Aerosol-generating device and method of operating same

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment includes: a heater; a battery configured to supply power to the heater; a communication interface connected to an external device; and a controller configured to communicate with an external device only if an external input is received in a state in which a connection between the communication interface and the external device is detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof that can protect information of the aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for smoking methods that replace ordinary cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance in a cigarette without burning it. Therefore, research on heated cigarettes and heated aerosol generating devices is being actively conducted.

[0003] Generally speaking, the aerosol generating device may be connected to an external device such as a personal computer (PC) via a communication interface. Even in the case where communication is performed by encryption and decryption, the protocol may be made public by a syntax analysis program such as a terminal or a parser. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device and an operating method of the aerosol generating device that can prevent important information of the aerosol generating device from being hooked.

[0006] Objects to be achieved by the embodiments are not limited to the above-described objects, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain will clearly understand undescribed objects based on the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] Technical Solution

[0008] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes: a heater; a battery configured to supply power to the heater; a communication interface capable of being connected to an external device; and a controller configured to communicate with the external device only when an external input is received when the communication interface is connected to the external device.

[0009] According to an embodiment, an operating method of an aerosol generating device includes: detecting a connection with an external device through a communication interface; judging whether a preset external input is received through a user input unit when the detected connection is maintained; and communicating with the external device when the external input is received through the user input unit.

[0010] Beneficial Effects

[0011] An aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may prevent important information of the aerosol generating device from being hooked by requiring a separate external input when the aerosol generating device is connected to an external device through a communication interface.

[0012] Effects of the embodiments are not limited to the above-described effects, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain will clearly understand undescribed effects from the present specification and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figures 1 to 3 is a view showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0014] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a view showing an example of a cigarette.

[0015] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is communicatively connected to an external device.

[0016] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment upon receiving an external input.

[0018] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment when no external input is received.

[0019] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment upon receiving an external input.

[0020] Fig.11 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to further embodiments when no external input is received.

[0021] Fig.12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0022] Fig.13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Regarding the terms in each embodiment, the functions of the structural elements in each embodiment of the present disclosure are considered and the currently widely used general terms are selected. However, the meaning of the terms can be changed according to the intention, judicial precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in some cases, the applicant can arbitrarily select terms in specific circumstances. In this case, the meaning of the terms will be described in detail in the corresponding parts in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in each embodiment of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the description provided herein.

[0024] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "include" and variations such as "include" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms "-device", "-unit" and "module" described in the specification represent units for processing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and a combination thereof.

[0025] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figures 1 to 3 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol-generating article being inserted into an aerosol-generating device.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 1 may include a battery 11, a controller 12 and a heater 13. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a vaporizer 14. In addition, the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0029] Figures 1 to 3 Components of the aerosol generating device 1 related to the present embodiment are shown. Therefore, a person skilled in the art who is related to the present embodiment will understand that, in addition to Figures 1 to 3 In addition to the components shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 1 may further include other common components.

[0030] in addition, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The aerosol generating device 1 is shown to include a heater 13. However, the heater 13 may be omitted if desired.

[0031] Figure 1The battery 11, the controller 12 and the heater 13 are shown arranged in series. Figure 2 The battery 11, the controller 12, the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are shown arranged in series. Figure 3 The vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are shown to be arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to Figures 1 to 3 In other words, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14 can be arranged in different ways.

[0032] When the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may operate the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article 2 and / or the vaporizer 14. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user by passing through the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0033] If necessary, the aerosol-generating device 1 may heat the heater 13 even when the aerosol-generating article 2 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 .

[0034] The battery 11 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and the battery 11 can supply power for operating the controller 12. In addition, the battery 11 can supply power for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0035] The controller 12 can generally control the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the controller 12 can control not only the operation of the battery 11, the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14, but also the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. In addition, the controller 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 can operate.

[0036] The controller 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or the processor may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0037] The heater 13 may be heated by the power supplied from the battery 11. For example, in a case where the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, the heater 13 may be located outside the aerosol-generating article 2. Thus, the heated heater 13 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0038] The heater 13 may include a resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive trace, and the heater 13 may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive trace. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example and may include all heaters that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1 or may be set by a user.

[0039] As another example, the heater 13 may include an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol-generating article by an induction heating method, and the aerosol-generating article may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0040] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element or a rod heating element, and depending on the shape of the heating element, the heater 13 may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol-generating article.

[0041] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a plurality of heaters 13. Here, the plurality of heaters 13 may be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2 or may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 2. In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2, and other heaters may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 2. In addition, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to Figures 1 to 3 The shape shown in FIG. 1 and the heater 13 may include various shapes.

[0042] The vaporizer 14 can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the aerosol generating article 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can move along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the air flow path can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the aerosol generating article 2.

[0043] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery element, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid reservoir, the liquid delivery element, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as separate modules.

[0044] The liquid storage device can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing substance with a volatile tobacco aroma component, or the liquid composition can be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage device can be formed to be disassembled from the vaporizer 14, or the liquid storage device can be formed integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0045] For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, spices, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. Spices may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruity ingredients, but are not limited thereto. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide various scents or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition may include aerosol-forming substances such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0046] The liquid transport element can transport the liquid composition of the liquid storage part to the heating element. For example, the liquid transport element can be a core such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transmitted by the liquid conveying element. For example, the heating element can be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heating element can include a conductive wire such as a nickel-chromium alloy wire, and can be positioned to be wound around the liquid conveying element. The heating element can be heated by supplying an electric current, and heat can be transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0048] For example, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0049] In addition to the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include common components. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (a suction sensor, a temperature sensor, an aerosol generating article insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be formed into a structure in which the aerosol generating device 1 can introduce external air or exhaust internal air even when the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1.

[0050] Although not in Figures 1 to 3Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 10 and an attached cradle may together form a system. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 120 of the aerosol generating device 10. Alternatively, the heater 130 may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device 10 are coupled to each other.

[0051] The aerosol-generating article 2 may be similar to a common burning cigarette. For example, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be divided into a first part comprising an aerosol-generating substance and a second part comprising a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second part of the aerosol-generating article 2 may also comprise an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of particles or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0052] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or a portion of the entire first part and a portion of the second part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part through the user's mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by the outside air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is transmitted to the user's mouth.

[0053] For example, external air may flow into at least one air channel formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the user may adjust the opening and closing of the air channel formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and / or the size of the air channel. Therefore, the amount of puffing and the quality of puffing may be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air may flow into the aerosol generating article 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0054] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 5 Examples of aerosol-generating articles 2 are described.

[0055] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Examples of aerosol-generating articles are shown.

[0056] Reference Figure 4 The aerosol generating article 2 may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22 . Figure 4 The filter rod 22 is shown to include a single segment. However, the filter rod 22 is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter specific components contained in the aerosol. In addition, as required, the filter rod 22 may also include at least one segment configured to perform other functions.

[0057] The diameter of the cigarette 2 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length can be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 is about 12 mm, the length of the first section of the filter rod 22 is about 10 mm, the length of the second section of the filter rod 22 is about 14 mm, and the length of the third section of the filter rod 22 can be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The aerosol generating article 2 can be packaged using at least one package 24. The package 24 can have at least one hole through which external air can be introduced or internal air can be exhausted. For example, the aerosol generating article 2 can be packaged by one package 24. As another example, the aerosol generating article 2 can be double-packaged by two or more packages 24. For example, the tobacco rod 210 can be packaged by a first package 241, and the filter rod 220 can be packaged by packages 242, 243, 244. In addition, the entire aerosol generating article 2 can be repackaged by another single package 245. When the filter rod 220 includes multiple segments, each segment can be packaged by packages 242, 243, 244.

[0059] The first package 241 and the second package 242 can be formed by general filtering wrapping paper. For example, the first package 241 and the second package 242 can be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. In addition, the first package 241 and the second package 242 can be made of oil-resistant paper sheets and aluminum laminated packaging materials.

[0060] The third package 243 may be made of hard packaging paper. For example, the basis weight of the third package 243 may be in the range of 88 g / m2 to 96 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the third package 243 may be in the range of 90 g / m2 to 94 g / m2. In addition, the total thickness of the third package 243 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the total thickness of the third package 243 may be 125 μm.

[0061] The fourth package 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard packaging paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth package 244 may be in the range of about 88 g / m2 to about 96 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth package 244 may be in the range of 90 g / m2 to 94 g / m2. In addition, the total thickness of the fourth package 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the total thickness of the fourth package 244 may be 125 μm.

[0062] The fifth package 245 may be made of sterilization paper (MFW). Here, MFW refers to paper specially made to have enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 245 may be in the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 245 may be about 60 g / m2. In addition, the total thickness of the fifth package 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the total thickness of the fifth package 245 may be 67 μm.

[0063] The fifth package 245 may include a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon exhibits properties such as heat resistance that varies little with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, electrical insulation, etc. However, any material other than silicon may be applied to (or coated on) the fifth package 245 without limitation, as long as the material has the above-mentioned properties.

[0064] The fifth packing member 245 can prevent the rod-shaped member 20 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13, there is a possibility that the rod-shaped member 2 will burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises to a temperature higher than the ignition point of any one of the materials included in the tobacco rod 310, the rod-shaped member 2 may burn. Even in this case, since the fifth packing member 245 includes a non-combustible material, the rod-shaped member 2 can be prevented from burning.

[0065] In addition, the fifth packaging member 245 can prevent the aerosol generating device 1 from being contaminated by the substance formed by the rod-shaped member 2. Through the user's suction, liquid substances can be formed in the rod-shaped member 2. For example, when the aerosol formed by the rod-shaped member 2 is cooled by the external air, liquid substances (such as moisture, etc.) can be formed. Since the fifth packaging member 245 wraps the rod-shaped member 2, the liquid substances formed in the rod-shaped member 2 can be prevented from leaking out of the rod-shaped member 2.

[0066] The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavor liquid injected into the tobacco rod 21, such as menthol or a humectant.

[0067] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be formed into sheets or filaments. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 can be formed into shredded tobacco, which is formed by tiny fragments cut from tobacco sheets. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by heat-conducting material pieces. For example, the heat-conducting material pieces can be but are not limited to metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat-conducting material pieces surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can make the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 evenly distributed, therefore, the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod can be increased and the taste of tobacco can be improved. In addition, the heat-conducting material pieces surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can be used as a base heated by an induction heater. Here, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, in addition to the heat-conducting material pieces surrounding the tobacco rod 21, the tobacco rod 21 can also include an additional base.

[0068] The filter rod 22 may include a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow interior. In addition, the filter rod 22 may include a concave rod. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape.

[0069] The first section of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure with a hollow interior. The first section may prevent the inner material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed back when the heater 110 is inserted into the tobacco rod 21, and the first section may also provide a cooling effect for the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow portion included in the first section may be a suitable diameter in the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] The length of the first section may be a suitable length in the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first section may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment. In addition, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or a tube made of the same or different material into the interior (eg, the hollow portion).

[0072] The second section of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated when the heater 13 heats the tobacco rod 21. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[0073] The length or diameter of the second section can be determined differently according to the shape of the rod-shaped member 2. For example, the length of the second section can be a suitable length in the range of 7mm to 20mm. Preferably, the length of the second section can be about 14mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] The second section may be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the flavored liquid may also be applied to the fibers formed from the polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be made by weaving together additional fibers coated with the flavored liquid and the fibers formed from the polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be formed from a curled polymer sheet.

[0075] For example, the polymer may be formed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum coil.

[0076] Since the second section is formed by woven polymer fibers or by curled polymer sheets, the second section may include a single channel or multiple channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, a channel refers to a passage through which a gas (eg, air or aerosol) passes.

[0077] For example, the second segment formed of the curled polymer sheet may be formed of a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example, the second segment formed of the curled polymer sheet may be formed of a material having a thickness between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. In addition, the total surface area of ​​the second segment may be between about 300 mm2 / mm and about 1000 mm2 / mm. In addition, the aerosol-cooling element may be formed of a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm2 / mg and about 100 mm2 / mg.

[0078] The second segment may include a thread-shaped piece containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread-shaped piece may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0079] The third section of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third section may be a suitable length in the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third section may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] The filter rod 22 can be manufactured to produce flavors. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavor liquid can be inserted into the third section. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled when passing through the second section of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user through the third section. Therefore, when the flavor element is added to the third section, an effect of increasing the persistence of the flavor transmitted to the user can be produced.

[0081] In addition, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may generate flavor. The capsule 23 may generate aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a flavoring substance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] Reference Figure 5 The rod-shaped member 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be located on a side of the tobacco rod 31 that does not face the filter rod 32. During smoking, the front end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from falling off and may prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generating device 1.

[0083] The filter rod 32 may include a first section 321 and a second section 322. The first section 321 may correspond to Figure 2 The first segment of the filter rod 22, segment 322 may correspond to Figure 4 The third section of the filter rod 22.

[0084] The diameter and the total length of the rod-shaped element 3 may correspond to Figure 4 The diameter and total length of the rod-shaped member 2. For example, the length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first section 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second section 322 may be about 14 mm, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0085] The rod-shaped member 3 can be packaged using at least one packaging member 35. The packaging member 35 can have at least one hole through which external air can be introduced or internal air can be exhausted. For example, the front end plug 33 can be packaged using a first packaging member 351, the tobacco rod 31 can be packaged using a second packaging member 352, the first section 321 can be packaged using a third packaging member 353, and the second section 322 can be packaged using a fourth packaging member 354. In addition, the entire rod-shaped member 3 can be packaged using a fifth packaging member 355.

[0086] In addition, the fifth package 355 may have at least one perforation 36 formed therein. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in the area of ​​the fifth package 355 surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed by Figure 3 The heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIG. 1 is transferred to the tobacco rod 31 .

[0087] In addition, the second section 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may generate flavor. The capsule 34 may generate aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a flavoring substance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The first package 351 can be formed by combining a general filter wrapping paper with a metal foil such as an aluminum coil. For example, the total thickness of the first package 351 can be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first package 351 can be 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the metal coil of the first package 351 can be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal coil of the first package 351 can be 6.3 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the first package 351 can be in the range of 50 g / m2 to 55 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the first package 351 can be 53 g / m2.

[0089] The second packing member 352 and the third packing member 353 can be formed by general filtering wrapping paper. For example, the second packing member 352 and the third packing member 353 can be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0090] For example, the porosity of the second package 352 may be 35000CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second package 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second package 352 may be 78 μm. The basis weight of the second package 352 may be in the range of 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the second package 352 may be 23.5 g / m2.

[0091] For example, the porosity of the third package 353 may be 24000CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the third package 353 may be in the range of about 60 μm to about 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third package 353 may be 68 μm. The basis weight of the third package 353 may be in the range of about 20 g / m2 to about 25 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the third package 353 may be 21 g / m2.

[0092] The fourth package 354 may be formed of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper refers to a three-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth package 353 may be in the range of 100 μm to 1200 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth package 353 may be 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be in the range of 80 g / m2 to 100 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be 88 g / m2.

[0093] The fifth package 355 may be formed of sterilization paper (MFW). Here, sterilization paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 355 may be in the range of 57g / m2 to 63g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 355 may be 60g / m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth package 355 may be in the range of 64μm to 70μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth package 355 may be 67μm.

[0094] The fifth package 355 may include a preset material added to the fifth package 355. Examples of the material may include silicon, but are not limited thereto. Silicon has properties such as heat resistance, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, and electrical insulation that are stable to temperature conditions. In addition to silicon, any other material having the above-mentioned properties may be applied to (or coated on) the fifth package 355 without being limited thereto.

[0095] The front end plug 33 may be formed of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be formed by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. The single denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the single denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the single denier of the filaments of the front end plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be a γ-shaped shape. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0096] In addition, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel as required. The cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured into various shapes.

[0097] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the Figure 4 Therefore, hereinafter, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted.

[0098] The first section 321 may be formed of cellulose acetate. For example, the first section 321 may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first section 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. For example, the single denier and total denier of the first section 321 may be the same as the single denier and total denier of the front end plug 33.

[0099] The second section 322 may be formed of cellulose acetate. The single denier of the silk thread constituting the second section 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the single denier of the silk thread of the second section 322 may be in the range of about 8.0 to about 10.0. For example, the single denier of the silk thread of the second section 322 may be 9.0. In addition, the cross-section of the silk thread of the second section 322 may be a γ-shaped shape. The total denier of the second section 322 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second section 322 may be 25,000.

[0100] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is communicatively connected to an external device.

[0101] The aerosol generating device 600 may be generally referred to as a smoking system. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 may be an electrically heated smoking system that heats the cigarette 2 to generate aerosol.

[0102] The aerosol generating device 600 may include a battery, a heater, a memory, a communication interface, and a user input unit, etc., but those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment may understand that some of the listed components may be omitted, or new components may be added. In this case, the user input unit may include an operation button BU and a touch screen TS.

[0103] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 may include product-related data. For example, the product-related data may include product names, product ingredients, a heating curve for each product, etc. The aerosol generating device 600 may control the heater based on the heating curve for each product.

[0104] In addition, the aerosol generating device 600 may include data obtained from the user and data obtained when the aerosol generating device 600 is used. The data obtained from the user may include personal information and preference information of the user. For example, the personal information may include age, gender, address, occupation, identity information, etc. The data obtained during use may include average puff intensity, average number of puffs per puff series, number of cigarettes smoked per day, smoking time per day, smoking area, frequency of use of each product, etc.

[0105] The external device 700 may be a tablet personal computer (PC), a PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a micro server, or a non-mobile computing device, but is not limited thereto. The aerosol generating device 600 may be communicatively connected to the external device 700 .

[0106] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 may be communicatively connected to the external device 700 by wire or wireless means. The aerosol generating device 600 may be communicatively connected to the external device 700 to transmit and receive various data. For example, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit product-related data (e.g., a heating curve for each product) to the external device 700.

[0107] The external device 700 may be connected to various input devices such as a keyboard 710 and / or a mouse 720 .

[0108] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0109] Reference Figure 7 , the aerosol generating device 600 may include a battery 610, a heater 620, a communication interface 630, a user input unit 640, a memory 650, and a controller 660. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 600 is not limited to Figure 7 The structure shown. Those skilled in the art related to this embodiment can understand that according to the design of the aerosol generating device 600, Figure 7 Some of the hardware components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted, or new components may be further added.

[0110] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 may include only a main body, in which case the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 600 are included in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 may include a main body and a cartridge, and the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 600 may be located in the main body and the cartridge, respectively. Alternatively, at least some of the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 600 may be included in the main body and the cartridge.

[0111] Hereinafter, operations of the respective components included in the aerosol generating device 600 are described without limiting the space in which the respective components are disposed.

[0112] The battery 610 supplies power for operating the aerosol generating device 600. That is, the battery 610 can supply power so that the heater 620 can be heated. In addition, the battery 610 can supply power required for the operation of other hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 600, that is, the communication interface 630, the user input unit 640, the memory 650, and the controller 660. The battery 610 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 610 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0113] The heater 620 receives power from the battery 610 under the control of the controller 660. The heater 620 can receive power from the battery 610 to heat the cigarette 2 ( Figure 6 The aerosol generating device 600 is heated or the cigarette cartridge installed in the aerosol generating device 600 is heated.

[0114] The heater 620 may be located in the body of the aerosol generating device 600. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 600 includes a body and a cartridge, the heater 620 may be located in the cartridge. When the heater 620 is located in the cartridge, the heater 620 may receive power from a battery 610 located in at least one of the body and the cartridge.

[0115] The heater 620 may be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, the suitable resistive material may be titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloy, or alloys of the above metals, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 620 may include a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate arranged with an electrically conductive trace, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0116] In one embodiment, the heater 620 may be included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater 620, a liquid transfer unit, and a liquid reservoir. The aerosol generating substance contained in the liquid reservoir moves to the liquid transfer unit, and the heater 620 heats the aerosol generating substance absorbed in the liquid transfer unit to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater 620 may include a material such as nickel chromium, and the heater 620 may be wound around the liquid transfer unit or arranged adjacent to the liquid transfer unit.

[0117] In another embodiment, the heater 620 can heat the cigarette inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 600. When the cigarette is accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 600, the heater 620 can be located inside and / or outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heater 620 can heat the aerosol generating material of the cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0118] In addition, the heater 620 may be an induction heating type heater. The heater 620 may include a conductive coil for heating the cigarette or the cigarette cartridge by using an induction heating method, and the cigarette or the cigarette cartridge may include a base that can be heated by the induction heating type heater.

[0119] The communication interface 630 can be connected to the external device 700 ( Figure 6In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 may be connected to the external device 700 in a wired manner. Wired communication may include, for example, a universal serial bus (USB), a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a recommended standard 232 (RS-232), a plain old telephone service (POTS), etc.

[0120] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 may be communicatively connected to the external device 700 through wireless communication without physical input / output terminals. For example, the aerosol generating device 600 may be connected to the external device 700 through various communication methods such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee. However, the communication method is not limited thereto and may be implemented with the aid of various interfaces according to implementation examples.

[0121] The user input unit 640 may include an input / output (I / O) interface unit (eg, a button or a touch screen) that receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user.

[0122] However, the aerosol generating device 600 may also be implemented by selecting only some of the various examples of the above-described user input unit 640 .

[0123] The memory 650 is hardware that processes various data processed by the aerosol generating device 600, and the memory 650 can store data processed by the controller 660 and data to be processed. The memory 650 can be implemented in various types, for example, a random access memory (RAM) such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0124] The memory 650 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 600, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one heating curve, at least one power curve, and data on the smoking pattern of the user.

[0125] The controller 660 is hardware that controls all operations of the aerosol generating device 600. The controller 660 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or the processor may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, those skilled in the art of the present embodiment may understand that the processor may be implemented by other types of hardware.

[0126] Figure 8is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device upon receipt of an external input according to an embodiment.

[0127] Reference Figures 6 to 8 In operation 811, the aerosol generating device 600 may be connected to the external device 700 via the communication interface 630. According to one embodiment, the communication interface 630 may be a wired communication interface. For example, the wired communication interface may be a USB communication interface. According to another embodiment, the communication interface 630 may be a wireless communication interface. For example, the wireless communication interface may be any one of Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee.

[0128] In this case, in a case where the aerosol generating device 600 is communicatively connected to the external device 700 by using a wired communication interface, the aerosol generating device 600 may be operated in a data communication mode or a charging mode based on whether a preset external input is input. In addition, in a case where the aerosol generating device 600 is communicatively connected to the external device 700 by using a wireless communication interface, the aerosol generating device 600 may be operated in a data communication mode only when a preset external input is input. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, if the external device 700 includes a separate wireless charging device, even in a case where the aerosol generating device 600 is communicatively connected to the external device 700 by using a wireless communication interface, the aerosol generating device 600 may be operated in a data communication mode or a charging mode based on whether a preset external input is input.

[0129] In operation 812 , the external device 700 may detect the connection of the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0130] In operation 813 , when the external device 700 detects the connection of the aerosol generating device 600 , the external device 700 may transmit an authentication request message to the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0131] In operation 814 , after the aerosol generating device 600 receives the authentication request message from the external device 700 , when the aerosol generating device 600 receives an external input from the user within a preset time, the aerosol generating device 600 may determine that the external input is received.

[0132] The aerosol generating device 600 may include an operation button BU as a user input unit 640. In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 may perform a preset operation according to the number of times and / or duration of the user pressing the operation button BU. For example, when the user presses the operation button BU once and for two seconds, preheating of the heater 620 may be started, or when the user quickly presses the operation button BU five times, heating and cleaning may be performed.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the external input may instruct the user to press the operation button BU a preset number of times. In this case, the preset number of times (e.g., three times) may not be described in the product manual of the aerosol generating device 600. As described below, in the case of receiving the external input, the aerosol generating device 600 is in the following state: data can be transmitted to and received from the external device 700, and in order to prevent random people from accessing the data of the aerosol generating device 600, it is preferred that the preset number of times defined for the external input is only disclosed to the developer of the product.

[0134] In addition, the external input is not limited to pressing the operation button BU a preset number of times. For example, by combining the number of times the operation button BU is pressed and the pressing time, the external input can be set to be difficult for a random person to guess.

[0135] The aerosol generating device 600 may include a touch screen TS as a user input unit 640. When receiving a verification request message from the external device 700, the aerosol generating device 600 may display a screen for inputting a password on the touch screen TS. According to one embodiment, the external input may instruct the user to input a preset password on the touch screen TS.

[0136] In operation 815 , in a case where the aerosol generating device 600 determines that the external input is received, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit an authentication response message to the external device 700 .

[0137] In operation 816 , when the external device 700 receives the authentication response message from the aerosol generating device 600 , the external device 700 may establish a communication connection with the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0138] In operation 817 , after establishing the communication connection, the external device 700 may transmit a communication connection completion message to the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0139] In operation 818 , when the aerosol generating device 600 receives the communication connection completion message from the external device 700 , the aerosol generating device 600 may operate in the data communication mode.

[0140] In operation 819 , when the aerosol generating device 600 operates in the data communication mode, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit a data communication mode request message to the external device 700 .

[0141] In operation 820 , when the external device 700 receives the data communication mode request message from the aerosol generating device 600 , the external device 700 may operate in the data communication mode.

[0142] In operation 821 , when the external device 700 operates in the data communication mode, the external device 700 may transmit a data communication mode response message to the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0143] In operation 822, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit and receive data to and from the external device 700. In this case, the data communication mode indicates a state in which data may be transmitted and received between the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700. That is, the user of the external device 700 has access rights to data (e.g., product information) of the aerosol generating device 600. Likewise, the user of the aerosol generating device 600 has access rights to data (e.g., update information) of the external device 700.

[0144] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device in the absence of receiving external input, according to an embodiment.

[0145] Reference Figures 6 to 9 In operation 911, the aerosol generating device 600 may be connected to the external device 700 via the communication interface 630. According to one embodiment, the communication interface 630 may be a wired / wireless communication interface.

[0146] In operation 912 , the external device 700 may detect the connection of the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0147] In operation 913 , when the external device 700 detects the connection of the aerosol generating device 600 , the external device 700 may transmit an authentication request message to the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0148] In operation 914 , after the aerosol generating device 600 receives the authentication request message from the external device 700 , when the aerosol generating device 600 does not receive an external input from the user within a preset time, the aerosol generating device 600 may determine that no external input is received.

[0149] The aerosol generating device 600 may include an operation button BU as a user input unit 640. According to one embodiment, the external input may instruct the user to press the operation button BU a preset number of times. In this case, the preset number of times (e.g., three times) may not be described in the product manual of the aerosol generating device 600. In addition, by combining the number of times the operation button BU is pressed and the time it is pressed, the external input may be set to be difficult for a random person to guess.

[0150] The aerosol generating device 600 may include a touch screen TS as a user input unit 640. When the aerosol generating device 600 receives a verification request message from the external device 802, the aerosol generating device 600 may display a screen for inputting a password on the touch screen TS. According to one embodiment, the external input may be a user inputting a preset password using the touch screen TS.

[0151] In operation 915 , in a case where it is determined that no external input is received, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit an authentication no response message to the external device 700 .

[0152] In operation 916 , when the external device 700 receives the authentication non-response message from the aerosol generating device 600 , the external device 700 may not establish a communication connection with the aerosol generating device 600 (ie, the communication connection fails).

[0153] In operation 917 , when the communication connection fails, the external device 700 may transmit a communication connection failure message to the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0154] In operation 918 , when the aerosol generating device 600 receives a communication connection failure message from the external device 700 , the aerosol generating device 600 may operate in a charging mode.

[0155] In operation 919 , in a case where the aerosol generating device 600 operates in the charging mode, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit a charging mode request message to the external device 700 .

[0156] In operation 920, in the case where the external device 700 receives a charging mode request message from the aerosol generating device 600, the external device 700 may operate in a charging mode. In this case, the charging mode may indicate a state in which the power of the aerosol generating device 600 is charged and data cannot be transmitted and received between the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700. That is, the user of the external device 700 does not have access rights to data (e.g., product information) of the aerosol generating device 600. In addition, the user of the aerosol generating device 600 does not have access rights to data (e.g., update information) of the external device 700.

[0157] In operation 921 , when the external device 700 operates in the charging mode, the external device 700 may supply external power to the battery 610 of the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0158] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment upon receiving an external input.

[0159] Fig.10 The embodiment shown is similar to Figure 8 The embodiment shown differs in that Figure 8 In an embodiment, the external input is received by the aerosol generating device 600, but in Fig.10 In the embodiment of the present invention, an external input is received through the external device 700. Hereinafter, repeated descriptions are omitted, and the differences between them are mainly described.

[0160] Reference Figures 6 to 10 In operation 1011, the aerosol generating device 600 may be connected to the external device 700 via the communication interface 630. According to one embodiment, the communication interface 630 may be a wired / wireless communication interface.

[0161] In operation 1012 , the aerosol generating device 600 may detect the connection of the external device 700 .

[0162] In operation 1013 , the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit an authentication request message to the external device 700 upon detecting the connection of the external device 700 .

[0163] In operation 1014 , after the external device 700 receives the authentication request message from the aerosol generating device 600 , when the external device 700 receives an external input from the user within a preset time, the external device 700 may determine that the external input is received.

[0164] The external device 700 may include a display unit that displays an execution screen of a preset syntax analysis program (e.g., PC tool) and a keyboard 710 that receives an external input. According to one embodiment, the external input may be a decryption permission command input through the keyboard 710. In this way, since a preset decryption permission command must be input through the preset syntax analysis program to input the external input into the external device 700, the security of the external input is improved.

[0165] In operation 1015 , when the external device 700 determines that the external input is received, the external device 700 may transmit an authentication response message to the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0166] In operation 1016 , when the aerosol generating device 600 receives the authentication response message from the external device 700 , the aerosol generating device 600 may establish a communication connection with the external device 700 .

[0167] In operation 1017 , the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit a communication connection completion message to the external device 700 after establishing the communication connection.

[0168] In operation 1018 , when the external device 700 receives the communication connection completion message from the aerosol generating device 600 , the external device 700 may operate in the data communication mode.

[0169] In operation 1019 , when the external device 700 operates in the data communication mode, the external device 700 may transmit a data communication mode request message to the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0170] In operation 1020 , when the aerosol generating device 600 receives a data communication mode request message from the external device 700 , the aerosol generating device 600 may operate in the data communication mode.

[0171] In operation 1021 , when the aerosol generating device 600 operates in the data communication mode, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit a data communication mode response message to the external device 700 .

[0172] In operation 1022, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit and receive data to and from the external device 700. In this case, the data communication state indicates a state in which data can be transmitted and received between the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700. That is, the user of the external device 700 has access rights to data (e.g., product information) of the aerosol generating device 600. In addition, the user of the aerosol generating device 600 has access rights to data (e.g., update information) of the external device 700.

[0173] Fig.11 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device when no external input is received according to further embodiments.

[0174] Reference Figures 6 to 11 In operation 1111, the aerosol generating device 600 may be connected to the external device 700 via the communication interface 630. According to one embodiment, the communication interface 630 may be a wired / wireless communication interface.

[0175] In operation 1112 , the aerosol generating device 600 may detect the connection of the external device 700 .

[0176] In operation 1113 , when the aerosol generating device 600 detects the connection of the external device 700 , the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit an authentication request message to the external device 700 .

[0177] In operation 1114 , after the external device 700 receives the authentication request message from the aerosol generating device 600 , when the external device 700 does not receive an external input from a user within a preset time, the external device 700 may determine that no external input is received.

[0178] The external device 700 may include a display unit that displays an execution screen of a preset syntax analysis program (eg, PC tool) and a keyboard 710 that receives an external input. According to one embodiment, the external input may be a decryption approval command.

[0179] In operation 1115 , when the external device 700 determines that no external input is received, the external device 700 may transmit an authentication no response message to the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0180] In operation 1116 , when the aerosol generating device 600 receives the authentication non-response message from the external device 700 , the aerosol generating device 600 may not establish a communication connection with the external device 700 (ie, the communication connection fails).

[0181] In operation 1117 , when the communication connection fails, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit a communication connection failure message to the external device 700 .

[0182] In operation 1118 , when the external device 700 receives the communication connection failure message from the aerosol generating device 600 , the external device 700 may operate in a charging mode.

[0183] In operation 1119 , when the external device 700 operates in the charging mode, the external device 700 may transmit a charging mode request message to the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0184] In operation 1120, when the aerosol generating device 600 receives the charging mode request message from the external device 700, the aerosol generating device 600 may operate in the charging mode. In this case, the charging mode may indicate a state in which the power of the aerosol generating device 600 is accumulated and data cannot be transmitted and received between the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700.

[0185] In operation 1121 , when the aerosol generating device 600 operates in the charging mode, the aerosol generating device 600 may transmit a charging mode response message to the external device 700 .

[0186] In operation 1122 , when the external device 700 receives the charging mode response message from the aerosol generating device 600 , the external device 700 may supply external power to the battery 610 of the aerosol generating device 600 .

[0187] Fig.12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1200 according to another embodiment.

[0188] The aerosol generating device 1200 may include a controller 1210, a sensing unit 1220, an output unit 1230, a battery 1240, a heater 1250, a user input unit 1260, a memory 1270, and a communication unit 1280. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1200 is not limited to Fig.12 That is, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1200, Fig.12 Some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted, or new components may be added.

[0189] The sensing unit 1220 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 and the state around the aerosol generating device 1200, and transmit the sensed information to the controller 1210. Based on the sensed information, the controller 1210 can control the aerosol generating device 1200 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater 1250, restricting smoking, judging whether an aerosol generating product (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

[0190] The sensing unit 1220 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1222, an insertion detection sensor, and a suction sensor 1226, but is not limited thereto.

[0191] The temperature sensor 1222 can sense the temperature at which the heater 1250 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1200 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 1250, or the heater 1250 may be used as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1222 may also be arranged around the battery 1240 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1240. In an embodiment, the temperature sensor 1222 may measure the temperature of the heater 1250 before being heated.

[0192] The insertion detection sensor 1224 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1224 may include at least one of a membrane sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, and the insertion detection sensor 1224 may sense a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. In an embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 1224 may determine continuous use in the following case: after detecting the insertion of the aerosol generating article, the insertion detection sensor 1224 detects the insertion of the aerosol generating article again within a predetermined time period after the end of a smoking series.

[0193] The suction sensor 1226 can sense the user's suction based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the suction sensor 1226 can sense the user's suction based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change and pressure change.

[0194] The sensing unit 1220 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor) in addition to the above-mentioned temperature sensor 1222, the insertion detection sensor 1224, and the suction sensor 1226. Since a person of ordinary skill in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from the name of the sensor, its detailed description may be omitted.

[0195] The output unit 1230 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 and provide the information to the user. The output unit 1230 may include at least one of a display unit 1232, a tactile unit 1234, and a sound output unit 1236, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1232 and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1232 may be used as an input device in addition to being used as an output device.

[0196] The display unit 1232 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1200 in a visual manner. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1200 may refer to various information, such as the charging / discharging state of the battery 1240 of the aerosol generating device 1200, the preheating state of the heater 1250, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1200 is restricted (e.g., sensing an abnormal object), etc., and the display unit 1232 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 1232 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel, etc. In addition, the display unit 1232 may be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting device.

[0197] The haptic unit 1234 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1200 in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulation or an electrical stimulation. For example, the haptic unit 1234 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0198] The sound output unit 1236 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1200 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output unit 1236 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0199] The battery 1240 may be used to supply power for operating the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 may supply power so that the heater 1250 may be heated. In addition, the battery 1240 may supply power required for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280) in the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1240 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0200] The heater 1250 may receive power from the battery 1240 to heat the aerosol generating material. Fig.12 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC) / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to the heater 1250. In addition, in the case where the aerosol generating device 1200 generates aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a DC / alternating current (AC) that converts the DC power of the battery 1240 into AC power.

[0201] The controller 1210, the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280 may all receive power from the battery 1240 to perform functions. Fig.12 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 1240 to supply the power to corresponding components, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

[0202] In an embodiment, the heater 1250 may be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, a suitable resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy, including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloy, etc. In addition, the heater 1250 may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate arranged with an electrically conductive trace, a ceramic heating element, etc., but not limited to this.

[0203] In another embodiment, the heater 1250 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 1250 may include a base that heats the aerosol generating substance by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0204] In one embodiment, the heater 1250 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 1250 may include a first heater for heating cigarettes and a second heater for heating liquids.

[0205] The user input unit 1260 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1260 may include a keyboard, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitance method, pressure resistance film method, infrared sensing method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, overall tension measurement method, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a roller, a roller switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although in Fig.12 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1200 may also include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the aerosol generating device 900 may be connected to other external devices via the connection interface, such as a USB interface, to send and receive signals or charge the battery 1240.

[0206] The memory 1270 is a hardware component that stores various types of data processed in the aerosol generating device 1200, and the memory 1270 can store data processed by the controller 1210 and data to be processed. The memory 1270 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from the following: flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro memory, card memory (such as secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 1270 can store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 1200, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, data about the user's smoking pattern, etc. In an embodiment, the memory 1270 can store a plurality of heating curves. In addition, the memory 1270 can store a plurality of preheating curves that define the preheating portion in the heating curve. The memory 1270 can store reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Multiple preheating curves are described.

[0207] The communication unit 1280 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 1280 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 1282 and a wireless communication unit 1284.

[0208] The short-range wireless communication unit 1282 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0209] The wireless communication unit 1284 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1284 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1200 within the communication network by using subscription information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0210] The controller 1210 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. In an embodiment, the controller 1210 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0211] Fig.13 is a flow chart showing a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Of course, in this case, reference is made to Fig.13 Description of the embodiments and references Fig.13 The described embodiments may be applied to the method of operating the aerosol generating device.

[0212] Reference Figures 1 to 11 And reference Fig.13 The operating method of the aerosol generating device may include: operation S100: detecting the connection with the external device 700 through the communication interface 630; operation S200, judging whether an external input is received through the user input unit 640 within a preset time after the connection between the communication interface 630 of the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 is detected; operation S300: communicating with the external device 700 when the external input is received through the user input unit 640 within the preset time; operation S400, if the external input is not received through the user input unit 640 within the preset time, receiving external power through the communication interface 630 and performing a charging operation on the battery 610 through the received external power.

[0213] Specifically, in operation S100, according to one embodiment, the communication interface 630 may be a wired communication interface. For example, the wired communication interface may be a USB communication interface. According to another embodiment, the communication interface 630 may be a wireless communication interface. For example, the wireless communication interface may be any one of Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee.

[0214] Thereafter, in operation S200, according to one embodiment, the external input may instruct the user to press the operation button BU a preset number of times. In this case, the preset number of times (e.g., three times) may not be disclosed in the product manual of the aerosol generating device 600. When the external input is received, the aerosol generating device 600 is in a state where data can be transmitted to and received from the external device 700. In this regard, in order to prevent random people from accessing the product information of the aerosol generating device 600, it is preferred that the above-mentioned preset number of times for the external input is disclosed only to the developer of the product.

[0215] In addition, the external input is not limited to pressing the operation button BU a preset number of times. For example, by combining the number of times the operation button BU is pressed and the pressing time, the external input can be set to be difficult for a random person to guess.

[0216] The aerosol generating device 600 may include a touch screen TS as a user input unit 640. When the aerosol generating device 600 receives a verification request message from the external device 700, the aerosol generating device 600 may display a screen for inputting a password on the touch screen TS. According to one embodiment, the external input may instruct the user to input a preset password on the touch screen TS.

[0217] The external device 700 may include a display unit that displays an execution screen of a preset syntax analysis program (e.g., PC tool) and a keyboard 710 that receives an external input. According to one embodiment, the external input may be a decryption permission command input through the keyboard 710. In this way, since the preset decryption permission command must be input through the preset syntax analysis program to input the external input into the external device 700, the security of the external input is improved.

[0218] In operation S300, the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 may operate in a data communication mode. In this case, the data communication mode indicates a state in which data can be transmitted and received between the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700. That is, the user of the external device 700 has access rights to data (e.g., product information) of the aerosol generating device 600. In addition, the user of the aerosol generating device 600 has access rights to data (e.g., update information) of the external device 700.

[0219] In operation S400, the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700 may operate in a charging mode. In this case, the charging mode may indicate a state in which the power of the aerosol generating device 600 is charged and data cannot be transmitted and received between the aerosol generating device 600 and the external device 700. That is, the user of the external device 700 does not have access rights to data (e.g., product information) of the aerosol generating device 600. In addition, the user of the aerosol generating device 600 does not have access rights to data (e.g., update information) of the external device 700.

[0220] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art associated with the present embodiment that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the above-mentioned features. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered as a descriptive point of view rather than a restrictive point of view. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the preceding description, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be interpreted as included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: Heater; a battery configured to supply power to the heater; a communication interface capable of connecting to an external device; as well as A controller is configured to communicate with the external device only after a preset external input is received when the communication interface is connected to the external device. 2 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a user input unit configured to receive the external input.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The user input unit includes an operation button, and the external input is pressing the operation button a predetermined number of times.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The user input unit includes a touch screen for displaying a virtual keyboard, and the external input is a preset password.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The external device includes: a display unit for displaying an execution screen of the syntax analysis program; and a keyboard for receiving the external input; and The external input is a decryption grant command.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The communication interface is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication interface.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The controller is also configured to receive external power through the communication interface and to charge the battery with the received external power when the external input is not received through the user input unit within a preset time after the connection between the communication interface and the external device is detected.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The communication interface is a wireless communication interface for wirelessly connecting to the external device.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein: The wireless communication interface includes any one of Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi and Zigbee.

10. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a memory configured to store a plurality of heating curves of the heater.

11. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a heater and a battery for supplying power to the heater, the method comprising: detecting a connection with an external device through a communication interface; When the detected connection is maintained, determining whether a preset external input is received through the user input unit; as well as When the external input is received through the user input unit, communication is performed with the external device.

12. The operating method according to claim 11, wherein: The user input unit includes an operation button, and the external input is pressing the operation button a predetermined number of times.

13. The operating method according to claim 11, wherein: The user input unit includes a touch screen for displaying a virtual keyboard; and The external input is a preset password.

14. The operating method according to claim 11, wherein: The external device includes: a display unit for displaying an execution screen of the syntax analysis program; and a keyboard for receiving the external input; and The external input is a decryption grant command.

15. The operating method according to claim 11, further comprising: When the external input is not received through the user input unit within a preset time, external power is received through the communication interface, and the battery is charged by the received external power.

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