Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure includes: a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance; at least one sensor configured to output a signal related to an ambient environment; an input section configured to receive an input of a user; and a control section configured to control power supplied to the heater based on a heating curve, in which the control section may be configured to: acquire ambient environment information during an inhalation period of a user based on a signal received from the at least one sensor during the inhalation period of the user, and control the power supplied to the heater based on the acquired ambient environment information. And a control unit that acquires preference information on the user's inhalation on the basis of the user's input received from the input unit, and inputs the surrounding environment information and the preference information into a learning model for determining a heating curve to determine a heating curve corresponding to the surrounding environment information and the preference information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] An aerosol generating device is an apparatus that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by forming aerosols. The medium may contain multi-component substances. The substances contained in the medium may be multi-component flavor compounds. For example, substances contained in the medium may include nicotine components, herbal components, and / or coffee components. Recently, various studies have been conducted on aerosol generating devices.

[0003] Users of aerosol generators may have different preferences regarding the amount of atomization or the number of inhalations. Therefore, user satisfaction can be improved when the heating profile of the aerosol generator reflects these preferences.

[0004] However, conventional aerosol generating devices operate based on a single heating curve or only offer the option to allow users to select one of several preset options, regardless of user preferences. Therefore, they fail to accurately reflect user preferences. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues The purpose of this disclosure is to address the above and other issues.

[0006] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device configured to reflect, in a heating profile, information about the user’s inhalation-related preferences and the surrounding environment of the user’s use of the device.

[0007] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus that determines a heating curve by inputting ambient environmental information and preference information into a learning model.

[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus configured to reflect a user's location and weather information at that location, along with user preference information, in a heating curve.

[0009] Technical solution According to one aspect of this disclosure, the above and other aspects can be achieved by providing an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating substance; at least one sensor configured to output a signal related to the surrounding environment; an input unit configured to receive input from a user; and a control unit configured to control the power supplied to the heater based on a heating curve, wherein the control unit acquires surrounding environment information during the user's inhalation period based on signals received from the at least one sensor during the user's inhalation period, acquires user inhalation preference information based on user input received through the input unit, and inputs the surrounding environment information and preference information into a learning model for determining a heating curve to determine a heating curve corresponding to the surrounding environment information and preference information.

[0010] Beneficial effects According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by reflecting user preferences and ambient environmental information in the heating curve, the amount of atomization and / or the number of inhalations can be provided to suit the user's environment and preferences.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the heating curve can accurately reflect the user's preferences by determining the heating curve based on a learning model trained using user preferences and surrounding environment information.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by repeatedly collecting preferences at regular time points during a user's inhalation period, user preferences can be reflected in detail at each inhalation point during a single inhalation period.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by reflecting the location of the user's inhalation and the weather at that location in the heating curve, information about the user's surrounding environment can be more accurately reflected in the heating curve.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, user preference information can be collected through an external device capable of communicating with the aerosol generating apparatus, thereby improving user convenience.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by reflecting the user preferences of the authenticated user in the heating curve, it is possible to prevent the user preferences from being inaccurately reflected in the heating curve due to multiple users.

[0016] The following detailed description will make other applications of this disclosure apparent. However, since those skilled in the art will clearly understand the various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure, it should be understood that the detailed descriptions and specific embodiments, such as the preferred embodiments of this disclosure, are given by way of example only. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figures 1 to 9 This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the operation of determining a heating profile using an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a learning model of an aerosol generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of the operation of obtaining preferences through an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the preference query output of an aerosol generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating curve of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a preference query output time point of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a heating curve using an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following description, the embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements will be indicated by the same reference numerals, even if they are depicted in different drawings, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0027] In the following description, the suffixes “module” and “part” are used only for ease of description and do not have a distinguishing meaning or function over each other.

[0028] Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations will be omitted where such descriptions might obscure the subject matter of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are provided only to better understand the embodiments disclosed in this specification and are not intended to limit the technical concepts disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0029] It should be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0030] It should be understood that when a component is described as "connected to" or "combined to" another component, the component may be directly connected to or directly combined to the other component, or there may be intermediate components. On the other hand, when a component is described as "directly connected to" or "directly combined to" another component, there are no intermediate components.

[0031] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well.

[0032] Throughout this instruction manual, the orientation of the aerosol generating device and the cartridge can be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In this system, the x-axis can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device and the cartridge. In this case, relative to the origin, the direction towards +x represents the rightward direction, and the direction towards -x represents the leftward direction. The y-axis can be defined as the forward-backward direction of the aerosol generating device and the cartridge. In this case, relative to the origin, the direction towards +y represents the backward direction, and the direction towards -y represents the forward direction. The z-axis can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device and the cartridge. Relative to the origin, the direction towards +z represents the upward direction, and the direction towards -z represents the downward direction.

[0033] Figures 1 to 9 This is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be disposed in the body 10 of the aerosol generating apparatus. The body 10 may define a space having an open top to allow a rod S, which is an aerosol generating article, to be inserted therein. The space having the open top may be referred to as an insertion space 43. The insertion space 43 may be formed to be recessed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the body 10, such that the rod S is at least partially inserted therein. The depth of the insertion space 43 may correspond to the length of the portion of the rod S containing the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the rod S may be inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the rod S may protrude to the outside of the body 10. A user may inhale air while holding the exposed upper end of the rod S in their mouth.

[0035] Heater 18 heats rod S. Heater 18 extends upward within the space where rod S is inserted. For example, heater 18 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element. Heater 18 can be inserted into the lower part of rod S. Heater 18 may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0036] For example, refer to Figure 1 Heater 18 may be a resistance heater. For example, heater 18 may include a conductive track and be heated as current flows through it. Heater 18 may be electrically connected to power supply 11. Heater 18 may be heated directly using current received from power supply 11.

[0037] For example, heater 18 may include multiple heaters. Heater 18 may include a first heater 18A and a second heater 18B. The first heater 18A and the second heater 18B may be connected in series in the longitudinal direction. The first heater 18A and the second heater 18B may heat sequentially or simultaneously.

[0038] For example, refer to Figure 2 The aerosol generating apparatus may include an induction coil 181 surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil 181 can heat the heater 18. The heater 18, acting as a susceptor, can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field can pass through the heater 18 to generate eddy currents in the heater 18. These eddy currents can heat the heater 18.

[0039] For example, refer to Figure 3The rod S may include an induction heating element SS, which is heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The induction heating element SS may be disposed within the rod S and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device. The induction heating element SS may be inserted into the insertion space 43 along with the rod S and may be removed from the insertion space 43 along with the rod S. The rod S may be heated by the induction heating element SS within the rod S. In this case, the aerosol generating device may not provide a heater 18.

[0040] Power source 11 provides electrical power to operate the components of the aerosol generating apparatus. Power source 11 may be referred to as a battery. Power source 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18. Power source 11 can supply power to induction coil 181.

[0041] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating apparatus. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 controls the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, sensor 13, and heater 18. The control unit 12 controls the operation of the induction coil 181. The control unit 12 controls the operation of the display, motor, etc., installed in the aerosol generating apparatus. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating apparatus and determine whether the aerosol generating apparatus is in an operable state.

[0042] The control unit 12 can analyze the detection results of the sensor 13 and control subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 based on the detection results of the sensor 13, so as to start or stop the operation of the heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can control the amount of electricity supplied to the heater 18 and the power supply time based on the detection results of the sensor 13, so as to heat the heater 18 to a predetermined temperature or maintain it at an appropriate temperature.

[0043] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a suction sensor, an insertion detection sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, sensor 13 may detect at least one of the temperature of heater 18, the temperature of power supply 11, and the internal / external temperature of body 10. For example, sensor 13 may detect user suction. For example, sensor 13 may detect whether rod S is inserted into insertion space 43. For example, sensor 13 may detect movement of aerosol generating device.

[0044] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, and a cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be disposed within the main body 10 of the aerosol generating apparatus. (The remaining text is omitted.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating apparatus 1 shown is constructed in the same manner as described in the detailed description.

[0045] Heater 18 heats rod S. Heater 18 may be disposed around the space where rod S is inserted and may extend upwards. For example, heater 18 may be formed in the shape of a tube including a cavity formed therein. Heater 18 may be disposed around insertion space 43. Heater 18 may be configured to surround at least a portion of insertion space 43. Heater 18 heats insertion space 43 or rod S inserted into insertion space 43. Heater 18 may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0046] The cartridge 19 may contain a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel-like aerosol-generating substance. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising tobacco-containing materials having volatile tobacco flavor components, or it may be a liquid comprising non-tobacco materials.

[0047] The smoke cartridge 19 can be integrally formed with the main body 10, or it can be detachably attached to the main body 10.

[0048] For example, refer to Figure 4 The smoke cartridge 19 can be integrally formed with the main body 10 and can be connected to the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0049] For example, refer to Figure 5 A space may be defined on one side of the main body 10, and the cartridge 19 may be installed in the main body 10 in such a way that at least a portion of the cartridge 19 is inserted into the space defined on one side of the main body 10. The airflow channel CN ​​may be defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the main body 10, and the cartridge 19 may communicate with the insertion space 43 through the airflow channel CN.

[0050] The main body 10 can be configured to allow external air to be introduced into the main body 10 while the cartridge 19 is inserted into the main body 10. In this case, the external air introduced into the main body 10 can pass through the cartridge 19 and enter the user's mouth.

[0051] The cartridge 19 may include a storage section CO containing aerosol-generating material and / or a heater 24 configured to heat the aerosol-generating material in the storage section CO. A liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating material may be disposed in the storage section CO. Here, the liquid delivery element may include a wick (such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic). The conductive trace of the heater 24 may be formed as a coil-like structure wound around the liquid delivery element, or a structure in contact with one side of the liquid delivery element. The heater 24 may be referred to as a cartridge heater 24.

[0052] The cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. An aerosol is generated when the liquid delivery element is heated by the cartridge heater 24. The aerosol can also be generated by heating the rod S using heater 18. As the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and heater 18 passes through the rod S, it mixes with tobacco material, and the tobacco-mixed aerosol can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the rod S.

[0053] The aerosol generating device 1 may only be equipped with a cartridge heater 24, and the main body 10 may not be equipped with a heater 18. In this case, when the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 passes through the rod S, the aerosol can mix with the tobacco material, and the aerosol mixed with the tobacco material can be inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0054] The aerosol generating device 1 may include an upper housing (not shown). The upper housing may be detachably attached to the body 10 to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 attached to the body 10. A rod S may be inserted into the body 10 through the upper housing.

[0055] The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, sensor 13, cartridge heater 24, and heater 18.

[0056] The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, sensor 13, heater 18, and cartridge 19. The control unit 12 can analyze the detection results of sensor 13 and control subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the detection results of sensor 13, causing the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to begin or end. For example, the control unit 12 can control the amount of electricity supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 and the power supply time based on the detection results of sensor 13, causing the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0057] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and an upper housing detection sensor. For example, sensor 13 may detect whether a cartridge is installed. For example, sensor 13 may detect whether an upper housing is installed.

[0058] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The aerosol generating device 1 may include a main body 10 and a smoke cartridge 19. (The details related to... are omitted.) Figures 1 to 5 The aerosol generating device 1 has the same structure as described in the detailed description.

[0059] The aerosol generating device 10 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, and sensor 13 may be located inside the main body 10. The main body 10 may be equipped with a cartridge 19, which is an aerosol generating article. A user can inhale the aerosol by placing a mouthpiece provided at one end of the cartridge 19 into their mouth.

[0060] The cartridge 19 can be detachably attached to the body 10. The cartridge 19 can be installed in the body 10 by inserting it into the body 10.

[0061] The main body 10 may be configured to allow external air to be introduced into the main body 10 while the cartridge 19 is inserted into the main body 10. In this case, the external air introduced into the main body 10 can pass through the cartridge 19 and enter the user's mouth through the airflow channel CN.

[0062] The cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. When the liquid delivery device 25 is heated by the cartridge heater 24, an aerosol is generated. The generated aerosol can be inhaled into the user's mouth through the airflow channel CN.

[0063] An airflow channel CN ​​can be disposed within the cartridge 19. The airflow channel CN ​​can communicate with the chamber C0 in which the cartridge heater 24 is disposed and with the outside of the cartridge. One end of the airflow channel CN ​​can be open to the chamber C0 in which the cartridge heater 24 is disposed, and the other end can communicate with the mouthpiece. For example, refer to… Figure 3 The airflow channel CN ​​can extend from one side of the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19 along the length of the cartridge 19. For example, refer to Figure 4 The airflow channel CN ​​can extend along the longitudinal direction of the smoke cartridge 19 by penetrating the chamber C0 of the smoke cartridge 19.

[0064] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be disposed in the main body 10 of the aerosol generating apparatus. (The remaining text is omitted.) Figures 1 to 7 The aerosol generating apparatus 1 shown is constructed in the same manner as described in the detailed description.

[0065] Heater 18 heats rod S. Heater 18 is disposed around the space into which rod S is inserted and is upwardly elongated. For example, heater 18 may be formed in the shape of a tube including a cavity formed therein. Heater 18 is disposed around insertion space 43. Heater 18 may be configured to surround at least a portion of insertion space 43. Heater 18 heats insertion space 43 or rod S inserted into insertion space 43. Heater 18 may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0066] For example, refer to Figure 8 Heater 18 may be a resistance heater. For example, heater 18 may include conductive traces and may be heated as current flows through the conductive traces. Heater 18 may be electrically connected to power supply 11. Heater 18 may be heated directly using current received from power supply 11.

[0067] For example, refer to Figure 9 The aerosol generating apparatus may include an induction coil 181 surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil 181 can heat the heater 18. The heater 18, as an induction heating element, can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field can pass through the heater 18 to generate eddy currents in the heater 18. These eddy currents can heat the heater 18.

[0068] Furthermore, the induction heating element may be included in the rod S, and the induction heating element in the rod S may be heated by the magnetic field generated by the alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181.

[0069] The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18. If the aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes an induction coil 181, then the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0070] The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11 and the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can analyze the detection results of the sensor 13 and control subsequent processes.

[0071] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a suction sensor, and an insertion detection sensor.

[0072] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and one or more heaters 18 and 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to... Figure 10 The structure shown is correct. In other words, those skilled in the art should understand that, based on the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the following can be omitted. Figure 10 Some of the components shown are available, or new components can be added.

[0074] Sensor 13 can detect the state of aerosol generating device 1 or the state around aerosol generating device 1, and can transmit information about the detected state to control unit 12. Control unit 12 can control aerosol generating device 1 based on the detected state information to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, smoking restriction, determining whether stick S and / or cartridge 19 is inserted, and notification display.

[0075] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, suction sensor 132, insertion detection sensor 133, reuse detection sensor 134, cartridge detection sensor 135, upper housing detection sensor 136, and movement detection sensor 137.

[0076] Temperature sensor 131 can detect the temperature to which cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 are heated. Aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a separate temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, or cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 may be used as a temperature sensor themselves.

[0077] Temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element whose resistance value changes according to the temperature change of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The temperature sensor can be implemented as a thermistor, which is a component characterized by its resistance changing with temperature. In this case, temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, temperature sensor 131 can be configured to detect the resistance value of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. In this case, temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0078] Temperature sensor 131 may be disposed around power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of power supply 11. Temperature sensor 131 may be disposed adjacent to power supply 11. For example, temperature sensor 131 may be attached to a surface of a battery that serves as power supply 11. For example, temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on a surface of a printed circuit board.

[0079] Temperature sensor 131 may be disposed in the main body 10 to detect the internal temperature of the main body 10. Temperature sensor 131 may also be disposed outside the main body 10 or in a space communicating with the outside of the main body 10 to detect the external temperature of the main body 10 or the ambient temperature of the main body 10.

[0080] The suction sensor 132 can detect user suction based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The suction sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to suction. For example, the suction sensor 132 can be a pressure sensor. The suction sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 can correspond to the pressure of the gas flow path. The suction sensor 132 can be positioned within the aerosol generating device 1 at a location corresponding to the gas flow path.

[0081] Insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of rod S. Insertion detection sensor 133 can detect signal changes caused by the insertion and / or removal of rod S. Insertion detection sensor 133 can be mounted around the insertion space. Insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of rod S based on changes in the dielectric constant within the insertion space. For example, insertion detection sensor 133 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor.

[0082] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be disposed adjacent to the space. For example, if the magnetic field around the coil through which the current flows changes, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current.

[0083] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0084] A capacitive sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitive sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space. The capacitive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties (e.g., the capacitance around the conductor). For example, if a rod S comprising a metal package is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may change due to the package of the rod S.

[0085] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the rod S is being reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 can be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the rod S. The color sensor can also detect the color of a portion of the packaging surrounding the rod S. The color sensor can detect the value of an optical property corresponding to the color of the object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property can be the wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as a component integrated with a proximity sensor, or it can be implemented as a component separately from the proximity sensor.

[0086] At least a portion of the packaging component constituting the stick S can change color due to aerosol. The detection sensor 134 can be positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the packaging component (changing color due to aerosol) is placed when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the user uses the stick S, the color of at least a portion of the packaging component may be a first color. In this case, when the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the packaging component may become wet due to the aerosol, thereby changing the color of at least a portion of the packaging component to a second color. After changing from the first color to the second color, the color of at least a portion of the packaging component can remain at the second color.

[0087] The cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 can be implemented as an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor utilizing the Hall effect (or Hall IC), etc.

[0088] The upper housing detection sensor 136 can detect the installation and / or removal of the upper housing. When the upper housing is separated from the main body 10, the portion of the main body 10 previously covered by the upper housing and the cartridge 19 can be exposed to the outside. The upper housing detection sensor 136 can be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0089] The motion detection sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor 137 can be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0090] Humidity sensor 138 can detect the humidity inside and outside the aerosol generating device. Humidity sensor 138 can detect the humidity around the aerosol generating device 1 and / or the humidity inside the aerosol generating device. Humidity sensor 138 can be implemented as a capacitive sensor or the like. Humidity sensor 138 can be disposed outside the main body 10 or located in the path through which external air is introduced to measure the humidity around the aerosol generating device 1.

[0091] The position sensor 139 can detect the position of the aerosol generating device 1. The position sensor 139 can be implemented as a GPS device, etc.

[0092] In addition to the sensors 131 to 139 described above, sensor 13 may also include at least one of a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a proximity sensor. Those skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of the sensors from their names; therefore, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0093] The output unit 14 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 and can provide this information to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of the display 141, the tactile unit 142, and the sound output unit 143. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. If the display 141 and the touchpad are layered together to form a touch screen, the display 141 can be used not only as an output device but also as an input device.

[0094] Display 141 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1 may include various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the installation / removal status of the upper housing, and the usage restriction status of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., detecting abnormal articles), and display 141 can output this information externally. For example, display 141 may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) device. For example, display 141 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting display (OLED), etc.

[0095] The tactile unit 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimulation, thereby providing the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1 in a tactile manner. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 for a predetermined time, the tactile unit 142 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating. The tactile unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0096] The sound output unit 143 can provide users with audible information about the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the sound output unit 143 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output the acoustic signals to the outside.

[0097] The power source 11 provides electricity for the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1. The power source 11 supplies power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. Additionally, the power source 11 provides the power required for the operation of other components disposed in the aerosol generating apparatus 1, such as the sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power source 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0098] Although Figure 10 Although not shown, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may also include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0099] The power supply protection circuit can block the electrical path to power supply 11 according to predetermined conditions. For example, when the voltage level of power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging, the power supply protection circuit can block the electrical path to power supply 11. For example, when the voltage level of power supply 11 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharging, the power supply protection circuit can block the electrical path to power supply 11.

[0100] The heater 18 can receive power from the power source 11 to heat the medium or aerosol generated in the heating rod S. Although in Figure 10 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC-DC converter) configured to convert the power from the power source 11 and supply the converted power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. Additionally, if the aerosol generating device 1 generates aerosol by induction heating, it may also include a DC-AC converter to convert the DC power from the power source 11 to AC power.

[0101] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can perform their functions using power received from the power supply 11. Although in Figure 10 Not shown, but the aerosol generating device may also include a power conversion circuit configured to convert the power from power source 11 and supply the converted power to various components, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit. Additionally, although in Figure 10 Although not shown, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, for example, the inserted detection sensor 133.

[0102] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be formed using any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials can be metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nickel-chromium alloys. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Additionally, heater 18 can be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate with conductive traces thereon, or a ceramic heating element. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0103] In another embodiment, heater 18 may be an induction heater. For example, heater 18 may include an induction heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generating material by a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0104] The input unit 15 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor configured to detect touch. For example, the touch sensor can include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the input unit 15 can include a biometric sensor. The biometric sensor can detect user-identifiable information, such as the user's fingerprint or iris.

[0105] The display 141 and the touch panel can be implemented as an integrated panel. For example, the touch panel can be inserted into the display 141 (on-cell type touch panel or in-cell type touch panel). For example, the touch panel can be added to the display 141 (add-on type touch panel).

[0106] In addition, the input unit 15 may include buttons, a keyboard, a dome switch, a scroll wheel, a scroll wheel switch, etc. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0107] The memory 17 can be hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device 1. The memory 17 can store data processed and pending processing by the control unit 12. The memory 17 can include at least one type of storage medium selected from flash memory, hard disk memory, multimedia card micro-memory, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 17 can store data regarding the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0108] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0109] The short-range wireless communication unit may include Bluetooth communication units, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication units, Near Field Communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee communication units, IrDA (Infrared Data Association) communication units, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication units, UWB (Ultra-Wideband) communication units, Ant+ communication units, etc. However, this disclosure is not limited to these.

[0110] The wireless communications unit may include a cellular network communications unit, an internet communications unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communications unit, etc. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0111] Although Figure 10 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a connection interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, which can be connected to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0112] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays, or it may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed in the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0113] Control unit 12 can control the power supply from power source 11 to heater 18 to control the temperature of heater 18. Control unit 12 can control the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature detected by temperature sensor 131. Control unit 12 can control the power supplied to cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, control unit 12 can determine the target temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in memory 17.

[0114] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to the power supply 11. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, heater 18, or induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), etc. A control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0115] The control unit 12 can control the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit to control the power supply. The power supply circuit can be an inverter configured to convert DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter can be composed of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0116] The control unit 12 can activate the switching element, allowing power to be supplied from the power source 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 can deactivate the switching element, thereby interrupting the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulses input to the switching element to control the current supplied from the power source 11.

[0117] The control unit 12 can control the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit to control the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter configured to reduce the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented as a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0118] The control unit 12 can control the on / off operation of the switching elements included in the power conversion circuit to control the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. If the switching element remains in the on state, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit can correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty cycle of the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. As the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit can decrease. The heater 18 can heat based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0119] The control unit 12 can use at least one of pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme and proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme to control the power supply to the heater 18.

[0120] For example, the control unit 12 can use a PWM scheme to perform control, so that current pulses with a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty cycle are supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0121] For example, the control unit 12 can determine the target temperature to be controlled based on the temperature curve. The control unit 12 can use a PID scheme to control the power supplied to the heater 18. The PID scheme is a feedback control scheme that uses the difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference with respect to time.

[0122] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature, the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 is interrupted. For example, when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds the predetermined limit temperature, the control unit 12 can reduce the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by a predetermined percentage. For example, when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been depleted, and can interrupt the power supply to the cartridge heater 24.

[0123] The control unit 12 can control the charging / discharging of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal from the temperature sensor 131.

[0124] If the power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control unit 12 can determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a reference temperature for interrupting the charging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can perform control to charge the power supply 11 based on a predetermined charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the charging of the power supply 11.

[0125] When the aerosol generating device 1 is in the on state, the control unit 12 can determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a reference temperature for interrupting the discharge of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can perform control to use the power stored in the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0126] The control unit 12 can calculate or determine the remaining power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate or determine the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current detection values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0127] The control unit 12 can use the insertion detection sensor 133 to determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. The control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal from the insertion detection sensor 133. When it is determined that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can perform control to supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0128] The control unit 12 can determine whether the rod S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can use the insertion detection sensor 133 to determine whether the rod S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, when the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than the limit temperature, or when the slope of the temperature change of the heater 18 is equal to or greater than a predetermined slope, the control unit 12 can determine that the rod S has been removed from the insertion space. When it is determined that the rod S has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can interrupt the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0129] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power quantity supplied to the heater 18 based on the state of the rod S detected by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can check the level range, including the level of the signal from the capacitive sensor, based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the rod S based on the checked level range.

[0130] When rod S is in a high humidity state, control unit 12 can control the time for supplying power to heater 18 to increase the preheating time of rod S compared to when rod S is in a normal state.

[0131] The control unit 12 can use the reuse detection sensor 134 to determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is a reused stick. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensed value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range including a first color, and when the sensed value is within the first reference range, it can determine that the stick S is not a reused stick. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensed value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range including a second color, and when the sensed value is within the second reference range, it can determine that the stick S is a reused stick. When it is determined that the stick S is a reused stick, the control unit 12 can interrupt the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0132] The control unit 12 can use the cartridge detection sensor 135 to determine whether the cartridge 19 is connected and / or removed. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is connected and / or removed based on the sensed value of the signal from the cartridge detection sensor.

[0133] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted. For example, the control unit 12 can apply electricity to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, and can determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature in the preheating range. When the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted. When it is determined that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted, the control unit 12 can interrupt the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0134] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 can be used. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19 based on data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used. For example, if the total time period for heating the cartridge heater 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum time period, or if the total power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum power, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used.

[0135] The control unit 12 can use the puff sensor 132 to determine if a user is taking a puff. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. When the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or when no puff is detected within a predetermined time period or longer, the control unit 12 can interrupt the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0136] The control unit 12 may use the upper housing detection sensor 136 to determine whether the upper housing has been connected and / or removed. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the upper housing has been connected and / or removed based on the sensed value of the signal from the upper housing detection sensor.

[0137] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the detection results of the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 will soon end through at least one of the display 141, the tactile unit 142, and the sound output unit 143. For example, if it is determined that the stick S is not present in the insertion space, the control unit 12 can notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, if it is determined that the cartridge 19 and / or the upper housing have not been installed, the control unit 12 can notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0138] When a predetermined event is determined to have occurred, the control unit 12 can store the history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and update the history. Events may include those performed in the aerosol generating device 1, such as detecting the insertion of the stick S, starting to heat the stick S, detecting inhalation, terminating inhalation, detecting overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detecting the application of overvoltage to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, terminating the heating of the stick S, the on / off operation of the aerosol generating device 1, starting to charge the power supply 11, detecting overcharging of the power supply 11, and terminating charging of the power supply 11. The event history may include the date and time of the event and log data corresponding to the event. For example, when the predetermined event is the detection of the insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to that event may include data about the value detected by the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, and the current flowing through cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0139] The control unit 12 can perform control for establishing a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the authentication data may include data indicating that user authentication corresponding to the external device has been completed. The user can perform user authentication via the external device. The external device can determine the validity of user data based on the user's birthday or an identifier indicating the user, and can receive data regarding usage rights of the aerosol generating device 1 from an external server. Based on the data regarding usage rights, the external device can transmit data indicating that user authentication has been completed to the aerosol generating device 1. When user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 can release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, when user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 can release restrictions on the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0140] The control unit 12 can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 1 to an external device via a communication link established with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 or the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 1 through its display.

[0141] An external device can send a location search request to the aerosol generating device 1 based on an input indicating that a search for the location of the aerosol generating device 1 has begun. Upon receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit 12 can perform control based on the received location search request, causing at least one output device to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the haptic unit 142 can generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 can output an object corresponding to the location search and search termination in response to the location search request.

[0142] Upon receiving firmware data from an external device, the control unit 12 can perform control to update the firmware. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether a new firmware version exists. Upon receiving an input requesting firmware download, the external device can receive the new firmware data and transmit the new firmware data to the aerosol generating device 1. Upon receiving the new firmware data, the control unit 12 can perform control to update the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0143] The control unit 12 can transmit data about the values ​​detected by at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the detected values ​​through machine learning (such as deep learning). The control unit 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations to determine the user's suction pattern and generate a temperature curve. The control unit 12 can store data about the values ​​detected by at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in a memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database of each component in the aerosol generating apparatus 1, as well as weights and biases constituting the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN) for training the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 can learn the data stored in the memory 17 about the values ​​detected by at least one sensor 13, the user's suction pattern, and the temperature curve, and can generate at least one learning model for determining the user's suction pattern and for generating the temperature curve.

[0144] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the operation of determining a heating profile using an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] Reference Figures 1 to 10 as well as Figure 11 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include at least one of a main body 10, heaters 18 and 24, a power supply 11, a control unit 12, at least one sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, and a memory 17.

[0146] The main body 10 can form the appearance of the device 1. At least one of the following components can be arranged inside the main body 10: power supply 11, control unit 12, at least one sensor 13, heaters 18 and 24, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17.

[0147] The power supply 11 can supply power to components disposed inside the main body 10, including a control unit 12, at least one sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and heaters 18 and 24.

[0148] Heaters 18 and 24 can receive power from power source 11 and heat the aerosol-generating substances.

[0149] At least one sensor 13 may output a sensing signal. At least one sensor 13 may output a signal related to the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device 1. The sensing signal may reflect information about the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, at least one sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131, a suction sensor 132, and a humidity sensor 138. The temperature sensor 131 may be located outside the body 10 or in a space communicating with the outside of the body 10 to detect the temperature around the aerosol generating device 1. The suction sensor 132 may detect the user's suction. The suction sensor 132 may be located in the gas flow path and may output a signal corresponding to the pressure change caused by the user's suction. The humidity sensor 138 may be located outside the body 10 or in a space communicating with the outside of the body 10 to measure the humidity around the aerosol generating device 1.

[0150] The input unit 15 can receive user input. The input unit 15 can receive user preference information about the user's inhalation as input.

[0151] Reference Figure 11 The control unit 12 can control the power supply 11 and supply power to the heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the heating curve (S1110).

[0152] The heating profile is used to control the heating of heaters 18 and 24, and may include at least one heating zone and target temperature information for that zone. The heating profile may also include information about the number of suctions that can be provided to the user by heating heaters 18 and 24.

[0153] The control unit 12 can identify the user before supplying power to the heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can output a request for user identification information via the control output unit 14. The control unit 12 can obtain user identification information based on user input received from the input unit 15. This identification information may include at least one of ID (identity verification), PW (password), and user biometric information.

[0154] The control unit 12 can determine whether a user is an authenticated user based on this identification information. The control unit 12 can determine whether the registration information and the identification information are the same by comparing information. Here, the registration information can be user-unique identification information registered by the user through at least one of the aerosol generating device 1, an external device, and an external server.

[0155] When the user is determined to be a certified user, the control unit 12 may perform the process of determining the heating curve based on the user's preference information and surrounding environment information acquired during the inhalation period. When the user is determined not to be a certified user, the control unit 12 may not perform the process of determining the heating curve.

[0156] Therefore, it can prevent the heating curve from not accurately reflecting user preferences due to multiple users.

[0157] The control unit 12 can determine a heating curve. The control unit 12 can determine the heating curve by acquiring ambient environmental information during the inhalation period based on signals received from at least one of the sensors 131 and 138 (S1120). For example, the control unit 12 can acquire ambient temperature and humidity information during the user's inhalation period based on signals received from the temperature sensor 131 and the humidity sensor 138.

[0158] A user's inhalation period can be defined as the time interval during which the user performs a series of inhalations. For example, when a user inhales through a stick or mouthpiece, the user may perform multiple inhalations. The time when the user takes their first inhalation can be considered the start time of the inhalation, and the time when the user finishes their last inhalation can be considered the end time of the inhalation. The inhalation period can be defined as the time interval from the start time of the inhalation to the end time of the inhalation.

[0159] The control unit 12 can calculate or determine the difference between the start time and the end time of inhalation as the inhalation period, and acquire temperature and humidity information during the inhalation period based on the signals received from the temperature sensor 131 and the humidity sensor 138 during the inhalation period.

[0160] The control unit 12 can obtain inhalation preference information from the user to determine the heating profile (S1130). The control unit 12 can output information querying inhalation preferences via the control output unit 14. The control unit 12 can sequentially output query preference information via the control output unit 14. The control unit 12 can receive user input corresponding to preference query information and obtain preference information corresponding to each query.

[0161] The control unit 12 can receive preference information from an external device via the communication unit 16. An application linked to the aerosol generating device 1 can be installed on the external device. When receiving a preference query information output request signal from the aerosol generating device 1, the external device can query inhalation preference information based on this output. The external device can receive user input corresponding to the preference query information via an input unit provided in the external device. The external device can transmit the user input information corresponding to the preference query information to the aerosol generating device 1.

[0162] The control unit 12 can input the acquired ambient environment information and preference information into the learning model. The control unit 12 can determine the heating curve based on the information output from the learning model (S1140). The control unit can store the determined heating curve in the memory 17. At least one heating curve corresponding to the preference information and ambient environment information acquired during the inhalation period can be stored in the memory 17.

[0163] Subsequently, when a user inhales, the control unit 12 acquires ambient environmental information via at least one of sensors 131 and 138, and searches the memory 17 for a heating curve to select one corresponding to the acquired ambient environmental information. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on the selected heating curve. When no heating curve corresponding to the acquired ambient environmental information is found in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on a heating curve set as the default heating curve. The default heating curve may be the heating curve applied to aerosol generating device 1 when it is shipped from the factory. The control unit 12 can acquire ambient environmental information and user preference information during the smoking period and input this information into a learning model to determine a heating curve corresponding to the ambient environmental information and preference information.

[0164] Furthermore, the control unit 12 can input ambient environment information, preference information, and weather information corresponding to the current location of the aerosol generating device 1 into the learning model. The control unit 12 can acquire the location information of the aerosol generating device 1 or the user via a location sensor 139 implemented using GPS or similar devices, and transmit this information to an external server via the communication unit 16. The control unit 12 can receive weather information corresponding to the location of the aerosol generating device 1 or the user from the external server via the communication unit 16. The control unit 12 can input the ambient environment information, preference information, and weather information into the learning model to determine the heating curve corresponding to the ambient environment information, preference information, and weather information.

[0165] Therefore, the weather at the location or area where the user inhales can be reflected in the heating curve, allowing information about the user's surrounding environment to be reflected more accurately in the heating curve.

[0166] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a learning model used to describe an aerosol generation apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0167] Reference Figure 12 The control unit 12 can use a learning model to determine the heating curve.

[0168] Machine learning refers to using data to train electronic devices to solve problems without direct human instruction.

[0169] Deep learning is a method of teaching electronic devices how to think like humans, based on artificial neural networks (ANNs), and refers to the artificial intelligence technology that enables electronic devices to learn like humans. ANNs can be implemented as software or as hardware such as chips. For example, ANNs can include various types of algorithms such as deep neural networks (DNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), and deep belief networks (DBNs).

[0170] Reference Figure 12 An ANN can include an input layer, a hidden layer, and an output layer. Each layer can include multiple nodes, and each layer can be connected to the next layer. Nodes in adjacent layers can be connected to each other through weights.

[0171] Electronic devices can discover specific patterns in data to form feature maps, extract features from low-level features to mid-level and high-level features, identify objects, and output the results.

[0172] Furthermore, each node can operate based on the activation model, and the output value corresponding to the input value can be determined according to the activation model.

[0173] The output value of any node (e.g., a low-level feature) can be input to a node in the next layer (e.g., a mid-level feature) connected to that node. The nodes in the next layer (e.g., nodes of mid-level features) can receive input values ​​from multiple nodes of the low-level features.

[0174] In this context, the input value of each node can be obtained by applying weights to the output values ​​of the nodes in the previous layer. Weights represent the connection strength between nodes. Furthermore, the deep learning process can be viewed as a process of finding appropriate weights and biases.

[0175] Furthermore, the output value of any node (e.g., a mid-level feature) can be input to a node in the next layer (e.g., a high-level feature) connected to that node. The node in the next layer (e.g., a node of a high-level feature) can receive input values ​​from multiple nodes of the mid-level feature.

[0176] ANNs can use training layers corresponding to each level to extract feature information corresponding to each level. ANNs can use the highest-level feature information to identify a predetermined target through sequence abstraction.

[0177] Furthermore, ANNs can be trained by adjusting the weights of the connections between nodes to obtain the desired output for the input data, and the bias values ​​can be adjusted as needed. Additionally, ANNs can continuously update their weight values ​​during training. Furthermore, methods such as backpropagation can be used to train ANNs.

[0178] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 can store data acquired from each component equipped in the aerosol generating device 1, data used for training the ANN, etc. For example, the memory 17 of the aerosol generating device 1 can store a database of each component equipped in the aerosol generating device 1, as well as weights and biases included in the ANN structure to train the ANN. The aerosol generating device 1 can be trained using data such as the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 stored in the memory 17, the user's inhalation pattern, and heating curves to generate at least one learning model for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating the heating curve.

[0179] The control unit 12 can determine the heating curve corresponding to the surrounding environment information and preference information by inputting the surrounding environment information and preference information into the learning model for determining the heating curve.

[0180] Figure 13 Is Figure 11 The flowchart related to obtaining preference information in the process of determining the heating curve. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the preference query output of an aerosol generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] Reference Figure 13 The control unit 12 can obtain inhalation preference information from the user to determine the heating profile (S1130). The control unit 12 can output inhalation preference query information via the control output unit 14. The control unit 12 can output preference query information via the output unit 14 during the inhalation period or based on the end of inhalation. For example, the control unit 12 can detect or determine the end of the user's inhalation and output preference query information via the output unit 14. For example, the control unit 12 can output preference query information at regular time points during the inhalation period. In this case, the preference query information can be repeatedly output during the inhalation period. (See reference...) Figure 16 This will be described in detail.

[0182] The control unit 12 can sequentially output query preference information through the control output unit 14. The preference query information may include at least one of the following: whether the fragrance is suitable, whether the atomization amount is suitable, and whether the number of puffs is suitable.

[0183] The control unit 12 can output information for querying whether the fragrance provided by the aerosol generating device 1 is suitable through the control output unit 14, and receive user input corresponding to the information on whether the provided fragrance is suitable through the input unit 15 (S1131).

[0184] The control unit 12 can output information for querying whether the atomization amount provided by the aerosol generating device 1 is appropriate through the control output unit 14, and receive user input corresponding to the information on whether the provided atomization amount is appropriate through the input unit 15 (S1132).

[0185] The control unit 12 can output information for querying whether the number of aspirations provided by the aerosol generating device 1 is appropriate through the control output unit 14, and receive user input corresponding to the information on whether the provided number of aspirations is appropriate through the input unit 15 (S1133).

[0186] For example, refer to Figure 14 The output unit 14 can display information on whether the provided fragrance is suitable, as well as selection information on whether the fragrance is too much, too little, or too weak. The user can input their response on whether the fragrance is suitable by selecting one of the three output selection options.

[0187] After the user responds to whether the fragrance is suitable, the output unit 14 can display information on whether the provided atomization amount is appropriate, as well as selection information for whether the atomization amount is excessive, appropriate, or insufficient. The user can select one of the three output selection options to input their response on whether the atomization amount is appropriate.

[0188] After the user responds to whether the atomization amount is appropriate, the output unit 14 can display information on whether the provided number of puffs is appropriate, as well as selection information for whether the number of puffs is excessive, appropriate, or insufficient. The user can select one of the three output selection options to input their response on whether the number of puffs is appropriate.

[0189] Figure 14 The diagram shows information displayed sequentially for querying whether the fragrance, atomization volume, and number of puffs are appropriate. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the query information can be changed to other types of query information, and fewer or more query information can be displayed as needed.

[0190] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating curve of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0191] Reference Figure 15The heating curve may include at least one heating zone and target temperature information within that zone. The heating curve may also include information about the number of suctions that can be provided to the user by heating heaters 18 and 24. Control unit 12 may control the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on the heating curve.

[0192] The heating profile may include information about a preheating zone P0 and at least one heating zone P1, P2, and P3. The preheating zone P0 may be the zone where heaters 18 and 24 heat the material to a temperature suitable for generating aerosols. At least one heating zone P1, P2, and P3 may be a zone for aerosol generation and may be a zone where the user performs aspiration.

[0193] At least one heating interval P1, P2, and P3 can be divided into multiple intervals based on the number of pumps performed by the user. For example, at least one heating interval P1, P2, and P3 may include at least one of a first heating interval P1, a second heating interval P2, and a third heating interval P3. The first heating interval P1 may be the interval corresponding to a first predetermined number of pumps, including the first pump. The second heating interval P2 may be the interval corresponding to a second predetermined number of pumps performed after the first heating interval P1. The third heating interval P3 may be the interval corresponding to a third predetermined number of pumps performed after the second heating interval P2. Here, the first predetermined number of pumps to the third predetermined number of pumps may be the same or different. For example, the first predetermined number of pumps to the third predetermined number of pumps may be 3 to 5. For example, the first predetermined number of pumps may be 3, and the second predetermined number of pumps and the third predetermined number of pumps may be equal to the first predetermined number of pumps.

[0194] The heating profile may include a target temperature for each heating zone. For example, the heating profile may include a first target temperature Ta for a first heating zone P1, a second target temperature Tb for a second heating zone P2, and a third target temperature Tc for a third heating zone P3. The first to third target temperatures may be set to be equal to or higher than the atomization temperature of the aerosol-generating substance. The first to third target temperatures may be set to be different from each other. For example, the second target temperature Tb may be set lower than the first target temperature Ta, and the third target temperature Tc may be set higher than the first target temperature Ta.

[0195] The target temperature of the heating zone can be determined through a learning model based on ambient environmental information and preference information. For example, the target temperature of the heating zone can be determined based on preference information input in response to queries about whether the fragrance is suitable, preference information input in response to queries about whether the atomization amount is suitable, temperature information and humidity information during the inhalation period, etc.

[0196] The learning model can output a heating curve in which the target temperature of each heating zone is maintained, increased, or decreased based on the input preference information and surrounding environment information.

[0197] The heating profile may include information about the maximum number of suctions that can be provided to the user by heating heaters 18 and 24.

[0198] The maximum number of aspirations can be determined through a learning model based on information about the surrounding environment and preferences. For example, the maximum number of aspirations can be determined based on preference information input in response to a query about whether the number of aspirations is appropriate, temperature information, and humidity information during the aspiration period.

[0199] The learning model can output a heating curve in which the maximum number of pumps is maintained, increased, or decreased, based on the input preference information and surrounding environment information.

[0200] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a preference query output time point of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a heating curve using an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0201] Reference Figure 16 The control unit 12 can acquire inhalation preference information from the user multiple times during the inhalation period. The control unit 12 can output preference query information at regular time points during the inhalation period. The control unit 12 can count the number of puffs generated after the start of inhalation based on the signal received from the puff sensor 132, and output preference query information through the control output unit 14 at each of the time points t1, t2, and t3 when the counted number of puffs reaches a first preset number. The control unit 12 can acquire preference information at each time point based on user input in response to the preference query information.

[0202] For example, the first set number of times can be 3. In this case, whenever 3 suctions are generated based on the first suction pf1, the control unit 12 can output preference query information. The control unit 12 can detect the generation of the third suction pf3, output preference query information through the output unit 14, and obtain user input related to preferences through the input unit 15. Similarly, when the generation of the sixth suction pf6 and the ninth suction pf9 is detected, the process of outputting preference query information and obtaining user input can be executed.

[0203] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 15The control unit 12 can determine heating curves HP1_0, HP1_1, and HP1_2 by inputting preference information and ambient environment information repeatedly acquired at regular time points into a learning model. The target temperature for each of the heating intervals P1, P2, and P3 of the heating curve can be determined by the learning model based on the preference information and ambient environment information acquired at each time point. For example, the target temperature for each of the heating intervals P1, P2, and P3 can be determined based on preference information input in response to queries about whether the fragrance is suitable, preference information input in response to queries about whether the atomization amount is suitable, temperature information, and humidity information acquired during each interval of the heating intervals P1, P2, and P3.

[0204] The first target temperature Ta of the first heating interval P1 can be determined based on the temperature and humidity information obtained during the first heating interval P1 and the preference information obtained at or after the end of the first heating interval P1.

[0205] For example, when the user inputs information indicating insufficient fragrance and / or atomization volume, the first target temperature Ta determined by the learning model can be increased. In this case, when the temperature obtained during the first heating zone P1 is higher than the set temperature and the humidity is higher than the set humidity, the first target temperature Ta determined by the learning model can be increased by the first temperature ( Figure 17 The heating curve HP1_1). When the temperature obtained during the first heating zone P1 is lower than the set temperature and the humidity is lower than the set humidity, the first target temperature Ta determined by the learning model can be increased to a second temperature higher than the first temperature ( Figure 17 Heating curve HP1_2).

[0206] Similarly, the second target temperature Tb of the second heating interval P2 can be determined based on the temperature and humidity information obtained during the second heating interval P2 and the preference information obtained at or after the end of the second heating interval P2.

[0207] For example, when the user inputs information indicating excessive fragrance and / or atomization, the second target temperature Tb determined by the learning model can be reduced. In this case, when the temperature obtained during the second heating zone P2 is higher than the set temperature and the humidity is higher than the set humidity, the third temperature (Tb determined by the learning model) can be reduced. Figure 17 The heating curve HP1_1). When the temperature obtained during the second heating zone P2 is lower than the set temperature and the humidity is lower than the set humidity, the second target temperature Tb determined by the learning model can reduce the fourth temperature (which is greater than the third temperature). Figure 17 Heating curve HP1_2).

[0208] Temperature and humidity can be preset. The temperature setting can be a pre-defined value, allowing the ambient temperature to be determined as high or low. It can also be a value preset through experiments, taking into account the temperatures of multiple environments, locations, and areas where the user might be located. Similarly, the humidity setting can be a pre-defined value, allowing the ambient humidity to be determined as high or low. It can also be a value preset through experiments, taking into account the humidity of multiple environments, locations, and areas where the user might be located.

[0209] Therefore, by repeatedly collecting preferences at regular time points during a user's inhalation period, user preferences can be reflected in detail at each inhalation point, even within a single inhalation period.

[0210] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by reflecting user preferences and ambient environmental information in the heating curve, the amount of atomization and / or the number of inhalations can be provided to suit the user's environment and preferences.

[0211] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the heating curve can accurately reflect the user's preferences by determining the heating curve based on a learning model trained using user preferences and surrounding environment information.

[0212] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by repeatedly collecting preferences at regular time points during a user's inhalation period, user preferences can be reflected in detail at each inhalation point during a single inhalation period.

[0213] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by reflecting the location of the user's inhalation and the weather at that location in the heating curve, information about the surrounding environment of the user's inhalation can be reflected more accurately in the heating curve.

[0214] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, user convenience can be improved by collecting user preference information through an external device capable of communicating with the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0215] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, by reflecting the user preferences of the authenticated user in the heating curve, it is possible to prevent the user preferences from being inaccurately reflected in the heating curve due to multiple users.

[0216] Reference Figures 1 to 17According to one aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus 10 may include: heaters 18 and 24 configured to heat aerosol generating substances; at least one sensor 131 and 138 configured to output signals related to the surrounding environment; an input unit 15 configured to receive input from a user; and a control unit 12 configured to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 based on a heating curve. The control unit 12 may be configured to acquire ambient information during the user's inhalation period based on signals received from at least one sensor 131 and 138, acquire user inhalation preference information based on user input received from the input unit 15, and input the ambient information and preference information into a learning model for determining the heating curve to determine a heating curve corresponding to the ambient information and preference information.

[0217] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 may further include: an output unit 14 configured to output information; and a suction sensor 132 configured to detect suction, wherein the control unit 12 may be configured to determine the start of inhalation (i.e., the time when the first suction is generated) and the end of inhalation (i.e., the time when the last suction ends) based on the signal received by the suction sensor 132, determine the difference between the start time of inhalation and the end time of inhalation as an inhalation period, and output user inhalation preference query information through the control output unit 14 during the inhalation period or based on the end of inhalation.

[0218] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can be configured to count the number of puffs generated after the start of inhalation based on the signal received by the puff sensor 132, and when the counted number of puffs increases by a first set number, output preference query information through the control output unit 14 at each time point, and obtain preference information at each time point based on the user's input in response to the preference query information.

[0219] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the heating curve may include multiple heating zones divided based on a first predetermined number of inhalations and a target temperature for each of the multiple heating zones, and the target temperature for each of the multiple heating zones may be determined based on ambient environmental information during the inhalation period and preference information at each time point.

[0220] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the first set number of times can be three to five times.

[0221] In addition, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the preference query information may include information on whether the fragrance is insufficient, whether the amount of vaporization is insufficient, and whether the number of puffs is insufficient.

[0222] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the heating curve may include information about the maximum number of suctions, and the maximum number of suctions may be determined based on user input in response to a query for information on whether the number of suctions is insufficient.

[0223] Additionally, according to another aspect of this disclosure, at least one of the sensors 131 and 138 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131 and a humidity sensor 138, and the ambient environmental information may include at least one of temperature information and humidity information during the inhalation period.

[0224] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the heating curve may include at least one heating zone and a target temperature for the heating zone, and the target temperature for the heating zone may be determined based on user input in response to at least one of querying whether the aroma is insufficient and querying whether the atomization amount is insufficient, as well as temperature and humidity information during the inhalation period.

[0225] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 may also include a communication unit 16 and a location sensor 139 configured to detect geographical location, wherein the control unit 12 may be configured to receive weather information corresponding to the user's location from an external server via the communication unit 16, and determine a heating curve corresponding to the surrounding environment information, preference information and weather information by inputting the weather information into a learning model.

[0226] In addition, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 may further include a memory 17 for storing at least one heating curve, wherein the control unit 12 may be configured to accumulate and store the determined heating curve, ambient environment information and preference information in the memory, and select a heating curve corresponding to the ambient environment information, and control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the selected heating curve.

[0227] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 may also include a communication unit 16, wherein the control unit 12 may be configured to receive preference information from an external device via the communication unit 16, and to determine a heating curve by inputting the ambient environment information and preference information received from the external device into a learning model.

[0228] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can be configured to acquire user identification information based on user input received from the input unit 15, determine whether the user is an authenticated user based on the identification information, and determine the heating curve by inputting surrounding environment information and preference information into the learning model based on the user being an authenticated user.

[0229] The embodiments or other embodiments of this disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of this disclosure described above may be used together or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[0230] For example, configuration "A" described in one embodiment and accompanying drawings of this disclosure and configuration "B" described in another embodiment and accompanying drawings of this disclosure can be combined with each other. That is, although combinations between configurations are not directly described, combinations are possible except for cases where combinations are not possible.

[0231] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but rather as illustrative. The scope of this disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of this disclosure are included within its scope.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: The heater is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material; At least one sensor is configured to output a signal relating to the surrounding environment; The input section is configured to receive user input; and The control unit is configured to control the power supplied to the heater based on the heating curve. The control unit is configured as follows: Based on signals received from the at least one sensor during the user's inhalation period, ambient environmental information during the user's inhalation period is acquired. Based on the user's input received through the input unit, information about the user's inhalation preferences is obtained, and The surrounding environment information and preference information are input into the learning model used to determine the heating curve, so as to determine the heating curve corresponding to the surrounding environment information and preference information.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The output section is configured to output information; as well as A suction sensor is configured to detect suction. The control unit is configured as follows: The start and end of inhalation are determined based on the signal received by the suction sensor. The start of inhalation is the time when the first suction occurs, and the end of inhalation is the time when the last suction ends. The difference between the start time and the end time of inhalation is defined as the inhalation period. During the inhalation period or at the end of the inhalation, the output unit is controlled to output query information about the user's inhalation preferences.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit is configured to: The number of suctions generated after the inhalation begins is counted based on the signal received by the suction sensor. The preference query information is output by controlling the output unit at each time point when the count of suctions increases by a first predetermined number of times. Preference information for each time point is obtained based on user input in response to the preference query information.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The heating curve includes multiple heating zones divided based on the first set number of suction cycles and a target temperature for each of the multiple heating zones. The target temperature of each of the plurality of heating zones is determined based on ambient environmental information during the inhalation period and preference information at each time point.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The first set number of times is three to five times.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The preference query information includes information on whether the fragrance is insufficient, whether the amount of vaporization is insufficient, and whether the number of inhalations is insufficient.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The heating profile includes information about the maximum number of suctions, and The maximum number of suctions is determined based on user input in response to a query asking whether the number of suctions is insufficient.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one sensor includes at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, and The ambient environmental information includes at least one of temperature and humidity information during the inhalation period.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The heating curve includes at least one heating zone and a target temperature for said heating zone, and The target temperature of the heating zone is determined based on user input in response to at least one of querying whether the aroma is insufficient and querying whether the atomization volume is insufficient, as well as temperature and humidity information during the inhalation period.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Ministry of Communications; as well as The location sensor is configured to detect geographic location. The control unit is configured as follows: The communication unit receives weather information corresponding to the user's location from an external server, and The heating curve corresponding to the surrounding environment information, preference information, and weather information is determined by inputting the weather information into the learning model.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a memory configured to store at least one heating curve. in, The control unit is configured to: The determined heating curve, surrounding environment information, and preference information are accumulated and stored in the memory. A heating curve corresponding to the surrounding environment information is selected, and the power supplied to the heater is controlled based on the selected heating curve.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit. in, The control unit is configured to: Receive preference information from external devices through the communication unit, and The heating curve is determined by inputting ambient and preference information received from the external device into the learning model.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured to: The user's identification information is obtained based on the user's input received from the input unit. Based on the identification information, it is determined whether the user is an authenticated user, and Based on the user being an authenticated user, the heating curve is determined by inputting surrounding environmental information and preference information into the learning model.

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