Aerosol-generating device and operating method thereof

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an aerosol-generating device may comprise: a heater for heating at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article; a suction sensor for sensing a user's suction; and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the suction sensor, the processor configured to: detect, by the suction sensor, a number of remaining suctions of the aerosol-generating article; comparing the detected number of remaining suctions with a preset number of suctions, and if the detected number of remaining suctions is less than the preset number of suctions, interrupting the supply of power to the heater for a prescribed time; and after the prescribed time has elapsed, supplying power to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a target temperature corresponding to the remaining number of suctions. In addition to this, various embodiments confirmed by the specification may be implemented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device that controls power supply to a heater based on the remaining number of puffs of an aerosol generating article. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the drawbacks of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for methods related to generating an aerosol not by burning a cigarette but by heating an aerosol generating substance.

[0003] When an aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodation space of an aerosol generating device, the device may heat the aerosol generating article according to a preset temperature distribution. At this time, the temperature distribution may refer to temperature change data of a heater or an aerosol generating article during a smoking operation. Therefore, the preset temperature distribution may be a temperature distribution set to be able to generate a constant amount of aerosol as the aerosol generating article is heated. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When an aerosol generating device controls power supply to a heater according to a temperature distribution corresponding to time, an inconsistent amount of aerosol may be generated during a user's smoking operation. In particular, as the smoking operation progresses to the later stage, the amount of atomization may decrease, which may result in an unsatisfactory smoking experience for the user.

[0006] In addition, although the puff cycles of each user during a smoking operation are different from each other, when an aerosol generating device controls power supply according to a temperature distribution corresponding to time, different amounts of atomization, tastes, etc. may be provided to each user, thereby degrading the user's smoking experience.

[0007] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure aim to provide an aerosol generating device that controls power supply to a heater based on the remaining number of puffs of an aerosol generating article, thereby being able to generate a constant amount of aerosol during a smoking operation.

[0008] The technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the drawings.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may include: a heater configured to heat at least a part of an aerosol generating article; a puff sensor configured to sense a puff of a user; and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the puff sensor, the processor being configured to: detect a remaining puff count of the aerosol generating article through the puff sensor; compare the detected remaining puff count with a preset puff count; if the detected remaining puff count is less than the preset puff count, interrupt power supply to the heater for a predetermined time; and after the predetermined time has elapsed, supply power to the heater to bring the temperature of the heater to a target temperature corresponding to the remaining puff count.

[0011] A method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may include the steps of: detecting a remaining puff count of an aerosol generating article through a puff sensor configured to sense a puff of a user; comparing the detected remaining puff count with a preset puff count; if the detected remaining puff count is less than the preset puff count, interrupt power supply to a heater configured to heat at least a part of the aerosol generating article for a predetermined time; and after the predetermined time has elapsed, supply power to the heater to bring the temperature of the heater to a target temperature corresponding to the remaining puff count.

[0012] Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, by controlling power supply to the heater according to the remaining puff count, it is possible to reflect the puff cycle and smoking degree of the user and perform appropriate control.

[0014] However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to the above effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a manner in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controls power supply to a heater.

[0017] Figure 3a is a graph related to power supply corresponding to the remaining puff count of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3b is a graph related to temperature distribution corresponding to the remaining puff count of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4aIt is a graph related to the supplied power corresponding to the remaining number of puffs of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4b It is a graph related to the temperature distribution corresponding to the remaining number of puffs of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing a way in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controls the power supply to a heater in the case where no puff by a user is detected.

[0022] Figure 6 It is related to Figure 5 a graph related to the supplied power of the aerosol generating device.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a flowchart showing a way in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment changes a preset number of puffs based on the initial heating rate of a heater.

[0024] Figure 8 It is an example diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment reducing a preset number of puffs based on the initial heating rate of a heater.

[0025] Figure 9 It is an example diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment increasing a preset number of puffs based on the initial heating rate of a heater.

[0026] Figure 10 It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. Detailed Description

[0027] The terms used in the embodiments are general terms currently widely used while considering the functions in the present embodiments, but these terms may change according to the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in specific cases, they may also be terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the corresponding description part. Therefore, the terms used in the present embodiments should be defined based on their meanings and the overall content of the present embodiments, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0028] Throughout the specification, when a certain part is described as "including" a certain component, unless otherwise specified, other components are not excluded, but other components may also be included. In addition, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification refer to units that perform at least one function or action, and can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0029] As used in this specification, when expressions such as "at least one" appear before the arranged constituent elements, they modify the entire constituent element rather than each of the arranged constituent elements. For example, "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0030] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an internal space.

[0031] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0032] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and depending on the shape of the heating element, the inside or outside of the cigarette can be heated.

[0033] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, or may be made of strands, or may be made of shredded tobacco from a tobacco sheet. In addition, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conductive substance. For example, the heat-conductive substance may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter rod. The filter rod may be composed of more than one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a specified component contained in the aerosol.

[0035] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosol using a cartridge filled with an aerosol generating substance.

[0036] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge filled with an aerosol generating substance and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the body, or may be fixed to prevent the user from disassembling it. The cartridge may be installed in the body in a state where an aerosol generating substance is accommodated inside. However, it is not limited thereto, and an aerosol generating substance may also be injected into the cartridge in a state where the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0037] The cartridge may be filled with an aerosol generating substance in one state among various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, and a gel state. The aerosol generating substance may include a liquid phase composition. For example, the liquid phase composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0038] The cartridge can be actuated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body, etc., so that the function of converting the phase of the aerosol-forming substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate aerosol can be performed. The aerosol can refer to a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-forming substance are mixed with air.

[0039] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can generate aerosol by heating a liquid-phase composition, and the generated aerosol can pass through a cigarette and be delivered to the user. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid-phase composition can move along the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow channel can be configured to allow the aerosol to pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0040] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates aerosol from an aerosol-forming substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of atomizing the aerosol-forming substance by ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator to generate aerosol.

[0041] The aerosol generating device can include a vibrator and atomize the aerosol-forming substance by generating short-period vibrations through the vibrator. The vibrations generated by the vibrator can be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations can be a frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] The aerosol generating device can further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol-forming substance. For example, the wick can be configured to surround at least one area of the vibrator or be in contact with at least one area of the vibrator.

[0043] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, the vibrator can generate heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibrator can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick can be converted into a gaseous phase using the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred by the vibrator, and as a result, aerosol can be generated.

[0044] For example, the heat generated by the vibrator can reduce the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick, and the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibrator can atomize the aerosol-forming substance with reduced viscosity into fine particles, thereby generating aerosol, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming article accommodated in the aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

[0046] An aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When the aerosol generating device supplies power to the coil, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic body that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. The susceptor is located inside the coil and generates heat as the magnetic field is applied, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be located within the aerosol generating article.

[0047] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0048] The aerosol generating device may form a system with an additional cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, with the cradle and the aerosol generating device combined, the heater may be heated.

[0049] 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 them. The present disclosure can be implemented in a form that can be realized in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or can be implemented and realized in a variety of different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0052] Referring to Figure 1 , the aerosol generating device 100 may include: a processor 110, a heater 120, and a puff sensor 130. However, the hardware components inside the aerosol generating device 100 are not limited to Figure 1 that shown. Those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, Figure 1 some of the hardware components shown may be omitted, or new components may be added.

[0053] The operations of each component included in the aerosol generating device 100 will be described below, without limiting the space where these components are located.

[0054] In one embodiment, the heater 120 may heat at least a part of the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the heater 120 may receive power from a battery (not shown) under the control of the processor 110 and heat at least a part of the aerosol generating article with the received power, thereby generating aerosol.

[0055] In one embodiment, the heater 120 may be a heater using a resistive heating method or an induction heating method. For example, when the heater 120 is a heater using a resistive heating method, the heater 120 may be formed of any resistive material, or implemented by a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate provided with a conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc. As another example, when the heater 120 is a heater using an induction heating method, the heater 120 may be implemented as a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by an induction coil.

[0056] In one embodiment, the draw sensor 130 may sense a user's draw and transmit the sensed information to the processor 110.

[0057] In one embodiment, the draw sensor 130 may be a pressure sensor that senses a user's draw by measuring the pressure caused by a change in the internal air flow of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the draw sensor 130 may be disposed in an air flow channel, an opening end, etc. inside the aerosol generating device 100 to measure the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 100, but the arrangement area of the draw sensor 130 is not limited thereto. At this time, the draw sensor 130 may be any one of an absolute pressure sensor, a gauge pressure sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.

[0058] However, not limited thereto, the draw sensor 130 may also be at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a sensor that detects a change in electrical characteristics.

[0059] In one embodiment, the processor 110 may detect the remaining number of draws of the aerosol generating article through the draw sensor 130. Here, the "remaining number of draws" refers to the remaining number of draws that a user can make on the aerosol generating article, and the processor 110 may detect the remaining number of draws by subtracting the sensed number of draws from the number of draws that can be made on the aerosol generating article.

[0060] For example, if the number of draws that can be made on an aerosol generating article is 15 times and the number of draws already inhaled by the user is 10 times, the processor 110 may detect that the remaining number of draws is 5 times.

[0061] In one embodiment, the processor 110 may control the power supply to the heater 120 by comparing the detected remaining number of puffs with a preset number of puffs. For example, the processor 110 may control the power supply to the heater 120 based on pulsewidth modulation (PWM) control, proportional integral differential (PID) control, or the like.

[0062] Here, the "preset number of puffs" may be a reference number of puffs at which the processor 110 interrupts the power supply to the heater 120. For example, if the remaining number of puffs detected by the puff sensor 130 (e.g., 13 puffs) is equal to or greater than the preset number of puffs (e.g., 12 puffs), the processor 110 may continue to supply power to the heater 120. As another example, if the remaining number of puffs detected by the puff sensor 130 (e.g., 11 puffs) is less than the preset number of puffs (e.g., 12 puffs), the processor 110 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 120.

[0063] In one embodiment, the preset number of puffs may be changed based on the initial heating rate of the heater 120, and a detailed description thereof will be provided in Figures 7 to 9 in detail.

[0064] In addition, after the processor 110 detects a puff by the puff sensor 130, if no puff is detected during a critical time period, the processor 110 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 for a preset time, and a detailed description thereof will be provided in Figures 5 to 6 in detail.

[0065] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling the power supply to a heater in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Regarding Figure 2 descriptions that are corresponding, identical, or similar to the foregoing may be omitted.

[0066] Referring to Figure 2 , the processor (e.g., Figure 1 the processor 110) may detect the remaining number of puffs by a puff sensor (e.g., Figure 1 the puff sensor 130) in operation 201. For example, when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device (e.g., Figure 1 the aerosol generating device 100), the processor 110 may supply power to heat the heater (e.g., Figure 1The heater 120 is preheated. In addition, when the user starts smoking after the preheating period of the heater 120 ends, the processor 110 can sense the user's puffing through the puff sensor 130. At this time, the processor 110 can detect the remaining puff count by subtracting the sensed puff count from the puffable count (i.e., the maximum puff count) of the inserted aerosol-generating article.

[0067] For example, if the maximum puff count of an aerosol-generating article is 15 times and the sensed puff count inhaled by the user is 10 times, the processor 110 can detect that the remaining puff count is 5 times.

[0068] In one embodiment, the puffable count of the inserted aerosol-generating article can be stored in a separate memory (not shown). At this time, if the puffable counts of different types of aerosol-generating articles are different, the memory can store the maximum puff counts of each type of aerosol-generating article. For example, if the maximum puff count of the first aerosol-generating article (first type) is 15 times and the maximum puff count of the second aerosol-generating article (second type) is 10 times, the memory can store the maximum puff count data of each type of aerosol-generating article (e.g., the maximum puff count of the first aerosol-generating article is "15 times" and the maximum puff count of the second aerosol-generating article is "10 times").

[0069] After that, the processor 110 can sense the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted in the device 100 through a separate sensor (not shown) and obtain the maximum puff count data corresponding to the sensed type of aerosol-generating article from the memory.

[0070] According to one embodiment, in operation 203, the processor 110 can compare the detected remaining puff count with a preset puff count. At this time, the "preset puff count" can refer to the reference puff count at which the processor 110 interrupts the power supply to the heater 120.

[0071] In one embodiment, if the detected remaining puff count is less than the preset puff count, the processor 110 interrupts the power supply to the heater 120 for a specified time in operation 205. In another embodiment, if the detected remaining puff count is equal to or more than the preset puff count, the processor 110 can return to operation 201 and repeat the following operations.

[0072] For example, if the detected remaining puff count is equal to or more than the preset puff count, the processor 110 can supply power to the heater 120 based on the first temperature distribution, and if the detected remaining puff count is less than the preset puff count, it can interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 for a specified time.

[0073] At this time, the "first temperature distribution" is a temperature distribution related to the remaining number of puffs detected by the puff sensor 130, which may be a temperature distribution including a temperature rise range in which the temperature of the heater 120 rises to a critical temperature.

[0074] In addition, the "prescribed time" of power supply interruption may refer to the time required for the temperature of the heater 120 to drop to a prescribed temperature, and may be a time corresponding to a prescribed number of puffs of the user (for example: 2 to 5 puffs). In addition, the "prescribed time" may be preset according to the manufacturer's design.

[0075] For example, if the remaining number of puffs detected by the puff sensor 130 is 11 times and the preset number of puffs is 12 times, the processor 110 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 for a prescribed time (for example: 30 seconds). However, even if the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted for the prescribed time, the heater 120 still maintains a relatively high temperature (that is, a temperature at which an aerosol-generating article can be heated and an aerosol can be generated), so the user can perform a smoking action during the prescribed time.

[0076] Compared with the existing method of reducing the heater temperature by reducing the supplied power, by interrupting the power supply to the heater 120 for a prescribed time, the power efficiency can be improved. That is, even if the power supply is interrupted for the prescribed time, the temperature of the heater 120 will gradually decrease, so by adjusting the "prescribed time" of power supply interruption, the temperature of the heater 120 can be reduced to the target temperature and the power efficiency can be improved.

[0077] According to an embodiment, in the case where the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted and after a prescribed time, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on the second temperature distribution in operation 207 so that the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the target temperature corresponding to the remaining number of puffs.

[0078] At this time, the "remaining number of puffs" may refer to the remaining number of puffs at the time point after a prescribed time has elapsed since the power supply to the heater 120 was interrupted.

[0079] In addition, the "second temperature distribution" is a temperature distribution related to the remaining number of puffs detected by the puff sensor 130, which may be a temperature distribution in which the target temperature increases as the remaining number of puffs decreases.

[0080] For example, if the remaining number of puffs detected by the puff sensor 130 is 11 and the preset number of puffs is 12, the processor 110 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 for a specified time period (e.g., 30 seconds). At this time, if the user performs 2 puffing actions during the specified time period, the processor 110 may detect that the remaining number of puffs at the time point when the specified time has elapsed is 9.

[0081] Subsequently, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 to bring the temperature of the heater 120 to a target temperature (e.g., 250 °C) corresponding to the remaining number of puffs of "8 times". In addition, as the remaining number of puffs decreases to "7 times", "6 times", "5 times", etc., the target temperature corresponding to the remaining number of puffs may increase to "265 °C", "280 °C", "295 °C", etc.

[0082] Figure 3a is a graph related to power supply corresponding to the remaining number of puffs of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 3b is a graph related to temperature distribution corresponding to the remaining number of puffs of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0083] Referring to Figure 3a and Figure 3b , the processor (e.g., Figure 1 the processor 110) may control the power supply to the heater (e.g., Figure 1 the heater 120) according to the first interval 310, the second interval 315, and the third interval 320. At this time, the first interval 310 may be an interval in which power is supplied within the power supply range 330 for the heater 120 so that the temperature of the heater 120 can be controlled based on the first temperature distribution. The second interval 315 may be an interval in which the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted so that the temperature of the heater 120 substantially decreases. The third interval 320 may be an interval in which power is supplied within the power supply range 330 for the heater 120 so that the temperature of the heater 120 can be controlled based on a second temperature distribution different from the first temperature distribution.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first interval 310 may be an interval in which power is supplied within the power supply range 330 for the heater 120 so that the temperature of the heater 120 can be controlled based on the first temperature distribution. The second interval 315 may be an interval in which the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted so that the temperature of the heater 120 substantially decreases. The third interval 320 may be an interval in which power is supplied within the power supply range 330 for the heater 120 so that the temperature of the heater 120 can be controlled based on a second temperature distribution different from the first temperature distribution.

[0085] At this time, the first temperature distribution and the second temperature distribution may include a temperature rising section in which the temperature of the heater 120 increases as the remaining number of puffing operations decreases. In particular, the first temperature distribution may include a temperature rising section in which the temperature of the heater 120 rises to the critical temperature 340.

[0086] For example, if the processor 110 sets the reference number of puffing operations (i.e., the preset number of puffing operations 300) for interrupting the power supply to the heater 120 to "12 times", the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 in the first section 310 until the remaining number of puffing operations reaches "11 times", which is less than the preset number of puffing operations 300, and then interrupt the power supply.

[0087] At this time, the final power supply to the heater 120 in the first section 310 may be the maximum value within the power supply range 330, so the temperature of the heater 120 may rise to the critical temperature 340.

[0088] The processor 110 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 during the second section 315, and the second section 315 may correspond to a preset specified time (e.g., 30 seconds). At this time, in the second section 315, the temperature of the heater 120 gradually decreases from the critical temperature 340, and in the second section 315, the user's puffing action may also be detected. For example, even if the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted in the second section 315, as long as the user's puffing is detected, the number of puffing operations can be counted.

[0089] If the user's puffing is detected after the preset specified time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed, the processor 110 may restart the power supply to the heater 120. For example, if the remaining number of puffing operations at the time point when the specified time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed is "8 times", the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 to make the temperature of the heater 120 reach the target temperature (e.g., 250 °C) corresponding to the remaining number of puffing operations "8 times".

[0090] At this time, the initial power supply of the heater 120 in the third section 320 may be the minimum value within the power supply range 330, so the temperature of the heater 120 may reach the target temperature. Subsequently, in the third section 320, since the target temperature of the heater 120 increases as the remaining number of puffing operations decreases, the processor 110 may gradually increase the power supply to the heater 120.

[0091] Figure 4a is a graph related to the power supply corresponding to the remaining number of puffing operations of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Figure 4b is a graph related to the temperature distribution corresponding to the remaining number of puffing operations of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0092] Reference Figure 4a and Figure 4b , processor (for example: Figure 1 The processor 110 can control the heater (for example: Figure 1 At this time, the first interval 410 may be an interval in which the remaining number of puffs is 15 to 11 times, the second interval 415 may be an interval in which the remaining number of puffs is 11 to 8 times, and the third interval 420 may be an interval in which the remaining number of puffs overlaps in each interval (for example, "11 times", "8 times"), respectively, and the power supply to the heater 120 may be interrupted and restarted.

[0093] In one embodiment, the first interval 410 may be an interval in which power is supplied within the power supply range 430 of the heater 120 so that the temperature of the heater 120 can be controlled based on the first temperature distribution. The second interval 415 may be an interval in which power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted so that the temperature of the heater 120 is substantially reduced. The third interval 420 may be an interval in which power is supplied within the power supply range 430 of the heater 120 so that the temperature of the heater 120 can be controlled based on a second temperature distribution different from the first temperature distribution.

[0094] At this time, the first temperature distribution may include a temperature rising interval in which the temperature of the heater 120 rises to the critical temperature 440 and a temperature falling interval in which the temperature of the heater 120 drops after reaching the critical temperature 440, while the second temperature distribution may only include a temperature rising interval in which the temperature of the heater 120 increases as the remaining number of puffs decreases.

[0095] For example, if the baseline number of puffs at which the processor 110 interrupts the power supply to the heater 120 (i.e., the preset number of puffs 400) is set to "12 times", the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 during the first interval 410 until the remaining number of puffs reaches "11 times" which is less than the preset number of puffs 400, and then interrupt the power supply.

[0096] At this time, the final power supplied to the heater 120 in the first section 410 may be a power value less than the maximum value of the supply power range 430 , so the temperature of the heater 120 may rise to the critical temperature 440 and then drop.

[0097] The duration for which the processor 110 interrupts the power supply to the heater 120 can be the duration of the second interval 415, and the second interval 415 can correspond to a preset specified time (e.g., 30 seconds). At this time, in the second interval 415, the temperature of the heater 120 gradually decreases, and in the second interval 415, the smoking action of the user may also be detected. For example, even if the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted in the second interval 415, as long as the user's puffing is detected, the number of puffs can be counted.

[0098] If the user's puffing is detected after the preset specified time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed, the processor 110 can restart the power supply to the heater 120. For example, if the remaining number of puffs at the time point when the specified time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed is "8 times", the processor 110 can supply power to the heater 120 so that the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the target temperature (e.g., 250 °C) corresponding to the remaining number of puffs "8 times".

[0099] At this time, the initial power supply of the heater 120 in the third interval 420 can be the minimum value of the power supply range 430, so the temperature of the heater 120 can reach the target temperature. Subsequently, in the third interval 420, as the remaining number of puffs decreases, the target temperature of the heater 120 increases, and the processor 110 can gradually increase the power supply to the heater 120.

[0100] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling the power supply to a heater of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in the case where the user's puffing is not detected.

[0101] Referring to Figure 5 , the processor (e.g., Figure 1 the processor 110 of Figure 1 ) in operation 501, after detecting the user's puffing through a puff sensor (e.g., Figure 1 the puff sensor 130 of

[0102] ), if no puffing is detected during the critical time, the power supply to the heater (e.g.,

[0103] the heater 120 of Figure 1In the aerosol generating device 100), when controlling the power supply to the heater 120 based on the number of user puffs, if power is continuously supplied to the heater 120 for a predetermined period of time without detecting a user puff for a long time, it may cause malfunctions such as overheating of the heater 120 and malfunction of the aerosol generating device 100. Therefore, if no user puff is detected during a critical time period, the processor 110 may determine that the user's puff is temporarily interrupted, and interrupt the power supply to the heater 120 and continue for a preset time.

[0104] According to one embodiment, in operation 503, the processor 110 may supply power corresponding to the minimum value of the supply power range for the heater 120 to the heater 120 after a preset time.

[0105] For example, the processor 110 may restart the power supply to the heater 120 after a preset time (e.g., 20 seconds) has elapsed from the time point when the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted. At this time, the power supplied to the heater 120 may be the minimum value of the supply power range for the heater 120.

[0106] This is to prevent the temperature of the heater 120 from dropping to a substantially low temperature (i.e., a temperature at which no aerosol can be generated from the aerosol generating article) while determining that the user's puff is temporarily interrupted and interrupting the power supply to the heater 120 and continuing for a preset time. However, to prevent the temperature of the heater 120 from rising sharply and unnecessary power consumption, the processor 110 may supply power corresponding to the minimum value of the supply power range to the heater 120.

[0107] Figure 6 is related to Figure 5 a graph of the supply power of the aerosol generating device.

[0108] Referring to Figure 6 , the processor (e.g., Figure 1 the processor 110) may detect the user's last puff 600 through a puff sensor (e.g., Figure 1 the puff sensor 130). Subsequently, if no user puff after the last puff 600 is detected during the critical time 610, the processor 110 may interrupt the power supply to the heater (e.g., Figure 1 the heater 120) and continue for a preset time 620.

[0109] Subsequently, after a preset time 620 has elapsed from the time point when the power supply to the heater 120 is interrupted, the processor 110 may restart the power supply to the heater 120. When restarting the power supply after the preset time 620 has elapsed, the processor 110 may supply power corresponding to the minimum value of the supply power range for the heater 120 to the heater 120.

[0110] Figure 7 It is a flowchart showing a manner in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment changes a preset number of puffing times based on an initial heating rate of a heater. Figure 7 It is for Figure 2 a flowchart that details the actions before action 201 of

[0111] Referring to Figure 7 , the processor (e.g., Figure 1 the processor 110 of Figure 1 ) may detect the initial heating rate of the heater (e.g., Figure 1 the heater 120 of

[0112] ) in action 701. At this time, the "initial heating rate" may refer to the rate at which the temperature of the heater 120 reaches the target preheating temperature in the preheating section where the heater 120 is preheated. The initial heating rate of the heater 120 may change depending on the state of the aerosol generating article inserted in the aerosol generating device (e.g.,

[0113] the aerosol generating device 100 of

[0114] According to one embodiment, if the initial heating rate of the heater 120 is greater than the critical speed range, the processor 110 may change the preset number of puffs to a lower number of puffs than the preset number of puffs in operation 705. For example, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on the temperature distribution in the temperature rise interval that increases the temperature of the heater 120 until the remaining number of puffs of the aerosol-generating article reaches the preset number of puffs. However, if the heat generated from the heater 120 is not transferred due to the aerosol-generating article being in the first abnormal state, the processor 110 may set the temperature rise interval that increases the temperature of the heater 120 longer by changing the preset number of puffs to a lower number of puffs than the preset number of puffs.

[0115] According to one embodiment, in operation 707, the processor 110 may determine whether the initial heating rate of the heater 120 is less than the critical speed range.

[0116] In one embodiment, if the initial heating rate of the heater 120 is less than the critical speed range, the processor 110 may determine that it is in a second abnormal state where the inserted aerosol-generating article contains a large amount of moisture. That is, the second abnormal state may refer to a over-wet state where the aerosol-generating article contains a large amount of moisture due to external environmental conditions or manufacturing conditions, etc.

[0117] According to one embodiment, if the initial heating rate of the heater 120 is less than the critical speed range, the processor 110 may change the preset number of puffs to a higher number of puffs than the preset number of puffs in operation 709. For example, the processor 110 may supply power to the heater 120 based on the temperature distribution in the temperature rise interval that increases the temperature of the heater 120 until the remaining number of puffs of the aerosol-generating article reaches the preset number of puffs. However, if an excessive amount of water vapor is generated in the aerosol-generating article due to the aerosol-generating article being in the second abnormal state, the processor 110 may set the temperature rise interval that increases the temperature of the heater 120 shorter by changing the preset number of puffs to a higher number of puffs than the preset number of puffs.

[0118] Figure 8 It is an example diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment reducing the preset number of puffs based on the initial heating rate of the heater.

[0119] Referring to Figure 8 the graph in part (a) of Figure 1 the aerosol-generating device 100), depending on the state of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device (e.g., Figure 1 the heater 120) in the preheating interval may have different heating rates.

[0120] For example, when the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the normal state 800, the temperature of the heater 120 can rise at a speed within the critical speed range in the preheating section. As another example, when the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the first abnormal state (i.e., the state where the thickness of the aerosol-generating article is too thin) 810, the temperature of the heater 120 can rise at a speed greater than the critical speed range in the preheating section.

[0121] Referring to Figure 8 the graph in part (b) of, the processor 110 can change the preset number of puffing times according to the initial heating rate of the heater 120 in the preheating section. For example, when the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the normal state 800, the initial heating rate of the heater 120 is within the critical speed range, and the processor 110 can maintain the original preset number of puffing times 820 without changing the preset number of puffing times. As another example, when the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the first abnormal state 810, the initial heating rate of the heater 120 is greater than the critical speed range, and the processor 110 can change the original preset number of puffing times 820 to a new reference number of puffing times 830.

[0122] Figure 9 is an example diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment for increasing the preset number of puffing times based on the initial heating rate of the heater.

[0123] Referring to Figure 9 the graph in part (a) of, according to the state of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device (e.g., Figure 1 the aerosol-generating device 100), the heating rates of the heater (e.g., Figure 1 the heater 120) in the preheating section can be different from each other.

[0124] For example, when the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the normal state 900, the temperature of the heater 120 can rise at a speed within the critical speed range in the preheating section. As another example, when the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the second abnormal state (i.e., the over-wet state of the aerosol-generating article) 910, the temperature of the heater 120 can rise at a speed less than the critical speed range in the preheating section.

[0125] Referring to Figure 9For the graph in part (b), the processor 110 can change the preset number of puffs based on the initial heating rate of the heater 120 during the warm-up period. For example, when the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the normal state 900, and the initial heating rate of the heater 120 is within the critical speed range, the processor 110 can maintain the original preset number of puffs 920 without changing it. As another example, when the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100 is in the second abnormal state 910, and the initial heating rate of the heater 120 is less than the critical speed range, the processor 110 can change the original preset number of puffs 920 to a new reference number of puffs 930.

[0126] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment.

[0127] The aerosol-generating device 1000 may include: a control unit 1010, a detection unit 1020, an output unit 1030, a battery 1040, a heater 1050, a user input unit 1060, a memory 1070, and a communication unit 1080. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1000 is not limited to Figure 10 what is shown. That is, those of ordinary skill in the art related to the technical field of this embodiment can understand that, according to the design of the aerosol-generating device 1000, Figure 10 some of the components shown can be omitted, or new components can also be added.

[0128] The detection unit 1020 can sense the state of the aerosol-generating device 1000 or the state around the aerosol-generating device 1000, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1010. The control unit 1010 can control the aerosol-generating device 1000 to perform various functions based on the sensed information, such as controlling the operation of the heater 1050, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0129] The detection unit 1020 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1022, an insertion sensing sensor 1024, and a puff sensor 1026, but is not limited thereto.

[0130] The temperature sensor 1022 can sense the temperature at which the heater 1050 (or, the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1000 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 1050, or the heater 1050 itself may perform the function of a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1022 can also be arranged around the battery 1040 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1040.

[0131] The insertion sensing sensor 1024 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1024 may include at least one of a thin film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may sense a signal change corresponding to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article.

[0132] The puff sensor 1026 may sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1026 may sense a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0133] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (1022 to 1026), the detection unit 1020 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from their names, detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0134] The output unit 1030 may output information related to the state of the aerosol-generating device 1000 and provide it to the user. The output unit 1030 may include at least one of a display unit 1032, a haptic unit 1034, and an audio output unit 1036, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1032 and a touch pad are formed in a stacked structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1032 may also be used as an input device in addition to being an output device.

[0135] The display unit 1032 may visually provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1000 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 1000 may include various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 1040, the preheating state of the heater 1050, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol-generating article, or the state where the use of the aerosol-generating device 1000 is restricted (e.g., an abnormal article is sensed), and the display unit 1032 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display unit 1032 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc. In addition, the display unit 1032 may also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0136] The haptic unit 1034 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus and provide information related to the aerosol-generating device 1000 to the user in a haptic manner. For example, the haptic unit 1034 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0137] The audio output unit 1036 can provide information related to the aerosol generating device 1000 to the user in an audible manner. For example, the audio output unit 1036 can convert an electrical signal into an audio signal and output it to the outside.

[0138] The battery 1040 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. The battery 1040 can supply power to the heater 1050 to heat it. In addition, the battery 1040 can also supply the power required for operation to other components (such as the detection unit 1020, the output unit 1030, the user input unit 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication unit 1080) provided in the aerosol generating device 1000. The battery 1040 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1040 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0139] The heater 1050 can receive power from the battery 1040 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Although Figure 10 not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 1000 can also include a power conversion circuit (such as a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1040 and supplies it to the heater 1050. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1000 generates aerosol in an induction heating manner, the aerosol generating device 1000 can also include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 1040 into AC power.

[0140] The control unit 1010, the detection unit 1020, the output unit 1030, the user input unit 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication unit 1080 can receive power from the battery 1040 to perform their functions. Although Figure 10 not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 1000 can also include a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1040 and supplies it to each component.

[0141] In one embodiment, the heater 1050 can be made of any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials can be metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 1050 can be implemented by a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate configured with a conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0142] In another embodiment, the heater 1050 may be a heater using induction heating. For example, the heater 1050 may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol-forming material.

[0143] The user input unit 1060 may receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1060 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (capacitive touch type, piezoresistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface acoustic wave conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although Figure 10 not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and be connected to other external devices through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 1040.

[0144] The memory 1070 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1000, and may store data processed by the control unit 1010 and data to be processed. The memory 1070 may include at least one type of storage medium such as a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 1070 may store data related to the operation time, maximum number of puffs, current number of puffs, at least one temperature distribution, and the user's smoking pattern of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0145] The communication unit 1080 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1080 may include a short-range communication unit 1082 and a wireless communication unit 1084.

[0146] The short-range wireless communication unit 1082 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit (NFC), a WLAN (Wi-Fi, wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0147] The wireless communication unit 1084 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1084 may also use the added user information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to confirm and verify the aerosol generating device 1000 within the communication network.

[0148] The control unit 1010 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. In one embodiment, the control unit 1010 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented by a plurality of logic gate arrays, or may be implemented by a combination of a general microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can run on the microprocessor. In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that the processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0149] The control unit 1010 may control the temperature of the heater 1050 by controlling the battery 1040 to supply power to the heater 1050. For example, the control unit 1010 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1040 and the heater 1050. As another example, the direct heating circuit may also control the power supply to the heater 1050 according to the control instruction of the control unit 1010.

[0150] The control unit 1010 can analyze the results sensed by the detection unit 1020 and control the subsequent processes to be executed. For example, the control unit 1010 can control the power supplied to the heater 1050 to start or end the operation of the heater 1050 based on the results sensed by the detection unit 1020. As another example, the control unit 1010 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 1050 and the time of power supply based on the results sensed by the detection unit 1020 so that the heater 1050 is heated to a specified temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0151] The control unit 1010 can control the output unit 1030 based on the results sensed by the detection unit 1020. For example, when the number of puff counts counted by the puff sensor 1026 reaches a preset number, the control unit 1010 can give a notice to the user that the aerosol generating device 1000 is about to end through at least one of the display unit 1032, the tactile unit 1034, and the audio output unit 1036.

[0152] An embodiment can also be implemented in the form of a recording medium (e.g., a program module executed by a computer), which includes instructions executable by a computer. A computer-readable medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer, including volatile and non-volatile media, separable and inseparable media. In addition, a computer-readable medium can include a computer storage medium and a communication medium. A computer storage medium includes volatile and non-volatile, separable and inseparable media for storing information (e.g., computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data) implemented by any method or technology. A communication medium generally includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data such as modulated data signals like program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0153] The description of the above embodiments is only exemplary, and those skilled in the art can understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments can be obtained therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content recorded in the appended claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, wherein: include: a heater for heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, a puff sensor for sensing a user's puff, and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the puff sensor; The processor is configured to: detecting the remaining number of puffs of the aerosol generating article by means of the puff sensor, Compare the detected remaining number of puffs with a preset number of puffs, If the detected remaining number of puffs is less than the preset number of puffs, interrupting the supply of power to the heater for a prescribed time, and After the prescribed time has elapsed, power is supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a target temperature corresponding to the remaining number of puffs.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is configured to: If the detected remaining number of puffs is greater than the preset number of puffs, supplying power to the heater based on a first temperature profile; as well as If the detected remaining number of puffs is less than the preset number of puffs, power is supplied to the heater based on a second temperature distribution different from the first temperature distribution.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The first temperature distribution and the second temperature distribution are temperature distributions related to the remaining number of puffs detected by the puff sensor.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The first temperature distribution includes a temperature rising section in which the temperature of the heater rises to a critical temperature.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The second temperature distribution is a temperature distribution in which the target temperature increases as the remaining number of puffs decreases.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is configured to: interrupting the supply of power to the heater for a preset time if no puff is detected during a critical time after the user's puff is detected by the puff sensor; as well as After the preset time has elapsed, power corresponding to a minimum value of a supply power range to the heater is supplied to the heater.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is configured to: The preset number of puffs is changed based on an initial temperature increase speed of the heater.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein: The processor is configured to: If the initial temperature rise speed is greater than a critical speed range, the preset number of puffs is changed to a number of puffs lower than the preset number of puffs.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein: The processor is configured to: If the initial temperature rise speed is less than a critical speed range, the preset number of puffs is changed to a higher number of puffs than the preset number of puffs.

10. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, in, The following steps are involved: detecting the number of puffs remaining on the aerosol generating article by a puff sensor for sensing a puff by a user; comparing the detected number of remaining puffs with a preset number of puffs; If the detected remaining number of puffs is less than the preset number of puffs, interrupting the supply of power to a heater for heating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article for a prescribed time; and After the prescribed time has elapsed, power is supplied to the heater so that the temperature of the heater reaches a target temperature corresponding to the remaining number of puffs.

11. The method for operating the aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The following steps are also included: If the detected remaining number of puffs is greater than the preset number of puffs, supplying power to the heater based on a first temperature profile; as well as If the detected remaining number of puffs is less than the preset number of puffs, power is supplied to the heater based on a second temperature distribution different from the first temperature distribution.

12. The method for operating the aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The following steps are also included: interrupting the supply of power to the heater for a preset time if no puff is detected during a critical time after the user's puff is detected by the puff sensor; as well as After the preset time has elapsed, power corresponding to a minimum value of a supply power range to the heater is supplied to the heater.

13. The method for operating the aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The following steps are also included: The preset number of puffs is changed based on an initial temperature increase speed of the heater.

14. The method for operating the aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein: The following steps are involved: If the initial temperature rise speed is greater than a critical speed range, the preset number of puffs is changed to a number of puffs lower than the preset number of puffs.

15. The method for operating the aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein: The following steps are involved: If the initial temperature rise speed is less than a critical speed range, the preset number of puffs is changed to a higher number of puffs than the preset number of puffs.

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