120. Furthermore, when the temperature changes too drastically or the heater 120 overheats—even if a constant amount of power is supplied to the heater 120—the self-diagnostic module 133 can diagnose a malfunction in the heating function of the heater 120. In other words, when the heating of the heater 120 is not properly controlled, the self-diagnostic module 133 can diagnose a malfunction or damage to the heater 120.

[0089] The self-diagnostic module 133 can perform self-diagnostics on sensors 160 included in the aerosol generating device 100, such as suction sensors, heater temperature sensors, battery temperature sensors, etc. When the number of suctions is not counted—even if the user is suctioning on the aerosol generating device 100—the self-diagnostic module 133 can detect a fault in the suction sensor. Furthermore, when the temperature sensor incorrectly senses temperature or the temperature sensing function ceases, the self-diagnostic module 133 can diagnose that the temperature sensor needs to be replaced. That is, when the sensing result deviates from the expected range, the self-diagnostic module 133 can determine that there is a fault or damage in the sensor 160.

[0090] Battery 110 supplies power to the various hardware components of the aerosol generating device 100. Self-diagnostic module 133 can check whether the power supplied from battery 110 (e.g., voltage) is normal, and whether the temperature of battery 110 is normal. When power is abnormally supplied or the temperature of battery 110 deviates from the normal range, self-diagnostic module 133 can diagnose a fault or damage in battery 110. Furthermore, self-diagnostic module 133 can also determine whether the battery can perform normal operation based on the degree of degradation of battery 110.

[0091] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a flooding detection module 170. The self-diagnostic module 133 may monitor the number of times the aerosol generating device 100 is flooded based on the flooding signal generated by the flooding detection module 170, or the self-diagnostic module 133 may make the following diagnosis: the aerosol generating device 100 cannot perform normal operation due to severe water damage.

[0092] The self-diagnostic module 133 can perform diagnostics on the control software 135 that controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 100, as well as the hardware components of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the self-diagnostic module 133 can diagnose faults in the control software 135 by identifying various software execution faults such as collisions, suspension issues, and update defects.

[0093] After the self-diagnostic module 133 performs a self-diagnosis on the aerosol generating device 100, it outputs the self-diagnosis results. These results may include various fault information, such as the location of the fault, the type of fault, the severity of the fault, and solutions. Users can immediately take measures to address faults in the aerosol generating device 100 based on the self-diagnosis results provided by the self-diagnosis module 133. The process of the aerosol generating device 100 performing self-diagnosis is described in more detail below.

[0094] Figure 4 This is a flowchart describing the process of activating self-diagnosis of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0095] Reference Figure 4 In operation 410, the aerosol generating device ( Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 can begin operation in response to a user's request. The aerosol generating device 100 can begin operation by receiving a user's smoking request via an input interface such as a physical button or a touchscreen, or it can begin operation when the user inserts a cigarette into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0096] In operation 420, after the aerosol generating device 100 begins operation, the self-diagnostic module 133 of the controller 130 determines whether a fault has occurred in the aerosol generating device 100. That is, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines whether the aerosol generating device 100 is not operating normally. When a fault is determined to have occurred, the self-diagnostic module 133 executes operation 430. However, when no fault is determined to have occurred, the self-diagnostic module 133 can continuously monitor for faults.

[0097] In operation 430, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines whether the current fault is the same as a recently occurring fault in the aerosol generating device 100. Here, a recently occurring fault may refer to a fault that occurred after a predetermined reference point in the past. The predetermined reference point can be adjusted in various ways.

[0098] When the current fault is determined to be the same as the most recent fault, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines that the aerosol generating device is not operating properly and executes operation 450, in which self-diagnosis is activated. However, when the current fault is determined to be different from the most recent fault, the self-diagnostic module 133 executes operation 440.

[0099] In operation 440, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines whether the current fault is the same as a fault that has occurred repeatedly in the aerosol generating device 100 in the past. Here, a fault that has occurred repeatedly in the past can refer to a fault type that has repeated more than a predetermined number of times in the past. The predetermined number of times can be adjusted in various ways.

[0100] When the current fault is determined to be the same as a series of past faults, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines that the aerosol generating device is not operating properly and executes operation 450 to activate self-diagnosis. However, when it is determined that the current fault has not occurred consecutively in the past, the self-diagnostic module 133 may not activate self-diagnosis and may continue to monitor for fault occurrence.

[0101] In operation 450, the self-diagnostic module 133 activates self-diagnostics to analyze the faults of the aerosol generating device 100 in more detail.

[0102] Reference Figure 4 The described process for activating self-diagnostics is a process for determining whether to begin analyzing faults occurring in the aerosol generating device 100. The self-diagnostic module 133 of the aerosol generating device 100 can perform self-diagnostics for fault analysis through the process described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0103] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a self-diagnostic process performed by an aerosol generating apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0104] Reference Figure 5In operation 510, when self-diagnosis is activated, the self-diagnosis module 133 monitors information about the aerosol generating device 100. Specifically, the self-diagnosis module 133 can refer to monitoring information regarding the usage history of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the usage history of the aerosol generating device 100 indicates historical information about user operation or use of the aerosol generating device 100, such as the number of heating operations performed by the aerosol generating device 100, the number of charging / discharging operations, the operation time, the number of times the aerosol generating device 100 was fully discharged, maintenance history, etc. By monitoring the aforementioned usage history, the self-diagnosis module 133 can pre-identify which functions of the aerosol generating device 100 are primarily used and which functions are misused, and the self-diagnosis module 133 can refer to the pre-identified information to accurately perform diagnoses during subsequent diagnostic processes.

[0105] In operation 520, the self-diagnostic module 133 performs a functional self-test (FST) to check whether the various functions required for normal heating operation of the aerosol generating device 100 are operating correctly. The self-diagnostic module 133 can determine the fault category based on the results of the FST.

[0106] For reference Figure 3 As described, the FST can be performed by the self-diagnostic module 133 on the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 100 and the control software used to control the heating operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The hardware components include, for example, the heater 120, sensor 160, controller 130, and battery 110. That is, the self-diagnostic module 133 checks whether each hardware component and software is operating normally via the FST.

[0107] In operation 530, the self-diagnostic module 133 analyzes the recent operation log of the aerosol generating device 100. The recent operation log details the operating status of the aerosol generating device 100 for any faults that have occurred, such as the recent operating status of the heater, battery voltage, and heater temperature.

[0108] In operation 540, the self-diagnostic module 133 analyzes the fault log of the aerosol generating device 100 (see...). Figure 6 This allows for the determination of fault categories (e.g., faulty components) and specific fault items (e.g., fault descriptions). For example, the self-diagnostic module 133 can determine fault categories and fault items based on the frequency of occurrence of fault categories and fault items in the fault log of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0109] Figure 6 This is a data table representing the fault log stored in the memory of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the example embodiment.

[0110] Reference Figure 6The fault log entries are arranged in chronological order in data table 600. Each fault log entry includes information about the fault category (e.g., faulty component) in the "Fault Group" column and information about the specific fault item (e.g., the faulty function of the faulty component) in the "Fault Description" column.

[0111] For example, when a problem with the heater function is estimated based on the FST results for the aerosol generating device 100, the self-diagnostic module 133 obtains all heater-related fault log entries 610 and the most recent heater-related fault log entry 620 from the fault log. The self-diagnostic module 133 then compares the heater-related fault log entries 610 and 620 with the FST results and the operation log of the aerosol generating device. Based on the comparison, the self-diagnostic module 133 can determine that the fault category is related to the heater. For example, if the number of all heater-related log entries 610 exceeds a certain threshold, the self-diagnostic module 133 can determine that the fault is related to the heater. Furthermore, if the number of the most recent heater-related log entries 620 exceeds a certain threshold, the self-diagnostic module 133 can also determine that the fault category is related to the heater. The reference time used to determine whether a fault log entry is recent can vary depending on the implementation.

[0112] express Figure 6 The fault log data table 600 shown is merely an example. That is, the fault log managed by the aerosol generating device 100 can be compared with... Figure 6 The data table 600 is different.

[0113] Below, refer to the above. Figure 5 The self-diagnosis process is described by dividing it into primary diagnostic procedures, secondary diagnostic procedures, and tertiary diagnostic procedures.

[0114] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the initial diagnostic process for the self-diagnosis of the aerosol generating apparatus according to an example embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 7 During the initial diagnostic process, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines the fault category by performing an FST (Fault Test) to check whether the various functions required for the normal heating operation of the aerosol generating device 100 are operating normally.

[0115] In detail, during operation 710, the self-diagnostic module 133 performs an FST to check whether all functions of the aerosol generating device 100 (such as the operating functions of hardware components and the execution functions of software) are operating normally.

[0116] In operation 720, the self-diagnostic module 133 identifies the malfunctioning function (i.e., the function in which a failure has occurred) based on the results of the FST.

[0117] In operation 730, the self-diagnostic module 133 analyzes the entire fault log entries related to the identified malfunction. For example, if the malfunction is related to the heater, the self-diagnostic module 133 can analyze... Figure 6 The data table 600 contains fault log item 610.

[0118] In operation 740, the self-diagnostic module 133 analyzes recent fault log entries related to the identified faulty function. For example, if the faulty function is related to the heater, the self-diagnostic module 133 can analyze entries including... Figure 6 The fault log items 620 in data table 600 are analyzed. As described above, the reference time used to determine whether a fault log item is recent can be varied depending on the implementation method.

[0119] In operation 750, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines the fault category of the malfunction based on the frequency of occurrence of the malfunction analyzed in operations 730 and 740. For example, when the FST result indicates that the heater temperature is not precisely controlled, this malfunction may be due to a voltage fault (e.g., unstable battery voltage) or a heater fault. In this regard, the self-diagnostic module 133 can determine whether the fault category is related to the heater or the battery. For example, when the frequency of heater-related faults (e.g., "abnormal heater temperature") in the fault log is high, the self-diagnostic module 133 can determine that the fault category is related to the heater. On the other hand, when the frequency of battery-related faults (e.g., "unstable battery voltage") in the fault log is high, the self-diagnostic module 133 can determine that the fault category is related to the battery.

[0120] The fault category determined in operation 750 is the result of the primary self-diagnosis, and the self-diagnosis module 133 can perform a secondary diagnostic process for a more detailed diagnosis.

[0121] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the secondary diagnostic process of the self-diagnostic aerosol generating apparatus according to an example embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 8 During the secondary diagnostic process, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines the specific fault items in the fault categories identified in the primary diagnostic process by analyzing the fault data collected by the FST based on the fault log recorded in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0122] In detail, during operation 810, the self-diagnostic module 133 obtains the fault data collected by the FST and begins to analyze the obtained fault data.

[0123] In operation 820, the self-diagnostic module 133 analyzes the fault data collected by the FST based on the fault log.

[0124] In operation 830, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines whether the erroneous function identified in the fault data corresponds to a fault item (i.e., an erroneous function) with first priority among all fault items of the fault category determined in the primary diagnosis in the fault log. A fault item with first priority can be a fault item that has a fatal impact on the function of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the priority of a fault item can be determined based on the frequency of occurrence of fault items associated with the fault category in the fault log. In this case, the fault item with the highest frequency of occurrence can have first priority. However, this is not the case, and the priority of fault items can be adjusted in various ways depending on the implementation. When it is determined that the erroneous function identified by the FST corresponds to a fault item with first priority in the fault log, the self-diagnostic module 133 performs operation 870. However, when it is determined that the erroneous function identified by the FST does not correspond to a fault item with first priority in the fault log, the self-diagnostic module performs operation 840.

[0125] In operation 840, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines whether the erroneous function identified in the fault data corresponds to a fault item with the next lower priority (e.g., second to fifth priority) among all fault items in the fault category determined in the primary diagnosis in the fault log. As described above, the priority order of fault items can be adjusted in various ways according to the implementation. When it is determined that the erroneous function identified by the FST corresponds to a fault item with the next lower priority order among the fault items, the self-diagnostic module 133 performs operation 870. Otherwise, the self-diagnostic module 133 performs operation 850.

[0126] In operation 850, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines whether the malfunction identified by the FST corresponds to a fault item with first priority among the most recent fault items of the fault category determined in the primary diagnosis in the fault log. When it is determined that the malfunction identified by the FST corresponds to a most recent fault item with first priority, the self-diagnostic module 133 performs operation 870. Otherwise, the self-diagnostic module 133 performs operation 860.

[0127] In operation 860, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines the reason why the fault cannot be identified based on the fault log.

[0128] In operation 870, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines that: a fault item with a priority level of one of the first to fifth priorities among all fault items of the fault category determined in the primary diagnosis, or a fault item with a first priority among the most recent fault items of the fault category determined in the primary diagnosis, is a specific fault item corresponding to the malfunction identified by the FST. However, when a specific fault item is determined to be unidentifiable in operation S860, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines the fault with an unidentifiable cause as the specific fault item.

[0129] According to reference Figure 8 The described secondary diagnostic process involves the self-diagnostic module 133 determining that fault items with a predetermined priority among the fault categories identified in the fault log are specific fault items corresponding to the malfunction identified by the FST. However, if no such fault item is found in the fault log, it can be determined that the specific fault item has an unidentifiable cause.

[0130] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the third-level self-diagnostic process of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the example embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 9 In the third-level diagnosis process, the self-diagnosis module 133 determines the severity of the specific fault item and outputs the final diagnosis result of the self-diagnosis based on the fault category, specific fault item and severity.

[0131] In detail, in operation 910, the self-diagnostic module 133 monitors the immersion detection module ( Figure 3 The number of floods detected in the past was analyzed (170).

[0132] In operation 920, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines whether the immersion detection frequency is equal to or greater than a first threshold. Here, the first threshold is a preset value based on the operating environment of the aerosol generating device 100 and can be adjusted. For example, when the aerosol generating device 100 includes liquid aerosol generating substances, the first threshold can be set relatively low, while when the aerosol generating device 100 does not include liquid aerosol generating substances and only uses solid aerosol generating substances, the first threshold can be set relatively high. However, the described method of setting the first threshold is only an example, and as mentioned above, the first threshold can be preset to various suitable values ​​depending on the operating environment.

[0133] In operation 930, when the flooding detection frequency is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines the severity of a specific fault item by using the first set of threshold levels.

[0134] In operation 940, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines whether flooding is the cause of the fault based on the flooding detection frequency.

[0135] In operation 950, when the occurrence of a flooding-related fault is determined, the self-diagnostic module 133 will include flooding-based diagnostic results in the final diagnostic results. That is, when the flooding detection frequency is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the self-diagnostic module 133 may include flooding-based diagnostic results in the final diagnostic results.

[0136] In operation 960, when the flooding detection frequency is less than the first threshold, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines the severity of a specific fault item by using a second set of threshold levels.

[0137] The first set of threshold levels and the second set of threshold levels used to determine the severity are different from each other. For example, when the user uses the aerosol generating device 100 neatly, the flooding detection frequency may be relatively low. In contrast, when the user uses the aerosol generating device 100 relatively roughly, the flooding detection frequency may be relatively high. In this respect, the severity of a fault in a neatly used aerosol generating device 100 is lower than the severity of a fault in a roughly used aerosol generating device 100. Therefore, the self-diagnostic module 133 can infer the maintenance status of the user's aerosol generating device 100 from the flooding detection frequency by considering the flooding detection frequency and using different sets of threshold levels to determine the severity of the fault.

[0138] The threshold level is configured to identify severity in a stepwise manner based on the frequency of occurrence of the fault item. The threshold level can be preset according to the type of fault item, the operating environment of the aerosol generating device 100, etc.

[0139] In operation 970, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines whether the aerosol generating device 100 needs to be disassembled by considering the type and severity of the specific fault item.

[0140] When it is determined that disassembly is required, in operation 980, the self-diagnostic module 133 determines the parts of the aerosol generating device 100 that need to be replaced.

[0141] In operation 990, the self-diagnostic module 133 outputs a final diagnostic result based on the fault category, specific fault item, and severity. This final diagnostic result may include guidance information regarding the component to be replaced, as determined in operation 980.

[0142] For reference Figures 3 to 9 As described, the aerosol generating device 100 can provide diagnostic results by directly entering the self-diagnostic mode when a fault occurs, through a self-diagnostic process (i.e., primary diagnostic process to tertiary diagnostic process) executed by the controller 130.

[0143] Figure 10 This is a view used to describe the following object according to the example implementation: the final diagnostic results are output to this object. (See reference...) Figure 10 The fault report 1010, corresponding to the final diagnostic result generated by the self-diagnosis performed by the aerosol generating device 100, can be output to various destinations.

[0144] For example, when a user brings the aerosol generator 100 to the service center 1020, the service center 1020 can connect the aerosol generator 100 to a diagnostic device and access / download fault reports 1010 from the aerosol generator 100. Based on this operation, the service center 1020 can identify the fault in the aerosol generator 100 and repair or replace the faulty / damaged parts, thereby resolving the fault in the aerosol generator 100.

[0145] Alternatively, the aerosol generating device 100 can transmit a fault report 1010 to a portable terminal 1030, such as a smartphone or tablet, via wired or wireless communication. The user can then identify the fault report 1010 on the portable terminal 1030 and take the aerosol generating device 100 to a service center 1020, or have the aerosol generating device 100 repaired directly.

[0146] In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 can display a fault report 1010 through the display screen 1040 of the user interface 140.

[0147] Fault Report 1010 is the final diagnostic result generated as a self-diagnostic result. Fault Report 1010 can be output / provided via various other methods, making it easy for users to identify the cause of the fault.

[0148] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing self-diagnosis using an aerosol generating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 11 The self-diagnostic method of the aerosol generating device 100 includes the operations sequentially performed by the aerosol generating device 100 as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, although omitted below, the aspects of the aerosol generating device 100 described above with reference to the accompanying drawings can be applied to... Figure 11 The method.

[0149] In operation 1110, when the aerosol generating device 100 is not operating normally, the controller 130 (i.e., the self-diagnostic module 133) determines whether to activate the self-diagnostic function for analyzing the faults of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0150] In operation 1120, when self-diagnosis is activated, controller 130 analyzes the fault category by executing FST, which is used to check whether the various functions required for normal heating operation of aerosol generating device 100 are being performed correctly.

[0151] In operation 1130, controller 130 determines specific fault items in the fault category by analyzing fault data collected by FST based on fault logs.

[0152] In operation 1140, controller 130 determines the severity of the specific fault item.

[0153] In operation 1150, controller 130 outputs the final diagnostic results of self-diagnosis based on fault category, specific fault item, and severity.

[0154] The methods described above can form a program executable by a computer and can be implemented by a general-purpose digital computer so that the program can be run using a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. Furthermore, the data structures used in the methods described above can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium using various elements. Computer-readable recording media include storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, RAM, USB, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

[0155] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the foregoing features. The disclosed methods should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The scope of this embodiment is not reflected in the foregoing description but in the claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as included in this embodiment.

Claims

1. A method for performing self-diagnosis using an aerosol generating device, wherein, The method includes: When the aerosol generating device fails to operate normally due to a malfunction, it is determined whether to activate the self-diagnosis function for analyzing the malfunction of the aerosol generating device. When the self-diagnostic function is activated, a functional self-test is performed by checking whether the various functions required for the normal heating operation of the aerosol generating device are functioning. Based on the results of the functional self-test, and based on the cumulative frequency and recent frequency of the erroneous functions associated with multiple components of the aerosol generating device recorded in the fault log of the aerosol generating device, the erroneous component of the aerosol generating device is determined from the multiple components of the aerosol generating device. The faulty function of the faulty component is determined based on the fault log; Determine the severity of the identified erroneous function; and The final diagnostic result regarding the self-diagnosis is output based on the faulty component, the faulty function, and the severity.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining whether to activate the self-diagnostic function includes: activating the self-diagnostic function if the fault is a recent occurrence in the aerosol generating device, or if the fault occurs more than a predetermined number of times in the aerosol generating device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The functional self-test is performed on the operational functions of the hardware components and the execution functions of the software used to control the heating operation of the aerosol generating device. The hardware components include at least one of the heater, sensor, controller, and battery included in the aerosol generating device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The functional self-test is performed by referring to monitoring information related to the usage history of the aerosol generating device.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The error detection function includes: If the function identified by the functional self-test has a predetermined priority among the multiple functions associated with the faulty component in the fault log, then the function identified by the functional self-test is determined to be the faulty function of the faulty component.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: An analysis was conducted on the immersion detection frequency of the aerosol generating device, wherein... Determining the severity includes: determining the severity of the malfunction by using a first set of threshold levels when the flooding detection frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold; and determining the severity of the malfunction by using a second set of threshold levels when the flooding detection frequency is less than the predetermined threshold.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, When the flooding detection frequency is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the final diagnostic result includes a flooding-based diagnostic result.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The final diagnostic result includes guidance information indicating whether the aerosol generating device needs to be disassembled.

9. An aerosol generating apparatus, wherein, The aerosol generating device includes: A heater configured to generate aerosols by heating aerosol-generating substances; Battery; A memory, the memory storing information related to the usage history and fault logs of the aerosol generating device; and The controller is configured to: When the aerosol generating device fails to operate normally due to a malfunction, it is determined whether to activate the self-diagnosis function for analyzing the malfunction of the aerosol generating device. When the self-diagnostic function is activated, a functional self-test is performed to check whether the various functions required for the normal heating operation of the aerosol generating device are functioning. Based on the results of the functional self-test, and based on the cumulative frequency and recent frequency of the erroneous functions associated with multiple components of the aerosol generating device recorded in the fault log of the aerosol generating device, the erroneous component of the aerosol generating device is determined from the multiple components of the aerosol generating device. The faulty function of the faulty component is determined based on the fault log; Determine the severity of the identified erroneous function; and The final diagnostic result regarding the self-diagnosis is output based on the faulty component, the faulty function, and the severity.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The controller is also configured to activate the self-diagnostics if the fault is a recent occurrence in the aerosol generating device or if the number of times the fault has occurred in the aerosol generating device exceeds a predetermined number.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The controller is further configured to determine that the function identified by the functional self-test is the faulty function of the faulty component if the function identified by the functional self-test has a predetermined priority among a plurality of functions associated with the faulty component in the fault log.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a flooding detection module, the flooding detection module being configured to detect flooding with respect to the aerosol generating apparatus, wherein, The controller is also configured to: The flooding detection frequency detected by the flooding detection module is analyzed; When the immersion detection frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the severity of the malfunction is determined by using a first set of threshold levels. as well as When the immersion detection frequency is less than the predetermined threshold, the severity of the malfunction is determined by using a second set of threshold levels.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded on it for performing the method of claim 1 on a computer.

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