Aerosol generation device and its operating method

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a display including a display panel and a touch panel that receives touch input, a battery, and a processor electrically connected to the display and the battery. The processor detects that the power state of the aerosol generating device is converted to a first state, and after being converted to the first state, based on whether touch input via the touch panel of the display is received within a critical time, the processor can convert the power state of the aerosol generating device to a second state different from the first state. In addition, various embodiments can be understood through the specification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device that controls the state of a device based on user input and an operating method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, there is an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0003] Recently, technologies have been developed to enhance user convenience by controlling the state of an aerosol generating device based on user input. In particular, the number of technologies for improving user convenience by adding a display module that receives touch input to an aerosol generating device has been increasing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An embodiment according to the present disclosure requires an aerosol generating device that can output a UI (user interface) screen via a display based on whether a touch input is received within a critical time after the display is turned off.

[0005] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a display including a display panel and a touch panel for receiving touch input, a battery, and a processor electrically connected to the display and the battery. The processor detects that the power state of the aerosol generating device is converted to a first state, and after being converted to the first state, based on whether a touch input via the touch panel of the display is received within a critical time, the power state of the aerosol generating device can be converted to a second state different from the first state.

[0007] A method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes detecting that the power state of the aerosol generating device is converted to a first state, and after being converted to the first state, based on whether a touch input via the touch panel of the display is received within a critical time, converting the power state of the aerosol generating device to a second state different from the first state.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a screen output immediately before the display turns off without user input can be reproduced identically if a user touch input occurs within a critical time. Therefore, the user can easily return to the previous usage state.

[0009] However, the effects according to this embodiment are not limited to those described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In the present embodiment, the terms used are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while considering the functions in the present invention. However, they may also vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof is described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should not be merely the names of the terms, but should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0012] Throughout the specification, when a certain part "includes" a certain component, it means that, unless otherwise specifically stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other components, but may also further include other components. Also, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or may also be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0013] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of the arranged components, it modifies the entire set of components rather than each of the arranged components. For example, the expressions "at least any one of a, b, and c" and "at least any one of a, b, or c" must be construed to include a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0014] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that electrically heats a cigarette housed in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0015] The aerosol generating device also includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater also includes an electrically conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0016] The heater also includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and depending on the form of the heating element, it can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette.

[0017] The cigarette also includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod can also be made of a sheet, made of strands, or made of cut tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Also, the tobacco rod can also be surrounded by a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0018] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod can also include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0019] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that uses a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol.

[0020] The aerosol generating device also includes a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge can be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the main body, or incorporated and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge can be mounted on the main body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, without being limited thereto, the aerosol generating substance may also be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

[0021] The cartridge can hold an aerosol generating substance having any one of various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol generating substance also includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0022] The cartridge can perform a function of converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a gas phase by being operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body, etc., and generating an aerosol. The aerosol may mean a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance and air are mixed.

[0023] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can pass through a cigarette and be transmitted to the user. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0024] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that uses an ultrasonic vibration method to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may mean a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0025] The aerosol generating device also includes a vibrator, and through the vibrator, short-period vibrations can be generated to atomize the aerosol generating substance. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are also ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is in the frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0026] The aerosol generating device also further includes a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the wick may be arranged to cover at least one region of the vibrator or to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0027] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator can be transmitted to the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick. The aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick is converted into the gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0028] For example, heat generated from the vibrator reduces the viscosity of the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick, and ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator atomize the aerosol generating substance with reduced viscosity, whereby an aerosol can be generated, but is not limited thereto.

[0029] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by an induction heating method.

[0030] The aerosol generating device also includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is also a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, heat is generated, and the aerosol generating article can be heated. Optionally, the susceptor can be located inside the aerosol generating article.

[0031] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes a cradle.

[0032] The aerosol generating device can form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Or, with the cradle and the aerosol generating device coupled together, the heater can be heated.

[0033] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0034] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment includes a housing 100 into which an aerosol generating article 15 can be inserted.

[0037] In one embodiment, the housing 100 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 10 and also includes an internal space (or "placement space") in which the components of the aerosol generating device 10 can be arranged. Although only the embodiment in which the cross-section of the housing 100 is formed in a semicircular shape as a whole is illustrated in the drawings, the shape of the housing 100 is not limited thereto. According to one embodiment (not shown), the housing 100 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole, or may also be formed in a polygonal column shape (e.g., triangular column shape or square column shape).

[0038] In one embodiment, in the internal space of the housing 100, components for heating the aerosol generating article 15 inserted into the housing 100 to generate an aerosol, and components for outputting a screen related to the state of the aerosol generating device 10 are arranged, but specific descriptions thereof will be described later.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the housing 100 also includes an opening 100h through which the aerosol generating article 15 can be inserted into the housing 100. At least a part of the aerosol generating article 15 can be inserted or accommodated into the housing 100 through the opening 100h.

[0040] When the aerosol generating article 15 inserted or accommodated into the housing 100 is heated inside the housing 100, an aerosol can be generated. The generated aerosol is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 through the inserted aerosol generating article 15 and / or the space between the aerosol generating article 15 and the opening 100h, and the user can inhale the discharged aerosol.

[0041] The aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment further includes a display 110 on which visual information is displayed.

[0042] In one embodiment, at least a partial region of the display 110 may be arranged to be exposed outside the housing 100. For example, at least a partial region of the display 110 may be exposed through a cover glass provided on the housing.

[0043] In one embodiment, the display 110 also includes a display panel and a touch panel for receiving touch inputs. For example, the display 110 may display, via the display panel, a UI (user interface) screen that changes according to touch inputs received via the touch panel. At this time, the display 110 may be formed in a stacked structure of the display panel and the touch panel.

[0044] The aerosol generating device 10 may provide various visual information to the user via the display 110. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may display, via the display 110, preheating information and heating information related to the aerosol generating article 15, battery remaining amount information, time and date information, usage mode information, weather information, Bluetooth connection information, etc. The information displayed via the display 110 is exemplary and is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 10 also includes a display 110, a processor 120, and a battery 130. The components of the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment are not limited thereto, and according to one embodiment, other components may be added or at least one component may be omitted.

[0047] In one embodiment, the display 110 also includes a touch panel and a display panel. For example, the display panel includes scan lines, data lines, and light-emitting elements (e.g., OLED (organic light-emitting diode), LED (light-emitting diode)) that emit light based on signals supplied from the scan lines and the data lines. The touch panel detects changes in electrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, radio waves, etc.) due to a user's touch input, and the position information where the change is sensed can be transmitted to the processor 120.

[0048] In one embodiment, depending on the power state of the aerosol generating device 10, at least one component included in the display 110 can be driven or cut off.

[0049] In one embodiment, when the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 is in the first state, the processor 120 can cut off the driving of the display panel by cutting off the power supply to the display panel included in the display 110 from the battery 130.

[0050] At this time, the "first state" can mean that the power supply of the aerosol generating device 10 is in a low power state (i.e., a power saving state). For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 is in a state waiting for user input and does not receive any input for a predetermined period of time, the power supply of the aerosol generating device 10 can be converted to the "first state" which is a low power state. The predetermined period of time is set by the user and can, for example, fall within the range of 1 minute to 30 minutes, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] As another example, the processor 120 can drive the display panel by supplying power to the display panel included in the display 110 from the battery 130.

[0052] At this time, the "second state" may mean that the power supply of the aerosol generating device 10 is in a standby state. For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 is in a low power state and user input is received, the power supply of the aerosol generating device 10 can be converted to the "second state" which is a standby state.

[0053] In one embodiment, the display 110 may display a UI screen including visual information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0054] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may output, via the display 110, a UI screen for guiding the setting of the usage mode of the aerosol generating device 10. At this time, the "usage mode" may mean a heating profile corresponding to the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device 10.

[0055] For example, the "first usage mode" is a heating profile related to the case where the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 contains a tobacco substance in a segmented tobacco form, and the "second usage mode" is a heating profile related to the case where the inserted aerosol generating article contains a tobacco substance in a granular form, and the "third usage mode" may mean a heating profile related to the case where the inserted aerosol generating article contains a tobacco substance in a liquid form. However, the types of usage modes are not limited thereto.

[0056] The aerosol generating device 10 can heat an aerosol generating article (not shown) based on a set usage mode. For example, when the usage mode of the aerosol generating device 10 is set to the "first usage mode", the processor 120 can supply power to the heater based on a preset heating profile for an aerosol generating article containing a tobacco substance in a flaked tobacco form. As another example, when the usage mode of the aerosol generating device 10 is set to the "second usage mode", the processor 120 can supply power to the heater based on a preset heating profile for an aerosol generating article containing a tobacco substance in a granular form. As yet another example, when the usage mode of the aerosol generating device 10 is set to the "third usage mode", the processor 120 can supply power to the heater based on a preset heating profile for an aerosol generating article containing a tobacco substance in a liquid form.

[0057] In other embodiments, the display 110 can display an initial UI screen of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0058] For example, when the display panel included in the display 110 is driven based on a physical button input of the aerosol generating device 10, the processor 120 can output an initial UI screen via the display 110. At this time, the "initial UI screen", also referred to as the "home screen", also includes an object (or icon) related to at least one piece of information (e.g., time information, currently set usage mode information, battery remaining amount information, weather information, Bluetooth connection information, etc.).

[0059] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling the power state of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. In the description related to FIG. 3, content corresponding to, identical to, or similar to the foregoing content may be omitted.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, a processor (e.g., processor 120 (FIG. 2)) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 10 (FIG. 1)) may detect, in operation 301, that the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 is converted to a first state.

[0061] In one embodiment, the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 may be converted to a first state under specific conditions. At this time, the "first state" may mean that the power of the aerosol generating device 10 is in a low power state. More specifically, the "first state" may mean a state in which the power supply to the display panel of the display (e.g., display 110 (FIG. 2)) is cut off.

[0062] The aforementioned "specific conditions" may be satisfied when there is no input to the interface (e.g., touch panel of the display, physical buttons, charging terminal, etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10 for a predetermined time. For example, after the power of the aerosol generating device 10 is turned on, if no input among touch input by the user, input via physical buttons, and insertion of the charging terminal is received for a predetermined time, the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 may be converted to a first state which is a low power state.

[0063] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may detect, via a separate component (e.g., a timer), whether the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 satisfies the specific conditions and is converted to the first state.

[0064] For example, if there is no input to the interface (e.g., touch panel of the display, physical buttons, charging terminal, etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10 for a predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes), and if the aforementioned "specific conditions" are satisfied, the processor 120 may detect, via the timer, whether an input to the interface is received during the 15 minutes from the time when the power of the aerosol generating device 10 is turned on. At this time, the predetermined time is set by the user and may fall within the range of, for example, 1 minute to 30 minutes, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] According to one embodiment, in operation 303, the processor 120 can detect whether a touch input via the touch panel of the display 110 is received within a critical time.

[0066] For example, when the critical time is set to 5 seconds, the processor 120 can detect whether a touch input via the touch panel of the display 110 is received within 5 seconds from the time when the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 is converted to the first state (i.e., the time when the driving of the display panel is cut off) via a timer.

[0067] According to one embodiment, if a touch input via the touch panel of the display 110 is received within the critical time, the processor 120 can convert the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 to a second state that is distinguishable from the first state in operation 305. At this time, the "second state" can mean a state in which power is supplied to the display panel of the display 110.

[0068] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can convert the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 to the second state and output a UI screen via the display panel of the display 110. For example, the processor 120 can output the UI screen that was output immediately before the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 was converted to the first state in operation 301 while converting the power state to the second state. However, specific descriptions regarding the UI screen output via the display panel will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0069] According to one embodiment, if a touch input via the touch panel of the display 110 is not received within the critical time, the processor 120 can maintain the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 in the first state.

[0070] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing a control method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 10 (FIG. 1)) includes a display 110, a processor 120, and a battery 130, and the display 110 also includes a touch panel 400 for receiving a user's touch input and a display panel 410.

[0072] In one embodiment, the battery 130 and the touch panel 400 may be directly connected, and the battery 130 and the display panel 410 may be connected via a switch 420.

[0073] In one embodiment, when the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 is converted to the first state, the processor 120 may cut off the power supply to the display panel 410 while maintaining the power supply to the touch panel 400 via the battery 130. At this time, the cutting off of the power supply to the display panel 410 may mean that the switch 420 arranged between the display panel 410 and the battery 130 is switched from the closed state to the open state.

[0074] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may detect whether a touch input via the touch panel 400 is received within a critical time. For example, when the critical time is set to 5 seconds, the processor 120 may detect whether a touch input via the touch panel 400 is received within 5 seconds from the time when the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 is converted to the first state via a timer.

[0075] In one example, if a touch input is received on the touch panel 400 within the critical time, the processor 120 can initiate the power supply to the display panel 410 while maintaining the power supply to the touch panel 400. At this time, the initiation of the power supply to the display panel 410 may mean that the switch 420 arranged between the display panel 410 and the battery 130 is switched from the open state to the closed state.

[0076] In yet another example, if no touch input is received for the touch panel 400 within a critical time, the processor 120 may cut off the power supply to the touch panel 400 while maintaining the power supply cut-off to the display panel 410. At this time, cutting off the power supply to the touch panel 400 may mean cutting off the power supply of the battery 130 to the display 110.

[0077] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling the power state and the display of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart that embodies the operations after operation 301 in FIG. 3.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 5, a processor (e.g., the processor 120 in FIG. 2) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 10 (FIG. 1)) may detect in operation 503 whether a touch input via a touch panel of a display (e.g., the display 110 (FIG. 2)) is received within a critical time.

[0079] For example, when the critical time is set to 5 seconds, the processor 120 may detect via a timer whether a touch input via the touch panel of the display 110 (e.g., the touch panel 400 (FIG. 4)) is received within 5 seconds from the time when the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 is converted to the first state (i.e., the time when the driving of the display panel is cut off).

[0080] According to an embodiment, if a touch input via the touch panel 400 of the display 110 is received within a critical time, the processor 120 may, in operation 505, convert the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 to the second state and output a first UI screen via a display panel (e.g., the display panel 410 (FIG. 4)). At this time, the "first UI screen" may mean the UI screen output via the display panel 410 immediately before the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 is converted to the first state.

[0081] For example, assuming that when the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 is converted to the first state, the processor 120 outputs a "Settings" screen via the display panel 410, then, when the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 is converted to the first state, the driving of the display panel 410 may be interrupted. At this time, if a touch input via the touch panel 400 is received within the critical time, the processor 120 may output the "Settings" screen as the first UI screen via the display panel 410 because the "Settings" screen was being output immediately before the driving of the display panel 410 was interrupted.

[0082] According to one embodiment, if a touch input via the touch panel 400 of the display 110 is not received within the critical time, the processor 120 may detect whether an input via a physical button is received in operation 507. For example, the physical button may be formed by being led out from the housing of the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., housing 100 (FIG. 1)).

[0083] According to one embodiment, if an input via a physical button is received, the processor 120 may convert the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 to the second state and output a second UI screen via the display panel 410 in operation 509. At this time, the "second UI screen" may mean an initial UI screen of the aerosol generating device 10 including an object related to at least one of time information, usage mode, battery remaining amount information, and weather information.

[0084] For example, when the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 is converted to the first state, assuming that the processor 120 outputs a "Settings" screen via the display panel 410, then, when the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 is converted to the first state, the driving of the display panel 410 may be interrupted. At this time, if a touch input via the touch panel 400 is not received within the critical time and then an input via a physical button is received, the processor 120 may output a "Home screen (i.e., initial screen)" including an object related to at least one of time information, usage mode, battery remaining amount information, and weather information to the second UI screen via the display panel 410.

[0085] According to an embodiment, if an input via a physical button is not received, the processor 120 may maintain the first state of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0086] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a display state of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 6, the display 110 may output a first UI screen 600 via a display panel (e.g., the display panel 410 (FIG. 4)) as in state (a). At this time, the display panel 410 and the touch panel (e.g., the touch panel 400 (FIG. 4)) of the display 110 may be supplied with power from a battery (e.g., the battery 130 (FIG. 2)).

[0088] In one embodiment, the first UI screen 600 is also a "Usage mode setting" screen including objects corresponding to each of a plurality of usage modes. The objects corresponding to each of the plurality of usage modes enable a user to perform a touch input for selecting a usage mode. At this time, the "usage mode" may mean a heating profile corresponding to the type of the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 10 (FIG. 1)).

[0089] However, the "Usage Mode Setting" screen is merely an exemplary one of the first UI screen 600, and the first UI screen 600 can be any one of various execution screens of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0090] In FIG. 6, on the first UI screen 600, the text displayed as "First Article" and the icon beside the text indicate a usage mode for heating an aerosol generating article containing a tobacco substance in flake tobacco form, and can guide the user's touch input.

[0091] On the first UI screen 600, the text displayed as "Second Article" and the icon beside the text indicate a usage mode for heating an aerosol generating article containing a tobacco substance in granular form, and can guide the user's touch input.

[0092] On the first UI screen 600, the text displayed as "Third Article" and the icon beside the text indicate a usage mode for heating an aerosol generating article containing a tobacco substance in liquid form, and can guide the user's touch input.

[0093] In one embodiment, if no touch input is received via the touch panel 400 of the display 110 for a predetermined time from the start of the output of the first UI screen 600, the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 can be converted to the first state. At this time, the screen output via the display panel 410 can be interrupted as in state (b). Also, the power supply to the display panel 410 of the display 110 is cut off, and the power supply to the touch panel 400 can be maintained for a critical time.

[0094] In one embodiment, the display 110 may receive a touch input 610 via the touch panel 400 during the critical time (i.e., while the power supply to the touch panel 400 is maintained). At this time, the touch input 610 may also include at least one touch input. For example, the touch input 610 may be a single-touch input or a double-touch input, but the type of the touch input 610 is not limited thereto.

[0095] In one embodiment, when a touch input 610 via the touch panel 400 is received by the display 110 during the critical time, the display 110 may output a first UI screen 600 via the display panel 410 as in state (c). That is, if a touch input 610 is received within the critical time via the touch panel 400 of the display 110, the display 110 may output the same UI screen immediately before the driving of the display panel 410 is interrupted. Therefore, it can be provided to allow the user to easily return to the existing usage state.

[0096] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a display state of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 7, the display 110 may output a first UI screen 700 via a display panel (e.g., the display panel 410 (FIG. 4)) as in state (a). At this time, the display panel 410 and the touch panel (e.g., the touch panel 400 (FIG. 4)) of the display 110 may be supplied with power from a battery (e.g., the battery 130 (FIG. 2)).

[0098] In one embodiment, the first UI screen 700 is a "usage mode setting" screen including objects corresponding to respective multiple usage modes, and the objects corresponding to respective multiple usage modes are also objects for guiding to induce a touch input of a user. At this time, the "usage mode" may mean a heating profile corresponding to the type of an aerosol generating article inserted into an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 10 (FIG. 1)). Since the first UI screen 700 in FIG. 7 may correspond to the first UI screen 600 in FIG. 6, a specific description may be omitted.

[0099] In one embodiment, if no touch input is received via the touch panel 400 of the display 110 for a predetermined time from the time when the output of the first UI screen 700 is started, the power state of the aerosol generating device 10 is converted to a first state, whereby the display 110 may interrupt the screen output via the display panel 410 as in the state (b). At this time, the power supply to the display panel 410 of the display 110 is cut off, and the power supply to the touch panel 400 may be maintained for a critical time.

[0100] In one embodiment, if no touch input is received via the touch panel 400 during the critical time when the power supply to the touch panel 400 of the display 110 is maintained, the power supply to the touch panel 400 may be cut off.

[0101] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive an input 710 via a physical button 705 as in the state (c). At this time, the input 710 via the physical button 705 also includes at least one of a touch input and a mechanical input. For example, the input 710 via the physical button 705 is also a mechanical input (push) to a push button. As another example, the input 710 via the physical button 705 is also a touch input to a touch sensor built in the push button and a mechanical input to the push button.

[0102] In one embodiment, when the display 110 receives an input 710 via the physical button 705, it can output a second UI screen 720 via the display panel 410, as in state (d). At this time, the power supply to the display panel 410 and the touch panel of the display 110 can be started.

[0103] In one embodiment, the second UI screen 720 is the "initial UI screen" of the aerosol generating device 10 and also includes objects corresponding to at least one piece of information (e.g., time information, currently set usage mode information, battery remaining amount information, weather information, Bluetooth connection information, etc.). However, the types of information included in the second UI screen 720 are merely exemplary, and the second UI screen 720 may also include objects corresponding to at least one piece of information among various information of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0104] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 800 according to another embodiment.

[0105] The aerosol generating device 800 may also include a control unit 810, a sensing unit 820, an output unit 830, a battery 840, a heater 850, a user input unit 860, a memory 870, and a communication unit 880. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 800 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 8. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 800, some of the components shown in FIG. 8 may be omitted, or new components may be further added, which should be understandable to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment.

[0106] The sensing unit 820 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 800 or the state around the aerosol generating device 800, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 810. The control unit 810 can control the aerosol generating device 800 so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 850, restriction of smoking, determination of whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and notification display are performed based on the sensed information.

[0107] The sensing unit 820 also includes at least one of a temperature sensor 822, an insertion sensing sensor 824, and a puff sensor 826, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] The temperature sensor 822 can sense the temperature at which the heater 850 (or the aerosol generating substance) is overheated. The aerosol generating device 800 includes a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 850, or the heater 850 itself can serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 822 is also arranged around the battery 840 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 840.

[0109] The insertion sensing sensor 824 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 824 also includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can sense a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0110] The puff sensor 826 can sense the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 826 can sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0111] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (temperature sensor 822, insertion detection sensor 824, and puff sensor 826), the sensing unit 820 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS (global positioning system)), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (red-green-blue) sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, specific descriptions may be omitted.

[0112] The output unit 830 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 800 and provide it to the user. The output unit 830 includes at least one of a display unit 832, a haptic unit 834, and an acoustic output unit 836, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 832 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 832 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0113] The display unit 832 can visually provide information related to the aerosol generating device 800 to the user. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 800 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 840 of the aerosol generating device 800, the preheating state of the heater 850, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 800 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 832 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 832 is, for example, also a liquid crystal display panel (LCD (liquid crystal display)), an organic light-emitting diode display panel (OLED (organic light-emitting diode)), etc. Further, the display unit 832 is also in the form of an LED (light-emitting diode) light-emitting element.

[0114] The haptic unit 834 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and tactually provide information related to the aerosol generating device 800 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 834 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0115] The acoustic output unit 836 can aurally provide information related to the aerosol generating device 800 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 836 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0116] The battery 840 can supply the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 800. The battery 840 can supply power so that the heater 850 can be heated. Also, the battery 840 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 820, the output unit 830, the user input unit 860, the memory 870, and the communication unit 880) provided in the aerosol generating device 800. The battery 840 can be a rechargeable battery or a single-use battery. For example, the battery 840 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0117] The heater 850 is supplied with power from the battery 840 and can heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 800 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC (direct current) / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 840 and supplies it to the heater 850. Also, when the aerosol generating device 800 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 800 may further include a DC / AC (alternating current) converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 840 into an AC power source.

[0118] The control unit 810, the sensing unit 820, the output unit 830, the user input unit 860, the memory 870, and the communication unit 880 can be powered by the battery 840 to perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 8, it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 840 and supplies it to each component, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

[0119] In one embodiment, the heater 850 can be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Also, the heater 850 can be implemented by, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0120] In other embodiments, the heater 850 is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 850 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol product substance.

[0121] The user input unit 860 can receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 860 can include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch type, piezoresistive type, infrared sensing type, surface acoustic wave conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, although not shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 800 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information, or can charge the battery 840.

[0122] The memory 870 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 800, and can store data processed by the control unit 810 and data to be processed. The memory 870 also includes at least one type of recording medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD (secure digital) memory or XD (extreme digital) memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 870 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 800, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user.

[0123] The communication unit 880 also includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 880 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 882 and a wireless communication unit 884.

[0124] The short-range wireless communication unit 882 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) (Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA: infrared data association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0125] The wireless communication unit 884 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network)) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 884 can also use subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 800 within the communication network.

[0126] The control unit 810 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 800. In one embodiment, the control unit 810 also includes at least one processor. The processor can also be implemented by an array of a large number of logic gates, and can also be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs will be able to understand that it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0127] The control unit 810 can control the temperature of the heater 850 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 840 to the heater 850. For example, the control unit 810 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 840 and the heater 850. In another example, according to the control command of the control unit 810, the heating direct circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 850.

[0128] The control unit 810 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 820 and control the subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 810 can control the power supplied to the heater 850 so that the operation of the heater 850 is started or ended based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 820. Another example is that the control unit 810 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 850 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 850 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 820.

[0129] The control unit 810 can control the output unit 830 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 820. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 826 reaches the preset number, the control unit 810 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 800 will end soon via at least one of the display unit 832, the haptic unit 834, and the acoustic output unit 836.

[0130] One embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium is also any available medium that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Also, a computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media embodied by any method or technology for the storage of information such as computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery media.

[0131] The foregoing description of the embodiments is illustrative only and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention is defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims must be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device, a display including a display panel and a touch panel for receiving touch input; a battery; a processor electrically connected to the display and the battery, wherein the processor detects that the power state of the aerosol generating device is converted to a first state, and, based on whether a touch input via the touch panel of the display is received within a critical time after being converted to the first state, converts the power state of the aerosol generating device to a second state different from the first state. An aerosol generating device.

2. The processor cuts off the power supply from the battery to the display panel in the first state and supplies power from the battery to the display panel in the second state. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

3. The processor converts the power state of the aerosol generating device to the second state when the touch input via the touch panel is received within the critical time, and outputs a first UI screen via the display panel. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

4. The first UI screen is a UI screen output via the display panel immediately before the power state of the aerosol generating device is converted to the first state. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3.

5. The processor converts the power state of the aerosol generating device from the first state to the second state based on whether an input via a physical button is received. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

6. The processor converts the power state of the aerosol generating device to the second state when an input via the physical button is received, and outputs a second UI screen via the display panel. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5.

7. The second UI screen includes an initial UI screen of the aerosol generating device, and the initial UI screen includes an object related to at least one of time information, usage mode, battery remaining amount information, and weather information. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

8. further includes a heater, wherein the usage mode is a state set by a user among a plurality of usage modes, The processor The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein power supply to the heater is controlled based on a heating profile corresponding to the usage mode among a plurality of heating profiles.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the touch input via the touch panel includes at least one touch input.

10. In a method of operating an aerosol generating device, detecting that the power state of the aerosol generating device is converted to a first state; after being converted to the first state, converting the power state of the aerosol generating device to a second state different from the first state based on whether a touch input via a touch panel of a display is received within a critical time.

11. The method of operation according to claim 10, further comprising cutting off power supply from the battery to a display panel of the display in the first state and supplying power from the battery to the display panel in the second state.

12. The method of operation according to claim 10, further comprising converting the power state of the aerosol generating device to the second state by receiving a touch input via the touch panel within the critical time and outputting a first UI screen via the display panel.

13. The method of operation according to claim 10, further comprising converting the power state of the aerosol generating device from the first state to the second state based on whether an input via a physical button is received.

14. The method of operation according to claim 13, further comprising converting the power state of the aerosol generating device to the second state by receiving an input via the physical button and outputting a second UI screen via the display panel.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to claim 10.

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