Multi-channel heating method, aerosol generating device and storage medium

Abstract

The invention is suitable for the technical field of aerosol generation equipment, and provides a multi-channel heating method, an aerosol generation device and a computer readable storage medium, and the multi-channel heating method comprises the following steps: determining a target heating channel in a plurality of heating channels; controlling the target heating channel to heat; when the heating duration of the target heating channel reaches a preset threshold value, updating the utilization rate of the target heating channel; judging whether a heating channel of which the utilization rate is not updated exists or not; and if not, stopping heating, and if yes, selecting a heating channel of which the utilization rate is not updated as a target heating channel, and repeatedly controlling the target heating channel to heat and the following steps. When the heating duration of the target heating channel reaches the preset threshold value, the heating channel which is not heated is automatically replaced for continuous heating without waiting for an instruction of a user, so that the user can continuously use a plurality of heating channels without interruption, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of aerosol generating devices, and particularly relates to a multi-channel heating method, an aerosol generating device, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Currently, multi-channel aerosol generating devices have emerged, including multiple heating channels. Each heating channel is used to heat an independent aerosol generating substrate to a temperature at which aerosol can be generated but is not sufficient to burn, so as to bake the aerosol generating substrate without burning.

[0003] During the use of a multi-channel aerosol generating device, generally only one heating channel is working at the same time, and the currently working heating channel can be selected according to a selection instruction input by the user. In related technologies, after the currently selected heating channel finishes heating its corresponding aerosol generating substrate, it is necessary to wait for the user to input a new selection instruction again to change the heating channel, resulting in the user being unable to continuously use multiple heating channels and affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide a multi-channel heating method and device, an aerosol generating device, and a computer-readable storage medium, which can solve the problem in related technologies that the user needs to manually change the heating channel, affecting the user experience.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a multi-channel heating method, which is applied to an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device includes multiple heating channels, and each heating channel is used to independently heat an aerosol generating substrate. The method includes: determining a target heating channel among the multiple heating channels; controlling the target heating channel to heat; when the heating duration of the target heating channel reaches a preset threshold, updating the usage rate of the target heating channel; determining whether there is a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated; if not, stopping heating; if so, selecting a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated as the target heating channel, and repeating the steps of controlling the target heating channel to heat and subsequent steps.

[0006] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol generating device, which includes a control unit and a plurality of heating channels; each heating channel is used to independently heat an aerosol generating substrate; the control unit is used to determine a target heating channel among the plurality of heating channels; control the target heating channel to heat; when the heating duration of the target heating channel reaches a preset threshold, update the usage rate of the target heating channel; determine whether there is a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated; if not, stop heating, if so, select a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated as the target heating channel, and repeat the steps of controlling the target heating channel to heat and subsequent steps.

[0007] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which when executed by a processor implements the multi-channel heating method described in the first aspect above.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which when running on an aerosol generating device causes the aerosol generating device to execute the multi-channel heating method described in the first aspect above.

[0009] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application compared with the prior art are as follows: by determining the target heating channel among the plurality of heating channels; controlling the target heating channel to heat; when the heating duration of the target heating channel reaches a preset threshold, updating the usage rate of the target heating channel; determining whether there is a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated; if not, stop heating, if so, select a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated as the target heating channel, and repeat the steps of controlling the target heating channel to heat and subsequent steps. When the heating duration of the target heating channel reaches the preset threshold, without waiting for the user's instruction, automatically replace the unheated heating channel to continue heating, so that the user can continuously use multiple heating channels without interruption, thereby improving the user experience. Description of the Drawings

[0010] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart of a multi-channel heating method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0013] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the specific process of multi-channel heating provided by a specific embodiment of the present application. Specific Embodiment

[0014] In the following description, for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation, specific details such as specific system structures and technologies are presented to thoroughly understand the embodiments of the present application. However, those skilled in the art should clearly understand that the present application can also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other cases, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, devices, circuits, and methods are omitted to avoid unnecessary details from interfering with the description of the present application.

[0015] It should be understood that when used in the specification and claims of the present application, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of the described features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or their combinations.

[0016] It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used in the specification and claims of the present application refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes these combinations.

[0017] As used in the specification and claims of the present application, the term "if" can be interpreted as "when", "once", "in response to determining", or "in response to detecting" according to the context. Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if [the described condition or event] is detected" can be interpreted as meaning "once determined", "in response to determining", "once [the described condition or event] is detected", or "in response to detecting [the described condition or event]" according to the context.

[0018] In addition, in the description of the specification and claims of the present application, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for distinguishing descriptions and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0019] Reference to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in the specification of the present application means that a specific feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, statements such as "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other some embodiments", "in still other embodiments" etc. that appear in different places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in another way. The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their variants all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in another way.

[0020] Figure 1 The block diagram of a partial structure of an aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. Referring to Figure 1 , the aerosol generating device includes a control unit 10 and a plurality of heating channels 20, and the control unit 10 is connected to each heating channel 20. The number of heating channels 20 shown in the figure is 2, and actually it can be more. Those skilled in the art can understand that Figure 1 the structure of the aerosol generating device shown in

[0021] does not constitute a limitation on the aerosol generating device, and may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements. Figure 1 The following specifically introduces each component of the aerosol generating device in combination with

[0022] The heating channel 20 is used to independently heat the object to be heated. The object to be heated may include an aerosol generating matrix.

[0023] The control unit 10 is the control center of the aerosol generating device, and can execute various functions and process data by running the programs stored in the memory. The control unit 10 may be a central processing unit (CPU), and this control unit 10 may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontroller units (MCUs), system on chips (SOCs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or this processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0024] The aerosol generating device may further include a memory (not shown in the figure), which may be an independent component or may be integrated with the control unit 10, and is used to store application programs, boot loaders, data, and other programs, such as program codes of computer programs, etc. The memory may also be used to temporarily store data required for executing the program and generated. The memory may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory, a read-only memory, etc.

[0025] The multi-channel heating method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented as a computer software program. For example, the embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, and the computer program contains program code for executing the method shown in the flowchart. When the computer program is executed by the control unit 10 of the aerosol generating device, the various functions defined in the multi-channel heating method provided in the embodiment of the present application are implemented.

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic flow chart of a multi-channel heating method provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. As an example but not a limitation, the method can be applied to the above-mentioned aerosol generating device.

[0027] S1: Determine a target heating channel among multiple heating channels.

[0028] The target heating channel may be determined in a pre-set order. Alternatively, the target heating channel may be determined according to a user's selection. Specifically, the aerosol generating device further includes an input unit (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the control unit and may include at least one of a button, a microphone, a touch screen, etc. The control unit may obtain a heating channel selection instruction from the input unit, and then determine the target heating channel according to the heating channel selection instruction.

[0029] For example, the input unit includes a button, and a specific operation of selecting a target heating channel through the button can be pre-set, and when the corresponding operation is detected, it is determined that the heating channel selection instruction is obtained. This acquisition method does not require the system to be turned on, and the heating channel selection instruction can be obtained from the button in both standby and power-on states. For example, it is set that continuously pressing the power button for 2 seconds is a selection instruction, and each time a selection instruction is received, the available heating channels are switched in turn.

[0030] For example, a heating channel selection interface may be displayed on a display screen; and then a heating channel selection instruction is obtained from an input unit according to the heating channel selection interface. The specific input unit is not limited, for example, a touch screen, a key, etc. This acquisition method requires the system to be turned on, and the heating channel selection instruction can only be obtained in the turned-on state.

[0031] S2: Heat the target heating channel.

[0032] The control unit controls the target heating channel to start heating its aerosol - generating substrate.

[0033] S3: When the heating duration of the target heating channel reaches a preset threshold, update the usage rate of the target heating channel.

[0034] The preset threshold can be the duration required to complete heating the aerosol - generating substrate, which is set according to the characteristics of the aerosol - generating substrate. For example, it can be 240 seconds. The usage rate is used to indicate whether the heating channel has been heated. Specifically, the usage rate can be updated by increasing the set value.

[0035] S4: Determine whether there is a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated.

[0036] Specifically, it can be determined whether the usage rate of the heating channel is less than the set threshold, where the set threshold is the sum of the initial value and the set value of the usage rate. If the usage rate is less than the set threshold, it is determined that the usage rate has not been updated.

[0037] If there is, jump to S5; if there is, jump to S6.

[0038] S5: Select a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated as the target heating channel.

[0039] Jump to S2.

[0040] S6: Stop heating.

[0041] In addition, a prompt for replacing the aerosol - generating substrate can be given. If the aerosol - generating substrate in the heating channel is replaced, the usage rate of the corresponding heating channel is reset to the initial value.

[0042] By implementing this embodiment, when the heating duration of the target heating channel reaches the preset threshold, without waiting for the user's instruction, the unheated heating channel is automatically replaced to continue heating, enabling the user to continuously use multiple heating channels without interruption, thus improving the user experience.

[0043] The following takes the attached drawings as an example to illustrate the specific process of multi - channel heating.

[0044] As Figure 3 shown, in a specific embodiment of the present application, the multi - channel heating method includes the following parts.

[0045] S11: Obtain a heating channel selection instruction from the input unit.

[0046] There are no restrictions on the specific input unit and the obtaining method.

[0047] S12: Determine the target heating channel according to the heating channel selection instruction.

[0048] S13: Control the target heating channel to perform heating.

[0049] S14: When the heating duration of the target heating channel reaches the preset threshold, change the utilization rate of the target heating channel from the initial value of 0 to 1.

[0050] S15: Determine whether there is a heating channel with a utilization rate less than 1.

[0051] If there is, jump to S16; otherwise, jump to S17.

[0052] S16: Select one of the heating channels with a utilization rate less than 1 as the target heating channel.

[0053] Jump to S13.

[0054] S17: Stop heating and give a prompt to replace the aerosol generation matrix.

[0055] After replacing the aerosol generation matrix, the utilization rates of all heating channels can be set to the initial value of 0 for subsequent use.

[0056] It should be understood that the magnitudes of the sequence numbers of the steps in the above embodiments do not mean the order of execution is prior or posterior. The order of execution of each process should be determined according to its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation to the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0057] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, only the above division of each functional unit and module is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be allocated to different functional units and modules according to needs, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional units or modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. Each functional unit and module in the embodiments can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The above integrated units can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units. In addition, the specific names of each functional unit and module are only for the convenience of mutual distinction and do not limit the protection scope of the present application. The specific working processes of the units and modules in the above system can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments and will not be elaborated herein.

[0058] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps in the foregoing method embodiments can be implemented.

[0059] When the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, to implement all or part of the processes in the above-described embodiment methods of the present application, a computer program can be used to instruct relevant hardware to complete. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the above-described method embodiments can be implemented. Among them, the computer program includes computer program code, and the computer program code can be in the form of source code, object code, executable file, or some intermediate form, etc. The computer-readable medium can at least include: any entity or device that can carry the computer program code to the photographing device / aerosol generating device, recording medium, computer memory, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), electrical carrier signal, telecommunication signal, and software distribution medium. For example, a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a magnetic disk, or an optical disc, etc. In some jurisdictions, according to legislation and patent practice, the computer-readable medium cannot be an electrical carrier signal and a telecommunication signal.

[0060] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of the various embodiments have their own emphases. For the parts not detailed or recorded in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0061] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0062] In the embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed device / network device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device / network device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the modules or units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there can be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed coupling or direct coupling or communication connection to each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection of the device or unit can be in an electrical, mechanical, or other form.

[0063] The unit described as the separation component may or may not be physically separated. The component displayed as a unit may or may not be a physical unit, that is, it may be located in one place or distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0064] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and should all be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A multi-channel heating method, applied to an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a plurality of heating channels, each of which is used to independently heat an aerosol generating substrate, characterized in that: The method comprises: determining a target heating channel among the plurality of heating channels; Controlling the target heating channel to perform heating; When the heating time of the target heating channel reaches a preset threshold, updating the utilization rate of the target heating channel; Determining whether there is a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated; If it does not exist, the heating is stopped; if it does exist, a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated is selected as the target heating channel, and the steps of controlling the target heating channel to heat and subsequent steps are repeated.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: If there is no heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated, a prompt to replace the aerosol generating substrate is given. If the aerosol generating substrate in the heating channel is replaced, the usage rate of the corresponding heating channel is reset to the initial value.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The updating of the usage rate of the target heating channel includes: Increasing the usage rate by a set value; The determining whether there is a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated includes: Determine whether the usage rate of the heating channel is less than a set threshold, where the set threshold is the sum of the initial value of the usage rate and the set value; If the usage rate is less than the set threshold, it is determined that the usage rate has not been updated.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Determining a target heating channel among the plurality of heating channels comprises: Obtain a heating channel selection instruction from an input unit; The target heating channel is determined according to the heating channel selection instruction.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The input unit includes a button, and obtaining the heating channel selection instruction from the input unit includes: The heating channel selection instruction is obtained from the button in the standby state.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The obtaining of the heating channel selection instruction from the input unit comprises: The heating channel selection interface is displayed when the machine is powered on; The heating channel selection instruction is obtained from the input unit according to the heating channel selection interface.

7. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that: including a control unit and a plurality of heating channels; Each of the heating channels is used to independently heat the aerosol generating substrate; The control unit is used to determine a target heating channel among the multiple heating channels; control the target heating channel to heat; when the heating time of the target heating channel reaches a preset threshold, update the usage rate of the target heating channel; and determine whether there is a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated; If it does not exist, the heating is stopped; if it does exist, a heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated is selected as the target heating channel, and the steps of controlling the target heating channel to heat and subsequent steps are repeated.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, characterized in that The control unit is also used to give a prompt to replace the aerosol generating substrate when there is no heating channel whose usage rate has not been updated. If the aerosol generating substrate in the heating channel is replaced, the usage rate of the corresponding heating channel is reset to the initial value.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, characterized in that The control unit is specifically used to increase the usage rate by a set value; determine whether the usage rate of the heating channel is less than a set threshold, and the set threshold is the sum of the initial value of the usage rate and the set value; if the usage rate is less than the set threshold, it is determined that the usage rate has not been updated.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is implemented.

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