Power usage control for aerosol-generating devices

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is provided that includes a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor. The controller is configured to measure (1000) an energy level of the battery using the battery monitor and to calculate (1002) a number of aerosolization links that may be powered for a first aerosolization link heating profile. The controller is configured to receive (1004) an instruction for entering an energy saving mode in which a + b aerosolization links may be performed, and to enter the energy saving mode, thereby stepwise modifying (1006) an aerosolization link heating profile and recalculating the number of aerosolization links that may be powered based on the measured battery energy level, and until a second aerosolization link heating curve is determined in which a + b aerosolization links can be performed. The controller is configured to control (1008) the aerosol-generating device to perform the aerosolization link using the second aerosolization link heating profile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to power usage control of an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating devices (such as electronic cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporization devices) have become increasingly popular consumer products.

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heating chamber and a heater. In operation, the operator inserts the product to be aerosolized or vaporized into the heating chamber. Then, the product is heated by an electronic heater to vaporize the components of the product for the operator to inhale. In some examples, the product is a tobacco product similar to a traditional cigarette. Such devices are sometimes referred to as "heat-not-burn" devices because the product is heated to the aerosolization point without burning.

[0004] Problems faced by known aerosol generating devices include providing effective control of power usage and improving usability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0006] Control the power flow from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to perform the nth aerosolization session, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1;

[0007] Obtain the aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor;

[0008] Access the relationship of the energy usage of each aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed, and update the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session, wherein the relationship is stored in a storage device accessible by the controller;

[0009] Determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session based on the energy level of the battery and the updated relationship of the energy usage of each aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed; and

[0010] Control the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session.

[0011] An aerosol generating device may be configured to indicate the state of charge of a battery in a manner similar to a smart phone. However, when a user considers how many aerosolization sessions can be performed, this information may not be intuitive and may confuse the user. The user may not be clear how many aerosolization sessions can be powered at a given state of charge. In traditional smoking behavior, a smoker can check a cigarette pack to determine the number of cigarettes that can be smoked. For an aerosol generating device that indicates the state of charge of a battery, the operator is not clear how many aerosolization sessions can be performed. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a technical solution that can be used to indicate the remaining number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery of an aerosol generating device. The first aspect addresses this challenge by providing a process for determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by a battery and outputting this information. Additionally, the process takes into account real-time changes in the battery and the aerosol generating device, thereby enabling an accurate determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered.

[0012] Preferably, the battery monitor includes a voltage measurement module configured to measure the battery voltage of an aerosolization session, and the aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session obtained include the battery voltage of the nth aerosolization session measured by the voltage measurement module.

[0013] In this way, the battery voltage can be used to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session.

[0014] Preferably, the battery monitor includes a current measurement module configured to measure the current output by the battery during an aerosolization session, and the aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session obtained include the current output by the battery during the nth aerosolization session measured by the current measurement module.

[0015] In this way, the current output of the battery can be used to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session.

[0016] Preferably, the battery monitor includes an ambient temperature measurement module configured to measure the ambient temperature near the aerosol generating device during an aerosolization session, and the aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session include the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature measurement module during the nth aerosolization session.

[0017] In this way, the temperature near the aerosol generating device can be used to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session. Extremely high and low temperatures can affect the performance of the battery, so taking temperature into account during the calculation improves the accuracy of determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session.

[0018] Preferably, the nth aerosolization step is the most recently completed aerosolization step.

[0019] In this way, the determination of the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered can be updated in response to the most recently completed aerosolization step. This ensures that the most useful information about the battery level of the device is continuously presented to the operator.

[0020] Preferably, the relationship of the energy usage of each aerosolization step as a function of the number of aerosolization steps performed includes a predetermined value of the energy usage of each aerosolization step in a series of consecutively performed aerosolization steps.

[0021] In this way, the predetermined and pre-stored data related to the energy usage of each aerosolization step as a function of the number of aerosolization steps performed can be used to preliminarily determine the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered.

[0022] Preferably, the controller is configured to update the relationship of the energy usage of each step as a function of the number of aerosolization steps performed by: updating the energy usage value of the nth aerosolization step determined according to the aerosolization step characteristics, and applying a fitting algorithm to the relationship of the energy usage of each step as a function of the number of aerosolization steps performed, including the updated energy usage value of the nth aerosolization step.

[0023] Preferably, the controller is configured to calculate the number of future steps that can be powered after the nth step by based on the energy level of the battery and the updated relationship of the energy usage of each step as a function of the number of aerosolization steps performed for the future aerosolization steps after the nth step, so as to determine the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered after the nth step.

[0024] In this way, when determining the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered, the real-time measurement of the aerosolization step characteristics can be taken into account as a factor. In this way, the determined number of aerosolization steps that can be powered can accurately reflect the current operating conditions of the aerosol generating device.

[0025] Preferably, the fitting algorithm includes a recursive least squares fitting algorithm.

[0026] In this way, the energy usage data of each aerosolization step as a function of the number of aerosolization steps performed can be efficiently fitted to determine the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered.

[0027] Preferably, the fitting algorithm includes a smoothing function configured to apply a higher weight to the energy usage values determined under room temperature conditions than to the energy values determined under non-room temperature conditions.

[0028] In this way, the smoothing function helps to avoid changes or 'jumps' that may not be intuitive to the operator when determining the number of sessions that can be performed, such as a large adjustment to the predicted number of sessions that can be powered due to a change in conditions.

[0029] Preferably, the controller is configured to: determine an energy offset value between a fitting relationship of the energy usage of each session, including the updated energy usage value of the nth aerosolization session, as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed and fitting data representing the expected energy usage of each session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions prior to any aerosolization session that has been performed; and

[0030] control the aerosol generating device to output a notification when the energy offset value exceeds a predetermined energy offset value, wherein the notification includes an instruction to clean the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[0031] In this way, the process can determine whether the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device should be cleaned. Output this internal state information to the user so that the user knows to clean the heating chamber, thereby increasing the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered in the future.

[0032] Preferably, the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device to use a display associated with the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session.

[0033] In this way, the determined number of aerosol sessions can be presented to the operator in an efficient and user-friendly manner.

[0034] Preferably, the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session determined based on the energy level of the battery and the relationship of the updated energy usage of each aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed is the first number of aerosolization sessions; and

[0035] The controller is configured to:

[0036] use a battery monitor to measure the energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization session;

[0037] determine a second number of aerosolization sessions, wherein the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery at the measured battery energy level after the nth aerosolization session is determined by using the current curve of the aerosolization session and battery modeling parameters, thereby determining the second number of aerosolization sessions;

[0038] Compare the number of first aerosolization steps with the number of second aerosolization steps;

[0039] Wherein, the step of controlling the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered after the nth step includes:

[0040] When the number of first aerosolization steps is different from the number of second aerosolization steps, output the smaller of the number of first aerosolization steps and the number of second aerosolization steps; and

[0041] When the number of first aerosolization steps is the same as the number of second aerosolization steps, output the number of first aerosolization steps or the number of second aerosolization steps.

[0042] In this way, a second determination of the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered is performed. When the first determination and the second determination determine different numbers of aerosolization steps that can be powered, output the smaller of the two. If the operator of the aerosol generating device is unable to predict the number of aerosolization steps that the battery can power, overestimating the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered may lead to dissatisfaction of the operator. Determining the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered through these two processes and outputting the smaller of the two predicted values can reduce the risk of overestimating the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered. Therefore, dissatisfaction of the operator is avoided.

[0043] Preferably, the controller is further configured to update the battery modeling parameters after the nth aerosolization step based on the aerosolization step characteristics of the nth aerosolization step measured using the battery monitor.

[0044] In this way, the real-time changes of the battery are considered so as to accurately determine the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered by performing a second determination of the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered.

[0045] Preferably, the aerosolization step includes heating a consumable for generating aerosol to generate aerosol from the consumable for generating aerosol.

[0046] Preferably, the consumable for generating aerosol is a tobacco rod, and the aerosolization step includes heating the tobacco rod without burning the tobacco rod.

[0047] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, wherein the method includes:

[0048] Controlling, by the controller, the power flow from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to perform the nth aerosolization step, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 1;

[0049] Obtain, by a controller, aerosolization link characteristics of the nth aerosolization link measured using a battery monitor;

[0050] Access, by the controller, a relationship of the energy usage of each aerosolization link as a function of the number of aerosolization links performed, and update the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization link characteristics of the nth aerosolization link, wherein the relationship is stored in a storage device accessible by the controller;

[0051] Determine, by the controller, the number of aerosolization links that can be powered after the nth aerosolization link based on the energy level of the battery and the updated relationship of the energy usage of each aerosolization link as a function of the number of aerosolization links performed; and

[0052] Control, by the controller, the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization links that can be powered after the nth link.

[0053] Preferably, the method of the second aspect includes the preferred features of the first aspect.

[0054] In a third aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the instructions causing the one or more processors to perform steps including the following:

[0055] Control, by the controller, the power flow from the battery to a heater of the aerosol generating device to perform the nth aerosolization link, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1;

[0056] Obtain, by the controller, aerosolization link characteristics of the nth aerosolization link measured using a battery monitor;

[0057] Access, by the controller, a relationship of the energy usage of each aerosolization link as a function of the number of aerosolization links performed, and update the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization link characteristics of the nth aerosolization link, wherein the relationship is stored in a storage device accessible by the controller;

[0058] Determine, by the controller, the number of aerosolization links that can be powered after the nth aerosolization link based on the energy level of the battery and the updated relationship of the energy usage of each aerosolization link as a function of the number of aerosolization links performed; and

[0059] Control, by the controller, the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization links that can be powered after the nth link.

[0060] Preferably, the non-transitory computer-readable medium of the third aspect includes the preferred features of the first aspect.

[0061] In a fourth aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller and a battery monitor, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0062] Control the power flow from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to perform the nth aerosolization session, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1;

[0063] Use the battery monitor to measure the energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization session;

[0064] Use the aerosolization session current curve and the modeling parameters of the battery to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery can power using the measured battery energy level after the nth aerosolization session; and

[0065] Control the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session.

[0066] The aerosol generating device may be configured to indicate the state of charge of the battery in a manner similar to a smart phone. However, when a user considers how many aerosolization sessions can be performed, this information may not be intuitive and may confuse the user. The user may not be clear how many aerosolization sessions can be powered at a given state of charge. In traditional smoking behavior, a smoker can look at the cigarette pack to determine the number of cigarettes that can be smoked. For an aerosol generating device that indicates the state of charge of the battery, the operator is not clear how many aerosolization sessions can be performed. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a technical solution that can be used to indicate the remaining number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered by the battery of the aerosol generating device. The fourth aspect addresses this challenge by providing a process for determining the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery can power and outputting this information. In addition, the process uses the modeling parameters of the battery, thereby enabling an accurate determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered.

[0067] Preferably, the controller is configured to obtain the aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor and update the modeling parameters of the battery based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session.

[0068] In this way, the modeling parameters of the battery can be updated to reflect the aerosolization session characteristics rather than just having predetermined values. This can improve the determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered.

[0069] Preferably, the battery monitor includes a voltage measurement module configured to measure the battery voltage during the aerosolization process, and the aerosolization process characteristic of the nth aerosolization process obtained includes the battery voltage of the nth aerosolization process measured by the voltage measurement module.

[0070] In this way, the battery voltage can be used to determine the number of aerosolization processes that can be powered after the nth aerosolization process.

[0071] Preferably, the battery monitor includes a current measurement module configured to measure the current output by the battery during the aerosolization process, and the aerosolization process characteristic of the nth aerosolization process obtained includes the current output by the battery during the nth aerosolization process measured by the current measurement module.

[0072] In this way, the current output of the battery can be used to determine the number of aerosolization processes that can be powered after the nth aerosolization process.

[0073] Preferably, the battery monitor includes an ambient temperature measurement module configured to measure the ambient temperature near the aerosol generating device during the aerosolization process, and the aerosolization process characteristic of the nth aerosolization process includes the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature measurement module during the nth aerosolization process.

[0074] In this way, the temperature near the aerosol generating device can be used to determine the number of aerosolization processes that can be powered after the nth aerosolization process. Extremely high and low temperatures can affect the performance of the battery, so taking temperature into account during calculation improves the accuracy of determining the number of aerosolization processes that can be powered after the nth aerosolization process.

[0075] Preferably, the nth aerosolization process is the most recently completed aerosolization process.

[0076] In this way, the determination of the number of aerosolization processes that can be powered can be updated in response to the most recently completed aerosolization process. This ensures that the most useful information about the battery level of the device is continuously presented to the operator.

[0077] Preferably, the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device to use a display associated with the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization processes that can be powered after the nth process.

[0078] In this way, the determined number of aerosol processes can be presented to the operator in an efficient and user-friendly manner.

[0079] Preferably, the controller is configured to use a battery monitor to determine the state of charge of the battery and select an aerosolization session current curve from a storage device accessible to the controller, wherein the selected aerosolization session current curve corresponds to the determined state of charge of the battery.

[0080] In this way, the determined number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered can reflect the state of charge of the battery. The current output of the battery can vary with the state of charge, and thus taking this into account as a factor when determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered improves the accuracy of determining how many aerosolization sessions can be powered when the charge level in the battery changes compared to using a fixed value.

[0081] Preferably, the controller is configured to monitor the current applied by the battery in the nth aerosolization session and update the aerosolization session current curve stored in the storage device based on one or more values of the monitored current and the determined state of charge of the battery.

[0082] In this way, the current curve can be updated to reflect the operating conditions of the aerosol generating device, such as taking into account the fouling of the heating chamber. Thus, the accuracy of determining how many aerosolization sessions can be powered is improved.

[0083] Preferably, the controller is configured to determine the predicted energy usage of a future aerosolization session based on the current value as a function of time in the aerosolization session current curve and based on a battery impedance value obtained using the modeling parameters of the battery according to a battery impedance model.

[0084] Preferably, the controller is configured to determine the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery can power using the measured battery energy level after the nth aerosolization session by determining the maximum number of aerosolization sessions that can be fully powered with the predicted energy usage of a future aerosolization session at the measured battery energy level.

[0085] In this way, an efficient calculation of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered is achieved.

[0086] Preferably, the aerosolization session includes heating a consumable that generates an aerosol to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable.

[0087] Preferably, the aerosol-generating consumable is a tobacco rod, and the aerosolization session includes heating the tobacco rod without burning the tobacco rod.

[0088] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, wherein the method includes:

[0089] Control, via a controller, the power flow from a battery to a heater of an aerosol generating device to perform an nth aerosolization session, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1;

[0090] Measure, via the controller using a battery monitor, the energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization session;

[0091] Determine, via the controller using an aerosolization session current curve and modeling parameters of the battery, the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery can power using the measured battery energy level after the nth aerosolization session; and

[0092] Control, via the controller, the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session.

[0093] Preferably, the method of the fifth aspect includes the preferred features of the fourth aspect.

[0094] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a non - transitory computer - readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the instructions causing the one or more processors to perform steps including:

[0095] Control, via the controller, the power flow from a battery to a heater of an aerosol generating device to perform an nth aerosolization session, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1;

[0096] Measure, via the controller using a battery monitor, the energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization session;

[0097] Determine, via the controller using an aerosolization session current curve and modeling parameters of the battery, the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery can power using the measured battery energy level after the nth aerosolization session; and

[0098] Control, via the controller, the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session.

[0099] Preferably, the non - transitory computer - readable medium of the sixth aspect includes the preferred features of the fourth aspect.

[0100] In a seventh aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device including a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0101] Measure the energy level of the battery using the battery monitor;

[0102] Calculate the number a of atomization segments that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage for each segment of the heating curve of the first atomization segment, where a is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and the heating curve includes one or more heating steps, where each heating step in the one or more heating steps corresponds to heating the heater of the aerosol generating device to a predetermined target heater temperature value and for a predetermined period of time;

[0103] Receive an instruction to enter an energy-saving mode capable of performing a + b atomization segments, where b is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the atomization segments in the energy-saving mode use less battery energy than the atomization segments not in the energy-saving mode;

[0104] In response to the instruction to enter the energy-saving mode, gradually modify the atomization segment heating curve, and recalculate the number of atomization segments that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage for each segment of each gradually modified atomization segment heating curve until a second atomization segment heating curve capable of performing a + b atomization segments is determined; and

[0105] Control the aerosol generating device to perform the atomization segment using the second atomization segment heating curve capable of performing a + b atomization segments.

[0106] In this way, the heating curve of future atomization segments can be adjusted so that additional segments can be performed. This improves the user experience by providing the option to perform more atomization segments when the charge level of the battery is low.

[0107] In one example, when the user presses the switch of the device, an instruction to enter the energy-saving mode or low-power mode can be received in the form of a communication signal. Alternatively, when the battery reaches a predetermined charge state or a predetermined amount of remaining energy. For example, for a 7 Wh battery, 10% of the amount of remaining energy would be 0.7 Wh. This unit can be expressed as Wh or joules, and it can be understood that 0.7 Wh = 0.7 * 3600 seconds = 2520 joules. The determination of the amount of remaining energy can be based on the capacity and internal resistance of the battery. As another example, when the battery reaches 10% charge state or 5% charge state, the controller can be configured to automatically switch to the energy-saving mode. As will be understood, different low-power modes can be initiated at different charge states or different amounts of remaining energy of the battery. Those skilled in the art will understand that either (or both) of these two parameters (charge state or amount of remaining energy) can be implemented in the device according to manufacturing, design, or operating requirements. The instruction can be received from a battery monitor.

[0108] Preferably, the heating curve of the aerosolization step is gradually modified, and the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered is recalculated based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage of each step of each gradually modified heating curve of the aerosolization step until it is determined that the second heating curve of the aerosolization step that can perform a + b aerosolization steps is included in the cycle:

[0109] Modify the heating curve of the aerosolization step by gradually modifying to form a modified heating curve of the aerosolization step;

[0110] Determine the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step under the modified heating curve of the aerosolization step; and

[0111] Determine the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered based on the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step under the modified heating curve of the aerosolization step;

[0112] Wherein, the cycle continues until a modified heating curve of the aerosolization step is determined, at which time, based on the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step under the modified heating curve of the aerosolization step, the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered is a + b; and

[0113] The controller is configured to designate the modified heating curve of the aerosolization step that can perform a + b aerosolization steps as the second heating curve of the aerosolization step.

[0114] In this way, by making gradual modifications in the cycle, the heating curve of the aerosolization step is adjusted only as needed. This provides a balance between reducing the energy usage of the aerosolization step and increasing the number of aerosolization steps. Thus, the user experience is improved.

[0115] Preferably, determining the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step under the modified heating curve of the aerosolization step includes:

[0116] Determine the integrated heating curve value of the modified aerosolization step by integrating the target heater temperature value as a function of time in the modified heating curve of the aerosolization step; and

[0117] Based on the predetermined relationship between the integrated heating curve value of the aerosolization step and the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step, determine the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step performed using the modified heating curve of the aerosolization step.

[0118] In this way, the expected energy usage can be determined in an efficient manner.

[0119] Preferably, determining the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step under the modified heating curve of the aerosolization step further includes:

[0120] Normalize the determined heating curve value of the integration aerosolization step to determine the normalized heating curve value of the integration aerosolization step; and

[0121] wherein the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step performed using the modified heating curve of the aerosolization step is determined based on a predetermined relationship between the normalized heating curve value of the integration aerosolization step and the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step.

[0122] In this way, the expected energy usage can be determined in an efficient manner.

[0123] Preferably, gradually modifying the heating curve of the aerosolization step includes gradually reducing the target heater temperature in the heating curve of the aerosolization step and / or gradually adjusting the duration of the heating curve of the aerosolization step.

[0124] In this way, the energy usage of each aerosolization step is reduced, so that more aerosolization steps can be performed. The modification can include increasing the preheating time of the device or the duration of the preheating / warming-up phase. Further, the low-power mode or the second heating curve of the aerosolization step can include fewer heating steps than the first heating curve of the aerosolization step. As an example, the heating curve of the aerosolization step in the energy-saving mode may not increase the heating temperature at the end of a certain step. In another example, the overall duration of the heating curve of the low-power aerosolization step may be shorter, and the heater of the device may be turned off in advance. In other words, compared with the normal operation mode, the warming-up phase of the aerosolization step in the energy-saving mode or the low-power mode is prolonged and the inhalation phase is shorter.

[0125] Preferably, one or more heating steps are multiple heating steps.

[0126] Preferably, each gradual modification of the heating curve of the aerosolization includes a predetermined modification to one or more of the multiple heating steps.

[0127] In this way, only a part of the heating curve of the aerosolization step needs to be modified, rather than the entire heating curve. This can reduce the impact on the user experience when using the energy-saving mode.

[0128] Preferably, each predetermined modification to one or more of the multiple heating steps includes a predetermined reduction in the target heater temperature of one or more of these heating steps or a predetermined adjustment to the time period of one or more of these heating steps.

[0129] In this way, by reducing the target heater temperature of one or more heating steps or adjusting the time period of one or more heating steps, the energy usage of each aerosolization session is reduced, so that more aerosolization sessions can be performed.

[0130] Preferably, the modification is made step by step with a predetermined priority order; and

[0131] Modifying the aerosolization session heating curve includes making step-by-step modifications in the priority order until a second aerosolization session heating curve for performing a + b aerosolization sessions is determined.

[0132] In this way, by performing step-by-step modifications in the priority order, higher priority can be given to the modifications with the least impact on the user experience. This reduces any negative impact on the overall user experience when the energy-saving mode is used.

[0133] Preferably, the first aerosolization session heating curve is the heating curve of the normal operation mode of the aerosol generating device.

[0134] Preferably, the normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the energy-saving mode is not applied.

[0135] Preferably, the aerosolization sessions performed using the second aerosolization session heating curve use less battery energy than the aerosolization sessions performed using the first aerosolization session heating curve.

[0136] Preferably, b = 1 or 2.

[0137] In this way, the user can configure the aerosol generating device to power one or two additional aerosolization sessions compared to the normal operation mode.

[0138] Preferably, the controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device to output an indication that the energy-saving mode has been activated.

[0139] In this way, information about the operating state of the aerosol generating device can be provided to the user so that the user knows that the energy-saving mode has been activated.

[0140] Preferably, the aerosolization session includes heating a consumable for generating aerosol to generate aerosol from the consumable for generating aerosol.

[0141] Preferably, the consumable for generating aerosol is a tobacco rod, and the aerosolization session includes heating the tobacco rod without burning the tobacco rod.

[0142] In an eighth aspect, a method of operating an aerosol generating device is provided, the aerosol generating device including a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, wherein the method includes:

[0143] The controller uses a battery monitor to measure the energy level of the battery;

[0144] The controller calculates the number of aerosolization cycles a that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage for each cycle of the first aerosolization cycle heating curve, where a is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and the heating curve includes one or more heating steps, and each heating step in the one or more heating steps corresponds to heating the heater of the aerosol generating device to a predetermined target heater temperature value and maintaining it for a predetermined period;

[0145] Receive an instruction at the controller to enter an energy-saving mode capable of performing a + b aerosolization cycles, where b is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the aerosolization cycles in the energy-saving mode use less battery energy than those not in the energy-saving mode;

[0146] In response to the instruction to enter the energy-saving mode, the controller gradually modifies the aerosolization cycle heating curve and recalculates the number of aerosolization cycles that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage for each cycle of each gradually modified aerosolization cycle heating curve until a second aerosolization cycle heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization cycles is determined; and

[0147] The controller controls the aerosol generating device to perform the aerosolization cycle using the second aerosolization cycle heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization cycles.

[0148] Preferably, the method of the eighth aspect includes the preferred features of the seventh aspect.

[0149] In a ninth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, which stores instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, and the instructions cause the one or more processors to perform steps including the following:

[0150] The controller uses a battery monitor to measure the energy level of the battery;

[0151] The controller calculates the number of aerosolization cycles a that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage for each cycle of the first aerosolization cycle heating curve, where a is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and the heating curve includes one or more heating steps, and each heating step in the one or more heating steps corresponds to heating the heater of the aerosol generating device to a predetermined target heater temperature value and maintaining it for a predetermined period;

[0152] Receive, at a controller, an instruction to enter an energy-saving mode capable of performing a + b aerosolization cycles, where b is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and where the aerosolization cycles in the energy-saving mode use less battery energy than the aerosolization cycles not in the energy-saving mode;

[0153] In response to the instruction to enter the energy-saving mode, gradually modify, by the controller, the aerosolization cycle heating curve and recalculate the number of aerosolization cycles that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage of each step of each gradually modified aerosolization cycle heating curve until a second aerosolization cycle heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization cycles is determined; and

[0154] Control, by the controller, the aerosol generating device to perform the aerosolization cycles using the second aerosolization cycle heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization cycles.

[0155] Preferably, the non-transitory computer-readable medium of the ninth aspect includes the preferred features of the seventh aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0156] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0157] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplary aerosol generating device;

[0158] Figure 2 is a flowchart depicting the progression between a preheating mode and a heating mode during an aerosolization cycle;

[0159] Figure 3 is a flowchart of operations of steps performed during the process of determining the number of remaining aerosolization cycles that the battery can power;

[0160] Figure 4A is a graph of the predetermined energy usage of each aerosolization cycle as a function of the number of aerosolization cycles;

[0161] Figure 4B is on Figure 4A a graph of which a fitted line of a graph of the predetermined energy usage applied to each aerosolization cycle as a function of the number of aerosolization cycles is added;

[0162] Figure 4C is on Figure 4A a graph of which another graph of the measured energy usage of each aerosolization cycle as a function of the number of aerosolization cycles is added;

[0163] Figure 4D is on Figure 4CA fitted line of a graph showing the measured energy usage applied to each aerosolization step as a function of the number of aerosolization steps is added to the graph;

[0164] Figures 5A to 5E Exemplary symbols for indicating the number of aerosolization steps that a battery can power are shown;

[0165] Figure 6 Is a flowchart of the steps performed in the process of determining the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered by a battery;

[0166] Figure 7 Is an exemplary equivalent circuit model of the impedance model of the battery used in the aerosol generating device;

[0167] Figure 8 Is a graph of an exemplary simplified current curve, where the current is a function of time;

[0168] Figure 9 Is in combination with Figure 3 and Figure 6 Is a flowchart of the steps performed in the process of determining the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered in the process of combining;

[0169] Figure 10 Is a flowchart of the steps performed in the process of modifying the heating curve to increase the number of aerosolization steps that the battery can power in the energy-saving mode;

[0170] Figure 11 Is a graph of the heating curve of the aerosolization step;

[0171] Figure 12 Is a flowchart of the processing loop for gradually modifying the heating curve of the aerosolization step and calculating the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered;

[0172] Figure 13 Is a graph of the energy consumption of each aerosolization step as a function of the normalized integral value of the heating curve of the aerosolization step;

[0173] Figures 14A to 14C Exemplary indicators showing the indicators displayed when the aerosol generating device is in the normal operation mode, the indicators displayed when the aerosol generating device is in the first energy-saving mode, and the indicators displayed when the aerosol generating device is in the second energy-saving mode are shown respectively;

[0174] Figure 15A and Figure 15B Show exemplary heating curves of a standard aerosolization step and a low-power aerosolization step; and

[0175] Figure 16 Shows an exemplary control schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device. Detailed implementation manners

[0176] Figure 1 FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of components of an aerosol generating device 100 or a vapor generating device (also known as an electronic cigarette). For the purposes of this specification, it should be understood that the terms "vapor" and "aerosol" are interchangeable.

[0177] The aerosol generating device 100 has a body portion 112 including a controller 102 and at least one battery 104. Only one battery 104 is mentioned hereinafter; however, those skilled in the art will understand that the power system may include one or more batteries as the case may be, and the reference to "battery" may cover "at least one battery".

[0178] The aerosol generating device 100 further includes a battery monitoring module 103, sometimes referred to as a battery fuel gauge. The battery monitoring module 103 can be controlled by the controller 102 to monitor battery characteristics such as the voltage, current, and temperature of the battery. A more detailed discussion of the battery monitoring module 103 will be provided later.

[0179] In an example, a heater 108 is included within the body portion 112. In such an example, as Figure 1 shown, the heater 108 is disposed in a heating cavity 110 or chamber within the body portion 112. The cavity 110 is accessed through an opening 110A in the body portion 112. The cavity 110 is arranged to receive an associated aerosol-generating consumable 114. The aerosol-generating consumable may contain aerosol-generating material, such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco. The tobacco rod may be similar to a traditional cigarette. The cross-section of the cavity 110 is substantially equal to the cross-section of the aerosol-generating consumable 114, and its depth is such that when the associated aerosol-generating consumable 114 is inserted into the cavity 110, a first end portion 114A of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 reaches the bottom portion 110B of the cavity 110 (i.e., the end portion 110B of the cavity 110 remote from the cavity opening 110A), and a second end portion 114B of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 remote from the first end portion 114A extends out of the cavity 110. In this way, when the aerosol-generating consumable 114 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the consumer can inhale above the aerosol-generating consumable. In Figure 1 the example, the heater 108 is disposed in the cavity 110 such that the aerosol-generating consumable 114 engages the heater 108 when inserted into the cavity 110. In Figure 1In the example, the heater 108 is arranged as a tube in the cavity such that when the first end portion 114A of the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity, the heater 108 substantially or completely surrounds the portion of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 within the cavity 110. The heater 108 can be a wire, such as a coiled heating wire, or a ceramic heater, or any other suitable type of heater. The heater 108 can include a plurality of heating elements arranged sequentially along the axial length of the cavity, and these heating elements can be independently activated (i.e., powered on) in sequence. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater can be arranged as an elongate piercing member (such as in the form of a needle, rod, or blade) within the cavity; in such an embodiment, the heater can be arranged to penetrate the aerosol-generating consumable and engage with the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater can be in the form of an induction heater. In such an embodiment, the heating elements are provided in the consumable, and when the consumable is inserted into the cavity, the heating elements are inductively coupled to the induction heater in the cavity. Then, the induction heater heats the heating elements by induction.

[0180] The heater 108 is arranged to heat the aerosol-generating consumable 114 to a predetermined temperature to generate an aerosol during the aerosolization phase. The aerosolization phase can be considered the time when the device is operated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable 114. In the example where the aerosol-generating consumable 114 is a tobacco rod, the aerosol-generating consumable 114 includes tobacco, and the heater 108 is arranged to heat the tobacco without burning it to generate an aerosol. That is, the heater 108 heats the tobacco to a predetermined temperature below the combustion point of the tobacco, thereby generating a tobacco-based aerosol.

[0181] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the aerosol-generating consumable 114 does not necessarily need to include tobacco, and any other substance suitable for aerosolization (or vaporization), especially by heating the substance without burning it, can be used instead of tobacco.

[0182] The controller 102 is configured to control the power flow of the battery 104 based on the operating mode of the aerosolization phase. The operating mode can include a preheating mode and a heating mode.

[0183] The progression from the preheating mode to the heating mode can be understood from Figure 2 In the preheating mode 202, the heater 108 associated with the aerosol-generating device 100 is heated to the aerosolization temperature for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable 114. The preheating phase can be considered the time when the preheating mode is executed.

[0184] When the user of the aerosol generating device 100 initiates the aerosolization process, the controller 102 selects the preheating mode. In an example, this preheating mode can be triggered by the controller determining that the consumer is pressing / has pressed the heating button of the device 100. In an example, an indicator (such as a light emitting diode integrated into the device) can be arranged to indicate that the preheating is complete and the consumer can inhale the generated aerosol.

[0185] When the preheating stage is completed, the controller ends the preheating mode 202 and initiates the heating mode 204. In the heating mode 204, the controller 102 controls the power flow from the battery 104 to maintain the heater 108 at the aerosolization temperature, thereby generating an aerosol for the consumer to inhale. The heating stage can be considered as the time when the heating mode is executed.

[0186] During the aerosolization process, a heating curve is applied. The heating curve includes one or more temperature steps to which the heater is heated and the corresponding times for which these temperature steps are applied. When the aerosol generating device can operate in a preheating mode and a heating mode, the heating curve can include the amounts of time for which the heater is heated to different temperatures during the preheating stage and the heating stage of the aerosolization process, since the heating steps of the heating curve can belong to the preheating stage or the heating stage. This can include heating the heater to the aerosolization temperature (e.g., 210 °C to 250 °C, or more preferably 220 °C to 240 °C, or more preferably 230 °C or about 230 °C) for 10 seconds during the preheating stage and then maintaining the heater at the aerosolization temperature for 240 seconds during the heating stage; in this example, the length of the heating curve is 250 seconds and includes a 10 - second temperature rise followed by 240 seconds of constant temperature. In other examples, the heating curve can include different numbers of temperature steps, at different temperatures, for different time periods.

[0187] The aerosol generating device can be configured to indicate to the operator an estimate of the remaining charge in the battery. When the user considers how many aerosolization processes can be performed, indicating the charge state of the battery in a manner similar to a smart phone may not be intuitive and may confuse the user. The user may not be clear how many aerosolization processes can be powered at a given charge state. In traditional smoking behavior, the consumer can look at the cigarette pack to determine the number of cigarettes that can be smoked. For an aerosol generating device indicating the battery charge state, the operator is not clear how many aerosolization processes can be performed. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a technical solution that can be used to indicate the number of remaining aerosolization processes that can be powered by the battery of the aerosol generating device.

[0188] Thus, Figure 3 and Figure 6 a process for determining and indicating the number of remaining aerosolization processes that the battery can power is presented.

[0189] First, turn to Figure 3 , which presents a flowchart of the steps performed during the process of determining the remaining number of aerosolization cycles that the battery can power. Figure 3 The process can be implemented by an aerosol generating device as described in reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , or any other suitable type of aerosol generating device.

[0190] The battery can power multiple aerosolization cycles. For example, a fully charged battery may be able to power approximately 25 aerosolization cycles before it needs to be recharged. However, as the state of charge of the battery decreases, the amount of energy used for an aerosolization cycle changes. That is, the amount of energy available for each aerosolization cycle is different. Many other factors also affect the amount of energy used for an aerosolization cycle, such as the health of the battery, the external temperature, whether the heating chamber is dirty, and battery aging.

[0191] Through the Figure 3 process, the relationship of the energy usage per cycle as a function of the number of aerosolization cycles (n) performed can be used to predict how many aerosolization cycles the battery can power. This predicted relationship of the energy usage per cycle as a function of the number of aerosolization cycles (n) is stored in a storage device accessible by a controller.

[0192] This predicted relationship is a prediction of the energy usage per aerosolization cycle after the battery is charged. That is, values representing the expected energy usage per aerosolization cycle after the battery is fully charged can be stored, from n = 1 (i.e., the first aerosolization cycle after the battery is charged) to n = x (where x is the maximum number of aerosolization cycles the battery can power when fully charged). That is, this relationship of the energy usage per aerosolization cycle as a function of the number of aerosolization cycles can include predetermined values of the energy usage for each aerosolization cycle in a series of consecutively performed aerosolization cycles.

[0193] The predicted relationship can be pre-determined, for example, during a factory calibration phase by measuring the energy usage per aerosolization cycle from n = 1 to n = x under ideal conditions (e.g., when the battery is new, fully charged and undamaged, the device is operating at room temperature, and the heating chamber is clean).

[0194] Figure 4AAn exemplary graph showing data points 406 representing the predetermined energy usage 402 for each atomization step as a function of the number of atomization steps 404 is shown. In this example, data for atomization steps n = 1 to n = 25 are plotted. The number of steps that can be powered can be determined by measuring the energy stored in the battery and then successively subtracting the energy values corresponding to n = 1, n = 2, n = 3, etc., until a battery energy threshold is met. In the example, the threshold can be 0 J. Then, the number of steps that can be powered can be determined as the number of subtractions made before the threshold is met. For example, if the energy value corresponding to n = 23 results in a subtraction below the threshold when subtracted from the battery energy value, it will be determined that the battery can power 22 steps because the energy values for n = 1 to n = 22 were all subtracted from the battery's energy level before crossing the threshold.

[0195] Figure 4A The data points 406 in the graph of can be fitted with a fitting line; Figure 4B which shows the application to Figure 4A such a fitting line 408 for the graph of Figure 4B .

[0196] As an alternative to using the energy values of the data points for atomization steps n = 1 to n = x, when determining the number of atomization steps that can be powered, the fitted energy values for atomization steps n = 1 to n = x can alternatively be used.

[0197] The data points 406 representing the energy usage 402 for each atomization step as a function of the number of atomization steps 404 can be stored in a look-up table in a storage device accessible by a controller. Similarly, the values of the fitting line 408 representing the energy usage 402 for each atomization step as a function of the number of atomization steps 404 can also be stored in a storage device accessible by the controller. Alternatively, the equation of the fitting line can be stored in the controller, and the predicted energy values for the atomization steps can be calculated using the equation of the fitting line 408.

[0198] The fitting line 408 can be divided into a constant part 408-1 and a linear slope part 408-2. When the state of charge of the battery is high (i.e., the energy level is high), the energy usage for each step is approximately constant. This is shown as the constant part 408-1 of the fitting line 408, corresponding to the 1st to the 9th atomization steps after the battery is charged. When the state of charge of the battery is low (i.e., the energy level is low), the energy usage for each step increases. This is shown as the linear slope part of the fitting line, corresponding to the 10th to the 25th atomization steps.

[0199] As discussed above, the energy usage of each aerosolization session can change over time. For example, this can be due to non-ideal conditions such as battery aging, higher or lower external temperatures, and dirt in the heating chamber. To address this issue, the prediction relationship can be updated after each aerosolization session by using the characteristics of the most recently completed aerosolization session that was measured.

[0200] At step 300, the controller controls the power flow from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to perform the nth aerosolization session, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0201] In an example, the first heating curve is used to perform the nth aerosolization session. The first heating curve can include a predetermined amount of time that the heater is heated to different temperatures during the preheating phase and the heating phase of the aerosolization session.

[0202] At step 302, the controller obtains the aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor. The nth aerosolization session can be considered the most recently completed aerosolization session.

[0203] The controller can use the battery monitor to measure the aerosolization session characteristics associated with the nth aerosolization session, or the battery monitor can measure the aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session and send these characteristics to the controller.

[0204] The battery monitor can include one or more of a voltage measurement module, a current measurement module, and / or an ambient temperature measurement module, as well as other modules that can be used to measure battery parameters involved in determining energy usage and state of charge.

[0205] The voltage measurement module can be configured to measure the battery voltage of the aerosolization session, and the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session can include the measured battery voltage of the nth aerosolization session measured by the voltage measurement module. In some examples, the voltage measurement module can be a voltmeter or a voltage measurement sub-circuit.

[0206] The current measurement module can be configured to measure the current output by the battery during the aerosolization session, and the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session can include the current output by the battery during the nth aerosolization session measured by the current measurement module. In some examples, the current measurement module can be an ammeter or a current measurement sub-circuit.

[0207] The ambient temperature measurement module can be configured to measure the ambient temperature near the aerosol generating device during the aerosolization session, and the aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session can include the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature measurement module during the nth aerosolization session. In some examples, the ambient temperature measurement module can be a thermometer or a temperature sensing sub-circuit. Extremely high and low temperatures can affect the performance of the battery, so taking temperature into account during calculations improves the accuracy of determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth aerosolization session.

[0208] The battery monitor can use a combination of the measured battery voltage of the aerosolization session, the measured current of the aerosolization session, and the measured ambient temperature to determine the state of charge, state of health, and internal resistance of the battery. Using this information, the energy level of the battery (e.g., in joules) can be determined. For example, the state of charge, state of health, and internal resistance as a function of the state of charge and temperature can be used to determine the energy content of the battery under given conditions. Using the measured and actual energy consumption as a function of the state of charge or energy content, the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered can be determined.

[0209] The measured battery voltage can be implemented in a variety of ways for determining the state of charge, state of health, and internal resistance of the battery.

[0210] For example, when determining the state of charge, the algorithm executed by the controller can perform Ah counting (also known as Coulomb counting), which is often recalibrated using the open circuit voltage. In this case, the voltage measurement before the aerosolization session (measured with a small current, rather than during the aerosolization session) can be used together with the Ah counting during the aerosolization session to provide a state of charge value.

[0211] In another example, the controller can execute a 'dynamic observer' algorithm, in which the state of charge is determined based on the measured current, voltage, and temperature. This can be understood as a look-up table that looks up the voltage during the aerosolization session at a given current and temperature to estimate the state of charge. In such an example, the battery voltage is measured during the aerosolization session.

[0212] In an example, the state of health of a battery can be determined by the controller executing an algorithm that looks at the open circuit voltage at two different state of charge values corresponding to the charge removed by the battery after it is confirmed to be fully charged. For example, consider a 2 Ah battery cell aged to 1 Ah. In such an example, the open circuit voltage can be measured as 4.15 V, and the voltage is 3.7 V after discharging 0.5 Ah. While the voltage of a 2 Ah battery after discharging this amount is 3.9 V (for a nominal capacity of 2 Ah, the SoC differs by 25%). However, the measured voltage is 3.7 V, so it can be determined that the discharge amount is not 25% but 50%. Thus, the state of health is recalibrated from 2 Ah (if specified in Ah; it can alternatively be in %, or joules) to 1 Ah. In this method, the voltage is measured before the aerosolization step. Such an algorithm can be used on a commercial fuel gauge chip.

[0213] In another example, the state of health can be based on resistance measurements to determine how much the resistance has increased at a specific temperature and state of charge. This method can use dynamic voltage measurements to determine the internal resistance of the battery.

[0214] In an example, the internal resistance can be based on voltage measurements before and during the aerosolization step. In some examples, the voltage after the aerosolization step can also be used to determine the internal resistance. This method can be beneficial for monitoring degradation closely related to capacity loss, as well as the effects of longer time constant related effects such as diffusion. On the other hand, 'faster' internal resistance measurements are beneficial for monitoring the degradation of the battery's power capability.

[0215] The measurement current of the aerosolization step can be continuously measured during the aerosolization step to extract the exact energy consumption, as well as other battery-related parameters discussed above.

[0216] Then, the energy usage of the nth aerosolization step can be determined as the energy change of the battery in the nth aerosolization step. In an example, this can be calculated as the difference between the energy level at the end of the (n - 1)th aerosolization step and the energy level at the end of the nth aerosolization step. In another example, the energy change of the battery in the nth aerosolization step can be calculated by determining the difference between the energy level of the battery at the start of the nth aerosolization step (before the nth aerosolization step, or just before the nth aerosolization step starts) and the energy level of the battery at the end of the nth aerosolization step.

[0217] At step 304, the controller accesses the relationship of the energy usage of each aerosolization step and updates the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization step characteristics of the nth aerosolization step.

[0218] The controller can be configured to update the relationship of the energy usage of each session as a function of the number of atomization sessions performed by applying a fitting algorithm to the relationship of the energy usage of each session as a function of the number of atomization sessions performed, so as to update the relationship of the energy usage of each session as a function of the number of atomization sessions performed for future atomization sessions after the nth atomization session.

[0219] That is, the energy usage value of the data point corresponding to the nth atomization session is updated from the previous value (for example, the predetermined energy usage value of the nth session) to the value determined using the atomization session characteristics of the obtained nth atomization session. Then, the controller refits the graph of the energy usage 402 of each atomization session as a function of the number of atomization sessions 404 with the updated energy usage value of the nth atomization session. In other words, after the nth session, the data point corresponding to the nth session is replaced by the energy usage measured in the nth session, and the fitting line is recalculated to reflect this change.

[0220] For example, if the most recently completed atomization session is the 5th session after battery recharge (i.e., n = 5), then the atomization session characteristics of the 5th atomization session will be used to determine the actual energy usage of the 5th atomization session, and the energy usage value at n = 5 will be updated to reflect this. Then, the fitting line is recalculated using the updated values of the energy usage of each session for n = 1 to n = 5 (n = 1 to n = 4 have been updated after atomization sessions n = 1 to n = 4) and the predetermined values of the energy usage of each session for n = 6 to n = x (where x is the maximum number of atomization sessions that the battery can power when fully charged).

[0221] As discussed, regarding Figure 4B , the fitting line can have a constant part 408-1 (when the state of charge of the battery is high) and a linearly increasing part 408-2 (when the state of charge of the battery is low, because as the state of charge of the battery drops, the energy usage of each session increases). In some examples, when the state of charge of the battery is higher than a preset threshold (e.g., 70%), the controller can be set to fit only the constant part of the data points (i.e., only fit the data points of the sessions that occur before the state of charge drops below the preset threshold). This can improve computational efficiency.

[0222] Figure 4C Shows Figure 4A A modified version of the exemplary graph showing the data points 406 of the predetermined energy usage 402 of each atomization session as a function of the number of atomization sessions 404 as shown in Figure 4CIn [the figure], the graph has been modified to include a second set of data points 416. The second set of data points 416 represents, for all 25 sessions, the measured energy usage 402 for each aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions 404. That is, each of the data points has been updated from a predetermined value (i.e., data point 406) to reflect the measured energy usage for each session in each case where n = 1 to n = 25. The measured energy usage for each case where n = 1 to n = 25 in data points 416 reflects the 'real-world' energy usage measured during the aerosolization sessions performed by the operator.

[0223] As can be seen from Figure 4D it, the energy usage in the 'real-world' case is higher than the predetermined energy usage in the ideal case. This may be due to various factors such as battery aging, increased heating resistance due to dirt in the heating chamber, or extreme external temperatures that stress the battery.

[0224] Figure 4D Shows Figure 4B a modified version of Figure 4D an exemplary graph including data points 406 representing the predetermined energy usage 402 for each aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions 404, and a fitted line 408 for the data points 406. Figure 4D It also includes an exemplary graph including data points 416 representing the measured energy usage 402 for each aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions 404 for all 25 sessions in the 'real-world' case, and a fitted line 418 for these updated data points 416.

[0225] In the example, the fitting process can be performed based on the recursive least squares method. Specifically, the fitting process can be performed based on a recursive online trend fitting method (although other online methods can also be used), which is based on a recursive least squares filter with a forgetting factor.

[0226] In the example, the fitting process can involve the application of a smoothing function. The smoothing function can give higher weight to conditions under which the battery of the aerosol generating device operates in a more linear manner (e.g., at room temperature, rather than at extremely low temperatures where the battery may operate in a more unexpected manner). Therefore, the application of the smoothing factor can be based on the temperature measured near the aerosol generating device using a temperature measurement module. This helps to avoid changes or 'jumps' that may not be intuitive to the operator when determining the number of sessions that can be performed, such as a large adjustment to the predicted number of sessions that can be powered due to a change in conditions.

[0227] In Figures 4A to 4DIn [the above], data plotting and fitting are implemented in the form of the energy usage of each stage as a function of the number of stages. In some examples, this can be further refined such that data plotting and fitting are implemented in the form of the energy usage of each stage as a function of the number of stages and the measured temperature. In other examples, data plotting can be based on the state of charge of the battery rather than the number of atomization stages.

[0228] At step 306, the controller determines the number of atomization stages that can be powered after the nth stage based on the updated relationship and the energy level of the battery.

[0229] The energy level of the battery can be determined by the controller using a battery monitor at the end of the nth atomization stage.

[0230] The controller can be configured to calculate the number of future stages that can be powered after the nth stage by based on the energy level of the battery and the updated relationship of the energy usage of each stage after the nth future atomization stage as a function of the number of atomization stages performed, so as to determine the number of atomization stages that can be powered after the nth stage.

[0231] That is, the fitted line that has been updated or recalculated with the data points corresponding to the nth stage replaced by the measured energy usage of the nth stage can then be used to determine the number of atomization stages that can be powered after the nth stage. The number of stages that can be powered can be determined by: using the measured energy stored in the battery, and then successively subtracting the energy values of the fitted line corresponding to atomization stages n+1, n+2, n+3, etc. that have been updated until the threshold battery energy value is met.

[0232] In the above example where the most recently completed atomization stage is the 5th stage after the battery is recharged (i.e., n = 5), the energy value of each stage is subtracted from the measured battery energy level starting from the expected energy usage value at n = 6 (i.e., n + 1, where n = 5) of the fitted line, and continue to subtract the energy usage of each stage at n = 7, n = 8, etc. of the fitted line until the threshold energy level is crossed. If the energy value corresponding to n = 20 is less than the threshold when subtracted from the battery energy value, it will be determined that the aerosol generating device can power another 14 atomization stages (i.e., the 6th to 19th atomization stages), because the energy values at n = 6 to n = 19 are all subtracted from the energy level of the battery before crossing the threshold.

[0233] This process is repeated after each atomization step, i.e., after the n-th step, by updating the energy usage for the (n + 1)-th step and refitting the energy usage for each step as a function of the number of steps; then updating the energy usage for the (n + 2)-th step and refitting the energy usage for each step as a function of the number of steps; then updating the energy usage for the (n + 3)-th step and refitting the energy usage for each step as a function of the number of steps; and so on.

[0234] In this way, the controller can continuously update the fit of the energy usage for each step and modify the predicted number of atomization steps that can be performed in view of the operating conditions of the aerosol generating device, such as due to battery aging, higher or lower external temperature, and dirt in the heating chamber.

[0235] At step 308, the controller controls the aerosol generating device to output the number of atomization steps that can be powered after the n-th step.

[0236] In some examples, the aerosol generating device can include a display screen, and the number of atomization steps that can be powered after the n-th step can be displayed on such a screen. In other examples, the aerosol generating device can include one or more indicator lights (such as LEDs), and the number of atomization steps that can be powered after the n-th step can be displayed by illuminating such indicator lights in different ways (e.g., the number of illuminated lights, illumination color, blinking pattern, etc.). In other examples, the aerosol generating device can include an audio output device, such as a speaker, and the number of atomization steps that can be powered after the n-th step can be output auditorily from the speaker. In other examples, the aerosol generating device can be paired with an external device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, or a wired connection via a physical interface; in such examples, outputting the number of atomization steps that can be powered after the n-th step can involve transmitting data corresponding to the number of steps that can be performed to the external device, and then the external device can be used to indicate the number of steps that can be performed.

[0237] Figures 5A to 5E Exemplary symbols are shown that can be used on a display of the aerosol generating device or a display associated with the aerosol generating device to indicate the number of atomization steps that the battery can power.

[0238] Figure 5AAn exemplary symbol is shown for determining that a battery can power 23 aerosolization cycles. In some examples, this may be associated with a new battery (i.e., a battery whose aging has not yet affected its capacity) being substantially fully charged, and when fully charged, it can power the maximum number of aerosolization cycles; in this case, x = 23.

[0239] Figure 5B An exemplary symbol is shown for determining that a battery can power 21 aerosolization cycles. In some examples, this may be associated with the battery being in good health, but it has been used for two aerosolization cycles (in the example where x = 23), so it is no longer fully charged. In other examples, this may be associated with the battery being substantially fully charged but having a heating chamber that needs to be cleaned; that is, the dirt in the heating chamber reduces the number of aerosolization cycles that can be powered.

[0240] Figures 5A to 5E The different symbols can be displayed in different colors. These colors can be associated with the health of the battery and the operating conditions of the aerosol generating device.

[0241] For example, when the battery is new (i.e., not aged) and fully charged, or new and partially discharged, or new and fully charged but the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device needs to be cleaned, the symbol can be presented in a first color (e.g., green). This can correspond to Figure 5A the new battery in Figure 5B and the new and partially discharged battery, or the new and fully charged battery but the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device needs to be cleaned in

[0242] When the battery is partially discharged and the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device needs to be cleaned, or when the battery is aged, the symbol can be presented in a different second color (e.g., amber). This can correspond to Figure 5C , where n = 19.

[0243] When the battery is severely aged, or severely aged and the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device needs to be cleaned, the symbol can be presented in a third color (e.g., red). In some examples, this third color can also be used to indicate to the operator that the battery should be replaced with a new battery. This can correspond to Figure 5D the severely aged battery in Figure 5E and the severely aged battery and the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device needs to be cleaned in

[0244] Through steps 302 to 308, the controller can update the determination of the number of sessions that the battery can power after each aerosolization session and output it to the operator. After each aerosolization session, the controller updates the energy usage data for each session of the number of sessions just completed and refits the data to use the data at the time when each aerosolization session occurs to predict how many aerosolization sessions can be powered. Therefore, considering factors such as battery aging, higher or lower external temperature, and dirt in the heating chamber, a dynamic determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered is provided to the operator.

[0245] Return Figure 4D , it can be seen that there is an offset 420 between the constant part 408-1 of the fitting line 408 of the data points 406 representing the predetermined energy usage 402 for each aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions 404 and the constant part of the fitting line 418 of the data points 416 representing the measured energy usage 402 for each aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions 404. As the number of sessions performed increases from n = 1 to n = x and the fitting line is continuously updated as the energy usage values from n = 1 to n = x are updated to the measured energy usage values of the corresponding aerosolization sessions, the controller can monitor the offset 420.

[0246] This offset 420 may be caused by dirt in the heating chamber. When the heating chamber becomes dirtier, more power is required to heat the consumable that generates the aerosol. Therefore, each session uses more energy. The controller can be configured to monitor the offset 420 between the fitting line 408 of the predetermined energy usage 406 for each aerosolization session and the fitting line 418 of the measured energy usage 416 for each aerosolization session each time the fitting line is updated (i.e., after each aerosolization session). When the offset 420 exceeds a predetermined offset threshold, the controller can control the aerosol generating device to output an indication that the heating chamber needs to be cleaned.

[0247] In some examples, if the aerosol generating device includes a display screen, a heating chamber cleaning notification can be presented on the display screen. If the aerosol generating device includes one or more indicator lights (such as LEDs), these indicator lights can be used to output the heating chamber cleaning notification. If the aerosol generating device includes an audio output device, such as a speaker, the heating chamber cleaning notification can be output audibly from the speaker. If the aerosol generating device can be paired with an external device, such as a smart phone, through a wireless connection such as Bluetooth or through a wired connection via a physical interface, the heating chamber cleaning notification can be transmitted as data to the external device, and then the external device can be used to indicate to the operator that the heating chamber needs to be cleaned.

[0248] When the battery is recharged from an external source (i.e., when the battery enters a new charging cycle), for the subsequent aerosolization steps after recharging (i.e., the aerosolization steps in the new charging cycle), the controller starts from the first aerosolization step (n = 1) and updates the energy usage value based on the energy usage value of the previous charging cycle. That is, the controller can update the energy usage value for each subsequent aerosolization step from n = 1 to n = x, updating the values measured in the previous charging cycle to the corresponding values of the aerosolization steps n = 1 to n = x measured in the new charging cycle. In this way, the monitored energy usage value and the determined number of steps that can be powered continue to reflect changes in the system during subsequent charging cycles of the battery (e.g., battery aging and dirtying of the heating chamber).

[0249] In some examples, when a new battery is installed, the controller can reset the energy usage values for the aerosolization steps n = 1 to n = x to a predetermined value. In this way, previous measurements of the old battery do not affect the determination of the number of steps that can be powered by the new battery.

[0250] In some examples, the algorithm executed by the controller is capable of adjusting the determined values of the new battery rather than'resetting' them. This adjustment may be slower than a simpler reset, but can continue to account for, for example, the dirtying of the heating chamber. Also, if the new battery is not recognized (i.e., it is not a battery known to the device), the controller can use the predetermined value and adjust it based on the determined battery performance.

[0251] Figure 6 A second process for determining the number of aerosolization steps that a battery can power is presented. Figure 6 The process can be implemented by an aerosol generating device as described in reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 or any other suitable type of aerosol generating device.

[0252] At step 600, the controller controls the power flow from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to perform the nth aerosolization step; n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0253] In an example, the first heating curve is used to perform the nth aerosolization step. The first heating curve can include a predetermined amount of time during which the heater is heated to different temperatures during the preheating and heating phases of the aerosolization step.

[0254] At step 602, the controller uses a battery monitor to measure the energy level of the battery after the nth aerosolization step.

[0255] In a manner similar to reference Figure 3In a similar manner as described above (step 302), the controller can obtain the atomization stage characteristics of the nth atomization stage measured using a battery monitor. The nth atomization stage can be considered the most recently completed atomization stage. The controller can use the battery monitor to measure the atomization stage characteristics associated with the nth atomization stage, or the battery monitor can measure the atomization stage characteristics of the nth atomization stage and send these characteristics to the controller.

[0256] As referenced Figure 3 as discussed, the battery monitor can include one or more of a voltage measurement module, a current measurement module, and / or an ambient temperature measurement module, as well as other modules that can be used to measure battery parameters involved in determining energy usage and state of charge. For the sake of brevity, the specific details of the voltage measurement module, the current measurement module, and the ambient temperature measurement module are not described herein further.

[0257] The battery monitor can use a combination of the measured battery voltage of the atomization stage, the measured current of the atomization stage, and the measured ambient temperature to determine the state of charge, state of health, and internal resistance of the battery. As has been described herein, using this information, the energy level of the battery (e.g., in joules) can be determined.

[0258] At step 604, the controller uses the atomization stage current curve and the modeling parameters of the battery to determine the number of atomization stages that the battery can power using the measured battery energy level after the nth atomization stage.

[0259] Figure 7 An exemplary equivalent circuit model showing the impedance model of the battery used in the aerosol generating device is shown. The battery modeling parameters can be the resistor values of the components in the equivalent circuit model (e.g., Figure 7 R in the example of s 、R p1 、R p2 ), and the capacitor values (e.g., Figure 7 C in the example of p1 、C p2 ).

[0260] In some examples, the controller can update the battery modeling parameters after the nth atomization stage based on the obtained atomization stage characteristics of the nth atomization stage measured using the battery monitor. For example, the battery modeling parameters can be updated based on the internal resistance of the battery measured using the battery monitor. An adaptive characteristic map can also be used to update the battery modeling parameters. The adjustment of the model can be performed based on the measured battery voltage response so that the modeled voltage response for a given current and temperature input is the same as the measured voltage response for the current and temperature input.

[0261] The current curve for the aerosolization phase can be a simplified current curve. The current curve can be data representing the current applied from the battery for the aerosolization phase as a function of time. The 'true' current curve (i.e., the current curve measured during the aerosolization phase) can be highly dynamic as the current fluctuates over time. This simplified current curve can use one or more current values as a function of time as a simplified representation of the 'true' current curve. Figure 8 A graph showing an exemplary simplified current curve is presented, where current 804 is a function of time 802. In this example, the simplified current curve uses two constant current values 806-1 and 806-2. In other examples, the simplified current curve can use any suitable number of current values, such as one, five, or ten. One skilled in the art will readily understand that for the simplified current curve, any number of constant current values can be used as long as there is simplification, i.e., fewer current values compared to the 'true' current curve where the current values change dynamically frequently.

[0262] The current curve will increase as the battery ages. The voltage drop will increase (increasing the internal resistance), so a higher current is required to deliver the same power / energy. Thus, the simplified current curve can be adjusted as the battery ages.

[0263] In an embodiment, this simplified current curve can be stored in a storage device accessible by a controller. The controller can access this simplified current curve and use it to determine how many aerosolization phases can be performed based on the determined battery energy level.

[0264] As the state of charge of the battery decreases, the current curve applied by the battery during the aerosolization phase changes. Thus, in a more advanced embodiment, multiple simplified current curves can be stored in a storage device accessible by a controller. These simplified current curves can be stored in a look-up table as a function of the state of charge of the battery. That is, the simplified current curve as a function of the state of charge of the battery can be stored in a storage device accessible by a controller. The controller can use the aerosolization phase characteristics to determine the state of charge of the battery and then select the simplified current curve corresponding to the determined state of charge.

[0265] In some examples, the current curve can be derived from the amount of energy required for the aerosolization phase. The amount of energy can be equal to the current curve multiplied by the estimated or expected voltage response.

[0266] The predicted energy usage for future aerosolization phases can be determined based on the current values as a function of time in the simplified current curve and the impedance values of a battery impedance model based on battery modeling parameters.

[0267] In an example, the predicted energy usage for a future aerosolization session can be calculated by multiplying the current curve by the expected battery voltage response when applying the current curve to the impedance model of the battery.

[0268] In another example, the predicted energy usage for a future aerosolization session can be calculated as the product of the square of the current value as a function of time in a simplified current curve and the impedance value of the battery impedance model based on battery modeling parameters. That is:

[0269]

[0270] Where E 环节 is the energy used in a single aerosolization session, and R is the impedance based on the modeling parameters of the battery. I(t) is the current value applied over a given amount of time in the simplified current curve, and t is the time at which the current is applied. Thus, the energy used in an aerosolization session can be calculated as: the product of the square of the current value as a function of time, the impedance, and the time at which the current value is applied, and then the sum of the products for all current values applied in the simplified current curve.

[0271] The controller can determine the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery can power using the measured battery energy level after the nth aerosolization session by determining the maximum number of aerosolization sessions that can be fully powered by the predicted energy usage for a future aerosolization session at the measured battery energy level.

[0272] This can be achieved by dividing the measured battery energy level by the predicted energy usage for a future aerosolization session. The result of this division can then be rounded down to the nearest integer to correspond to the number of future aerosolization sessions that can be fully powered (i.e., ignoring any sessions that can only be partially powered).

[0273] Although the above has been described using a simplified current curve, the method can also be implemented using the 'true' current curve (i.e., the current curve for the nth aerosolization session).

[0274] At step 606, the controller controls the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session.

[0275] Outputting the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session can be implemented in the manner described in step 308 of Figure 3 and thus, for the sake of brevity, these details are not repeated here.

[0276] When further refining the determination of the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session, the controller can be configured to Figure 3The process of and Figure 6 are combined and executed with the process of.

[0277] Refer to Figure 9 A more detailed description thereof is as follows.

[0278] At step 900, the controller may control the power flow from the battery to the heater of the aerosol generating device to perform the nth aerosolization session. This respectively corresponds to Figure 3 step 300 in the process of and Figure 9 step 600 in the process of.

[0279] At step 902, the controller may obtain the measured aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session measured using the battery monitor. This corresponds to Figure 3 step 302 in the process of, and Figure 6 the energy level of the battery after measuring the nth aerosolization session using the battery monitor at step 602.

[0280] At step 904, the controller may access the relationship of the energy usage of each aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed, and update the relationship based on the obtained aerosolization session characteristics of the nth aerosolization session. This corresponds to Figure 3 step 304 in the process of.

[0281] At step 906, the controller may determine the number of the first aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session based on the energy level of the battery and the updated relationship of the energy usage of each aerosolization session as a function of the number of aerosolization sessions performed. This corresponds to Figure 3 step 306, and the number of the first aerosolization sessions may correspond to the number of aerosolization sessions determined at Figure 3 step 306.

[0282] At step 908, the controller may determine the number of the second aerosolization sessions that the battery can power using the measured battery energy level after the nth aerosolization session by using the aerosolization session current curve and the modeling parameters of the battery. This corresponds to Figure 6 step 604, and the number of the second aerosolization sessions may correspond to the number of aerosolization sessions determined at Figure 6 step 604.

[0283] At step 910, the controller may control the aerosol generating device to output the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered after the nth session.

[0284] When the number of first aerosolization steps is different from the number of second aerosolization steps, the step of controlling the aerosol generating device at step 910 to output the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered after the nth step includes outputting the smaller of the number of first aerosolization steps and the number of second aerosolization steps.

[0285] When the number of first aerosolization steps is the same as the number of second aerosolization steps, the step of controlling the aerosol generating device at step 910 to output the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered after the nth step includes outputting either the number of first aerosolization steps or the number of second aerosolization steps (since the numbers are the same).

[0286] That is, the controller determines whether the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered after the nth step, as determined by the process of Figure 3 , is different from the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered after the nth step, as determined by the process of Figure 6 . When there is a difference, the controller controls the aerosol generating device to output the smaller of the two determined numbers of aerosolization steps that can be powered. When there is no difference, the controller can be configured to control the aerosol generating device to output either of the two determined numbers of aerosolization steps that can be powered, since they are the same.

[0287] In this way, when the two processes determine different numbers of aerosolization steps that can be powered, the smaller of the two numbers is output. If the operator of the aerosol generating device is unable to perform the prediction of the number of aerosolization steps that the battery can power, overestimating the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered may lead to dissatisfaction of the operator. (Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 described.) The combination of these two processes (such as Figure 9 ) to determine the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered and output the smaller of the two predicted values can reduce the risk of overestimating the number of aerosolization steps that can be powered. Thus, dissatisfaction of the operator is avoided.

[0288] In some cases, an operator may wish to perform more aerosolization sessions than the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery is capable of powering. For example, a fully charged battery may be capable of heating a set number of aerosol sticks, e.g., 15 sticks or 20 sticks, but as the battery ages or reaches a low state of charge (e.g., 5% to 10% of the remaining charge of the battery), it may be desirable to perform additional aerosolization sessions using limited energy or power usage. To address this issue, the controller can adjust or modify the heating curve used in the aerosolization session to increase the number of aerosolization sessions that the battery can power. Thus, the technique can advantageously reduce the energy content required in the device's battery while still being able to provide the user with the expected number of aerosolization sessions. The process is presented in Figure 10 and presented in

[0289] Figure 10 The process can be combined with Figure 3 and Figure 6 or Figure 9 one of the processes for determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered, or combined with any other process for determining the number of aerosolization sessions that can be powered. Figure 10 The process can be implemented by an aerosol generating device as described in reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 or any other suitable type of aerosol generating device.

[0290] At step 1000, the controller uses a battery monitor to measure the energy level of the battery.

[0291] At step 1002, the controller calculates the number of aerosolization sessions a that can be powered based on the measured battery energy level and the expected energy usage for each segment of the first aerosolization session heating curve. The value of a is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0292] As discussed, the heating curve includes one or more heating steps, where each of the one or more heating steps corresponds to heating the heater of the aerosol generating device to a predetermined target heater temperature value and for a predetermined period of time. Figure 11An exemplary aerosolization segment heating curve is shown. The heating curve is presented as a graph of the target heater temperature 1102 as a function of time 1104 during the aerosolization segment. In this case, the aerosolization segment heating curve has four heating steps, labeled 1106-1, 1106-2, 1106-3, and 1106-4. One skilled in the art will readily understand that the aerosolization segment heating curve can have any suitable number of steps greater than or equal to one. These heating steps correspond to different target temperatures to which the heater is heated and maintained for a predetermined period of time during the aerosolization segment. During the aerosolization segment, the heater is gradually heated to these target temperatures to aerosolize the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the different heating steps are set to different target temperatures. However, some steps can be set to the same target temperature. Similarly, the different heating steps can be set to require different amounts of time or time periods during the aerosolization segment. However, some steps can be set to require the same amount of time or time period during the aerosolization segment.

[0293] The first aerosolization segment heating curve can be the heating curve for the normal operating mode of the aerosol-generating device.

[0294] The method of Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 9 can be used to determine the number of aerosolization segments a that can be powered when the first aerosolization segment heating curve is applied. Alternatively, any other suitable method can be used to determine the number of aerosolization segments that the battery can power. For example, the controller can use a battery monitor to measure the battery energy level and divide the measured battery energy level by the predetermined fixed expected energy usage per segment associated with the first aerosolization segment heating curve. Then, this value can be rounded down to the nearest number of cycles that can be fully powered.

[0295] At step 1004, the controller receives an instruction to enter an energy-saving mode in which a + b aerosolization segments can be performed, where b is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The aerosolization segments in the energy-saving mode use less battery energy than the aerosolization segments not in the energy-saving mode. That is, the aerosolization segments in the energy-saving mode can be considered to utilize battery energy more economically compared to the aerosolization segments in the non-energy-saving or normal operating mode. This allows for more aerosolization segments to be performed than in the normal operating mode.

[0296] At step 1006, in response to an instruction to enter an energy-saving mode, the controller gradually modifies the aerosolization section heating curve and recalculates the number of aerosolization sections that can be powered based on the measured battery energy level and the expected energy usage of each section of each gradually modified aerosolization section heating curve until a second aerosolization section heating curve for a + b aerosolization sections can be determined.

[0297] The aerosolization sections executed using the second aerosolization section heating curve use less battery energy than the aerosolization sections executed using the first aerosolization section heating curve. That is, the first aerosolization section heating curve is the heating curve used in the normal operation mode, while the second aerosolization section heating curve is the heating curve used in the energy-saving mode (or lower power mode), and the energy-saving mode uses less energy so that more aerosolization sections can be executed at a given battery energy level.

[0298] In some examples, the value of b can be one (b = 1). In such an example, when the energy-saving mode is activated, the controller determines modifications to the aerosolization section heating curve that are required to make the number of aerosolization sections that can be powered by the battery one more than the number of aerosolization sections that could be powered by the battery when using the first aerosolization section heating curve. Additionally or alternatively, the value of b can be two (b = 2). In this case, when the energy-saving mode is activated, the controller determines modifications to the aerosolization section heating curve that are required to make the number of aerosolization sections that can be powered by the battery two more than the number of aerosolization sections that could be powered by the battery when using the first aerosolization section heating curve.

[0299] In some examples, the aerosol generating device can switch between a normal operation mode that can power a aerosolization sections and multiple energy-saving modes that can power a + b aerosolization sections. For example, the aerosol generating device can be configured to operate in different energy-saving modes that can power different numbers of additional aerosolization sections. In such an example, there can be a first energy-saving mode that can power one additional aerosolization section (b = 1) and a second energy-saving mode that can power two additional aerosolization sections (b = 2). In this example, the normal operation mode uses more energy in the aerosolization section than both the first energy-saving mode and the second energy-saving mode in the aerosolization section. The first energy-saving mode uses more energy in the aerosolization section than the second energy-saving mode in the aerosolization section, but less energy than the normal operation mode in the aerosolization section. The second energy-saving mode uses less energy in the aerosolization section than both the first energy-saving mode and the normal operation mode in the aerosolization section.

[0300] However, the skilled person will understand that the same method can be applied to modify the aerosolization section heating curve to power more than two additional aerosolization sections in an energy-saving mode.

[0301] The aerosol generating device may have a device for switching the operating mode between a normal mode and an (a) energy-saving mode. In an example, it may be a button that triggers the energy-saving mode when pressed. In another example, when the battery reaches a predetermined state of charge or a predetermined amount of remaining energy, for example, when the state of charge of the battery reaches 10% or the state of charge reaches 5%, or when the amount of remaining energy of the battery reaches 10% or the amount of remaining energy reaches 5%, the (a) energy-saving mode or the (a) low-power mode may be automatically activated. The determination of the amount of remaining energy can be made based on the capacity and internal resistance of the battery. In other words, the controller may be configured to automatically switch to the (a) energy-saving mode or the (a) low-power mode when the battery charge drops below a predetermined threshold. As will be understood, different low-power modes may be activated at different states of charge and / or different amounts of remaining energy of the battery. To determine the second aerosolization section heating curve, the controller may gradually modify the aerosolization section heating curve by gradually reducing the target heater temperature in the aerosolization section heating curve. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may gradually modify the aerosolization section heating curve by gradually reducing or adjusting the duration of the aerosolization section heating curve.

[0302] These gradual modifications to the aerosolization heating curve may include predetermined modifications to one or more of the plurality of heating steps. The predetermined modifications to the heating steps may be stored in a storage device accessible by the controller.

[0303] More specifically, each predetermined modification to one or more of the plurality of heating steps may include a predetermined reduction in the target heater temperature of one or more of these heating steps, or a predetermined adjustment of the time period of one or more of these heating steps.

[0304] As explained with respect to Figure 11 the aerosolization section heating curve may have a plurality of heating steps. Modifying the aerosolization section heating curve may include modifying the heating steps by reducing the target temperature of the heating steps or adjusting how long the heating steps are applied.

[0305] In some examples, the modification may include adjusting the target temperature of the heating step or the application duration of the heating step. In other examples, the modification may include adjusting both the target temperature of the heating step and the application duration of the heating step. In yet another example, the modification may include adjusting the target temperature of more than one heating step and / or the application duration of more than one heating step. The modification may include increasing the preheating time of the device or the duration of the preheating / warming-up phase. Further, the low-power mode or the second aerosolization session heating curve may include fewer heating steps than the first aerosolization session heating curve. As an example, the low-power aerosolization session heating curve may not increase the heating temperature at the end of a certain session. In another example, the overall duration of the low-power aerosolization session heating curve may be shorter, and the heater of the device may be turned off earlier. In other words, compared with the normal operation mode, the warming-up phase of the energy-saving mode or the low-power mode aerosolization session is prolonged and the inhalation phase is shorter.

[0306] When modifying the aerosolization session heating curve, in a first modification, the controller may modify the first heating step by reducing the target heater temperature and / or adjusting the application duration of the step. Then, in a second modification after the first modification, the controller may modify the second heating step (the same as or different from the first heating step) by reducing the target heater temperature and / or adjusting the application duration of the step.

[0307] The adjustment of the application period of one or more heating steps may include reducing the application duration of the heating step. In some examples, the controller may adjust the application period of one heating step to reduce the total time of the aerosolization session, thereby reducing the energy required for the aerosolization session.

[0308] In another example of a predetermined adjustment of the period of one or more heating steps in the heating step, the controller may reduce the application duration of each heating step. For example, this can be achieved by shortening each heating step by a predetermined number of seconds or a predetermined percentage. Similarly, this reduces the total time of the aerosolization session, thereby reducing the energy required for the aerosolization session.

[0309] The adjustment of the application period of one or more heating steps may also include increasing the application duration of one or more heating steps. Increasing the application duration of the heating step(s) in the preheating phase can achieve a more gradual preheating, which uses less energy compared to a faster (i.e., shorter in time) preheating phase. This reduces the energy required for the aerosolization session.

[0310] The stepwise modifications can have a predetermined priority order, and these modifications are made in that order. That is, modifying the heating curve of the atomization section can include making stepwise modifications in priority order until a second heating curve for the atomization section that can perform a + b atomization sections is determined. This priority order can be stored in a storage device accessible by the controller.

[0311] In an example of such a priority order or priority sequence for modifying the heating curve of the atomization section, the controller can make modifications in the following order until it is determined that a + b sections can be performed:

[0312] 1. Reduce the second heating step by 20 °C; then

[0313] 2. Reduce the third heating step by 30 °C; then

[0314] 3. Reduce the first heating step by 10 °C; then

[0315] 4. Reduce the total duration of the section by 20 seconds.

[0316] Those skilled in the art will understand that this preferred order is only an example, and in other examples, the heating steps and the total duration of the section can be modified in different orders and by different amounts.

[0317] For each stepwise modification of the heating curve of the atomization section, the controller determines how many atomization sections can be powered based on the measured battery energy level. In an example, this can be achieved by dividing the measured battery energy level by the expected energy usage of the atomization section using the modified heating curve of the atomization section. Then, this value can be rounded down to the nearest number of atomization sections that can be fully powered.

[0318] Compared with, for example, applying a larger reduction / regulation of a fixed value to the heating curve to ensure a significant reduction in energy usage, the impact on the entire atomization section can be minimized by making modifications in this stepwise manner. Making modifications step by step allows for fine-tuning of the modifications such that the heating curve is only adjusted to the extent required to power a + b atomization sections. Advantageously, this achieves a balance between providing a + b atomization sections and not having an unnecessary adverse impact on the quality of the atomization section when implementing a + b atomization sections.

[0319] The stepwise modification of the heating curve of the atomization section and the recalculation of the number of atomization sections that can be powered can include performing a loop. Figure 12 A flowchart of such a loop is shown.

[0320] In this loop, at step 1200, the controller may first modify the aerosolization heating curve by incrementally modifying it to form a modified aerosolization heating curve. Then, at step 1202, the controller may determine the expected energy usage of the aerosolization process under the modified aerosolization heating curve. Then, at step 1204, the controller may determine the number of aerosolization processes that can be powered based on the expected energy usage of the aerosolization process under the modified aerosolization heating curve. At step 1206, the controller may determine whether the number of aerosolization processes that can be performed is a + b aerosolization processes. When a + b aerosolization processes can be performed, the process proceeds to step 1208, and then the controller may designate the modified aerosolization heating curve for a + b aerosolization processes that can be performed as the second aerosolization heating curve. When a + b processes cannot be performed (i.e., only a processes can be performed), the loop is repeated by returning to step 1200. The loop is repeated until a modified aerosolization heating curve is determined such that, based on the expected energy usage of the aerosolization process under the modified aerosolization heating curve, the number of aerosolization processes that can be powered is a + b.

[0321] Determining the expected energy usage of the aerosolization process under the modified aerosolization heating curve may include: determining an integrated aerosolization heating curve value of the modified aerosolization heating curve by integrating the target heater temperature values as a function of time in the modified aerosolization heating curve. Then, the controller may determine the expected energy usage of the aerosolization process performed using the modified aerosolization heating curve based on a predetermined relationship between the integrated aerosolization heating curve value and the expected energy usage of the aerosolization process. Such a predetermined relationship may be stored in a storage device accessible by the controller.

[0322] The integrated aerosolization heating curve value may be calculated by the controller and is conceptually understood as the area 1108 under the heating curve temperature line, as in the Figure 11 graph of the target heater temperature 1102 of the heating curve as a function of time 1104.

[0323] In a further refinement, determining the expected energy usage of the atomization step under the modified atomization step heating curve can include normalizing the determined integrated atomization step heating curve value to determine a normalized integrated atomization step heating curve value. Then, the expected energy usage of the atomization step performed using the modified atomization step heating curve can be determined based on a predetermined relationship between the normalized integrated atomization step heating curve value and the expected energy usage of the atomization step. Such a predetermined relationship can be stored in a storage device accessible by the controller.

[0324] The integrated atomization step heating curve value can be normalized relative to a predetermined value (e.g., the maximum integrated atomization step heating curve value). The maximum integrated atomization step heating curve value will be the integrated atomization step heating curve value of the atomization step heating curve that uses the maximum amount of power or energy when used for the atomization step. That is, the maximum value of the normalized integrated atomization step heating curve value will be 1, and this will be the maximum value of the maximum power atomization step heating curve.

[0325] The normalized integrated atomization step heating curve value can be determined by dividing the integrated atomization step heating curve value of the progressively modified atomization step heating curve by the maximum integrated atomization step heating curve value.

[0326] With the progressive modification of the atomization step heating curve, the normalized integrated atomization step heating curve value starts to decrease from the maximum value of 1 because these progressive modifications gradually reduce the expected energy usage of the atomization step when using the modified heating curve, resulting in a progressive adjustment of the target heater temperature and / or duration of the heating step.

[0327] Figure 13 A graph showing the energy consumption 1304 of each atomization step as a function of the normalized integrated value 1302 of the atomization step heating curve is shown. From Figure 13 it can be seen that there is a linear relationship 1306 between the energy consumption 1304 of each atomization step and the normalized integrated value 1302 of the atomization step heating curve.

[0328] The controller uses this linear relationship to determine the expected energy usage of the atomization step for each progressively modified atomization step heating curve.

[0329] For example, the look-up table can be stored in a storage device accessible by the controller. In this look-up table, values of the expected energy usage can be stored together with the corresponding normalized integral values of the aerosolization step heating curve. In this way, the controller can determine the normalized integral value of the stepwise modified aerosolization step heating curve and then use this stepwise modified aerosolization step heating curve to look up the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step.

[0330] In an alternative to the look-up table method, the controller can use a predetermined relationship between the normalized integral value of the aerosolization step heating curve and the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step using the aerosolization step heating curve to calculate the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step. In an example, the predetermined relationship can be Figure 13 the equation of a linear fit line. That is, the expected energy usage can be calculated as the gradient of the fit line multiplied by the normalized integral value of the aerosolization step heating curve plus a constant.

[0331] In summary, at Figure 10 step 1006, the controller can make a stepwise (i.e., in steps) modification to the aerosolization step heating curve by adjusting the heating steps of the heating curve. Then, the controller can calculate the integral of the modified aerosolization step heating curve and normalize the integral value. Then, the controller can use a look-up or a predetermined relationship to determine the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step using the modified aerosolization step heating curve and use this modified aerosolization step heating curve to determine how many aerosolization steps can be performed based on the measured battery level. When the number of aerosolization steps that can be performed is not a + b (i.e., it is a), subsequent modifications can be made to the aerosolization step heating curve until it is determined that a + b aerosolization steps can be performed. When the number of aerosolization steps that can be performed is a + b, the modified aerosolization step heating curve is used as the second aerosolization curve for the energy-saving mode.

[0332] In an alternative, instead of normalizing the integral values of the aerosolization step heating curve, a look-up table of predetermined values of the expected energy usage for different modified aerosolization step heating curves can be used.

[0333] At step 1008, the controller controls the aerosol generating device to perform the aerosolization step using the second aerosolization step heating curve that can perform a + b aerosolization steps.

[0334] In this way, by modifying the aerosolization step heating curve, a + b steps can be performed at a given energy level in the battery instead of only a steps.

[0335] The controller may further be configured to control the aerosol-generating device to output an indication that the aerosol-generating device has entered an energy-saving mode.

[0336] In some examples, the aerosol-generating device may include a display screen, and outputting an indication that the aerosol-generating device has entered an energy-saving mode may include displaying the indication on such a screen.

[0337] Figure 14A An exemplary indication that may be output on the display screen when the aerosol-generating device is operating in a normal mode (i.e., not operating in an energy-saving mode) is shown. In this example, a = 5, and thus "5" is displayed. Figure 14B An exemplary indication that may be output on the display screen when the aerosol-generating device is operating in a first energy-saving mode is shown, where b = 1. In this example, a = 5 and b = 1, and thus "5 + 1" is displayed. That is, the indication presents the number of segments (a) that may be powered in the normal operating mode and the additional number of segments (b) that may be powered due to the triggering of the energy-saving mode. Similarly, Figure 14C An exemplary indication that may be output on the display screen when the aerosol-generating device is operating in a second energy-saving mode is shown, where b = 2. In this example, a = 5 and b = 2, and thus "5 + 2" is displayed. Although in these examples, the values of a = 5 and b = 1 or b = 2 have been used, those skilled in the art will readily understand that other suitable numbers representing the number of available aerosolization segments may alternatively be displayed.

[0338] In other examples, the aerosol-generating device may be paired with an external device such as a smartphone, for example, via a wireless connection such as Bluetooth or via a wired connection through a physical interface; in these examples, outputting an indication that the aerosol-generating device has entered an energy-saving mode may include transmitting data corresponding to the triggered energy-saving mode to the external device, and then the external device may be used to indicate that the aerosol-generating device has entered an energy-saving mode in a Figures 14A to 14C similar manner.

[0339] In some examples, the controller may be configured such that the energy-saving mode can only be triggered when the number of aerosolization segments that can be powered by the battery of the aerosol-generating device reaches or falls below a threshold number of segments. In the example, the threshold may be five segments. In this way, the operator cannot enter the energy-saving mode unnecessarily, thereby preventing the operator from unnecessarily reducing the quality of the aerosolization segments.

[0340] Figure 15AShows an exemplary heating curve 1500 in the normal / standard operating mode. At the start of the aerosolization phase in the standard operating mode, the heater of the device is in the heating-up stage 1505 and is preheated to an initial temperature of 295°C ± 5°C over a time period of approximately 14 seconds to 25 seconds. Then, the aerosolization phase lasts for a period of approximately 300 seconds, during which the heater enters the first puffing stage 1510 with an operating temperature of 230°C ± 5°C and remains at this stage for approximately half of the duration of this phase (e.g., around 150 seconds to 180 seconds). In the second puffing stage 1515 during the second half of this phase, the heater temperature rises to 260°C ± 5°C over a period of approximately 80 seconds and remains at this temperature for another 50 seconds to 60 seconds, and then the heater is turned off at the end 1520 of this phase.

[0341] In this standard operating mode, the working assumption is that 20 W of power is required within 15 seconds during the heating-up / preheating stage (which is equivalent to 300 J of energy). If the time period of the preheating stage is extended to 30 seconds, i.e., doubled, then the required power is halved to 10 W (to provide the same amount of energy, 300 J). For a 3.3 V battery device, 10 W requires approximately 3 A of current and approximately 0.15 V of voltage drop. For 20 W, the required current and effective voltage drop are doubled, i.e., 6 A of current and 0.3 V of voltage drop. Therefore, it has been considered that by reducing the power demand on the battery and extending the heating-up or preheating time, the battery of the device can be used for a greater number of cycles.

[0342] Figure 15B Shows another exemplary graph of the heating curve 1500 in the first standard operating mode (as Figure 15A described) and the second heating curve 1550 in the energy-saving mode or low-power mode. The second heating curve 1550 has an extended heating-up stage 1555, during which the heater is preheated to an initial temperature of 295°C ± 5°C over a time period of approximately 45 seconds to 55 seconds. The duration of the aerosolization phase in the energy-saving mode is shorter than that in the standard operating mode, approximately 210 seconds (i.e., approximately 90 seconds shorter than the standard operating mode). This aerosolization phase can also include only a single puffing stage 1560, during which the heater reaches and remains at an operating temperature of 230°C ± 5°C for the duration of the aerosolization phase (e.g., around 210 seconds). As will be understood, the aerosolization phase can also include different puffing stages and temperatures according to design requirements. At the end 1565 of the aerosolization phase in the energy-saving mode, the heater is turned off.

[0343] As an example, if the energy required for a 270 - second draw is 1000 J, shortening this segment by 90 seconds will save approximately one - third of the energy requirement, i.e., approximately 333 J. This means that the device battery operating in low - power / energy - saving mode will increase the number of consumable rods that can be aerosolized using the remaining state of charge or remaining energy in the battery. When the remaining power in the battery reaches a predetermined threshold amount (e.g., 10% of the remaining state of charge or remaining energy), the device can automatically operate in energy - saving mode. Alternatively, the user can manually switch the device from standard operating mode to low - power energy - saving mode at any time / any battery level to increase the number of aerosolization segments. This energy and power savings allows for a smaller device battery volume or a smaller energy content or energy density.

[0344] Figure 16 A control schematic of an aerosol - generating device according to the present disclosure is shown. The device includes a controller 1605 in communication with a battery 1610 and a heater 1615. The controller 1605 can be a multi - point control unit, and the heater 1615 can be a negative temperature coefficient heater.

[0345] The controller 1605 regulates the maximum power drawn from the battery 1610 by using a battery observer 1620 and controls the heater 1615 by using a heater observer 1625. The battery observer 1620 allows the controller 1605 to read the state of charge, state of health, amount of remaining energy, and battery temperature information from the battery 1610. The heater observer 1625 allows the controller to read heater temperature, battery current, and battery voltage information from the heater 1615. Using the information from the battery observer 1620 and the heater observer 1625, the controller 1605 can determine or select a battery model 1630 for the battery 1610 and a heater model 1635 for the heater 1615, where the respective models include specific parameters for operating the battery / heater. In this way, different operating curves with different parameters can be implemented until the battery 1610 is fully depleted and the optimal number of aerosolization segments is provided to the user.

[0346] The information provided by the battery model 1630 allows the controller 1605 to operate the battery 1610 in an energy-saving or low-power mode. The form of this information can be the minimum voltage estimated during a certain session, and / or the number of sessions that the battery 1610 can maintain according to a given temperature curve / load curve (from the heater model) without reaching the minimum voltage threshold set by the controller 1605. The (multiple) energy-saving or low-power modes can have additional sub-modes or settings, where the controller 1605 can use a progressive power reduction mode or a constant mode to operate the device to ensure that a given number of consumable rods / aerosolization sessions can be consumed each time the battery 1610 is fully charged.

[0347] In the progressive power / energy consumption reduction setting, the time period of the preheating phase can be progressively extended as the state of charge or the amount of remaining energy of the battery 1610 decreases. For example, in the progressive reduction setting, the preheating time can be 25 seconds in the first energy-saving mode aerosolization session, then 30 seconds in the second session, 35 seconds in the third session, 40 seconds in the fourth session, and 45 seconds in the fifth session. Alternatively, in the constant mode setting of the low-power mode, the constant time period of the preheating phase can be, for example, 35 seconds. As will be understood, extending the preheating time reduces the power demand on the battery 1610, which in turn ensures that the output of the battery 1610 does not reach the minimum voltage threshold set by the controller 1605 (since a higher power output may be required during the preheating phase), and thus allows the battery 1610 to be able to maintain a greater number of aerosolization sessions.

[0348] Although reference Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 the foregoing examples of the processes described are described in the context of an aerosol-generating device configured to aerosolize a consumable that generates an aerosol, such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco, but the teachings can equally apply to 'electronic vapor' type aerosol-generating devices in which a liquid-based aerosol-generating material is vaporized or aerosolized, for example, using a wicking material and a heater. In such an example, an aerosolization session can be considered a single 'puff'. The teachings can also apply to an aerosol-generating device configured to generate a single puff of aerosol by heating tobacco.

[0349] In the foregoing examples, the processing steps performed by the controller described herein can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or storage device associated with the controller. The computer-readable medium can include non-volatile media and volatile media. Volatile media can particularly include semiconductor memories and dynamic memories. Non-volatile media can particularly include optical discs and magnetic disks.

[0350] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the foregoing embodiments in the previous description are not restrictive; the features of each embodiment can be appropriately incorporated into other embodiments.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising a battery, a controller and a battery monitor, wherein, The controller is configured to perform the following operations: Use the battery monitor to measure the energy level of the battery; Based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage for each segment of the heating curve of the first aerosolization segment, calculate the number of aerosolization segments a that can be powered, where a is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and the heating curve includes one or more heating steps, and each heating step in the one or more heating steps corresponds to heating the heater of the aerosol generating device to a predetermined target heater temperature value and lasting for a predetermined period of time; Receive an instruction to enter an energy-saving mode capable of performing a + b aerosolization segments, where b is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the aerosolization segments in the energy-saving mode use less battery energy than the aerosolization segments not in the energy-saving mode; In response to the instruction to enter the energy-saving mode, gradually modify the aerosolization segment heating curve, and recalculate the number of aerosolization segments that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage for each segment of each gradually modified aerosolization segment heating curve until a second aerosolization segment heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization segments is determined; and Control the aerosol generating device to perform aerosolization segments using the second aerosolization segment heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization segments.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, Gradually modify the aerosolization segment heating curve and recalculate the number of aerosolization segments that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage for each segment of each gradually modified aerosolization segment heating curve until determining the second aerosolization segment heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization segments is included in the loop: Modify the aerosolization segment heating curve by gradually modifying to form a modified aerosolization segment heating curve; Determine the expected energy usage of the aerosolization segment under the modified aerosolization segment heating curve; And Based on the expected energy usage of the aerosolization segment under the modified aerosolization segment heating curve, determine the number of aerosolization segments that can be powered; Wherein, the loop continues until a modified aerosolization segment heating curve is determined, at which time, based on the expected energy usage of the aerosolization segment under the modified aerosolization segment heating curve, the number of aerosolization segments that can be powered is a + b; and The controller is configured to designate the modified aerosolization segment heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization segments as the second aerosolization segment heating curve.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein, Determining the expected energy usage of the aerosolization segment under the modified aerosolization segment heating curve includes: By integrating the target heater temperature value as a function of time in the modified aerosolization segment heating curve, determine the integrated aerosolization segment heating curve value of the modified aerosolization segment heating curve; and Based on a predetermined relationship between the integrated aerosolization step heating curve value and the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step, determine the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step performed using the modified aerosolization step heating curve.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein, Determining the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step under the modified aerosolization step heating curve further includes: Normalizing the determined integrated aerosolization step heating curve value to determine a normalized integrated aerosolization step heating curve value; and wherein the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step performed using the modified aerosolization step heating curve is determined based on a predetermined relationship between the normalized integrated aerosolization step heating curve value and the expected energy usage of the aerosolization step.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Gradually modifying the aerosolization step heating curve includes gradually decreasing the target heater temperature in the aerosolization step heating curve and / or gradually adjusting the duration of the aerosolization step heating curve.

6. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more heating steps are multiple heating steps.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein, Each gradual modification of the aerosolization heating curve includes a predetermined modification to one or more of the multiple heating steps.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein, Each predetermined modification to one or more of the multiple heating steps includes a predetermined decrease in the target heater temperature of one or more of these heating steps or a predetermined adjustment of the time period of one or more of these heating steps.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein, These gradual modifications have a predetermined order of priority; and Modifying the aerosolization step heating curve includes performing these gradual modifications in the order of priority until the second aerosolization step heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization steps is determined.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first aerosolization step heating curve is the heating curve of the normal operation mode of the aerosol generating device.

11. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The aerosolization step performed using the second aerosolization step heating curve uses less battery energy than the aerosolization step performed using the first aerosolization step heating curve.

12. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, b = 1 or 2.

13. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is configured to control the aerosol generating device to output an indication that the energy-saving mode has been activated.

14. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a battery, a controller and a battery monitor, wherein, The method includes: Measuring, by the controller using the battery monitor, the energy level of the battery; Calculating, by the controller, the number of aerosolization steps a that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage of each step of the first aerosolization step heating curve, where a is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and the heating curve includes one or more heating steps, and each heating step of the one or more heating steps corresponds to heating the heater of the aerosol generating device to a predetermined target heater temperature value and lasting for a predetermined time period; Receiving, at the controller, an instruction to enter an energy-saving mode capable of performing a + b aerosolization steps, where b is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the aerosolization steps in the energy-saving mode use less battery energy than the aerosolization steps not in the energy-saving mode; In response to an instruction to enter the energy-saving mode, the controller gradually modifies the aerosolization section heating curve, and recalculates the number of aerosolization sections that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage of each section of each gradually modified aerosolization section heating curve, until a second aerosolization section heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization sections is determined; and The controller controls the aerosol generating device to perform the aerosolization section using the second aerosolization section heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization sections.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a battery, a controller, and a battery monitor, the instructions causing the one or more processors to perform steps including the following: The controller uses the battery monitor to measure the energy level of the battery; The controller calculates the number of aerosolization segments a that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage for each segment of the heating curve of the first aerosolization segment, wherein, a is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and the heating curve includes one or more heating steps, where each heating step in the one or more heating steps corresponds to heating the heater of the aerosol generating device to a predetermined target heater temperature value and lasting for a predetermined period of time; Receive, at the controller, an instruction to enter an energy-saving mode capable of performing a + b aerosolization sections, where b is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and where the aerosolization sections in the energy-saving mode use less battery energy than the aerosolization sections not in the energy-saving mode; In response to an instruction to enter the energy-saving mode, the controller gradually modifies the aerosolization section heating curve, and recalculates the number of aerosolization sections that can be powered based on the measured energy level of the battery and the expected energy usage of each section of each gradually modified aerosolization section heating curve, until a second aerosolization section heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization sections is determined; and The controller controls the aerosol generating device to perform the aerosolization section using the second aerosolization section heating curve capable of performing a + b aerosolization sections.

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