Aerosol generating device including a light emitting element and method of operating the same

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a housing including a storage space for storing an aerosol product; a light-emitting element disposed inside the housing for emitting light through a single light source; and a processor for receiving an event detection input, determining a control mode of power supply to the single light source of the light-emitting element based on the received event detection input, supplying power to the single light source in a first control mode determined based on the detection input of an event corresponding to a first event, and supplying power to the single light source in a second control mode determined based on the detection input of an event corresponding to a second event distinct from the first event.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device that outputs various status information through a light emitting element. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes, such as systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating materials using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to generate aerosols.

[0003] The aerosol generating device may include a component for displaying the device status to a user, such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or liquid crystal display (LCD) display, or may control a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to output the device status.

[0004] Recently, there has been a trend to reduce the size and weight of aerosol generating devices in order to improve portability for users. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If the aerosol generating device includes a display-type element or multiple light-emitting diodes, the material cost of the device will increase and the number of parts that must be placed in the limited space within the device will increase, which may not be in line with the trend toward miniaturization and weight reduction.

[0006] One or more embodiments provide an aerosol generating device that can display various information to a user using only a light-emitting element including a single light source by setting different control modes for supplying power to the light-emitting element depending on the detection input of an event.

[0007] Problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to various embodiments, an aerosol generating device includes a housing including a storage space for storing an aerosol product; a light emitting element disposed within the housing for emitting light through a single light source; and a processor for receiving an event detection input and determining a control mode of power supply to the single light source of the light emitting element based on the received event detection input, supplying power to the single light source in a first control mode determined based on the detection input of an event corresponding to a first event and in a second control mode determined based on the detection input of an event corresponding to a second event distinct from the first event. According to various embodiments, a method of operating an aerosol generating device includes receiving an event detection input, determining a control mode of power supply to the single light source of the light emitting element based on the received event detection input, supplying power to the single light source in the first control mode determined based on the detection input of an event corresponding to the first event, and supplying power to the single light source in the second control mode determined based on the detection input of an event corresponding to a second event distinct from the first event. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device can provide visual information that allows a user to clearly understand the detected event by differently controlling the light emission of a light emitting element including a single light source according to the type of event detected. Furthermore, by adopting a light emitting element including a single light source, costs and efficiency associated with manufacturing the aerosol generating device can be improved.

[0010] However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling power supply to a light-emitting element in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controlling power supply in a first control mode. [Figure 5A] 5 is a diagram showing an example of power supply according to the first control mode of FIG. 4; [Figure 5B] 5 is a diagram showing another example of power supply according to the first control mode of FIG. 4; [Figure 5C] 5 is a diagram showing yet another example of power supply according to the first control mode of FIG. 4; [Figure 6] 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controlling power supply in a second control mode. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram showing an example of power supply according to the second control mode of FIG. 6; [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling power supply to a light-emitting element in an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controlling power supply in a third control mode. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is an illustrative diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment displaying the type of aerosol product inserted in another control mode. [Figure 11]10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controlling power supply based on connection with an external device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The terms used in the embodiments are generally used in the present invention, taking into consideration their functions in the present invention. However, these may change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by their names.

[0013] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements and may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0014] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of," precedes an element in an arrangement, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the arrangement. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0015] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0016] The aerosol generating device comprises a heater, in one embodiment the heater is an electrically resistive heater, for example the heater comprises a conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the conductive track the heater is heated.

[0017] The heater may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0018] Cigarettes include tobacco rods and filter rods. Tobacco rods can be made in sheet form, strand form, or shredded tobacco from a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod can also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this.

[0019] The filter rod may also be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may have a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out certain components contained in the aerosol.

[0020] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0021] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating material and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the body, incorporated therein, or fixed so as not to be detachable by a user. The cartridge is attached to the body with the aerosol-generating material contained therein. However, is not limited thereto, and the aerosol-generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0022] The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming material in any one of various states, such as a liquid, solid, gas, or gel. The aerosol-forming material includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0023] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase, thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage is configured to deliver the aerosol to the user through the cigarette.

[0025] In still another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method, where the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0026] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator that generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0027] The aerosol generating device further includes a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance, for example, the wick is positioned to surround or contact at least a region of the vibrator.

[0028] When a voltage (e.g., an AC 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 are transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0029] For example, the heat generated from the vibrator reduces the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the core, and the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator break the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating substance into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limiting.

[0030] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

[0031] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field is formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol product.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device further comprises a cradle.

[0033] The aerosol generating device may be combined with a separate cradle to form a system. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may heat the aerosol generating device when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a housing 110 into which an aerosol product 150 is inserted, a physical button 120, and a light emitting element .

[0038] In one embodiment, the housing 110 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 100 and has an internal space (or "arrangement space") in which components of the aerosol generating device 100 are arranged. Although the drawings only show an embodiment in which the cross section of the housing 110 is generally elliptical, the shape of the housing 110 is not limited thereto. Depending on the embodiment (not shown), the housing 110 may be generally formed in the shape of a polygonal prism (e.g., a triangular prism, a square prism) or may have a cross section generally semicircular.

[0039] In one embodiment, a physical button 120 that can be operated by a user and a light-emitting element 130 that displays status information of the aerosol generation device 100 are arranged in an area provided on the outside of the housing 110. More specifically, the light-emitting element 130 can display status information of the aerosol generation device 100 through a single light source, which will be described in detail later.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0041] 2, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a light emitting element 130 and a processor 200. The components of the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment are not limited thereto, and other components may be added or at least one component may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0042] In one embodiment, the light emitting element 130 includes a single light source (e.g., one LED) and a light guide panel (LGP). For example, based on power supplied from a battery (not shown) of the aerosol generation device 100, the light emitting element 130 displays status information of the aerosol generation device 100 through the single light source. Since the light emitting element 130 emits light through a single light source such as one LED, and the light emitted through the single light source can be spread substantially uniformly through a light guide panel (not shown), the power consumption required for the aerosol generation device 100 to display status information is reduced.

[0043] In one embodiment, the processor 200 receives an event detection input and determines a control mode of power supply to the light emitting element 130. In the present invention, an "event detection input" refers to an input signal that indicates a state change within the aerosol generating device 100.

[0044] Examples of events that trigger an "event detection input" include, but are not limited to, the insertion or movement of an aerosol product (e.g., aerosol product 150 in FIG. 1), an error within the device, a user puffing on the aerosol product 150, the start of a preheating operation, a communication connection with an external device, and a separate user input.

[0045] In one embodiment, when a first event detection input is received, the processor 200 supplies power to the light-emitting element 130 in a first control mode. In the present invention, a "first event detection input" may refer to a detection input of an event that causes a state change in the aerosol generating device 100 to be output as "0" or "1," and a "first control mode" refers to a control mode in which power is repeatedly supplied and cut off to a single light source of the light-emitting element 130 for a predetermined time. The "first control mode" includes any control in which power is repeatedly supplied and cut off for a predetermined time. In other words, the number of times, cycle, duration, etc. of power supply in the "first control mode" vary depending on the type of detection input (e.g., detection of insertion of an aerosol product, detection of movement, detection of abnormality, etc.).

[0046] For example, when the aerosol generating device 100 outputs information regarding the insertion of the aerosol product 150, it outputs "1" if the aerosol product 150 is inserted and "0" if it is not inserted. As a result, the insertion of the aerosol product 150 triggers the "first event detection input."

[0047] In another example, when the aerosol generating device 100 outputs information regarding the movement (or removal) of the aerosol product 150, it outputs "1" if the aerosol product 150 has moved (or been removed), and outputs "0" if the aerosol product 150 has not moved. As a result, the movement of the aerosol product 150 triggers the "first event detection input."

[0048] As yet another example, when the aerosol generation device 100 outputs information regarding the occurrence of an abnormality in the device 100, if the temperature of the heater in the device 100 increases rapidly to a threshold value or more, the output is "1," and if the temperature is below the threshold value, the output is "0." As a result, the occurrence of an abnormality in the aerosol generation device 100 triggers a "detection input of a first event."

[0049] In one embodiment, the processor 200 may control the light emitting device 130 by varying the number and duration of the first control mode depending on the type of the detected input of the first event. For example, if the aerosol product 150 is inserted, power may be supplied and interrupted once every second. Alternatively, if the aerosol product 150 is moved, power may be supplied and interrupted three times every three seconds. This is merely an example for convenience of explanation, and a detailed description will be given later.

[0050] In one embodiment, when a detection input of a second event is received, the processor 200 supplies power to the light-emitting element 130 in a second control mode. In the present invention, a "detection input of a second event" refers to a detection input of an event in which a state change within the aerosol generating device 100 is output as a series of values ​​(i.e., a binary number may not indicate a change in state due to the second event), and a "second control mode" refers to a control mode in which the power supplied to the single light source of the light-emitting element 130 is adjusted within a predetermined range.

[0051] For example, when the aerosol generating device 100 outputs information regarding the number of remaining puffs of the aerosol product 150 inserted into the device 100, a value obtained by subtracting one puff from the initial number of puffs possible (e.g., 14 puffs) as each puff of the user is detected is output. As a result, the number of remaining puffs of the aerosol product 150 corresponds to the "detection input of the second event."

[0052] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling power supply to a light-emitting element in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 3, a processor (eg, processor 200 of FIG. 2) of an aerosol generating device (eg, aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1) receives an event detection input in operation 301.

[0054] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes components for detecting various events and generating event detection inputs.

[0055] For example, the aerosol generation device 100 further includes an insertion detection sensor that can detect the insertion and / or movement of an aerosol product (e.g., the aerosol product 150 in FIG. 1). In another example, the aerosol generation device 100 further includes a sensor that can detect an abnormality in the device 100 (e.g., a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the heater). In yet another example, the aerosol generation device 100 further includes a puff sensor that can detect a user's puff on the aerosol product 150. However, the components included in the aerosol generation device 100 are not limited thereto and may be variously added depending on design changes by the manufacturer, etc.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the processor 200 may determine, in operation 303, a control mode of power supply to a single light source of a light emitting element (eg, light emitting element 130 of FIG. 1) based on the received event detection input.

[0057] In one embodiment, when a first event detection input is received, the processor 200 determines to supply power to the light-emitting element 130 in a first control mode. In this case, the "first event detection input" refers to a detection input of an event that causes a state change in the aerosol generating device 100 to be output as "0" or "1," and the "first control mode" refers to a control mode that repeatedly supplies and cuts off power to the single light source of the light-emitting element 130 for a predetermined time. In other words, the "first control mode" refers to a control mode that blinks the single light source of the light-emitting element 130, and is also called a blinking control mode.

[0058] In this embodiment, as a first event detection input is received, a first control mode is set to blink the single light source of the light emitting element 130, thereby visually clarifying whether a state change has occurred within the aerosol generation device 100. In other words, in the case of a first event detection input that simply indicates whether a state change has occurred within the aerosol generation device 100, dimming control that gradually controls the brightness of the light emitting element 130 is not necessary, and information regarding a state change within the device 100 can be output simply by blinking the light emitting element 130.

[0059] Alternatively, when a second event detection input is received, the processor 200 determines to supply power to the light-emitting element 130 in a second control mode. In this case, the "second event detection input" refers to a detection input of an event in which a state change in the aerosol generating device 100 is output as a series of values, and the "second control mode" refers to a control mode that adjusts the power supplied to the single light source of the light-emitting element 130 within a predetermined range. In other words, the "second control mode" refers to a control mode that adjusts the brightness of the single light source of the light-emitting element 130 in a stepwise manner. The second control mode is also called a dimming control mode.

[0060] In this embodiment, as the detection input of the second event is received, the second control mode is set to gradually adjust the brightness of the single light source of the light-emitting element 130, thereby visually clearly indicating the degree of state change within the aerosol generation device 100. That is, in the case of the detection input of the second event, information regarding the degree of state change within the aerosol generation device 100 is output by dimming control that gradually controls the brightness of the light-emitting element 130.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the processor 200 supplies power to the single light source of the light emitting element 130 in a first control mode or a second control mode in operation 305. A detailed description of the processor 200 supplying power in the first control mode or the second control mode will be provided below with reference to FIGS.

[0062] Fig. 4 is an example diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment controlling power supply in a first control mode. Fig. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of power supply in the first control mode of Fig. 4. Fig. 5B is a diagram illustrating another example of power supply in the first control mode of Fig. 4. Fig. 5C is a diagram illustrating yet another example of power supply in the first control mode of Fig. 4.

[0063] 4, in operation 303 of FIG. 3, when the control mode for a single light source of a light-emitting element (e.g., light-emitting element 130 of FIG. 2) is determined to be the "first control mode," a processor (e.g., processor 200 of FIG. 2) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1) can supply power to the light-emitting element 130 based on a first graph 400. As shown in FIG. 4, the first graph 400 is a power supply profile in which power supply is maintained for a predetermined time and then interrupted repeatedly.

[0064] 5A to 5C, the aerosol generating device 500 includes an insertion detection sensor 510 that detects the insertion of an aerosol product 560, a heater 520, a light emitting element 530, a processor 540, and a battery 550. Here, the aerosol generating device 500 corresponds to the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1, and therefore, parts that correspond, are the same as, or are similar to those described above will be omitted.

[0065] 5A, processor 540 receives an input indicating that an aerosol product 560 has been inserted through insertion detection sensor 510. Insertion detection sensor 510 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and detects a change in signal due to the insertion of aerosol product 560.

[0066] In one embodiment, upon receiving a detection input of an event corresponding to the insertion of aerosol product 560, processor 540 can supply power to light-emitting element 530 via battery 550. In this case, processor 540 determines the control mode of the power supply to light-emitting element 530 as a first control mode based on receiving a detection input of an event corresponding to the insertion of aerosol product 560.

[0067] This allows the processor 540 to supply power to the light emitting element 530 in a manner that corresponds to the graph 570. For example, the processor 540 may supply a first power P stick After supplying the first power P, the power supply is interrupted for a predetermined time t1 (for example, 1 second). stick is the maximum power P max This is approximately 80% of the total, but is not limited to this.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5B, processor 540 receives a detection input from insertion sensor 510 of an event corresponding to the movement (or removal) of aerosol product article 560 .

[0069] In one embodiment, processor 540 may supply power to light-emitting element 530 via battery 550 based on receiving a detection input of an event corresponding to movement of aerosol product article 560. In this case, processor 540 may determine a control mode of power supply to light-emitting element 530 as a first control mode based on receiving a detection input of an event corresponding to movement of aerosol product article 560.

[0070] In one embodiment, the processor 540 determines the control mode of power supply to the light emitting element 530 as the first control mode, and then supplies power to the light emitting element 530 so that the light emitting element 530 corresponds to the graph 580. For example, the processor 540 may set a first power P stick The supply and interruption of the first power P stick is the maximum power Pmax This is approximately 80% of the total, but is not limited to this.

[0071] 5C, the processor 540 receives an input indicating an event corresponding to an abnormality (i.e., overheating). For example, the aerosol generating device 500 may include a separate temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater 520, or the heater 520 itself may function as a temperature sensor.

[0072] In one embodiment, based on receiving a detection input of an event corresponding to an abnormality such as overheating of the heater 520, the processor 540 supplies power to the light-emitting element 530 through the battery 550. At this time, based on receiving a detection input of an event corresponding to an abnormality of the aerosol generating device 500, the processor 540 determines the control mode of the power supply to the light-emitting element 530 to be the first control mode.

[0073] In one embodiment, the processor 540 determines the control mode of power supply to the light emitting element 530 as the first control mode, and then supplies power to the light emitting element 530 so that the light emitting element 530 corresponds to the graph 590. For example, the processor 540 may determine the maximum power P stick Can be supplied and interrupted three times.

[0074] In this embodiment, only an operation related to overheating of the heater 520 is disclosed as an example of abnormal operation (i.e., non-normal operation) of the aerosol generating device 500, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the processor 540 receives detection input of various events related to abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device 500 (e.g., insertion of a previously used aerosol product, etc.), and based on this, determines the control mode of power supply to the light-emitting element 530 as the first control mode.

[0075] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment controlling power supply in a second control mode, and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of power supply in the second control mode of FIG.

[0076] 6, when the control mode for a single light source of a light-emitting element (e.g., the light-emitting element 130 of FIG. 2) is determined to be the "second control mode" in operation 303 of FIG. 3, a processor (e.g., the processor 200 of FIG. 2) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1) can supply power to the light-emitting element 130 based on a second graph 600. That is, the second graph 600 is a power supply profile in which the supplied power is gradually reduced within a predetermined range. In this case, the "predetermined range" includes multiple power levels corresponding to multiple dimming levels of the light-emitting element 130.

[0077] 7, an aerosol generating device 700 includes a puff sensor 710 that detects a user's puff, a heater 720, a light emitting element 730, a processor 740, and a battery 750. At this time, the aerosol generating device 700 corresponds to the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1, and therefore, parts that correspond, are the same as, or are similar to those described above will be omitted.

[0078] In one embodiment, processor 740 receives an input of a detected event corresponding to a user's puff from puff sensor 710. In this case, puff sensor 710 detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, puff sensor 710 detects a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0079] In one embodiment, based on receiving an input of a detected event corresponding to a user's puff, the processor 740 supplies power to the light emitting element 730 through the battery 750. At this time, the processor 740 determines the control mode of the power supply to the light emitting element 730 as the second control mode.

[0080] In one embodiment, the processor 740 determines the control mode of power supply to the light-emitting element 730 as the second control mode, and then supplies power to the light-emitting element 730 according to the graph 770. For example, if the number of puffs possible for the aerosol product 760 inserted into the aerosol generating device 700 is n, the processor 740 obtains multiple power values ​​P1, P2, P3, ..., Pn+1 by dividing the predetermined power range into n+1 times. That is, the single light source of the light-emitting element 730 includes n+1 dimming levels.

[0081] In addition, the processor 740 supplies power to the light emitting element 730 at P1, which is the maximum value of the plurality of power values, through the battery 750. This allows the single light source of the light emitting element 730 to emit light at the highest brightness level (e.g., about 80%) among the dimming levels, and the user can see through the light emitting element 730 that the number of remaining puffs for the current aerosol product 760 is maximum.

[0082] Then, based on receiving a detected input of an event corresponding to the user's first puff, processor 740 provides power through battery 750 at P3, which is less than P2, to light-emitting element 730. Based on receiving a detected input of an event corresponding to the user's second puff, processor 740 provides power through battery 750 at P3, which is less than P2, to light-emitting element 730.

[0083] 8 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling power supply to a light-emitting element of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Fig. 8 relates to operations after operation 301 of Fig. 3, and content that corresponds to, is the same as, or is similar to the content described above will be omitted.

[0084] Referring to Figure 8, in operation 801, a processor (e.g., processor 200 of Figure 2) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 100 of Figure 1) determines a control mode of power supply to a single light source of a light-emitting element (e.g., light-emitting element 130 of Figure 1) based on a received event detection input.

[0085] In one embodiment, when a third event detection input is received, the processor 200 determines to supply power to the light-emitting element 130 in a third control mode. In this case, the "third event detection input" refers to a detection input of an event that can be output as a change in time and / or temperature within the aerosol generating device 100, or specific information can be output. The "third control mode" refers to a control mode that combines the "first control mode" and the "second control mode."

[0086] That is, the "third control mode" refers to a control mode in which the single light source of the light emitting element 130 is controlled to blink for a predetermined time using the "first control mode," and then the brightness of the single light source of the light emitting element 130 is controlled according to a dimming level using the "second control mode" within a predetermined power range. However, the "third control mode" is not limited thereto, and may also refer to a control mode in which control is performed using the "second power control mode" and then using the "first control mode."

[0087] According to an embodiment, the processor 200 supplies power to the single light source of the light emitting element 130 in a third control mode in operation 803. A detailed description of the processor 200 supplying power in the third control mode will be provided later with reference to FIGS.

[0088] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment controlling power supply in a third control mode.

[0089] 9, a processor (e.g., processor 200 of FIG. 2) supplies power to a light-emitting element (e.g., light-emitting element 130 of FIG. 2) based on receiving a detection input of an event corresponding to the start of a pre-heating operation for an aerosol product (e.g., aerosol product 150 of FIG. 1). At this time, processor 200 determines the control mode of power supply to light-emitting element 130 as the third control mode based on receiving a detection input of an event corresponding to the start of a pre-heating operation for aerosol product 150.

[0090] In one embodiment, the processor 200 determines the control mode of power supply to the light-emitting element 130 as the third control mode, and then supplies power to the light-emitting element 130 in a manner corresponding to the graph 900 .

[0091] In one embodiment, the processor 200 may set a first power P stick By supplying and interrupting the first power P ten times, the light emitting element 130 can be controlled in the first control mode. stick is the maximum power P max This is approximately 80% of the total, but is not limited to this.

[0092] Then, after the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the processor 200 gradually adjusts the power supplied to the light-emitting element 130 within a predetermined power range as smoking progresses to correspond to the increase in temperature or the passage of time within the aerosol generating device 100.

[0093] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment displaying the type of aerosol product inserted in another control mode.

[0094] 10, the aerosol generating device 500 includes a cigarette recognition sensor 1010 that identifies the type of aerosol product 1060 inserted, a heater 1020, a light emitting element 1030, a processor 1040, and a battery 1050. At this time, the aerosol generating device 1000 corresponds to the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1, and therefore, parts that correspond to, are the same as, or are similar to those described above will be omitted.

[0095] In one embodiment, the processor 1040 receives a detection input of an event corresponding to the identification of the type of the aerosol product 1060 from the cigarette recognition sensor 1010. At this time, the cigarette recognition sensor 1010 can identify the type of the aerosol product 1060 based on an identification element included in the aerosol product 1060, an electrical characteristic value of the aerosol product 1060, etc. For example, the cigarette recognition sensor 1010 can identify whether the aerosol product 1060 is type (a), type (b), or type (c) when the aerosol product 1060 is inserted.

[0096] In one embodiment, based on receiving a detection input of an event corresponding to the identification of the type of aerosol product 1060, processor 1040 can supply power to light-emitting element 1030 via battery 1050. In this case, based on receiving a detection input of an event corresponding to the identification of the type of aerosol product 1060, processor 1040 determines the control mode of the power supply to light-emitting element 1030 as the second control mode or the third control mode.

[0097] For example, if the type of aerosol product 1060 is type (a), the processor 1040 may repeatedly supply and stop power to the light-emitting element 1030 for a predetermined time based on the first control mode. In another example, if the type of aerosol product 1060 is type (b), the processor 1040 may adjust the power supply to the light-emitting element 1030 within a predetermined power range based on the second control mode. In yet another example, if the type of aerosol product 1060 is type (c), the processor 1040 may repeatedly supply power to the light-emitting element 1030 and stop the power supply for a predetermined time based on the third control mode. However, this is merely an example, and the control mode for each type of aerosol product may be set in various ways depending on the manufacturer's design.

[0098] In addition, in one embodiment, the processor 1040 may reset the number of puffs allowed depending on the type of aerosol product 1060 identified by the cigarette recognition sensor 1010, reset the number of dimming levels divided based on the reset number of puffs allowed, and control the power supply to the light emitting element 1030 accordingly. For example, if the number of puffs allowed for the aerosol product of type (a) is 14 and the number of puffs allowed for the aerosol product of type (b) is 10, the processor 1040 outputs the remaining puff number related information for type (a) to 15 dimming levels and the remaining puff number related information for type (b) to 11 dimming levels.

[0099] FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controlling power supply based on connection with an external device.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a housing 110 into which an aerosol product 150 is inserted, a physical button 120, a light emitting element 130, and an interface (not shown) connected to the outside.

[0101] In one embodiment, a processor of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., processor 200 of FIG. 2) receives detection input of an event related to the interface, such as a communication connection between the aerosol generating device 100 and the external device 1100, a charging connection and interruption, message reception, and notification information reception. For example, when a Bluetooth connection is established between the aerosol generating device 100 and the external device 1100, the aerosol generating device 100 receives detection input resulting from the communication connection being established through the interface.

[0102] In one embodiment, the processor 200 controls the power supply to the light-emitting element 130 based on receiving a detection input of an event sensed through the interface. For example, when a Bluetooth connection is established between the aerosol generating device 100 and the external device 1100, the processor 200 can control the power supply to the light-emitting element 130 in at least one of a "first control mode," a "second control mode," or a "third control mode."

[0103] FIG. 12 is a block diagram 1200 of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0104] The aerosol generating device 1200 includes a control unit 1210, a sensing unit 1220, an output unit 1230, a battery 1240, a heater 1250, a user input unit 1260, a memory 1270, and a communication unit 1280. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1200 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 12. That is, a person skilled in the art would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 12 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1200.

[0105] The sensing unit 1220 senses the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1200, and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 1210. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1210 controls the aerosol generating device 1200 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 1250, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0106] The sensing unit 1220 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 1222, an insertion sensor 1224, and a puff sensor 1226, but is not limited thereto. The temperature sensor 1222 senses the temperature to which the heater 1250 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1200 may include a separate temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the heater 1250, or the heater 1250 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1222 may be disposed around the battery 1240 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1240.

[0107] The insertion detection sensor 1224 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1224 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and detects a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product.

[0108] The puff sensor 1226 senses a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0109] The sensing unit 1220 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor in addition to the above-described sensors 1222 to 1226. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] The output unit 1230 outputs and provides to a user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1200. The output unit 1230 includes at least one of, but is not limited to, a display unit 1232, a haptic unit 1234, and an audio output unit 1236. When the display unit 1232 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1232 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0111] The display unit 1232 visually provides a user with information about the aerosol generating device 1200. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1200 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 1240 of the aerosol generating device 1200, the preheating status of the heater 1250, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generating device 1200 (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 1232 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 1232 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 1232 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0112] The haptic unit 1234 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1200. For example, the haptic unit 1234 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0113] The acoustic output unit 1236 audibly provides the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1200. For example, the acoustic output unit 1236 converts an electric signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0114] The battery 1240 supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 supplies power to the heater 1250 so that it can be heated. The battery 1240 also supplies power necessary for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1200 (e.g., the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280). The battery 1240 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1240 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] The heater 1250 receives power from the battery 1240 and heats the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 12, the aerosol-generating device 1200 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to the heater 1250. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 1200 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 1200 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 1240 into AC power supply.

[0116] The control unit 1210, the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280 perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 1240. Although not shown in Fig. 12, the device further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to each component.

[0117] In one embodiment, heater 1250 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, heater 1250 may be embodied as, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0118] In another embodiment, heater 1250 is an induction heater, for example, heater 1250 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0119] The user input unit 1260 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 1160 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (such as a contact capacitance type, a pressure type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, or a piezoelectric effect type), a jog wheel, or a jog switch. Although not shown in FIG. 12 , the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which the aerosol generating device 1200 can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the battery 1240.

[0120] The memory 1270 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1200, and stores data that has been processed by the control unit 1210 and data to be processed by the control unit 1210. The memory 1270 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card micro, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 1270 stores the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1200, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0121] The communication unit 1280 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1280 includes a short-range communication unit 1282 and a wireless communication unit 1284.

[0122] The short-range communication unit 1282 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a short-range wireless communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) 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.

[0123] The wireless communication unit 1284 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1284 can use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1200 within the communication network.

[0124] The controller 1210 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. In one embodiment, the controller 1210 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 1210 may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0125] The control unit 1210 controls the temperature of the heater 1250 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1240 to the heater 1250. For example, the control unit 1210 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1240 and the heater 1250. In another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 1250 in response to a control command from the control unit 1210.

[0126] The controller 1210 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220 and controls subsequent processing. For example, the controller 1210 controls the power supplied to the heater 1250 to start or stop the operation of the heater 1250 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220. As another example, the controller 1210 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 1250 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220 so that the heater 1250 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0127] The control unit 1210 controls the output unit 1230 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 1220. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 1226 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1210 notifies the user through at least one of the display unit 1232, the haptic unit 1234, and the audio output unit 1236 that the aerosol generating device 1200 will soon be finished.

[0128] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0129] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, a housing including a storage space for storing an aerosol product; a light emitting element disposed within the housing for emitting light through a single light source; a processor electrically connected to the light emitting device, The processor: Receives an event detection input; determining a control mode of power supply to the single light source of the light-emitting element based on the received event detection input; An aerosol generating device that supplies power to the single light source in a first control mode determined based on a detection input of an event corresponding to a first event, and supplies power to the single light source in a second control mode determined based on a detection input of an event corresponding to a second event that is distinct from the first event.

2. The processor: The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the first control mode repeatedly supplies and cuts off power to the single light source for a predetermined period of time.

3. The processor: The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein a maximum power to be supplied to the single light source is set, and power supply and interruption are repeated at the set maximum power.

4. The processor: The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the second control mode adjusts the power supplied to the single light source within a predetermined range.

5. the predetermined range includes a plurality of power levels corresponding to a plurality of dimming levels; The processor: The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the power supplied to the single light source is adjusted by one of the plurality of dimming levels based on the second event.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first event is any one of insertion or movement of the aerosol product detected by an insertion detection sensor, and detection of an abnormality in the aerosol generating device.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the second event is detection of a user's puff through a puff sensor.

8. The processor: receiving a detection input of a third event distinct from the first event and the second event, and supplying power to the single light source of the light-emitting element in a third control mode; The third control mode is The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first control mode and the second control mode are combined control modes.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8 , wherein the third event is either the initiation of preheating of the aerosol product or the identification of the type of the aerosol product.

10. Further including an interface that can be connected to the outside, The third event is any one of a communication connection between the aerosol generating device and an external device, a start or stop of charging, a message reception, and a notification information reception; The aerosol generating device of claim 8 , wherein the third event is sensed through the interface.

11. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: receiving an event detection input; determining a control mode of power supply to a single light source of the light-emitting element based on the received event detection input; providing power to the single light source according to a first control mode determined based on a detected input of an event corresponding to a first event; A method for operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: a step of supplying power to the single light source according to a second control mode determined based on a detection input of an event corresponding to a second event distinct from the first event.

12. The step of supplying power in the first control mode includes:

12. A method of operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 11, comprising the step of repeatedly supplying and removing power to the single light source for a predetermined period of time.

13. The step of supplying power in the second control mode includes:

12. A method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 11, comprising adjusting the power supplied to the single light source within a predetermined range.

14. the predetermined range includes a plurality of power levels corresponding to a plurality of dimming levels, The method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 13 , wherein the power supplied to the single light source is adjusted by one of the plurality of dimming levels based on the second event.

15. receiving an event detection input corresponding to a third event distinct from the first event and the second event; supplying power to the single light source of the light emitting element in a third control mode; The third control mode is The method of claim 11 , wherein the first control mode and the second control mode are combined control modes.

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