Aerosol generating apparatus

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device includes a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance, at least one sensor configured to output a signal related to a surrounding environment, an input unit configured to receive input of a user, and a controller configured to control power supplied to the heater based on a heating profile, wherein the controller is configured to acquire surrounding environment information during an inhalation period of the user based on a signal received from the at least one sensor during the inhalation period, acquire preference information on inhalation of the user based on the input of the user received by the input unit, and input the surrounding environment information and the preference information to a learning model for determining the heating profile to determine a heating profile corresponding to the surrounding environment information and the preference information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.[Background Art]

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

[0003] Users of aerosol-generating devices may have different preferences for vapor volume or the number of puffs. Therefore, when a heating profile of an aerosol-generating device reflects preferences of users, user satisfaction may be improved.

[0004] However, a conventional aerosol-generating device operates according to a single heating profile regardless of preferences of users, or provides only a level of functionality that allows the user to select one of a plurality of preset options. Therefore, there is a problem in that the preferences of the users are not accurately reflected.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.

[0006] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to reflect preferences of users related to inhalation in a heating profile together with information about a surrounding environment in which the user uses the device.

[0007] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to determine a heating profile by inputting surrounding environment information and preference information to a learning model.

[0008] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to reflect a position of a user and weather information at the position in a heating profile together with user preference information.[Technical Solution]

[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of an aerosol-generating device including a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance, at least one sensor configured to output a signal related to a surrounding environment, an input unit configured to receive input of a user, and a controller configured to control power supplied to the heater based on a heating profile, wherein the controller is configured to acquire surrounding environment information during an inhalation period of the user based on a signal received from the at least one sensor during the inhalation period, acquire preference information on inhalation of the user based on the input of the user received by the input unit, and input the surrounding environment information and the preference information to a learning model for determining the heating profile to determine a heating profile corresponding to the surrounding environment information and the preference information.[Advantageous effects]

[0010] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide vapor volume and / or the number of puffs suitable for an environment in which a user is located and preferences of the user by reflecting both the preferences of the user and surrounding environment information in a heating profile.

[0011] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, preferences of a user may be accurately reflected in a heating profile by determining the heating profile based on a learning model trained using user preferences and surrounding environment information.

[0012] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, user preferences may be reflected in detail at each inhalation point within a single inhalation period by repeatedly collecting preferences at regular time points during an inhalation period of a user.

[0013] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, information about a surrounding environment in which the user inhales may be more accurately reflected in a heating profile by reflecting a position at which a user inhales and weather at the position in the heating profile.

[0014] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, user convenience may be improved by collecting user preference information through an external device capable of communicating with an aerosol-generating device.

[0015] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent user preferences from being inaccurately reflected in a heating profile due to a plurality of users by reflecting user preferences for identified users in the heating profile.

[0016] Additional applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, because various changes and modifications will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are merely given by way of example.[Description of Drawings]

[0017] FIGs. 1 to 9 are views showing an aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a flowchart related to an operation of determining a heating profile by the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is an illustrative diagram for describing a learning model of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a flowchart related to an operation of acquiring preferences by the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is an illustrative diagram for describing preference query output of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the heating profile of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of preference query output time points of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the heating profile determined by the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Mode for Invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0019] In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions.

[0020] In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when the same may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope and sprit of the present disclosure.

[0021] It will be understood that although the terms "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 component.

[0022] It will be understood that, when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, there are no intervening components present.

[0023] As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024] Throughout this specification, directions of an aerosol-generating device and a cartridge may be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, an x-axis direction may be defined as a left-right direction of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge. In this instance, with respect to the origin, a direction toward +x may mean a rightward direction, and a direction toward -x may mean a leftward direction. A y-axis direction may be defined as a front-back direction of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge. In this instance, with respect to the origin, a direction toward +y may mean a backward direction, and a direction toward -y may mean a forward direction. A z-axis direction may be defined as an up-down direction of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge. With respect to the origin, a direction toward +z may mean an upward direction, and a direction toward -z may mean a downward direction.

[0025] FIGs. 1 to 9 are views showing an aerosol-generating device 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, or a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18 may be disposed in a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device. The body 10 may define a space having an open top to allow a stick S, which is an aerosol-generating article, to be inserted thereinto. The space having an open top may be referred to as an insertion space 43. The insertion space 43 may be formed so as to be depressed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the body 10 so that the stick S is inserted at least partway thereinto. The depth of the insertion space 43 may correspond to the length of the portion of the stick S that contains an aerosol-generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude to the outside of the body 10. A user may inhale air in a state of holding the upper end of the stick S, which is exposed to the outside, in the mouth.

[0027] The heater 18 may heat the stick S. The heater 18 may be elongated upward in the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element. The heater 18 may be inserted into a lower portion of the stick S. The heater 18 may include an electro-resistive heater and / or an induction heater.

[0028] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include an electrically conductive track and may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 18 may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11.

[0029] For example, the heater 18 may include multiple heaters. The heater 18 may include a first heater 18A and a second heater 18B. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be disposed in series in a longitudinal direction. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0030] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol-generating device may include an induction coil 181 surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil 181 may cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 as a susceptor may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 18 to generate an eddy current in the heater 18. The current may cause the heater 18 to generate heat.

[0031] For example, referring to FIG. 3, a susceptor SS may be included in the stick S, and the susceptor SS in the stick S may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The susceptor SS may be disposed in the stick S and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol-generating device. The susceptor SS may be inserted into the insertion space 43 together with the stick S and may be removed from the insertion space 43 together with the stick S. The stick S may be heated by the susceptor SS in the stick S. In this case, the aerosol-generating device may not be provided with the heater 18.

[0032] The power supply 11 may supply power so that components of the aerosol-generating device operate. The power supply 11 may be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18. The power supply 11 may supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0033] The controller 12 may control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device. The controller may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 12 may control operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, or the heater 18. The controller 12 may control operation of the induction coil 181. The controller 12 may control operation of a display, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device. The controller 12 may check the state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device and may determine whether the aerosol-generating device is in an operable state.

[0034] The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and may control subsequent processes. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, power supplied to the heater 18 so that operation of the heater 18 commences or ends. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and a power supply time so that the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or is maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0035] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, or an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may detect at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the internal / external temperature of the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may detect a user puff. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space 43. For example, the sensor 13 may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device.

[0036] Referring to FIGs. 4 and 5, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, or a cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18 may be disposed in a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device. A detailed description of the same configuration as that of the aerosol-generating device 1 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2 will be omitted.

[0037] The heater 18 may heat a stick S. The heater 18 may be disposed around a space into which the stick S is inserted and may be elongated upward. For example, the heater 18 may be formed in a shape of a tube including a cavity formed therein. The heater 18 may be disposed around an insertion space 43. The heater 18 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may include an electro-resistive heater and / or an induction heater.

[0038] The cartridge 19 may contain therein an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

[0039] The cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 or may be detachably coupled to the body 10.

[0040] For example, referring to FIG. 4, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 and may communicate with the insertion space through a gasflow channel CN.

[0041] For example, referring to FIG. 5, a space may be defined in one side of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 may be mounted in the body 10 in such a manner that at least a portion of the cartridge 19 is inserted into the space defined in one side of the body 10. The gasflow channel CN may be defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 may communicate with the insertion space 43 through the gasflow channel CN.

[0042] The body 10 may be formed in a structure that allows outside air to be introduced into the body 10 in a state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted thereinto. In this case, the outside air introduced into the body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 to enter the user's mouth.

[0043] The cartridge 19 may include a storage portion C0 containing an aerosol-generating substance and / or a heater 24 configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance in the storage portion C0. A liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed in the storage portion C0. Here, the liquid delivery element may include a wick, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that is wound around the liquid delivery element or a structure that is in contact with one side of the liquid delivery element. The heater 24 may be referred to as a cartridge heater 24.

[0044] The cartridge 19 may generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery element is heated by the cartridge heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. An aerosol may be generated by heating the stick S using the heater 18. While the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 passes through the stick S, the aerosol may be mixed with a tobacco material, and the aerosol mixed with the tobacco material may be drawn into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

[0045] The aerosol-generating device 1 may be provided only with the cartridge heater 24, and the body 10 may not be provided with the heater 18. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 passes through the stick S, the aerosol may be mixed with a tobacco material, and the aerosol mixed with the tobacco material may be drawn into the user's mouth.

[0046] The aerosol-generating device 1 may include an upper case (not shown). The upper case may be detachably coupled to the body 10 so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the body 10. The stick S may be inserted into the body 10 through the upper case.

[0047] The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, the cartridge heater 24, or the heater 18.

[0048] The controller 12 may control operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, or the cartridge 19. The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and may control subsequent processes. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 so that operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 commences or ends. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 and a power supply time so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or is maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0049] The 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, or an upper case detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the upper case is mounted.

[0050] Referring to FIGs. 6 and 7, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include the body 10 and the cartridge 19. A detailed description of the same configuration as that of the aerosol-generating device 1 of FIGs. 1 to 5 is omitted.

[0051] The aerosol-generating device 10 may include at least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, or the sensor 13. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, or the sensor 13 may be placed inside the body 10. The body 10 may be equipped with the cartridge 19, which is an aerosol-generating article. The user may inhale the aerosol by putting a mouthpiece provided at one end of the cartridge 19 in the mouth.

[0052] The cartridge 19 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. The cartridge 19 may be mounted in the body 10 by being inserted into the body 10.

[0053] The body 10 may be formed in a structure that allows outside air to be introduced into the body 10 in a state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted thereinto. In this instance, the outside air introduced into the body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 to enter the user's mouth through the gas flow channel CN.

[0054] The cartridge 19 may generate an aerosol. As a liquid delivery means 25 is heated by the cartridge heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. The generated aerosol may be inhaled into the user's mouth through the gas flow channel CN.

[0055] The gas flow channel CN may be provided in the cartridge 19. The gas flow channel CN may communicate with a chamber C0 in which the cartridge heater 24 is arranged and the outside of the cartridge. One end of the gas flow channel CN may be opened to the chamber C0 in which the cartridge heater 24 is arranged, and the other end may communicate with the mouthpiece. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the gas flow channel CN may be extended along a longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19 from one side of the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the gas flow channel CN may be extended along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19 by penetrating the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19.

[0056] Referring to FIGs. 8 and 9, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, or a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18 may be disposed in a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device. A detailed description of the same configuration as that of the aerosol-generating device 1 shown in FIGs. 1 to 7 will be omitted.

[0057] The heater 18 may heat a stick S. The heater 18 may be disposed around a space into which the stick S is inserted and may be elongated upward. For example, the heater 18 may be formed in a shape of a tube including a cavity formed therein. The heater 18 may be disposed around an insertion space 43. The heater 18 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may include an electro-resistive heater and / or an induction heater.

[0058] For example, referring to FIG. 8, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include an electrically conductive track and may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 18 may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11.

[0059] For example, referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol-generating device may include an induction coil 181 surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil 181 may cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 as a susceptor may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 18 to generate an eddy current in the heater 18. The current may cause the heater 18 to generate heat.

[0060] Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included in the stick S, and the susceptor in the stick S may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181.

[0061] The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18. If the aerosol-generating device 1 includes the induction coil 181, the power supply 11 may supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0062] The controller 12 may control operation of at least one of the power supply 11 or the sensor 13. The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and may control subsequent processes.

[0063] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, or an insertion detection sensor.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a controller 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 that shown in FIG. 10. That is, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 10 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0066] The sensor 13 may detect the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the state of the surrounding of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may transmit information about the detected state to the controller 12. Based on the information about the detected state, the controller 12 may control the aerosol-generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as control of operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, smoking restriction, determination as to whether the stick S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, and notification display.

[0067] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131, a puff sensor 132, an insertion detection sensor 133, a reuse detection sensor 134, a cartridge detection sensor 135, an upper case detection sensor 136, or a movement detection sensor 137.

[0068] The temperature sensor 131 may detect temperature to which the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 itself may serve as a temperature sensor.

[0069] The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element that changes in resistance value according to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The temperature sensor may be implemented as a thermistor, which is an element characterized in that the resistance thereof changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor configured to detect the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0070] The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed around the power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one surface of the battery, which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.

[0071] The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed in the body 10 to detect the internal temperature of the body 10. The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed on the outside of the body 10 or in a space communicating with the outside of the body 10 to detect the external temperature of the body 10 or the surrounding temperature of the body 10.

[0072] The puff sensor 132 may detect a user puff based on various physical changes in a gasflow path. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gasflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the gasflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0073] The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect a signal change caused by insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may be mounted around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect insertion and / or removal of the stick S according to a change in dielectric constant in the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0074] The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if a magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, 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 a frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an impedance value, and the like.

[0075] The inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0076] The capacitance sensor may include a conductive body. The conductive body of the capacitance sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic characteristics of the surroundings, for example, the capacitance around the conductive body. For example, if the stick S including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductive body may change due to the wrapper of the stick S.

[0077] The reuse detection sensor 134 may detect whether the stick S is being reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor may detect the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outer side of the stick S. The color sensor may detect, based on light reflected from an object, a value for the optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a component integrated with a proximity sensor or may be implemented as a component provided separately from a proximity sensor.

[0078] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S may change in color due to an aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a position at which at least a portion of the wrapper, which changes in color due to an aerosol, is disposed when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be a first color. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper may become wet due to the aerosol, and accordingly, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may change to a second color. After changing from the first color to the second color, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be maintained in the second color.

[0079] The cartridge detection sensor 135 may detect mounting and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0080] The upper case detection sensor 136 may detect mounting and / or removal of the upper case. When the upper case is separated from the body 10, the cartridge 19 and the portion of the body 10 that have been covered by the upper case may be exposed to the outside. The upper case detection sensor 136 may be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0081] The movement detection sensor 137 may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device. The movement detection sensor 137 may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0082] The humidity sensor 138 may detect the humidity of inside and outside of the aerosol-generating device. The humidity sensor 138 may detect the humidity of the surroundings of the aerosol-generating device 1 and / or the humidity of inside of the aerosol-generating device. The humidity sensor 138 may be implemented as a capacitive sensor or the like. The humidity sensor 138 may be disposed on the outer side of the body 10 or may be located in a path through which outside air is introduced to measure the humidity of the surroundings of the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0083] The position sensor 139 may detect the position of the aerosol generating device 1. The position sensor 139 may be implemented as GPS or the like.

[0084] In addition to the sensors 131 to 139 described above, the sensor 13 may further include at least one of a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a proximity sensor. The functions of the sensors could be intuitively deduced by those skilled in the art from the names thereof, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0085] The output unit 14 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may provide the information to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, or a sound output unit 143. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. If the display 141 and a touchpad form a touchscreen together in a layered structure, the display 141 may be used as not only an output device but also an input device.

[0086] The display 141 may visually provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 may include various pieces of information, such as a charging / discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18, an insertion / removal state of the stick S and / or the cartridge 19, a mounting / removal state of the upper case, and a use restriction state of the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display 141 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) device. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.

[0087] The haptic unit 142 may convert an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation to haptically provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 for a predetermined amount of time, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration corresponding to completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0088] The sound output unit 143 may audibly provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 143 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and may output the acoustic signal to the outside.

[0089] The power supply 11 may supply power used for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power necessary for operation of the other components provided in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0090] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0091] The power supply protection circuit may block an electric path to the power supply 11 according to a predetermined condition. For example, the power supply protection circuit may block the electric path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power supply protection circuit may block the electric path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0092] The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the medium or the aerosol-generating substance in the stick S. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., DC-to-DC converter) configured to convert the power of the power supply 11 and supply the converted power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In addition, if the aerosol-generating device 1 generates an aerosol in an induction heating way, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a DC-to-AC converter configured to convert direct current power of the power supply 11 into alternating current power.

[0093] The controller 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 may perform functions using power received from the power supply 11. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol-generating device may further include a power conversion circuit configured to convert the power of the power supply 11 and supply the converted power to the respective components, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 10, 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 a high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter may prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, for example, the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0094] In an embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nichrome. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 18 may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, or a ceramic heating element. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0095] In another embodiment, the heater 18 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor configured to generate heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance.

[0096] The input unit 15 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor configured to detect touch. For example, the touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the input unit 15 may include a biometric sensor. The biometric sensor may detect user-identifiable information, such as the user's fingerprint or iris.

[0097] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as an integrated panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display 141 (on-cell type touch panel or in-cell type touch panel). For example, the touch panel may be added onto the display 141 (add-on type touch panel).

[0098] Meanwhile, the input unit 15 may include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0099] The memory 17 may be hardware storing various pieces of data processed in the aerosol-generating device 1. The memory 17 may store data processed and to be processed by the controller 12. The memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disc. The memory 17 may store data on an operation 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.

[0100] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit or a wireless communication unit.

[0101] The short-range communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0102] The wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0103] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0104] The controller 12 may control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 1 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Also, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0105] The controller 12 may control the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 to control the temperature of the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 detected by the temperature sensor 131. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may determine a target temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0106] The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the 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), or the like. The controller 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0107] The controller 12 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the supply of power. The power supply circuit may be an inverter configured to convert direct current power output from the power supply 11 into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be composed of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0108] The controller 12 may turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The controller 12 may turn off the switching element so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is interrupted. The controller 12 may control the frequency and / or the duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element to control the current supplied from the power supply 11.

[0109] The controller 12 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck-converter configured to step down 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, or the like.

[0110] The controller 12 may control on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to control the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. If the switching element is maintained in an on state, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to a ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0111] The controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme or a proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme.

[0112] For example, the controller 12 may perform control using the PWM scheme such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0113] For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on the temperature profile, a target temperature to be controlled. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 using the PID scheme, which is a feedback control scheme using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.

[0114] The controller 12 may prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the controller 12 may control operation of the power conversion circuit such that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is interrupted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the controller 12 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a predetermined ratio when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted and may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0115] The controller 12 may control charging / discharging of the power supply 11. The controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on an output signal from the temperature sensor 131.

[0116] If a power line is connected to a battery terminal of the aerosol-generating device 1, the controller 12 may determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a reference temperature at which charging of the power supply 11 is interrupted. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the controller 12 may perform control such that the power supply 11 is charged 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 controller 12 may interrupt charging of the power supply 11.

[0117] When the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an on state, the controller 12 may determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a reference temperature at which discharging of the power supply 11 is interrupted. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the second limit temperature, the controller 12 may perform control such that the power stored in the power supply 11 is used. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0118] The controller 12 may calculate or determine the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate or determine the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on a voltage and / or current detection value of the power supply 11.

[0119] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. The controller 12 may determine that the stick S has been inserted based on an output signal from the insertion detection sensor 133. Upon determining that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the controller 12 may perform control such that power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0120] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the controller 12 may determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater 18 is equal to or greater than a predetermined slope. Upon determining that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0121] The controller 12 may control a power supply time and / or the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 depending on the state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. The controller 12 may check, based on a look-up table, a level range within which the level of a signal from the capacitance sensor is included. The controller 12 may determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0122] When the stick S is in a highly humid state, the controller 12 may control a time during which power is supplied to the heater 18 to increase a preheating time of the stick S compared to when the stick S is in a normal state.

[0123] The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is a reused stick using the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range within which the first color is included, and may determine that the stick S is not a reused stick when the sensing value is within the first reference range. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range within which the second color is included, and may determine that the stick S is a reused stick when the sensing value is within the second reference range. Upon determining that the stick S is a reused stick, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0124] The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed using the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed based on a sensing value of a signal from the cartridge detection sensor.

[0125] The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 is exhausted. For example, the controller 12 may apply power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, and may determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature in a preheating section. When the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0126] The controller 12 may determine whether use of the cartridge 19 is possible. For example, upon determining, based on the data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge 19 is impossible. For example, when a total time period during which the cartridge heater 24 is heated is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum time period or when the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge 19 is impossible.

[0127] The controller 12 may make a determination as to a user puff using the puff sensor 132. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on a sensing value of a signal from the puff sensor, whether a puff occurs. For example, the controller 12 may determine the intensity of a puff based on a sensing value of a signal from the puff sensor 132. When the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or when no puff is detected for a predetermined time period or longer, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0128] The controller 12 may determine whether the upper case is coupled and / or removed using the upper case detection sensor 136. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on a sensing value of a signal from the upper case detection sensor, whether the upper case is coupled and / or removed.

[0129] The controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result of detection by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number, the controller 12 may notify the user that operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 will end soon through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, or the sound output unit 143. For example, upon determining that the stick S is not present in the insertion space, the controller 12 may notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, upon determining that the cartridge 19 and / or the upper case has not been mounted, the controller 12 may notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, the controller 12 may transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0130] Upon determining that a predetermined event has occurred, the controller 12 may store a history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and may update the history. The event may include events performed in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as detection of insertion of the stick S, commencement of heating of the stick S, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, detection of application of overvoltage to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, termination of heating of the stick S, on / off operation of the aerosol-generating device 1, commencement of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharging of the power supply 11, and termination of charging of the power supply 11. The history of the event may include the occurrence date and time of the event and log data corresponding to the event. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a value detected by the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0131] The controller 12 may perform control for formation of a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data on authentication from an external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. Here, the data on authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine, based on the user's birthday or an identification number indicating the user, whether the user data is valid, and may receive data on the authority for use of the aerosol-generating device 1 from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on the data on the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of a heating function for supplying power to the heater 18.

[0132] The controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link established with the external device. Based on the received state data, the external device may output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 or the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 1 through a display of the external device.

[0133] The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on an input for commencement of search for the location of the aerosol-generating device 1. Upon receiving the location search request from the external device, the controller 12 may perform control, based on the received location search request, such that at least one of the output devices performs operation corresponding to location search. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output objects corresponding to location search and termination of search in response to the location search request.

[0134] Upon receiving firmware data from the external device, the controller 12 may perform control such that the firmware is updated. The external device may check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may determine whether there is a new version of firmware. Upon receiving an input requesting firmware download, the external device may receive new version of firmware data and may transmit the new version of firmware data to the aerosol-generating device 1. Upon receiving the new version of firmware data, the controller 12 may perform control such that the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 is updated.

[0135] The controller 12 may transmit data on a value detected by the at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit 16, and may receive, from the server, and store a learning model generated by learning the detected value through machine learning such as deep learning. The controller 12 may perform operation of determining the user's puff pattern and operation of generating the temperature profile using the learning model received from the server. The controller 12 may store data on the value detected by the at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 may store a database for each of the components provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 and weights and biases constituting the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN) in order to train the artificial neural network (ANN). The controller 12 may learn data on the value detected by the at least one sensor 13, the user's puff pattern, and the temperature profile, which are stored in the memory 17, and may generate at least one learning model used to determine the user's puff pattern and to generate the temperature profile.

[0136] FIG. 11 is a flowchart related to an operation of determining a heating profile by the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 11 together with FIGs. 1 to 10, the aerosol-generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of the body 10, the heaters 18 and 24, the power supply 11, the controller 12, at least one sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, or the memory 17.

[0138] The body 10 may form the exterior of the device 1. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the at least one sensor 13, the heaters 18 and 24, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, or the memory 17 may be arranged inside the body 10.

[0139] The power supply 11 may supply power to components provided inside the body 10, including the controller 12, the at least one sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, the memory 17, and the heaters 18 and 24.

[0140] The heaters 18 and 24 may receive power from the power supply 11 and heat an aerosol-generating substance.

[0141] The at least one sensor 13 may output a sensing signal. The at least one sensor 13 may output a signal related to a 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, the at least one sensor 13 may include at least one of the temperature sensor 131, the puff sensor 132, or a humidity sensor 138. The temperature sensor 131 may be placed on the outside of the body 10 or in a space communicating with the outside of the body 10 to detect a temperature around the aerosol-generating device 1. The puff sensor 132 may detect puffs of the user. The puff sensor 132 may be placed on a gas flow path through which gas flows and may output a signal corresponding to pressure changed by the puffs of the user. The humidity sensor 138 may be placed on the outside of the body 10 or in a space communicating with the outside of the body 10 to measure humidity around the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0142] The input unit 15 may receive user input. The input unit 15 may receive preference information on inhalation of the user as input from the user.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 11, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 and supply power to the heaters 18 and 24. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the heating profile (S1110).

[0144] The heating profile is used to control heating of the heaters 18 and 24 and may include at least one heating section and target temperature information of the heating section. The heating profile may include information on the number of puffs that may be provided to the user by heating the heaters 18 and 24.

[0145] The controller 12 may identify the user before supplying power to the heaters 18 and 24. The controller 12 may output information requesting input of user identification information by controlling the output unit 14. The controller 12 may acquire user identification information based on user input received from the input unit 15. The identification information may include at least one of an ID (identification), a PW (password), or user biometric information.

[0146] The controller 12 may determine whether the user is an authenticated user based on the identification information. The controller 12 may determine whether registered information and the identification information are identical by comparing the information. Here, the registered information may be identification information unique to the user registered by the user through at least one of the aerosol-generating device 1, an external device, or an external server.

[0147] Upon determining that the user is an authenticated user, the controller 12 may perform a process of determining a heating profile based on the preference information of the user and the surrounding environment information acquired during the inhalation period. Upon determining that the user is not an authenticated user, the controller 12 may not perform the process of determining the heating profile.

[0148] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent user preferences from being inaccurately reflected in the heating profile due to a plurality of users.

[0149] The controller 12 may determine a heating profile. The controller 12 may acquire surrounding environment information during the inhalation period based on a signal received from at least one of the sensors 131 and 138 to determine the heating profile (S1120). For example, the controller 12 may acquire surrounding temperature information and humidity information during the inhalation period of the user based on signals received from the temperature sensor 131 and the humidity sensor 138.

[0150] The inhalation period of the user may be defined as a period during which a series of puffs is generated by the user. For example, when the user inhales through the stick S or the mouthpiece, puffs may be generated a plurality of times by the user. A time at which a first puff is generated by the user may be a start time of inhalation, and a time at which a last puff by the user ends may be an end time of inhalation. The inhalation period may be defined as a period from the start time to the end time of inhalation.

[0151] The controller 12 may calculate or determine a difference between the start time of inhalation and the end time of inhalation as the inhalation period, and acquire temperature information and humidity information during the inhalation period based on signals received from the temperature sensor 131 and the humidity sensor 138 during the inhalation period.

[0152] The controller 12 may acquire preference information on inhalation from the user to determine the heating profile (S1130). The controller 12 may output information querying inhalation preferences by controlling the output unit 14. The controller 12 may sequentially output information querying preferences by controlling the output unit 14. The controller 12 may receive user input corresponding to preference query information and acquire preference information corresponding to each piece of query information.

[0153] The controller 12 may receive preference information from an external device through the communication unit 16. An application linked to the aerosol-generating device 1 may be installed in the external device. Upon receiving a preference query information output request signal from the aerosol-generating device 1, the external device may output information querying inhalation preferences based thereon. The external device may receive user input corresponding to the preference query information through an input unit provided in the external device. The external device may transmit user input information corresponding to the preference query information to the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0154] The controller 12 may input the acquired surrounding environment information and preference information to the learning model. The controller 12 may determine the heating profile based on information output from the learning model (S1140). The controller may store the determined heating profile in the memory 17. At least one heating profile corresponding to the preference information and the surrounding environment information acquired during the inhalation period may be stored in the memory 17.

[0155] Thereafter, when inhalation by the user occurs, the controller 12 may acquire surrounding environment information through at least one of the sensors 131 and 138, and search the memory 17 for the heating profile to select a heating profile corresponding to the acquired surrounding environment information. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the selected heating profile. When the heating profile corresponding to the acquired surrounding environment information is not found in the memory 17, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 based on a heating profile set as a default heating profile. The default heating profile may be a heating profile applied to the device 1 when the device 1 is shipped from the factory. The controller 12 may acquire surrounding environment information and user preference information during a smoking period and input this information to the learning model to determine a heating profile corresponding to the surrounding environment information and the preference information.

[0156] Meanwhile, the controller 12 may input the surrounding environment information, the preference information, and weather information corresponding to a current position of the aerosol-generating device 1 to the learning model. The controller 12 may acquire position information of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the user through a position sensor 139 implemented as GPS, etc., and transmit this information to an external server through the communication unit 16. The controller 12 may receive weather information corresponding to a position of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the user from an external server through the communication unit 16. The controller 12 may input the surrounding environment information, the preference information, and the weather information to the learning model to determine a heating profile corresponding to the surrounding environment information, the preference information, and the weather information.

[0157] Accordingly, weather of a position or a region where the user inhales may be reflected in the heating profile, so that the information on the surrounding environment where the user inhales may be more accurately reflected in the heating profile.

[0158] FIG. 12 is an illustrative diagram for describing a learning model of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 12, the controller 12 may determine a heating profile using the learning model.

[0160] Machine learning means that an electronic device is trained using data without being directly instructed by a person, so that the electronic device solves a problem.

[0161] Deep learning is a method of teaching an electronic device how to think like a human based on an artificial neural network (ANN), and refers to artificial intelligence technology that allows an electronic device to learn like a human. The ANN may be implemented as software or implemented as hardware such as a chip. For example, the ANN may include various types of algorithms such as a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), and a deep belief network (DBN).

[0162] Referring to FIG. 12, the ANN may include an input layer, a hidden layer, and an output layer. Each layer may include a plurality of nodes, each layer may be connected to a next layer, and nodes between adjacent layers may be connected to each other with weights.

[0163] The electronic device may discover a certain pattern from data to form a feature map, extract features from a low-level feature to an intermediate-level feature and a high-level feature, recognize an object, and output a result thereof.

[0164] In addition, each node may operate based on an activation model, and an output value corresponding to an input value may be determined according to the activation model.

[0165] An output value of any node, for example, the low-level feature, may be input to a node of a next layer connected to the node, for example, the intermediate-level feature. A node of the next layer, for example, a node of the intermediate-level feature, may receive input of values output from a plurality of nodes of the low-level feature.

[0166] In this instance, an input value of each node may be a value obtained by applying a weight to an output value of a node of a previous layer. The weight may mean strength of connection between nodes. In addition, a deep learning process may be regarded as a process of finding an appropriate weight and bias.

[0167] Meanwhile, an output value of any node, for example, the intermediate-level feature, may be input to a node of a next layer connected to the node, for example, the high-level feature. The node of the next layer, for example, the node of the high-level feature, may receive input of values output from a plurality of nodes of the intermediate-level feature.

[0168] The ANN may extract feature information corresponding to each level using a trained layer corresponding to each level. The ANN may recognize a predetermined target by utilizing feature information of a highest level through sequential abstraction.

[0169] Meanwhile, the ANN may be trained by adjusting a weight of a connection line between nodes so that desired output is obtained for input data, and a bias value may be adjusted as necessary. In addition, the ANN may continuously update a weight value by training. In addition, a method such as back-propagation may be used to train the ANN.

[0170] Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating device 1 may store data acquired from each component equipped in the aerosol-generating device 1, data for training the ANN, etc. For example, the memory 17 of the aerosol-generating device 1 may store a database for each component equipped in the aerosol-generating device 1 for training the ANN, and weights and biases included in an ANN structure. The aerosol-generating device 1 may be trained using data on a sensing value of at least one sensor 13, an inhalation pattern of the user, a heating profile, etc. stored in the memory 17 to generate at least one learning model used to determine an inhalation pattern of the user and generate a heating profile.

[0171] The controller 12 may determine a heating profile corresponding to the surrounding environment information and the preference information by inputting the surrounding environment information and the preference information to a learning model that determines the heating profile.

[0172] FIG. 13 is a flowchart related to an operation of acquiring preference information in the operation of determining a heating profile of FIG. 11, and FIG. 14 is an illustrative diagram for describing preference query output of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 13, the controller 12 may acquire preference information for inhalation from the user to determine the heating profile (S1130). The controller 12 may output information querying inhalation preferences by controlling the output unit 14. The controller 12 may output preference query information through the output unit 14 during the inhalation period or based on the end of the inhalation. For example, the controller 12 may detect or determine that inhalation of the user is ended and output the preference query information through the output unit 14. For example, the controller 12 may output the preference query information at regular time points during the inhalation period. In this case, the preference query information may be repeatedly output during the inhalation period. This is described in detail with reference to FIG. 16.

[0174] The controller 12 may sequentially output information querying preferences by controlling the output unit 14. The preference query information may include at least one of information querying whether flavor is appropriate, information querying whether vapor volume is appropriate, or information querying whether the number of puffs is appropriate.

[0175] The controller 12 may output information querying whether flavor provided through the aerosol-generating device 1 is appropriate by controlling the output unit 14, and receive input of the user corresponding thereto through the input unit 15 (S1131).

[0176] The controller 12 may output information querying whether vapor volume provided through the aerosol-generating device 1 is appropriate by controlling the output unit 14, and receive input of the user corresponding thereto through the input unit 15 (S1132).

[0177] The controller 12 may output information querying whether the number of puffs provided through the aerosol-generating device 1 is appropriate by controlling the output unit 14, and receive input of the user corresponding thereto through the input unit 15 (S1133).

[0178] For example, referring to FIG. 14, the output unit 14 may display information querying whether the provided flavor is appropriate together with selection information for selecting whether the flavor is excessive, appropriate, or insufficient. The user may input a response to whether the flavor is appropriate by selecting one of the three pieces of output selection information.

[0179] After a response of the user to whether the flavor is appropriate is input, the output unit 14 may display information querying whether the provided vapor volume is appropriate together with selection information for selecting whether the vapor volume is excessive, appropriate, or insufficient. The user may input a response to whether the vapor volume is appropriate by selecting one of the three pieces of output selection information.

[0180] After a response of the user to whether the vapor volume is appropriate is input, the output unit 14 may display information querying whether the provided number of puffs is appropriate together with selection information for selecting whether the number of puffs is excessive, appropriate, or insufficient. The user may input a response to whether the number of puffs is appropriate by selecting one of the three pieces of output selection information.

[0181] FIG. 14 illustrates sequentially displaying information for querying whether the flavor, the vapor volume, and the number of puffs are appropriate. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the query information may be changed to other types of query information, and a smaller or larger number of pieces of query information may be displayed as needed.

[0182] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the heating profile of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 15, the heating profile may include at least one heating section and target temperature information in the heating section. The heating profile may include information on the number of puffs that may be provided to the user by heating the heaters 18 and 24. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the heating profile.

[0184] The heating profile may include information about a preheating section P0 and at least one heating section P1, P2, and P3. The preheating section P0 may be a section in which the heaters 18 and 24 are heated to a temperature for heating an aerosol-generating substance to generate an aerosol. The at least one heating section P1, P2, and P3 may be a section in which an aerosol is generated and may be a section in which a puff is generated by the user.

[0185] The at least one heating section P1, P2, and P3 may be divided into a plurality of sections based on the number of puffs of the user. For example, the at least one heating section P1, P2, and P3 may include at least one of the first heating section P1, the second heating section P2, or the third heating section P3. The first heating section P1 may be a section corresponding to a first set number of puffs from a first puff, including the first puff. The second heating section P2 may be a section corresponding to a second set number of puffs generated after the first heating section P1. The third heating section P3 may be a section corresponding to a third set number of puffs generated after the second heating section P2. Here, the first to third set numbers of times may be set identically or differently. For example, the first to third set numbers of times may be 3 to 5. For example, the first set number may be 3, and the second and third set numbers may be equal to the first set number.

[0186] The heating profile may include a target temperature for each heating section. For example, the heating profile may include a first target temperature Ta of the first section P1, a second target temperature Tb of the second section P2, and a third target temperature Tc of the third section P3. The first to third target temperatures may be set to be equal to or higher than a vaporization 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 to be lower than the first target temperature Ta, and the third target temperature Tc may be set to be higher than the first target temperature Ta.

[0187] The target temperature of the heating section may be determined by the learning model based on the surrounding environment information and the preference information. For example, the target temperature of the heating section may be determined based on preference information input in response to the information querying whether the flavor is appropriate, preference information input in response to the information querying whether the vapor volume is appropriate, temperature information and humidity information during the inhalation period, etc.

[0188] The learning model may output a heating profile in which the target temperature of each heating section is maintained, increased, or decreased based on input preference information and surrounding environment information.

[0189] The heating profile may include information about the maximum number of puffs that may be provided to the user by heating the heaters 18 and 24.

[0190] The maximum number of puffs may be determined by the learning model based on the surrounding environment information and the preference information. For example, the maximum number of puffs may be determined based on preference information input in response to information querying whether the number of puffs is appropriate, temperature information and humidity information during the inhalation period, etc.

[0191] The learning model may output a heating profile in which the maximum number of puffs is maintained, increased, or decreased based on input preference information and surrounding environment information.

[0192] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of preference query output time points of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the heating profile determined by the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 16, the controller 12 may acquire preference information for inhalation from the user a plurality of times during the inhalation period. The controller 12 may output preference query information at regular time points during the inhalation period. The controller 12 may count the number of puffs generated after the start of inhalation based on a signal received from the puff sensor 132, and output preference query information at each of time points t1, t2, and t3 when the counted number of puffs becomes the first set number by controlling the output unit 14. The controller 12 may acquire preference information at each time point based on user input which is input in response to the preference query information.

[0194] For example, the first set number of times may be 3. In this case, the controller 12 may output preference query information whenever three puffs are generated based on a first puff pf1. The controller 12 may detect that a third puff pf3 is generated, output preference query information through the output unit 14, and acquire user input related to preferences through the input unit 15. Similarly, when detecting that sixth and ninth puffs pf6 and pf9 are generated, a process of outputting preference query information and acquiring user input may be performed.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 17 together with FIG. 15, the controller 12 may determine heating profiles HP1_0, HP1_1, and HP1_2 by inputting preference information and surrounding environment information repeatedly acquired at regular time points to the learning model. A target temperature of each of the heating sections P1, P2, and P3 of the heating profile may be determined by the learning model based on preference information and surrounding environment information acquired at each time point. For example, the target temperature of each of the heating sections P1, P2, and P3 may be determined based on preference information input in response to information querying whether flavor is appropriate, preference information input in response to information querying whether vapor volume is appropriate, temperature information and humidity information acquired during each of the heating sections P1, P2, and P3, etc.

[0196] The first target temperature Ta of the first heating section P1 may be determined based on temperature information and humidity information acquired during the first heating section P1, and preference information acquired at or after the end of the first heating section P1.

[0197] For example, when the user inputs information indicating that the provided flavor and / or vapor volume is insufficient, the first target temperature Ta determined by the learning model may increase. In this instance, when the temperature acquired during the first heating section 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 may increase by a first temperature (the heating profile HP1_1 of FIG. 17). When the temperature acquired during the first heating section 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 may increase by a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature (the heating profile HP1_2 of FIG. 17).

[0198] Similarly, the second target temperature Tb of the second heating section P2 may be determined based on temperature information and humidity information acquired during the second heating section P2, and preference information acquired at or after the end of the second heating section P2.

[0199] For example, when the user inputs information indicating that the provided flavor and / or vapor volume is excessive, the second target temperature Tb determined by the learning model may decrease. In this instance, when the temperature acquired during the second heating section P2 is higher than the set temperature and the humidity is higher than the set humidity, the second target temperature Tb determined by the learning model may decrease by a third temperature (the heating profile HP1_1 of FIG. 17). When the temperature acquired during the second heating section 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 may decrease by a fourth temperature that is greater than the third temperature (the heating profile HP1_2 of FIG. 17).

[0200] The set temperature and set humidity may be preset. The set temperature may be a temperature value that is present so that the temperature of the surrounding environment may be determined to be high or low, and may be a value preset through experimentation considering temperatures of a plurality of environments, a plurality of positions, a plurality of regions, etc. where the user may be positioned. The set humidity may be a humidity value that is preset so that the humidity of the surrounding environment may be determined to be high or low, and may be a value preset through experimentation considering the humidity of a plurality of environments, a plurality of positions, a plurality of regions, etc. where the user may be positioned.

[0201] Accordingly, by repeatedly collecting preferences at regular time points during the inhalation period of the user, user preferences may be reflected in detail at each inhalation point even within one inhalation period.

[0202] As described above, according to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide vapor volume and / or the number of puffs suitable for an environment in which a user is located and preferences of the user by reflecting both the preferences of the user and surrounding environment information in a heating profile.

[0203] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, preferences of a user may be accurately reflected in a heating profile by determining the heating profile based on a learning model trained using user preferences and surrounding environment information.

[0204] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, user preferences may be reflected in detail at each inhalation point within a single inhalation period by repeatedly collecting preferences at regular time points during an inhalation period of a user.

[0205] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, information about a surrounding environment in which the user inhales may be more accurately reflected in a heating profile by reflecting a position at which a user inhales and weather at the position in the heating profile.

[0206] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, user convenience may be improved by collecting user preference information through an external device capable of communicating with an aerosol-generating device.

[0207] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent user preferences from being inaccurately reflected in a heating profile due to a plurality of users by reflecting user preferences for identified users in the heating profile.

[0208] Referring to FIGs. 1 to 17, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include heaters 18 and 24 configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance, at least one sensor 131 and 138 configured to output a signal related to a surrounding environment, an input unit 15 configured to receive input of a user, and a controller 12 configured to control power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 based on a heating profile, wherein the controller 12 may be configured to acquire surrounding environment information during an inhalation period of the user based on a signal received from the at least one sensor 131 and 138 during the inhalation period, acquire preference information on inhalation of the user based on the input of the user received by the input unit 15, and input the surrounding environment information and the preference information to a learning model for determining the heating profile to determine a heating profile corresponding to the surrounding environment information and the preference information.

[0209] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may further include an output unit 14 configured to output information, and a puff sensor 132 configured to detect a puff, wherein the controller 12 may be configured to determine, based on the signal received by the puff sensor 132, start of inhalation which is a time when a first puff is generated and end of inhalation which is a time when a last puff ends, determine a difference between a start time of the inhalation and an end time of the inhalation as the inhalation period, and output preference query information on inhalation of the user by controlling the output unit 14 during the inhalation period or based on the end of the inhalation.

[0210] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 12 may be configured to count a number of puffs generated after the start of the inhalation based on a signal received by the puff sensor 132, output the preference query information by controlling the output unit 14 at each time point when the counted number of puffs increases by a first set number, and acquire preference information at each time point based on the input of the user in response to the preference query information.

[0211] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating profile may include a plurality of heating sections divided based on the first set number of puffs and a target temperature of each of the plurality of heating sections, and the target temperature of each of the plurality of heating sections may be determined based on surrounding environment information during the inhalation period and preference information at each time point.

[0212] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first set number may be three to five.

[0213] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the preference query information may include information querying at least one of whether flavor is insufficient, whether vapor volume is insufficient, or whether a number of puffs is insufficient.

[0214] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating profile may include information about a maximum number of puffs, and the maximum number of puffs may be determined based on input of the user in response to the information querying whether the number of puffs is insufficient.

[0215] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor 131 and 138 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131 or a humidity sensor 138, and the surrounding environment information may include at least one of temperature information or humidity information during the inhalation period.

[0216] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating profile may include at least one heating section and a target temperature of the heating section, and the target temperature of the heating section may be determined based on input of the user in response to at least one of the information querying whether the flavor is insufficient or the information querying whether the vapor volume is insufficient, and the temperature information and the humidity information during the inhalation period.

[0217] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may further include a communication unit 16, and a position sensor 139 configured to detect a geographical position, wherein the controller 12 may be configured to receive weather information corresponding to a position of the user from an external server through the communication unit 16, and determine a heating profile corresponding to the surrounding environment information, the preference information, and the weather information by inputting the weather information to the learning model.

[0218] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may further include a memory 17 configured to store at least one heating profile, wherein the controller 12 may be configured to accumulate and store the determined heating profile, the surrounding environment information, and the preference information in the memory, and select a heating profile corresponding to the surrounding environment information and control power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the selected heating profile.

[0219] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may further include a communication unit 16, wherein the controller 12 may be configured to receive the preference information from an external device through the communication unit 16, and determine the heating profile by inputting the surrounding environment information and the preference information received from the external device to the learning model.

[0220] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 12 may be configured to acquire identification information of the user based on input of the user received from the input unit 15, determine whether the user is an authenticated user based on the identification information, and determine the heating profile by inputting the surrounding environment information and the preference information to the learning model based on the user being the authenticated user.

[0221] Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[0222] For example, a configuration "A" described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

[0223] The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure are embraced within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A aerosol-generating device, comprising: a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance; at least one sensor configured to output a signal related to a surrounding environment; an input unit configured to receive input of a user; and a controller configured to control power supplied to the heater based on a heating profile, wherein the controller is configured to: acquire surrounding environment information during an inhalation period of the user based on a signal received from the at least one sensor during the inhalation period, acquire preference information on inhalation of the user based on the input of the user received by the input unit, and input the surrounding environment information and the preference information to a learning model for determining the heating profile to determine a heating profile corresponding to the surrounding environment information and the preference information.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: an output unit configured to output information; and a puff sensor configured to detect a puff, wherein the controller is configured to: determine, based on the signal received by the puff sensor, start of inhalation which is a time when a first puff is generated and end of inhalation which is a time when a last puff ends, determine a difference between a start time of the inhalation and an end time of the inhalation as the inhalation period, and output preference query information on inhalation of the user by controlling the output unit during the inhalation period or based on the end of the inhalation.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to: count a number of puffs generated after the start of the inhalation based on a signal received by the puff sensor, output the preference query information by controlling the output unit at each time point when the counted number of puffs increases by a first set number, and acquire preference information at each time point based on the input of the user in response to the preference query information.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein: the heating profile comprises a plurality of heating sections divided based on the first set number of puffs and a target temperature of each of the plurality of heating sections, and the target temperature of each of the plurality of heating sections is determined based on surrounding environment information during the inhalation period and preference information at each time point.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the first set number is three to five.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the preference query information comprises information querying at least one of whether flavor is insufficient, whether vapor volume is insufficient, or whether a number of puffs is insufficient.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein: the heating profile comprises information about a maximum number of puffs, and the maximum number of puffs is determined based on input of the user in response to the information querying whether the number of puffs is insufficient.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein: the at least one sensor comprises at least one of a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor, and the surrounding environment information comprises at least one of temperature information or humidity information during the inhalation period.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein: the heating profile comprises at least one heating section and a target temperature of the heating section, and the target temperature of the heating section is determined based on input of the user in response to at least one of the information querying whether the flavor is insufficient or the information querying whether the vapor volume is insufficient, and the temperature information and the humidity information during the inhalation period.

10. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a communication unit; and a position sensor configured to detect a geographical position, wherein the controller is configured to: receive weather information corresponding to a position of the user from an external server through the communication unit, and determine a heating profile corresponding to the surrounding environment information, the preference information, and the weather information by inputting the weather information to the learning model.

11. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a memory configured to store at least one heating profile, wherein the controller is configured to: accumulate and store the determined heating profile, the surrounding environment information, and the preference information in the memory, and select a heating profile corresponding to the surrounding environment information and control power supplied to the heater based on the selected heating profile.

12. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit, wherein the controller is configured to: receive the preference information from an external device through the communication unit, and determine the heating profile by inputting the surrounding environment information and the preference information received from the external device to the learning model.

13. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: acquire identification information of the user based on input of the user received from the input unit, determine whether the user is an authenticated user based on the identification information, and determine the heating profile by inputting the surrounding environment information and the preference information to the learning model based on the user being the authenticated user.

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