Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a storage space into which an aerosol product is inserted, a heater for heating the aerosol product, an insertion detection sensor for detecting whether the aerosol product is inserted into the storage space, and a control unit for providing a notification to a user via an output unit when the insertion detection sensor detects that the aerosol product inserted in the storage space has been removed from the storage space during the heating operation of the heater. The heater continues to heat the aerosol product even while providing the notification.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device that can provide notification when an aerosol product is not inserted at the correct position in the storage space of the aerosol generating device.

[0002] Various embodiments according to the present invention relate to an aerosol generating device and method of operation that can detect the fully inserted configuration of the aerosol product using capacitance and optical sensors. [Background technology]

[0003] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for smoking methods that can replace conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance in a cigarette, rather than by burning a cigarette. This has led to active research into heated cigarettes or heated aerosol-generating devices.

[0004] The aerosol product inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device may be partially detached or removed from the accommodation space due to various reasons. For example, when a user inhales in dry weather, the aerosol product may stick to the user's lips and be lifted up.

[0005] When the aerosol product is partially released from the storage space, the aerosol product is not heated properly, and therefore the user cannot experience a satisfactory smoking sensation.

[0006] When an aerosol product is inserted into the storage space of the aerosol generating device, the device heats the aerosol product according to a set temperature profile, and determines whether the aerosol product has been inserted into the storage space using various types of sensors (e.g., capacitance sensor, inductive sensor, infrared sensor, pressure sensor, etc.). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device that can generate a sufficient amount of atomization by guiding the aerosol product to be placed in an optimal heating position.

[0008] Even if the insertion of the aerosol product into the storage space is detected, in some cases the aerosol product may not be fully inserted into the storage space. In this case, the aerosol generating device can perform a control operation (e.g., heater heating) after the insertion of the aerosol product is detected, but if the aerosol product is not fully inserted, the operating efficiency of the control operation may be reduced.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an aerosol generating device that can detect not only whether an aerosol product is inserted but also the insertion state (i.e., whether it is fully inserted or not) and control the power supply to the heater.

[0010] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the attached drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a storage space into which an aerosol product is inserted, a heater for heating the aerosol product, an insertion detection sensor for detecting whether the aerosol product is inserted into the storage space, and a control unit for providing a notification to a user through an output unit when the insertion detection sensor detects that the aerosol product inserted in the storage space has been removed from the storage space during a heating operation of the heater. The heater continues to heat the aerosol product even while providing the notification.

[0012] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes: inserting an aerosol product into a storage space, heating the aerosol product with a heater, detecting whether the inserted aerosol product has moved out of the storage space with an insertion detection sensor during heating by the heater, and providing a notification to a user via an output unit when the aerosol product has moved out of the storage space, wherein the heater continues heating the aerosol product even during the notification step.

[0013] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a housing including a cavity in which an aerosol product is accommodated, a capacitance sensor including a first electrode arranged adjacent to the cavity and a second electrode arranged adjacent to the cavity and opposite the first electrode, an optical sensor arranged in a region of the housing opposite at least a portion of an identification element included in the aerosol product when the aerosol product is accommodated so as to abut against the lower surface of the cavity, a heater for heating the aerosol product accommodated in the cavity, and a processor electrically connected to the capacitance sensor, the optical sensor, and the heater, wherein the processor detects a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode due to the aerosol product being accommodated using the capacitance sensor, detects the amount of light reflected from the identification element of the aerosol product using the optical sensor, and controls the supply of power to the heater based on the detected change in capacitance and the detected amount of reflected light.

[0014] The processor detects the amount of reflected light using the optical sensor based on the detected change in capacitance exceeding a predetermined change.

[0015] The processor supplies power to the heater when the detected change in capacitance exceeds a predetermined change and the detected amount of reflected light is less than a first amount of reflected light.

[0016] The aerosol generating device further includes a user interface, and the processor outputs a first notification via the user interface when the detected change in capacitance exceeds a predetermined change and the detected amount of reflected light is greater than or equal to a first reflected light amount and less than a second reflected light amount that is greater than the first reflected light amount.

[0017] The processor outputs the first notification via the user interface, guiding the user to insert the aerosol product product so that the aerosol product product abuts a lower surface of the cavity.

[0018] The aerosol generating device further includes a user interface, and the processor outputs a second notification via the user interface when the detected change in capacitance exceeds a predetermined change and the detected amount of reflected light is greater than or equal to a second amount of reflected light.

[0019] The processor outputs the second notification via the user interface, guiding the user to remove the aerosol product item contained in the cavity and insert another aerosol product item.

[0020] The optical sensor is positioned adjacent to the cavity opposite at least a portion of an identification element included in the aerosol product.

[0021] The optical sensor is positioned on the upper surface of the housing opposite at least a portion of an identification element included in the aerosol product.

[0022] The processor detects the amount of light reflected by at least one of the thickness, color, pattern, and material of the identification element using the optical sensor.

[0023] A method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes the steps of: detecting a change in capacitance between a first electrode and a second electrode of a capacitance sensor arranged adjacent to a cavity in which the aerosol product is contained due to the aerosol product being contained; detecting an amount of reflected light from an identification element of the aerosol product using an optical sensor arranged in a region of the housing facing at least a portion of the identification element included in the aerosol product when the aerosol product is contained so as to abut against the lower surface of the cavity; and controlling power supply to a heater based on the detected change in capacitance and the detected amount of reflected light.

[0024] Detecting the amount of reflected light using the optical sensor includes detecting the amount of reflected light using the optical sensor based on the detected change in capacitance exceeding a predetermined change.

[0025] The step of controlling the power supply to the heater includes the step of supplying power to the heater when the detected change in capacitance exceeds a predetermined change and the detected amount of reflected light is less than a first amount of reflected light.

[0026] The method further includes outputting a first notification through a user interface when the detected change in capacitance exceeds a predetermined change amount, the detected amount of reflected light is equal to or greater than a first reflected light amount and is less than a second reflected light amount that is greater than the first reflected light amount, and outputting a second notification through the user interface when the detected change in capacitance exceeds the predetermined change amount and the detected amount of reflected light is equal to or greater than the second reflected light amount.

[0027] An aerosol generation system according to one embodiment includes an aerosol product having an identification element at least in part, and an aerosol generation device, wherein the aerosol generation device includes a housing including a cavity in which the aerosol product is accommodated, a capacitance sensor including a first electrode arranged adjacent to the cavity and a second electrode arranged adjacent to the cavity and opposite the first electrode, an optical sensor arranged in a region of the housing that faces at least a portion of the identification element included in the aerosol product when the aerosol product is accommodated so as to abut against the lower surface of the cavity, a heater that heats the aerosol product accommodated in the cavity, and a processor electrically connected to the capacitance sensor, the optical sensor, and the heater, wherein the processor detects a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode due to the aerosol product being accommodated using the capacitance sensor, detects the amount of light reflected from the identification element of the aerosol product using the optical sensor, and controls the supply of power to the heater based on the detected change in capacitance and the detected amount of reflected light. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide a notification to a user when an insertion detection sensor detects the movement of an aerosol product from the storage space of the aerosol generating device, thereby guiding the user to place the aerosol product in an optimal heating position.

[0029] According to various embodiments of the present invention, by controlling the power supply to the heater depending on whether an aerosol product is inserted and the insertion state, the smoking performance designed by the manufacturer is realized, thereby improving the user's smoking experience.

[0030] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and any unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a flowchart for controlling the power supply to the heater of the aerosol generation device of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a graph for explaining temperature changes according to the heater power control method shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an aerosol generating device that determines whether to move or remove an aerosol product. [Figure 5B] 10 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of an aerosol generating device controlling power to a heater based on whether an aerosol product is reinserted. [Figure 5C] 10 is a graph illustrating a heater power control method when an aerosol product is removed. [Figure 6A] 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when the aerosol product is in a first state according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when the aerosol product is in a second state according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when the aerosol product is in a third state according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining elements constituting an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation system with an aerosol product article inserted therein according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation system with the aerosol product removed according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1 taken along the line AA'. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling heater supply in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 15A] 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment detects a sensing value using a capacitance sensor and an optical sensor. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 15A. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controlling heater supply or notification output to a user. [Figure 17A] 10 is an illustrative diagram illustrating a method in which an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment detects sensing values ​​using a capacitance sensor and an optical sensor when an aerosol product is in an incompletely inserted state. FIG. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 17A. [Figure 18] FIG. 17B is an exemplary diagram showing the aerosol generating device according to FIG. 17A outputting a first notification. [Figure 19A] An illustrative diagram illustrating a method in which an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment detects sensing values ​​using a capacitance sensor and an optical sensor when an aerosol product that does not include an identification element is inserted. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 19A. [Figure 20] FIG. 19B is an exemplary diagram showing the aerosol generating device according to FIG. 19A outputting a second notification. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The terms used in the embodiments are generally used in the present invention, taking into consideration their functions in the present invention. However, these terms 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a detailed description of related publicly known technology is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical ideas disclosed herein should not be limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0035] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0036] When a component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0037] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol producing article 15 .

[0042] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a control unit 110, a heater 120, an insertion detection sensor 130, and a receiving space 140. According to one embodiment, an aerosol product 15 is received in the receiving space 140. The aerosol generating device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol product 15 inserted into the receiving space 140 with the heater 120.

[0043] The aerosol-producing product 15 corresponds to, but is not necessarily limited to, a cigarette. The aerosol-producing product 15 corresponds to, without limitation, any article containing an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-producing product 15 includes an aerosol-generating material and a thermally conductive material TC. The aerosol-generating material is heated by the heater 120 of the aerosol-generating device 100 and vaporized to generate an aerosol.

[0044] Examples of aerosol-generating materials include, but are not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The aerosol-generating material may also contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Flavoring liquids, such as menthol or humectants, may also be added to the aerosol-generating material.

[0045] The thermally conductive material TC is a material that is magnetic and electrically conductive, and has inherent magnetic permeability and inherent permittivity as its properties. Therefore, the presence and movement of the thermally conductive material TC change the inductance value of the coil and the capacitance value of the capacitor. For example, the thermally conductive material TC is a metal material containing at least one of aluminum, nickel, and iron. The thermally conductive material TC can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material TC can be produced in the form of ink, tape, band, paper, etc.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the aerosol product 15 has a cigarette-like shape extending in one direction. In this case, the aerosol product 15 includes a tobacco rod containing an aerosol-generating material, a cooling rod for cooling the aerosol, and a filter rod for filtering impurities. When the aerosol product 15 has a cigarette shape, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material TC. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod can uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod and improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the aerosol product 15 is in the form of a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol-forming material. The aerosol product 15 includes a reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming material, a wick for transporting the aerosol-forming material from the reservoir, a heater surrounding the wick for heating the aerosol-forming material absorbed in the wick, and contact terminals for connecting the heater to a battery.

[0048] In one embodiment, the heater 120 heats the aerosol production item 15 inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0049] For example, the heater 120 is an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 120 includes an induction coil for inductively heating the aerosol product 15 and a susceptor that can be heated by passing through a variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil.

[0050] As another example, the heater 120 may be an electric resistance heater. Specifically, the heater 120 includes a conductive track, and is heated by passing an electric current through the conductive track. However, the heater 120 is not limited to the above example, and any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature may be used. In this case, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 100, or may be set by a user.

[0051] In one embodiment, insertion detection sensor 130 includes at least one of an inductive sensor 132 , a temperature sensor 133 , and a capacitive sensor 134 .

[0052] The inductive sensor 132 senses whether the aerosol production item 15 has been removed, partially moved, or inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0053] The inductive sensor 132 measures the coil and its inductance value. According to Faraday's law, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which a current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change.

[0054] When the aerosol product 15 is inserted into or removed from the receiving space 140, the current flowing through the coil induces eddy currents in the thermally conductive material TC of the aerosol product 15. The eddy currents flowing through the thermally conductive material TC can again change the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil, such as the frequency of the current flowing through the coil and the inductance value of the coil, due to mutual induction with the coil.

[0055] The inductive sensor 132 measures the characteristic values ​​of the changing current. For example, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil include the frequency value, current value, voltage value, inductance value, effective resistance value, impedance value, etc. The inductive sensor 132 further includes a frequency measuring element, a rectifier, an amplifier, an oscillator circuit that generates electrical oscillations, etc.

[0056] The inductive sensor 132 measuring the inductance value of the coil includes measuring any one of the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil and obtaining the inductance value by calculation from the characteristic value of the measured current.

[0057] The temperature sensor 133 detects whether the aerosol production item 15 is removed, partially moved, or inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generation device 100. The temperature sensor 133 detects a temperature change that occurs when the aerosol production item 15 is removed, partially moved, or inserted into the accommodation space.

[0058] The capacitive sensor 134 senses whether the aerosol product 15 is removed, partially moved, or inserted into the storage space of the aerosol generating device 100. The capacitive sensor 134 measures the capacitance value between two electrodes. The capacitive sensor 134 includes two electrodes facing each other. A dielectric is disposed between the two electrodes. The movement of the thermally conductive material TC due to the insertion and removal of the aerosol product 15 into and from the storage space 140 affects the electric field between the two electrodes, and the capacitance value between the two electrodes may change. The capacitive sensor 134 measures the capacitance value.

[0059] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 determines whether the aerosol product 15 has been inserted into the receiving space 140 based on a sensing value sensed using the insertion sensor 130. In this case, the sensing value includes at least one of an inductance value measured by the inductive sensor 132, a temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 133, and a capacitance value measured by the capacitive sensor 134.

[0060] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the control unit 110 controls the operation of not only the heater 120 and the insertion detection sensor 130 but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 100 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in an operable state.

[0061] Meanwhile, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. Those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, some of the hardware components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0062] Fig. 2 is a flowchart for controlling the power supply to the heater of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a graph for explaining the temperature change caused by the heater power control method shown in Fig. 2.

[0063] 1 and 2, in step S10, the control unit 110 determines whether the aerosol product 15 has been inserted into the receiving space 140 using the insertion detection sensor 130. For example, the insertion detection sensor 130 includes at least one of an inductive sensor 132, a temperature sensor 133, and a capacitive sensor 134.

[0064] In step S20, when it is determined that the aerosol product 15 is inserted into the receiving space 140, the control unit 110 starts the heating operation of the heater 120 to heat the aerosol product 15.

[0065] In step S30, the control unit 110 detects whether the aerosol product 15 inserted in the receiving space 140 has moved out of the receiving space 140 using the insertion detection sensor 130 during the heating operation of the heater 120. Here, the term "movement of the aerosol product 15" is defined as the front end FE of the aerosol product 15 moving out of the receiving space 140 by a predetermined distance. Meanwhile, the term "removal of the aerosol product 15" is defined as the front end FE of the aerosol product 15 facing the bottom of the receiving space 140 completely moving out of the receiving space 140.

[0066] The control unit 110 determines that the aerosol product 15 has been moved when the amount of change in the sensing value sensed using the insertion sensor 130 corresponds to a predetermined value (e.g., greater than a first critical value and less than a second critical value). In addition, the control unit 110 determines that the aerosol product 15 has been removed when the amount of change in the sensing value sensed using the insertion sensor 130 corresponds to a predetermined value (e.g., greater than the second critical value).

[0067] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 detects whether the aerosol product 15 has moved or been removed from the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generation device 100 by detecting a change in inductance using the inductive sensor 132. For example, the aerosol product 15 inserted and positioned in the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generation device 100 includes a thermally conductive material TC. A magnetic field is generated on one side of the inductive sensor 132. If the thermally conductive material TC located within the magnetic field generated by the inductive sensor 132 moves, the control unit 110 detects, via the inductive sensor 132, that the inductance value has changed due to the movement of the thermally conductive material TC.

[0068] In another embodiment, the control unit 110 may detect a temperature change using the temperature sensor 133 to detect whether the aerosol product 15 has been moved or removed from the storage space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0069] In another embodiment, the control unit 110 senses the amount of capacitance change using the capacitive sensor 134 to detect whether the aerosol product 15 has been moved or removed from the receiving space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0070] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a memory (see 1070 in FIG. 10) containing a lookup table in which the predetermined value is matched for each aerosol producing product 15. The predetermined value (i.e., greater than or equal to the first critical value and less than or equal to the second critical value) for determining whether the aerosol producing product 15 is moving refers to a critical value (i.e., the amount of change in the sensing value) at which the amount of atomization of the aerosol provided to the user is deemed appropriate, and is calculated experimentally and / or statistically for each aerosol producing product 15. This is because even if the movement of the aerosol-generating article 15 within the accommodation space 140 occurs in the same manner, the amount of atomization generated will differ if the type and / or content of the aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol producing product 15 is different.

[0071] Meanwhile, the predetermined value for determining the movement of the aerosol product 15 (i.e., the amount of change in the sensing value) may be converted into the distance moved from the bottom of the accommodating space 140. When the aerosol product 15 moves within the predetermined distance from the bottom of the accommodating space 140, the amount of atomization provided by the aerosol product 15 can provide the user with a sufficient smoking sensation. For example, when the aerosol product 15 moves within 4 mm from the bottom of the accommodating space 140, the user will be provided with substantially the same amount of atomization as when the aerosol product 15 is properly inserted into the accommodating space 140.

[0072] In step S40, if the control unit 110 detects through the insertion detection sensor 130 that the aerosol product 15 inserted in the storage space 140 has moved out of the storage space 140 during the heating operation of the heater 120, the control unit 110 provides a notification to the user via the output unit (see 1030 in Figure 10).

[0073] For example, if the insertion sensor 130 detects that the aerosol product 15 inserted in the receiving space 140 has moved out of the receiving space 140 during the heating operation of the heater 120, the control unit 110 displays a message or graphic through the display unit (see 1032 in FIG. 10) or a flashing red screen to guide the user to properly insert the aerosol product 15. The control unit 110 may also provide a predetermined vibration pattern through the haptic unit (see 1034 in FIG. 10) or output a sound such as a voice or beep through the audio output unit (see 1036 in FIG. 10) to guide the user to properly insert the aerosol product 15.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3, a first temperature graph TG1 shows temperature values ​​over time, and is divided into a first section P1, which is a preheating section, and a second section P2, which is a smoking section, based on a first time point t1.

[0075] The first section P1 includes a section where the temperature rises from a first temperature T1, which is the outside air temperature, to a second temperature T2, at which the aerosol-generating material volatilizes, and a section where the temperature falls to a third temperature T3, which is the smoking start temperature. The second section P2 includes a section where the temperature falls from the third temperature T3 to a fourth temperature T4, which is the maintenance temperature, and a section where the fourth temperature T4 is maintained. Here, the second temperature T2, the third temperature T3, and the fourth temperature T4 are all above the temperatures at which the aerosol-generating material volatilizes and vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating material.

[0076] 1 to 3, an event occurs in which the aerosol-producing article 15 moves out of the receiving space 140 in the second section P2.

[0077] The control unit 110 determines that the aerosol product 15 has moved when the change in the sensing value sensed by the insertion sensor 130 is equal to or greater than a first critical value and equal to or less than a second critical value. The control unit 110 notifies the user at a second time t2 when the insertion sensor 130 determines that the aerosol product 15 inserted in the receiving space 140 has moved out of the receiving space 140 during the heating operation of the heater 120.

[0078] At this time, the control unit 110 maintains the heating operation of the heater 120 while providing a notification via the output unit 1030 (FIG. 10). This is because stopping the heating operation of the heater 120 even when the aerosol product 15 moves only temporarily, so that the user does not perceive a drop in temperature (or smoking sensation), may result in an unsatisfactory smoking experience for the user.

[0079] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling an inductive sensor in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0080] 1 and 4, the control unit 110 senses a change in inductance through the inductive sensor 132 during a specified time 410. For example, the control unit 110 senses a change in inductance by controlling the voltage of the inductive sensor 132 using a pulse width modulation (PWM) method. At this time, the control unit 110 presets the number of times that the inductive sensor 132 is switched to an activated state during the specified time 410. While FIG. 4 shows that the inductive sensor 132 is switched to an activated state five times during the specified time 410, the number of times is not limited to this.

[0081] The control unit 110 controls the voltage supplied to the inductive sensor 132 at the 21st time point t21 to switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state. At this time, the control unit 110 cuts off the power supplied from the battery to the heater 120 at the 21st time point t21. That is, the control unit 110 can perform the operation of cutting off the power supplied to the heater 120 and the operation of switching the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state in parallel. In one embodiment, the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device 100 is substantially reduced by cutting off the power supplied to the heater 120 at the 21st time point t21. Because the inductance value sensed by the inductive sensor 132 may be distorted at high temperatures, the control unit 110 periodically stops heating the heater 120 and senses the inductance change using the inductive sensor 132.

[0082] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the inactive state at the 31st time point t31. At this time, the control unit 110 controls the supply of power from the battery to the heater 120 at the 31st time point t31. That is, the control unit 110 can perform the operation of supplying power to the heater 120 and the operation of switching the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the inactive state in parallel. In one embodiment, the supply of power to the heater 120 at the 31st time point t31 causes the internal temperature of the aerosol generation device 100 to increase substantially.

[0083] At this time, since the time between the 21st time t21 and the 31st time t31, which is the activation period of the inductive sensor 132 (i.e., the period when the power supplied to the heater 120 is cut off), is very short, it is interpreted that the heating operation of the heater 120 to heat the aerosol product 15 is maintained.

[0084] FIG. 5A is a flow chart illustrating a process by which an aerosol generating device determines whether to transfer or remove an aerosol product according to one embodiment.

[0085] 1, 2, and 5A, the control unit 110 senses a first inductance change at a constant period by the inductive sensor 132 in operation 201a.

[0086] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state at regular intervals and cuts off power supplied to the heater 120. In this case, the regular interval means an optimum interval at which a change in inductance can be detected by the inductive sensor 132. For example, if the regular interval is set to 1 second, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state at 1-second intervals and cuts off power supplied to the heater 120.

[0087] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state during a fixed period, acquires data regarding inductance changes, and switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to a deactivated state. For example, if the fixed period is set to 1 second, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state, acquires data regarding inductance changes during 30 [ms], switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to a deactivated state, and maintains the state for 970 [ms].

[0088] According to an embodiment, the control unit 110 determines whether the aerosol product 15 has moved or been removed from the accommodation space 140 in operation 201b. Specifically, the control unit 110 determines whether the magnitude of the first inductance change sensed by the inductive sensor 132 is greater than or equal to a first critical value and less than or equal to a second critical value. For example, the first critical value refers to the minimum inductance change caused by the aerosol product 15, including the thermally conductive material TC, moving out of the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100. The second critical value refers to a critical value at which the amount of atomization of the aerosol provided to the user is deemed appropriate. That is, if the magnitude of the first inductance change is greater than or equal to the first critical value and less than or equal to the second critical value, the aerosol product 15 has moved. Therefore, even if the user does not return the aerosol product 15 to its normal position within the accommodation space 140 and the heater 120 continues to heat, a sufficient amount of atomization can be provided.

[0089] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the magnitude of the sensed first inductance change is greater than or equal to the first critical value and less than or equal to the second critical value, the control unit 110 provides a notification to the user via the output unit (see 1030 in FIG. 10) in operation 201c. In another embodiment, if it is determined that the magnitude of the sensed first inductance change is less than the first critical value, the control unit 110 returns to operation 201a and can perform the following operations again.

[0090] On the other hand, if it is determined that the magnitude of the detected first inductance change exceeds the second critical value, the control unit 110 determines in operation 202a that the aerosol product 15 inserted in the storage space 140 has been removed from the storage space 140, and temporarily suspends the heating operation of the heater 120.

[0091] When the aerosol product 15 is removed from the storage space 140, the control unit 110 immediately turns off the heating operation of the heater 120. This allows the aerosol generation device 100 to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

[0092] Figure 5B is a flowchart illustrating how an aerosol generating device controls power supply to a heater based on whether an aerosol product is reinserted, and Figure 5C is a graph illustrating a method for controlling heater power when an aerosol product is removed, according to one embodiment.

[0093] At this time, the graph displayed with a solid line shows the second temperature graph when the aerosol product is reinserted within the specified time (or grace period), and the graph displayed with a dashed dotted line shows the third temperature graph when the aerosol product is not reinserted within the specified time.

[0094] 5B, in operation 203a, the control unit 110 sets the inductance change sensing time (t) to 1. For example, the control unit 110 sets the inductance change sensing time (t) to 1 and counts a designated time.

[0095] According to one embodiment, in operation 203b, the control unit 110 senses a second inductance change using the inductive sensor 132. For example, the second inductance change may represent a minimum inductance change value at which it is determined that the aerosol product item 15 has been reinserted.

[0096] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state at regular intervals. Here, the regular interval refers to an optimal interval at which a change in inductance can be detected by the inductive sensor 132. For example, if the regular interval is set to 1 second, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state at 1-second intervals.

[0097] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state during a fixed period, acquires data regarding inductance changes, and switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to a deactivated state. For example, if the fixed period is set to 1 second, the control unit 110 switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to an activated state, acquires data regarding inductance changes during 30 [ms], switches the state of the inductive sensor 132 to a deactivated state, and maintains the state for 970 [ms].

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control unit 110 determines whether the magnitude of the second inductance change sensed by the inductive sensor 132 is equal to or greater than a third critical value in operation 203c. For example, the third critical value refers to the minimum value of the inductance change that occurs when the aerosol product 15 containing the thermally conductive material TC is reinserted into the receiving space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0099] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the magnitude of the sensed second inductance change is equal to or greater than the third critical value, the control unit 110 resumes the heating operation of the heater 120 in operation 204a. For example, if it is determined that the magnitude of the sensed second inductance change is equal to or greater than the third critical value, the control unit 110 resumes the supply of power from the battery to the heater 120.

[0100] In another embodiment, if it is determined that the magnitude of the sensed second inductance change is less than the third critical value, the control unit 110 determines in operation 203d whether the sensing time (t) of the inductance change is equal to the grace time (t grace).

[0101] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the inductance change sensing time (t) is not the same as the grace time, the control unit 110 calculates the inductance change sensing time (t) to t+1 in operation 203e. For example, if the inductance change sensing time is 1 second (t=1) and the grace time is 5 seconds (tdelay=5), the control unit 110 calculates the inductance change sensing time to 2 seconds (t=2). Thereafter, the control unit 110 returns to operation 203b and performs the following operations again.

[0102] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the time (t) for sensing the inductance change is equal to the specified time, the control unit 110 interrupts the supply of power to the heater 120 in operation 204b. For example, if the time for sensing the inductance change is 5 seconds (t=5) and the scheduled time is 5 seconds (t scheduled=5), the control unit 110 cuts off the power supplied from the battery to the heater 120.

[0103] 1 to 5C, the second temperature graph TG2 shows temperature values ​​over time and is divided into a first section P1, which is a preheating section, and a second section P2, which is a smoking section, based on a first time point t1.

[0104] The first section P1 includes a section where the temperature rises from a first temperature T1, which is the outside air temperature, to a second temperature T2, at which the aerosol-generating material volatilizes, and a section where the temperature falls to a third temperature T3, which is the smoking start temperature. The second section P2 includes a section where the temperature falls from the third temperature T3 to a fourth temperature T4, which is the maintenance temperature, and a section where the fourth temperature T4 is maintained. Here, the second temperature T2, the third temperature T3, and the fourth temperature T4 are all above the temperatures at which the aerosol-generating material volatilizes and vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating material.

[0105] In the second section P2, an event occurs in which the aerosol-producing article 15 is removed from the receiving space 140.

[0106] The control unit 110 determines that the aerosol product 15 has been removed when the change in the sensing value sensed by the insertion sensor 130 exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., a second critical value). During the heating operation of the heater 120, the control unit 110 immediately suspends the heating operation of the heater 120 at a second time t2 when the insertion sensor 130 determines that the aerosol product 15 inserted in the receiving space 140 has been removed from the receiving space 140.

[0107] Accordingly, the second temperature graph TG2 and the third temperature graph TG3 include a section in which the temperature drops from the fourth temperature T4, which is the maintenance temperature, to the fifth temperature T5, which is the standby temperature. At this time, the fifth temperature T5 decreases in proportion to the time elapsed until the aerosol product 15 is reinserted. However, the fifth temperature T5 has a lower limit value, which is a predetermined grace period (e.g., 5 seconds). The fifth temperature T5 is set as a temperature at which the temperature can return to the fourth temperature T4 before the user notices a drop in temperature (or a decrease in the smoking sensation) due to the resumption of the heating operation of the heater 120.

[0108] If the control unit 110 determines at the third time point t3 that the aerosol product 15 has been reinserted into the storage space 140 within the predetermined grace period, it automatically resumes the heating operation of the heater 120. As a result, the second temperature graph TG2 includes a section in which the temperature rises from the fifth temperature T5, which is the standby temperature, to the fourth temperature T4, which is the maintenance temperature.

[0109] Conversely, if the control unit 110 determines at the third time point t3 that the aerosol product 15 has not been reinserted into the receiving space 140 within the predetermined grace period, it completely turns off the heating operation of the heater 120. As a result, the third temperature graph TG3 includes a section in which the temperature drops from the fifth temperature T5, which is the standby temperature, to the first temperature T1, which is the ambient temperature.

[0110] 6A is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when the aerosol product according to one embodiment is in a first state, which means that the aerosol product 15 is fully inserted into the receiving space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6A, the aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol producing article 15.

[0112] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a receiving space 140 into which the aerosol product item 15 can be inserted.

[0113] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 includes an inductive sensor 132, a susceptor 620, and an induction coil 630. In one embodiment, the induction coil 630 generates a variable magnetic field by being supplied with power from a battery, and the susceptor 620 is heated by the variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil 630. For example, the induction coil 630 is disposed so as to surround the outer circumferential surface of the susceptor 620.

[0114] In one embodiment, the inductive sensor 132 includes a first channel 600 and a second channel 610. For example, the first channel 600 senses an inductance change caused by a first portion of the aerosol product, and the second channel 610 senses an inductance change caused by a second portion distinct from the first portion. In one embodiment, the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the susceptor 620. For example, the first channel 600 is arranged in a region provided below the susceptor 620 (e.g., a region provided in the -x direction), and the second channel 610 is arranged in a region provided above the susceptor 620 (e.g., a region provided in the +x direction). By arranging the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 so as not to overlap with the susceptor 620, the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 can sense an inductance change without being affected by the variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil 630.

[0115] 6B is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when the aerosol product according to an embodiment is in a second state, which means that a portion of the aerosol product 15 has moved a predetermined distance from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0116] 1 and 6B, when the aerosol product 15 moves in the +x direction from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100, the control unit 110 detects an inductance change through some of the channels of the inductive sensor 132. For example, the control unit 110 detects the inductance change through the first channel 600 of the inductive sensor 132. In one embodiment, when an inductance change is detected through only some of the channels of the inductive sensor 132, the control unit 110 determines that the aerosol product 15 has moved because the amount of inductance change is greater than a first critical value and less than a second critical value. When the control unit 110 determines that the aerosol product 15 has moved, it maintains the heating operation of the heater 120 and notifies the user to return the aerosol product 15 to its normal position within the accommodation space 140.

[0117] 6C is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling the inductive sensor of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol product 15 is in a third state according to an embodiment, which means that the aerosol product 15 has been completely removed from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0118] 6C, when the aerosol product 15 is completely removed in the +x direction from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100, the control unit 110 detects an inductance change through multiple channels of the inductive sensor 132. For example, the control unit 110 detects the inductance change through the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 of the inductive sensor 132. In one embodiment, when an inductance change is detected in all of the multiple channels of the inductive sensor 132, the amount of inductance change exceeds the second critical value, and the control unit 110 may start counting a specified time.

[0119] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating elements constituting an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0120] 7, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a susceptor 122, an induction coil 124, a battery 115, and a control unit 110. However, the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to these components, and other general components may be included in addition to the components shown in FIG.

[0121] The aerosol generating device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol product 15 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100 using an induction heating method. The induction heating method refers to a method of applying an alternating magnetic field, the direction of which is periodically changed, to a susceptor 122 that generates heat due to an external magnetic field, thereby causing the susceptor 122 to heat up.

[0122] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to the susceptor 122, energy loss occurs in the susceptor 122 due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy may be released as thermal energy from the susceptor 122. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the susceptor 122, the greater the thermal energy released from the susceptor 122. The aerosol generation device 100 can release thermal energy from the susceptor 122 by applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122, and can transfer the thermal energy released from the susceptor 122 to the aerosol product 15. In one embodiment, the susceptor 122 is provided in the aerosol generation device 100 in the shape of a slice, a flake, a strip, or the like.

[0123] At least a portion of the susceptor 122 may be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor 122 may include metal or carbon. The susceptor 122 may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). The susceptor 122 may also include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, a ceramic such as zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), or a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0124] The aerosol generation device 100 accommodates an aerosol production item 15. The aerosol generation device 100 has a accommodating space 140 for accommodating the aerosol production item 15.

[0125] The susceptor 122 surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol product article 15 contained in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the susceptor 122 surrounds the tobacco medium contained in the aerosol product article 15. This allows heat to be transferred more efficiently from the susceptor 122 to the tobacco medium.

[0126] The induction coil 124 is provided in the aerosol generation device 100. The induction coil 124 applies an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122. When power is supplied from the aerosol generation device 100 to the induction coil 124, a magnetic field is formed inside the induction coil 124. When an alternating current is applied to the induction coil 124, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the induction coil 124 continues to change. When the susceptor 122 is located inside the induction coil 124 and exposed to the alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the susceptor 122 generates heat, and the aerosol product 15 accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol generation device 100 is heated.

[0127] The induction coil 124 is wound along the outer surface of the susceptor 122. The induction coil 124 is also wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generating device 100. The susceptor 122 is located in an internal space formed by the wound induction coil 124. When power is supplied to the induction coil 124, an alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 124 can be applied to the susceptor 122.

[0128] The induction coil 124 extends in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100. The induction coil 124 may extend a suitable length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the induction coil 124 may extend a length corresponding to the length of the susceptor 122, or may extend a length longer than the length of the susceptor 122.

[0129] The induction coil 124 may be disposed in a position suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122. For example, the induction coil 124 may be disposed in a position corresponding to the susceptor 122. Such a size and arrangement of the induction coil 124 may improve the efficiency with which the alternating magnetic field of the induction coil 124 is applied to the susceptor 122.

[0130] If the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 124 is changed, the degree to which the susceptor 122 heats the aerosol product 15 can also be changed. Because the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field generated by the induction coil 124 is changed depending on the power applied to the induction coil 124, the aerosol generation device 100 can control the heating of the aerosol product 15 by adjusting the power applied to the induction coil 124. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 controls the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to the induction coil 124.

[0131] As one example, the induction coil 124 may be embodied as a solenoid. The induction coil 124 is a solenoid wound around the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generating device 100, and the susceptor 122 and the aerosol generating article 15 are located in the internal space of the solenoid. The material of the conductor constituting the solenoid is copper (Cu). However, the material is not limited thereto, and the conductor constituting the solenoid may be any one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), or an alloy containing at least one of them.

[0132] The battery 115 supplies power to the aerosol generation device 100. The battery 115 supplies power to the induction coil 124. The battery 115 includes a battery that supplies direct current to the aerosol generation device 100 and a converter that converts the direct current supplied from the battery into alternating current that is supplied to the induction coil 124.

[0133] The battery 115 supplies direct current to the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 115 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. For example, the battery may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, etc.

[0134] The converter includes a low-pass filter that filters the DC supplied from the battery and outputs the AC supplied to the induction coil 124. The converter may further include an amplifier that amplifies the DC supplied from the battery. For example, the converter is embodied by a low-pass filter that forms a load network of a class-D amplifier.

[0135] The control unit 110 controls the power supplied to the induction coil 124. The control unit 110 controls the battery 115 to adjust the power supplied to the induction coil 124. For example, the control unit 110 can perform control based on the temperature of the susceptor 122 to maintain a constant temperature at which the susceptor 122 heats the aerosol product 15.

[0136] 8 and 9 are drawings showing examples of cigarettes.

[0137] Referring to Figure 8, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Although Figure 8 shows the filter rod 22 as a single segment, this is not intended to be limiting. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters predetermined components contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function, as needed.

[0138] The cigarette 2 has a diameter ranging from 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of approximately 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, but not limited to, the tobacco rod 21 has a length of approximately 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 has a length of approximately 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 has a length of approximately 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 has a length of approximately 12 mm.

[0139] The cigarettes 2 are wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 has at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. As an example, the cigarettes 2 are wrapped in a single wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarettes 2 may be wrapped in two or more wrappers 24 stacked one on top of the other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 is wrapped in a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 is wrapped in wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire cigarette 2 may then be rewrapped in a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in a wrapper 242, 243, or 244.

[0140] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 are made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 are porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may also be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum-clad wrapping material.

[0141] The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is 88 g / m 2 or 96 g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 or 94g / m 2 The thickness of the third wrapper 243 is within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0142] The fourth wrapper 244 is made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is 88 g / m 2 or 96 g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 or 94g / m 2 The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 is within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and is preferably 125 μm.

[0143] The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is 57 g / m 2 or 63g / m 2 and preferably within the range of 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and is preferably 67 μm.

[0144] A predetermined substance is added to the fifth wrapper 245. Examples of the predetermined substance include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., resistance to various chemicals), water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0145] The fifth wrapper 245 prevents the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 120, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, if any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 21 rises in temperature above its ignition point, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, preventing the cigarette 2 from burning.

[0146] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol generation device 1 from being contaminated by a substance generated in the cigarette 2. A liquid substance is generated in the cigarette 2 when the user puffs. For example, the aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 is cooled by outside air, generating a liquid substance (such as moisture). By wrapping the cigarette 2 with the fifth wrapper 245, the liquid substance generated in the cigarette 2 is prevented from leaking outside the cigarette 2.

[0147] The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited to these. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Flavoring liquids, such as menthol or humectants, may also be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying them onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0148] The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in the form of a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 21 may also be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod 21 may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may also function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include a susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0149] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod with a hollow interior. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0150] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow interior. When the heater 120 is inserted along the first segment, the material inside the tobacco rod 21 is prevented from being pushed outward, and the aerosol is cooled. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be, but is not limited to, a suitable diameter ranging from 2 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0151] The length of the first segment may be within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment is 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of plasticizer used during manufacturing. The first segment is manufactured by inserting a film, tube, or other structure made of the same or different material into its interior (e.g., hollow).

[0153] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 120 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0154] The distance or diameter of the second segment may vary depending on the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment is 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0155] The second segment is made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a scented liquid may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving a separate fiber coated with a scented liquid and a polymer fiber together. Alternatively, the second segment is formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

[0156] For example, the polymer is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0157] The second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, whereby the second segment comprises one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0158] For example, the second segment of crimped polymer sheet is formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, e.g., between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of ​​the second segment is about 300 mm 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 / mm. The aerosol cooling element has a specific surface area of ​​approximately 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 It is made from between 1 / mg of material.

[0159] The second segment includes a thread containing a volatile flavoring component, such as, but not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide the second segment with at least 1.5 mg of menthol.

[0160] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0161] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, the third segment may be manufactured so that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of improving the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user is achieved.

[0162] The filter rod 22 also includes at least one capsule 23. The capsule 23 may function to generate a flavor or may function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a membrane. The capsule 23 may be, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0163] 9, the cigarette 3 further includes a front-end plug 33. The front-end plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front-end plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside, and prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generating device (1 in FIGS. 1 to 3) during smoking.

[0164] The filter rod 32 includes a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 8, and the second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 8.

[0165] The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 correspond to those of the cigarette 2 in Fig. 8. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 33 is approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is approximately 14 mm.

[0166] The cigarette 3 is wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 has at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the front end plug 33 is wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 is wrapped by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 is wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 is wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. The entire cigarette 3 is then rewrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.

[0167] Also, at least one perforation 36 is formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 is formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 36 serves to transfer heat generated by the heater 120 shown in Figures 2 and 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0168] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 may function to generate a flavor or may function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a membrane. The capsule 34 may be, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0169] The first wrapper 351 is formed by combining a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, with a common filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m 2 or 55g / m 2 and preferably 53 g / m 2 is.

[0170] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 are made of common filter wrapping paper, for example, porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0171] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 is 35,000 CU, but is not limited to this. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 is within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is 20 g / m 2 or 25g / m 2 and preferably 23.5 g / m 2 is.

[0172] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 is 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 is within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 is 20 g / m 2 or 25g / m 2 and preferably 21 g / m 2 is.

[0173] The fourth wrapper 354 is made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper means a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 is in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m 2 or 100g / m 2 and preferably 88 g / m 2 is.

[0174] The fifth wrapper 355 is made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 or 63g / m 2 and preferably within the range of 60 g / m 2The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 is in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and is preferably 67 μm.

[0175] A predetermined substance is added to the fifth wrapper 355. Examples of the predetermined substance include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., resistance to various chemicals), water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0176] The front end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 is made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow is within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 is 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 is within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front end plug 33 is 28,000.

[0177] If desired, the front end plug 33 may also include at least one channel, the cross-sectional shape of which may be varied.

[0178] The tobacco rod 31 corresponds to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 8. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0179] The first segment 321 is made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment is a hollow, tubular structure. The first segment 321 is made from cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). For example, the monodenier and total denier of the first segment 321 are the same as those of the front end plug 33.

[0180] The second segment 322 is made of cellulose acetate. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 is within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 is 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 is Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 is within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

[0181] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0182] The aerosol generating device 1000 includes a control unit 1010, a sensing unit 1020, an output unit 1030, a battery 1040, a heater 1050, a user input unit 1060, a memory 1070, and a communication unit 1080. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 10. That is, a person skilled in the art would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 10 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0183] The sensing unit 1020 senses the state of the aerosol generating device 1000 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1000, and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 1010. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1010 controls the aerosol generating device 1000 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 1050, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0184] The sensing unit 1020 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 1022, an insertion sensor 1024, a puff sensor 1026, and a humidity sensor 1028, but is not limited thereto.

[0185] The temperature sensor 1022 senses the temperature to which the heater 1050 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1000 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1050, or the heater 1050 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1022 may be disposed around the battery 1040 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 1040.

[0186] The insertion detection sensor 1024 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1024 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.

[0187] The puff sensor 1026 detects 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.

[0188] The humidity sensor 1028 detects the amount of moisture contained in the cigarette. For example, the humidity sensor 1028 may be any one of an electrical resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, and an optical sensor. However, this is merely an example, and the humidity sensor 1028 is not limited thereto.

[0189] The sensing unit 1020 further includes at least one of an atmospheric 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 1022 to 1028. 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.

[0190] The output unit 1030 outputs and provides to a user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1000. The output unit 1030 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 1032, a haptic unit 1034, and an audio output unit 1036. When the display unit 1032 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 1032 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0191] The display unit 1032 visually provides a user with information about the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1000 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 1040 of the aerosol generating device 1000, the preheating status of the heater 1050, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generating device 1000 (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 1032 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 1032 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 1032 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0192] The haptic unit 1034 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the haptic unit 1034 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0193] The acoustic output unit 1036 audibly provides the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1000. For example, the acoustic output unit 1036 converts an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0194] The battery 1040 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1000. The battery 1040 supplies power to heat the heater 1050. The battery 1040 also supplies power necessary for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generating device 1000 (e.g., the sensing unit 1020, the output unit 1030, the user input unit 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication unit 1080). The battery 1040 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1040 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0195] The heater 1050 receives power from the battery 1040 and heats the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 10, the aerosol-generating device 1000 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1040 and supplies it to the heater 1050. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 1000 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 1000 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 1040 into AC power.

[0196] The control unit 1010, the sensing unit 1020, the output unit 1030, the user input unit 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication unit 1080 perform their functions by receiving power from a battery 1040. Although not shown in FIG. 10 , the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1040 and supplies it to each component.

[0197] In one embodiment, heater 1050 is formed of any suitable electrically resistive material, such as, but 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 1050 may be embodied as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0198] In another embodiment, heater 1050 is an induction heater, for example, heater 1050 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0199] In one embodiment, there may be multiple heaters 1050. For example, heater 1050 may include a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

[0200] The user input unit 1060 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 1060 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (such as a contact-type 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. 10 , the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which the aerosol generating device 1000 can connect to other external devices to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 1040.

[0201] The memory 1070 is hardware that stores various data (e.g., temperature profiles) processed within the aerosol generating device 1000, and stores data that has been processed by the control unit 1010 and data to be processed by the control unit 1010. The memory 1070 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, 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 1070 stores the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0202] The communication unit 1080 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1080 includes a short-range communication unit 1082 and a wireless communication unit 1084.

[0203] The short-range communication unit 1082 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) 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.

[0204] The wireless communication unit 1084 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 1084 can identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1000 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0205] The control unit 1010 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. In one embodiment, the control unit 1010 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or 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 processor may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0206] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation system with an aerosol product article inserted according to one embodiment.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 11, an aerosol generation system AGS according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generation device 200 and an aerosol production product 300, and the aerosol generation device 200 has a housing 205 into which the aerosol production product 300 can be inserted.

[0208] In one embodiment, the housing 205 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 200 and provides an interior space (or "arrangement space") in which components of the aerosol generating device 200 are arranged. Although only an embodiment in which the cross section of the housing 205 is formed in a semicircular shape is shown in the drawings, the shape of the housing 205 is not limited thereto. Depending on the embodiment (not shown), the housing 205 may be formed in an overall cylindrical shape or in a polygonal prism shape (e.g., a triangular prism or a quadrangular prism).

[0209] In one embodiment, the internal space of the housing 205 is provided with components for heating the aerosol product 300 inserted into the housing 205 to generate an aerosol, and components for outputting a screen showing the status of the aerosol generating device 200, which will be described in detail later.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the housing 205 comprises an opening 200h through which the aerosol product article 300 can be inserted into the interior of the housing 205. At least a portion of the aerosol product article 300 is inserted or housed inside the housing 205 through the opening 200h.

[0211] An aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol production product 300 inserted or housed inside the housing 205 inside the housing 205. The generated aerosol is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device 200 through the inserted aerosol production product 300 and / or the space between the aerosol production product 300 and the opening 200h, and the user inhales the discharged aerosol.

[0212] The aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment further includes a display DSP, which is a user interface on which visual information is displayed.

[0213] In one embodiment, the display DSP is disposed such that at least a portion of the display DSP is exposed to the outside of the housing 205. For example, at least a portion of the display DSP is exposed through a cover glass on the outside of the housing 205.

[0214] The aerosol generating device 200 provides various visual information to the user via the display DSP 130. For example, the aerosol generating device 200 displays status information of the aerosol product 300, pre-heating and heating information for the aerosol product 300, remaining battery power, time and date information, weather information, Bluetooth® connection information, etc. The information displayed via the display DSP is merely exemplary and is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0215] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system with the aerosol product removed according to one embodiment.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 12, an aerosol generation system AGS according to one embodiment includes an aerosol product item 200 and an aerosol product item 300, where the aerosol product item 300 includes an identification element 310.

[0217] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the aerosol product article 300 is inserted or housed inside the housing 205 through the opening 200h. For example, the aerosol product article 300 is inserted or housed inside the housing 205 through the opening 200h up to the portion where the identification element 310 is located. However, without being limited thereto, the identification element 310 may be located outside the housing 205 when at least a portion of the aerosol product article 300 is inserted or housed inside the housing 205.

[0218] In one embodiment, the aerosol product 300 includes an identification element 310 printed on at least a portion thereof. For example, the aerosol product 300 may be formed in a manner in which the identification element 310 is printed on a portion spaced a predetermined distance from one end in the +z direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0219] The identification elements 310 may be formed to have a predetermined shape, such as a predetermined thickness, color, pattern, and material, and different identification elements may be separated by at least one of the thickness, color, pattern, and material.

[0220] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1 taken along the line AA'.

[0221] 13, an aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment includes a housing 205, a cavity 215, a first electrode 220a, a second electrode 220b, an optical sensor 230, a susceptor element 240, and a processor 250. The components of the aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment are not limited thereto, and other components may be added or at least one component may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0222] In one embodiment, a cavity 215 is formed in the interior space of the housing 205 of the aerosol generating device 200, and in the cavity 215, the contained aerosol product 300 is heated to generate the aerosol.

[0223] In one embodiment, the capacitance sensor includes a first electrode 220a and a second electrode 220b, which are disposed adjacent to the cavity 215. For example, the first electrode 220a is disposed a predetermined distance away from the cavity 215 in the -x direction, and the second electrode 220b is disposed a predetermined distance away from the cavity 215 in the +x direction. Thus, the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b may be disposed opposite each other.

[0224] In one embodiment, the processor 250 detects a change in capacitance (C) between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b using a capacitance sensor. At this time, the capacitance sensor detects capacitance based on the distance d between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b, the area A of the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b, and the dielectric constant ε of the components (e.g., moisture, paper, tobacco material, etc.) contained in the aerosol product 300. The capacitance is obtained based on Equation 1.

number

[0225] For example, the processor 250 measures a first capacitance C1 for the cavity 215 in which the aerosol product 300 is not inserted and a second capacitance C2 for the cavity 215 in which the aerosol product 300 is inserted using a capacitance sensor, and detects the change in capacitance (ΔC).

[0226] In one embodiment, the optical sensor 230 is an infrared sensor (IR sensor). In this case, the optical sensor 230, which is an infrared sensor, includes a light emitting unit including an infrared light source and a light receiving unit including an infrared photodiode, and detects the amount of reflected light (i.e., output voltage of the light receiving unit) caused by at least one of the thickness, color, pattern, and material of the identification element 310.

[0227] For example, when the identification element 310 is formed in the shape of a band having a predetermined thickness, the optical sensor 230 irradiates the identification element 310 with infrared light and measures the amount of light reflected from the identification element 310. At this time, if the amount of light reflected from the identification element 310 is less than a predetermined value, the processor 250 determines that the color of the identification element 310 detected by the optical sensor 230 is "black."

[0228] In another embodiment, the optical sensor 230 may be a color sensor. In this case, the optical sensor 230 as a color sensor includes a light-emitting unit including a white light source and a light-receiving unit including a plurality of filters (e.g., color filters, infrared blocking filters), and detects the color filters activated by at least one of the thickness, color, pattern, and material of the identification element 310.

[0229] For example, when the identification element 310 is formed in a band shape having a predetermined thickness, the optical sensor 230 irradiates the identification element 310 with white light and detects a color filter activated by the light reflected from the identification element 310. In this case, when the red color filter is activated by the light reflected from the identification element 310, the processor 250 determines that the color of the identification element 310 detected by the optical sensor 230 is "red."

[0230] In one embodiment, when the aerosol product 300 is fully inserted into the aerosol generating device 200, the optical sensor 230 may be disposed in a region of the housing 205 facing at least a portion of the identification element 310. In this case, the optical sensor 230 may be disposed a predetermined distance away from the cavity 215 in the +x direction, and a separate transparent plate having a thickness equivalent to the distance away may be disposed on one side of the optical sensor 230 where the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are disposed. By disposing the transparent plate on one side of the optical sensor 230, the optical sensor 230 is prevented from being damaged by external foreign objects, and the sensing sensitivity of the aerosol product 300 to the identification element 310 is maintained.

[0231] In the present invention, the "fully inserted state" refers to a state in which the aerosol product 300 is inserted in the -z direction based on the cavity 215 and abuts against the lower surface of the cavity 215. In addition, by fully inserting the aerosol product 300 into the aerosol generating device 200, optimal smoking performance can be realized from the aerosol product 300.

[0232] Conversely, the "incomplete insertion state" refers to a state in which the aerosol product 300 is inserted in the -z direction relative to the cavity 215, but is inserted only to a position that is partially separated from the bottom surface of the cavity 215. In addition, if the aerosol product 300 is incompletely inserted into the aerosol generating device 200, the aerosol product 300 may exhibit reduced smoking performance.

[0233] In one embodiment, the optical sensor 230 is positioned in a region of the housing 205 facing at least a portion of the identification element 310 included in the aerosol product 300. For example, the optical sensor 230 is positioned adjacent to the cavity 215 of the housing 205 facing at least a portion of the identification element 310 included in the aerosol product 300. As another example, the optical sensor 230 may be positioned on the top surface of the housing 205 facing at least a portion of the identification element 310 included in the aerosol product 300.

[0234] In one embodiment, the processor 250 controls the supply of power to a heater (for example, an induction coil in the case of an induction heating system) based on the results detected by the capacitance sensor and the optical sensor 230 .

[0235] For example, if the results detected by the capacitance sensor and optical sensor 230 meet a predetermined condition, the processor 250 can supply power to a heater (not shown), which can heat the susceptor element 240, thereby heating a portion of the aerosol product 300 (e.g., a medium portion).

[0236] 14 is a flowchart illustrating a heater supply control process performed by an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment. However, in the detailed description of FIG. 14, details that correspond to, are the same as, or are similar to those described above will be omitted.

[0237] Referring to FIG. 14, in operation 401, a processor (e.g., processor 250 of FIG. 13) detects a change in capacitance using a capacitance sensor (e.g., a capacitance sensor including first electrode 220a and second electrode 220b of FIG. 13).

[0238] In one embodiment, the processor 250 determines whether the aerosol product 300 is inserted based on the detected change in capacitance. Here, "whether the aerosol product is inserted" refers to the presence or absence of an aerosol product (e.g., the aerosol product 300 in FIG. 13) in the cavity (e.g., the cavity 215 in FIG. 13).

[0239] In one embodiment, the processor 250 acquires a voltage change signal as a signal indicating a change in capacitance from the capacitance sensor. For example, if the processor 250 detects that the capacitance has increased by a first change amount (ΔC1) due to the insertion of the aerosol product 300 into the cavity 215, the processor 250 acquires a voltage change signal corresponding to the first change amount and determines that the aerosol product 300 has been inserted.

[0240] In another embodiment, the processor 250 may obtain a frequency change signal as a signal regarding the change in capacitance from the capacitance sensor. For example, if the processor 250 detects that the capacitance has increased by a first change amount due to the insertion of the aerosol product 300 into the cavity 215, the processor 250 may obtain a frequency change signal corresponding to the first change amount and determine that the aerosol product 300 has been inserted.

[0241] In yet another embodiment, processor 250 may acquire a charge / discharge time change signal as a signal regarding the capacitance change from the capacitance sensor. For example, if it is detected that the capacitance has increased by a first change amount (ΔC1) due to the insertion of aerosol product 300 into cavity 215, processor 250 may acquire a charge / discharge time change signal corresponding to the first change amount and determine that aerosol product 300 has been inserted.

[0242] According to one embodiment, in operation 403, the processor 250 detects the amount of reflected light (or received light) from an identification element (e.g., identification element 310 in FIG. 13) of the aerosol product item 300 using an optical sensor (e.g., optical sensor 230 in FIG. 13).

[0243] In one embodiment, the processor 250 determines the insertion state of the aerosol product product 300 based on the detected amount of reflected light, where "insertion state of the aerosol product product" refers to whether the aerosol product product 300 is fully inserted or incompletely inserted into the cavity 215.

[0244] In one embodiment, when the optical sensor 230 is an infrared sensor, the processor 250 causes the optical sensor 230 to irradiate the identification element 310 with infrared light and measures the amount of light reflected from the identification element 310. At this time, the processor 250 obtains the output voltage of the light receiving section of the optical sensor 230 as a signal regarding the amount of reflected light measured by the optical sensor 230.

[0245] In one embodiment, the processor 250 determines the proximity of the optical sensor 230 to the identification element 310 based on the amount of reflected light measured by the optical sensor 230 (i.e., the output voltage of the light receiver).

[0246] For example, when the amount of reflected light measured by the optical sensor 230 is a first amount of reflected light, the processor 250 determines that the identification element 310 is located close to the optical sensor 230. As another example, when the amount of reflected light measured by the optical sensor 230 is a second amount of reflected light that is greater than the first amount of reflected light, the processor 250 determines that the identification element 310 is located at a distance that is partially away from the optical sensor 230.

[0247] According to one embodiment, in operation 405, the aerosol generating device 200 controls the power supply to the heater based on the amount of change in capacitance and the amount of reflected light.

[0248] In one embodiment, the processor 250 supplies power to a heater (not shown) when the change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor exceeds a predetermined change amount and the amount of reflected light detected by the optical sensor 230 is less than a predetermined amount of reflected light.

[0249] In the present invention, "predetermined change amount" means the minimum change amount of capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor when the aerosol product 300 is inserted into the cavity 215, and "predetermined amount of reflected light" means the maximum amount of reflected light detected by the optical sensor 230 when the aerosol product 300 is fully inserted into the cavity 215.

[0250] For example, based on a capacitance change detected by the capacitance sensor exceeding a predetermined change amount, processor 250 first determines that aerosol product 300 has been inserted into cavity 215. Thereafter, based on an amount of reflected light detected by optical sensor 230 that is less than a predetermined amount of reflected light, processor 250 secondly determines that aerosol product 300 has been fully inserted into cavity 215 (i.e., optical sensor 230 and identification element 310 are in close proximity). Processor 250 initiates power supply to a heater (not shown) based on the first determination by the capacitance sensor and the second determination by optical sensor 230.

[0251] However, as mentioned above, the processor 250 is not limited to making the primary and secondary determinations sequentially, and in other embodiments, the processor 250 may make the determination by the capacitance sensor and the determination by the optical sensor 230 in parallel.

[0252] 14 only discloses an embodiment in which the optical sensor 230 is an infrared sensor, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the optical sensor 230 may be a color sensor, and the processor 250 may control the power supply to the heater based on the amount of capacitance change detected by a capacitance sensor and the output voltage of an activated color filter of the color sensor.

[0253] Fig. 15A is an exemplary view illustrating a method for detecting a sensing value using a capacitance sensor and an optical sensor in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Fig. 15B is an enlarged view of a portion 550 of Fig. 15A. The aerosol generating device 200 shown in Fig. 15A is the same as the aerosol generating device 200 shown in Fig. 13, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0254] 15A and 15B, the aerosol generating device 200 includes a capacitance sensor including a first electrode 220a and a second electrode 220b, an optical sensor 230, a susceptor element 240, and a processor 250.

[0255] In one embodiment, the processor 250 determines whether the aerosol product 300 is inserted into the cavity 215 based on the amount of change in capacitance between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitance sensor. Thereafter, the processor 250 determines whether the aerosol product 300 is fully inserted into the cavity 215 based on the amount of reflected light detected by the optical sensor 230.

[0256] In one embodiment, the optical sensor 230 includes a light emitting portion 232 including a light source and a light receiving portion 234 that receives reflected light. For example, the light emitting portion 232 and the light receiving portion 234 of the optical sensor 230 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing 205.

[0257] For example, the light emitting unit 232 is disposed a predetermined distance in the +z direction from the light receiving unit 234. However, without being limited thereto, the light emitting unit 232 may be disposed a predetermined distance in the -z direction from the light receiving unit 234. In this case, the "predetermined distance" between the light emitting unit 232 and the light receiving unit 234 means a distance at which part of the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 232 is not directly received by the light receiving unit 234.

[0258] In another example, the light-emitting unit 232 and the light-receiving unit 234 are arranged at the same position based on the longitudinal direction (e.g., +z and -z directions) of the aerosol generation device 200, but are arranged adjacent to the cavity 215 so as to surround the cavity 215. In other words, when the optical sensor 230 is viewed from the upper end (e.g., +z direction) of the aerosol generation device 200, the light-emitting unit 232 and the light-receiving unit 234 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and arranged so as to surround the cavity 215. In an embodiment in which the optical sensor 230 according to this example detects the amount of light reflected by the identification element 310 of the aerosol product 300, the identification element 310 is formed in a predetermined pattern (e.g., a black and white grid pattern).

[0259] In one embodiment, the processor 250 measures the amount of light 500a, 500b, 500c emitted from the light-emitting unit 232 of the optical sensor 230 and reflected by the identification element 310 to determine the insertion status of the aerosol-produced item 300. For example, if the optical sensor 230 is an infrared sensor and the identification element 310 is formed in the shape of a black band having a predetermined thickness, the light 500a, 500b, 500c emitted from the light-emitting unit 232 of the optical sensor 230 may be substantially absorbed by the black identification element 310, so that the amount of reflected light (i.e., the output voltage of the light-receiving unit 234) may be less than a predetermined amount of reflected light (i.e., a predetermined voltage).

[0260] That is, when the change in capacitance between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitance sensor exceeds a predetermined change amount and the amount of reflected light received through the light receiving portion 234 of the optical sensor 230 is less than the predetermined amount of reflected light, the processor 250 determines that the aerosol product 300 has been fully inserted and starts supplying power to the heater (not shown).

[0261] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment controls heater supply or notification output to a user.

[0262] Referring to Figure 16, in operation 601, a processor (e.g., processor 250 of Figure 13) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 200 of Figure 13) determines whether the change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor exceeds a predetermined change amount.

[0263] For example, when a specific object is inserted between the first electrode (e.g., the first electrode 220a in FIG. 13) and the second electrode (e.g., the second electrode 220b in FIG. 13) of the capacitance sensor, the capacitance value detected by the capacitance sensor increases. At this time, if the change in the detected capacitance exceeds a "predetermined change amount," the processor 250 determines that the aerosol product 300 has been inserted into the cavity (e.g., the cavity 215 in FIG. 13).

[0264] In one embodiment, if the change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined change, processor 250 may not perform any operation subsequent to operation 601. For example, if the change in capacitance detected is equal to or less than a predetermined change, processor 250 determines that no aerosol product 300 has been inserted into cavity 215. Therefore, processor 250 does not perform an operation to detect the amount of reflected light using an optical sensor (e.g., optical sensor 230 in FIG. 13 ).

[0265] The processor 250 reduces the power consumption of the aerosol generating device 200 by detecting a sensing value for a subsequent secondary determination (i.e., final determination) only when it is determined that the aerosol product 300 has been inserted into the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the optical sensor 230 is maintained in an inactive state until a change in capacitance exceeding a predetermined change is detected by the capacitance sensor, thereby reducing the power consumption of the optical sensor 230.

[0266] According to one embodiment, in operation 603, processor 250 determines whether the amount of reflected light detected by an optical sensor (e.g., optical sensor 230 of FIG. 13 ) is less than a first amount of reflected light, where “first amount of reflected light” refers to the maximum amount of reflected light sensed by optical sensor 230 when aerosol product article 300 is fully inserted within cavity 215.

[0267] For example, if the optical sensor 230 is an infrared sensor, the infrared light emitted by the light-emitting unit (e.g., light-emitting unit 232 in FIG. 15B) of the optical sensor 230 is reflected by a black identification element (e.g., identification element 310 in FIG. 13), causing the light-receiving unit (e.g., light-receiving unit 234 in FIG. 15B) to detect the amount of reflected light. At this time, if the amount of reflected light detected by the light-receiving unit 234 is less than the "first reflected light amount" due to the identification element 310 substantially completely absorbing the emitted infrared light, the processor 250 determines that the aerosol product 300 is fully inserted into the cavity 215, and starts supplying power to the heater (not shown) in operation 605.

[0268] According to one embodiment, if the amount of reflected light detected by the optical sensor 230 is equal to or greater than the first amount of reflected light, the processor 250 determines in operation 607 whether the amount of reflected light detected by the optical sensor 230 is less than a second amount of reflected light. In this case, the "second amount of reflected light" refers to the maximum amount of reflected light sensed by the optical sensor 230 when the aerosol product 300 is in an incompletely inserted state within the cavity 215 but the identification element 310 is positioned in a position that can be identified by the optical sensor 230.

[0269] For example, when infrared light emitted by light-emitting unit 232 of optical sensor 230 is reflected by black identification element 310, light-receiving unit 234 detects the amount of reflected light. If the amount of reflected light detected by light-receiving unit 234 is less than the "second amount of reflected light" due to the emitted infrared light being partially absorbed and partially reflected by identification element 310, processor 250 determines that aerosol product 300 is incompletely inserted into cavity 215 and outputs a first notification via the user interface in operation 609. The "first notification" in this specification refers to a notification that guides the user to fully insert aerosol product 300 into cavity 215.

[0270] According to one embodiment, if the amount of reflected light detected by optical sensor 230 is equal to or greater than the second amount of reflected light, processor 250 outputs a second notification via the user interface in operation 611. The "second notification" in this invention refers to a notification that guides the user to remove the inserted aerosol product and insert a new aerosol product. That is, if the amount of reflected light detected by optical sensor 230 is equal to or greater than the second amount of reflected light, processor 250 determines that the aerosol product inserted into cavity 215 is an unauthorized aerosol product that does not contain the identification element included in authentic aerosol products.

[0271] Figure 17A is an exemplary view illustrating a method for detecting a sensed value using a capacitance sensor and an optical sensor in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment when an aerosol product is incompletely inserted. Figure 17B is an enlarged view of a portion 750 of Figure 17A. The aerosol generating device 200 shown in Figure 17A is the same as the aerosol generating device 200 shown in Figures 13 and 15A, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0272] 17A and 17B, the aerosol generating device 200 includes a capacitance sensor including a first electrode 220a and a second electrode 220b, an optical sensor 230, a susceptor element 240, and a processor 250.

[0273] In one embodiment, processor 250 determines whether aerosol product 300 is inserted into cavity 215 based on the amount of change in capacitance between first electrode 220a and second electrode 220b of the capacitance sensor. At this time, processor 250 detects the amount of reflected light by optical sensor 230 when the amount of change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor exceeds a predetermined amount, and determines whether aerosol product 300 is fully inserted into cavity 215 based on the amount of reflected light detected by optical sensor 230.

[0274] In one embodiment, the aerosol product 300 is inserted in the -z direction relative to the cavity 215, but only up to a position spaced a predetermined distance h in the +z direction from the bottom surface of the cavity 215. At this time, the processor 250 detects the amount of change in capacitance by the capacitance sensor and determines whether or not to insert the aerosol product 300.

[0275] However, when the aerosol product 300 is partially inserted between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitance sensor, causing a change in dielectric constant, and the resulting change in capacitance exceeds a predetermined change amount, the processor 250 determines that the aerosol product 300 has been inserted into the cavity 215.

[0276] In one embodiment, the processor 250 measures the amount of light 700a, 700b, and 700c emitted from the light-emitting unit 232 of the optical sensor 230 and reflected by the identification element 310 to determine the insertion state of the aerosol-produced product 300. For example, if the optical sensor 230 is an infrared sensor and the identification element 310 is formed in the shape of a black band having a predetermined thickness, part of the light 700a of the light 700a, 700b, and 700c emitted from the light-emitting unit 232 of the optical sensor 230 is absorbed by the identification element 310, and the remaining light 700b and 700c are reflected by parts other than the identification element 310 (e.g., a white band). Therefore, the amount of reflected light 710b and 710c measured by the light-receiving unit 234 of the optical sensor 230 may be equal to or greater than the first reflected light amount and less than the second reflected light amount.

[0277] That is, when the change in capacitance between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitance sensor exceeds a predetermined change amount and the amount of reflected light received through the light receiving unit 234 of the optical sensor 230 is greater than or equal to the first reflected light amount and less than the second reflected light amount, the processor 250 determines that the aerosol product 300 has been incompletely inserted and outputs a first notification via the user interface.

[0278] FIG. 18 is an exemplary diagram illustrating the aerosol generating device according to FIG. 17A outputting a first notification.

[0279] Referring to FIG. 18, the aerosol generating device 200 outputs a first notification via the display DSP, which is a user interface, based on the incomplete insertion state of the aerosol product 300.

[0280] In one embodiment, the first notification is a UI screen output via a display DSP. For example, if the change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor exceeds a predetermined change amount and the amount of reflected light detected by the optical sensor (e.g., optical sensor 230 in FIG. 13) is equal to or greater than a first reflected light amount and less than a second reflected light amount, the processor (e.g., processor 250 in FIG. 13) of the aerosol generation device 200 determines that the aerosol product 300 is in an incompletely inserted state and outputs the first notification. In this case, the first notification is a UI screen including at least one of current status information 800 of the aerosol generation device 200 (e.g., "Stick incompletely inserted"), a guide icon 810, and guide information 820 (e.g., "Please insert the stick completely").

[0281] However, the first notification is not limited to a visual notification such as a UI screen output via a display DSP. In other embodiments, the first notification may correspond to a tactile notification via a haptic module (not shown), an auditory notification via a speaker module (not shown), or the like.

[0282] 19A is an exemplary view illustrating a method in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment detects a sensing value using a capacitance sensor and an optical sensor when an aerosol product without an identification element is inserted. FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of a portion 950 of FIG. 19A. The aerosol generating device 200 shown in FIG. 19A is the same as the aerosol generating device 200 shown in FIGS. 13, 15A, and 17A, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0283] 19A and 19B, the aerosol generating device 200 includes a capacitance sensor including a first electrode 220a and a second electrode 220b, an optical sensor 230, a susceptor element 240, and a processor 250.

[0284] In one embodiment, processor 250 determines whether aerosol product 300' is inserted into cavity 215 based on the amount of change in capacitance between first electrode 220a and second electrode 220b of the capacitance sensor. At this time, processor 250 detects the amount of reflected light using optical sensor 230 when the amount of change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor exceeds a predetermined amount, and determines whether aerosol product 300' is fully inserted into cavity 215 based on the amount of reflected light detected by optical sensor 230.

[0285] In one embodiment, the aerosol product 300′, which does not include an identification element, is fully inserted in the −z direction relative to the cavity 215. At this time, the processor 250 detects the amount of capacitance change by the capacitance sensor to determine whether or not to insert the aerosol product 300′.

[0286] When the aerosol product 300' is inserted between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitance sensor, a change in dielectric constant occurs, and if the change in capacitance due to this change exceeds a predetermined change amount, the processor 250 determines that the aerosol product 300' has been inserted into the cavity 215.

[0287] In one embodiment, processor 250 measures the amount of light 900a, 900b, 900c emitted from light-emitting unit 232 of optical sensor 230 and reflected by aerosol-production product 300' to determine the insertion status of aerosol-production product 300'. For example, if optical sensor 230 is an infrared sensor and aerosol-production product 300' does not include an identification element, light 900a, 900b, 900c emitted from light-emitting unit 232 of optical sensor 230 is substantially mostly reflected by the wrapper of aerosol-production product 300'. Therefore, the amount of reflected light 910a, 910b, 910c measured by light-receiving unit 234 of optical sensor 230 is equal to or greater than the second amount of reflected light.

[0288] That is, if the change in capacitance between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitance sensor exceeds a predetermined change amount and the amount of reflected light received through the light receiving unit 234 of the optical sensor 230 is equal to or greater than a second reflected light amount, the processor 250 determines that an unauthorized aerosol product 300' has been inserted and outputs a second notification via the user interface.

[0289] FIG. 20 is an exemplary diagram illustrating the aerosol generating device according to FIG. 19A outputting a second notification.

[0290] Referring to FIG. 20, the aerosol generating device 200 outputs a second notification via the user interface, display DSP, upon insertion of an unauthorized aerosol product item 300'.

[0291] In one embodiment, the second notification is a UI screen output via a display DSP. For example, if the change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor exceeds a predetermined change amount and the amount of reflected light detected by the optical sensor (e.g., optical sensor 230 in FIG. 13) is equal to or greater than a second reflected light amount, the processor (e.g., processor 250 in FIG. 13) of the aerosol generation device 200 determines that an unauthorized aerosol product 300' has been inserted and outputs the second notification. In this case, the second notification is a UI screen including at least one of current status information 1000 of the aerosol generation device 200 (e.g., "Incorrect stick inserted"), a guide icon 1010, and guide information 1020 (e.g., "Please insert a genuine stick").

[0292] However, the second notification is not limited to a visual notification such as a UI screen output via a display DSP. In other embodiments, the second notification may be a tactile notification via a haptic module (not shown), an auditory notification via a speaker module (not shown), or the like.

[0293] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0294] The aerosol generation device 1 includes a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit INU, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18 or 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 21. That is, a person skilled in the art would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 21 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0295] The sensor 13 senses the state of the aerosol generation device 1 or the state around the aerosol generation device 1, and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 12. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 12 controls the aerosol generation device 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert the stick S and / or cartridge 19, and displaying notifications.

[0296] The sensor 13 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 131 , a puff sensor PS, an insertion detection sensor 133 , a reuse detection sensor 134 , a cartridge detection sensor 135 , a cap detection sensor 136 , and a movement detection sensor 137 .

[0297] The temperature sensor 131 senses the temperature to which the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18 are heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18 themselves may function as a temperature sensor.

[0298] The temperature sensor 131 outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 includes a resistive element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 is embodied by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 outputs a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 is configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 outputs a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18.

[0299] Temperature sensor 131 is disposed around power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of power supply 11. Temperature sensor 131 is disposed adjacent to power supply 11. For example, temperature sensor 131 is attached to one side of a battery which is power supply 11. For example, temperature sensor 131 is mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0300] The temperature sensor 131 is disposed inside the body 10 and senses the internal temperature of the body 10 .

[0301] The puff sensor PS detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor PS outputs a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor PS is a pressure sensor. The puff sensor PS outputs a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device 1 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor PS is disposed in the aerosol generation device 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0302] The insertion detection sensor 133 detects the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 detects a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 is installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 detects the insertion and / or removal of the stick S based on a change in the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 is an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0303] The inductive sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor is disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a coil through which a current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil include the frequency, current, voltage, inductance, and impedance of the alternating current.

[0304] An inductive sensor outputs a signal corresponding to a characteristic of the current flowing through a coil, for example, the inductance value of the coil.

[0305] The capacitance sensor includes a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor is disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic characteristics, for example, the capacitance around the conductor. For example, when a stick S with a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may change the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductor.

[0306] The reuse detection sensor 134 detects whether the stick S is reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 is a color sensor. The color sensor detects the color of the stick S. The color sensor detects the color of a part of the wrapper that surrounds the outside of the stick S. The color sensor detects a value related to an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic is the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component together with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component separated from the proximity sensor.

[0307] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S may change color in response to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be disposed in a position corresponding to where at least a portion of the wrapper, whose color changes in response to the aerosol, is disposed when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by a user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper is a first color. At this time, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper is wetted by the aerosol, causing the color of at least a portion of the wrapper to change to a second color. Meanwhile, after changing from the first color to the second color, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper remains the second color.

[0308] The cartridge detection sensor 135 detects the installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using the hall effect, or the like.

[0309] The cap detection sensor 136 detects the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body 10, the cartridge 19 and a part of the body 10 covered by the cap are exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 may be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor, an optical sensor, etc.

[0310] The motion detection sensor 137 detects the motion of the aerosol generating device and is implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0311] The sensor 13 further includes at least one of a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor in addition to the above-mentioned sensors 131 to 137. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary engineer from its name, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0312] The output unit 14 outputs and provides to a user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. The output unit 14 includes at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an audio output unit 143, but is not limited thereto. When the display 141 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display 141 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0313] The display 141 visually provides a user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generation device 1 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generation device 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the attachment / removal status of a cap, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display 141 outputs the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 is in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 is a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0314] The haptic unit 142 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the haptic unit 142 can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18 for a set time. The haptic unit 142 includes a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0315] The acoustic output unit 143 audibly provides the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 converts an electric signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0316] The power supply 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. The power supply 11 supplies power to heat the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18. The power supply 11 also supplies power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generation device 1, such as the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit INU, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0317] 21, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 11 and includes a switching element.

[0318] The power supply protection circuit cuts off the electrical path to the power supply 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power supply protection circuit cuts off the electrical path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power supply protection circuit cuts off the electrical path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging.

[0319] Heater 18 receives power from power supply 11 and heats the medium or aerosol-generating substance in stick S. Although not shown in Fig. 21, aerosol generation device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power supply and supplies it to cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18. Furthermore, when aerosol generation device 1 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, aerosol generation device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of power supply 11 into AC power.

[0320] The control unit 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit INU, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 function by receiving power from the power supply 11. Although not shown in FIG. 21 , the power supply 11 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to each component. Also, although not shown in FIG. 21 , a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter is a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter includes at least one inductor and capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter corresponds to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensors 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0321] In one embodiment, cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18 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 18 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.

[0322] In another embodiment, heater 18 is an induction heater, for example, heater 18 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0323] The input unit INU receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the input unit INU is a touch panel. The touch panel includes at least one touch sensor that detects a touch. For example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0324] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display 141 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added onto the display 141 (add-on type).

[0325] Meanwhile, the input unit INU includes, but is not limited to, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

[0326] The memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 1, and stores data that has been processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed by the control unit 12. The memory 17 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, 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 17 stores the operating time of the aerosol generation device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0327] The communication unit 16 includes at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices, such as at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0328] The short-range wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) 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.

[0329] The wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit, and the like.

[0330] Although not shown in Figure 21, the aerosol generating device 1 further has a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and connects to other external devices through the connection interface such as the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0331] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or 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 processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0332] The control unit 12 controls the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 to be supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 controls the temperature of the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 adjusts the power supplied to the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 determines a target temperature for the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0333] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18. The power supply circuit is electrically connected to the cartridge heater HT, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit includes at least one switching element. The switching element is embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 controls the power supply circuit.

[0334] The control unit 12 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is an inverter that converts DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter is configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0335] The control unit 12 turns on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source 11 to the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 turns off the switching element so that power supply to the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18 is cut off. The control unit 12 adjusts the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element to adjust the current supplied from the power source 11.

[0336] The control unit 12 controls the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit to control the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit converts the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit includes a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit is embodied by a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0337] The control unit 12 controls the on / off operation of the switching elements included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the switching elements are kept on, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit corresponds to the level of the voltage output from the power source 11. The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching elements corresponds to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source 11. As the duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching elements decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit decreases. The heater 18 is heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0338] The control unit 12 controls the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0339] For example, the control unit 12 uses a PWM method to control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 adjusts the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0340] For example, the control unit 12 determines a target temperature based on the temperature profile, and controls the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0341] The control unit 12 prevents the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 controls the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18 is interrupted when the temperature of the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18 by a certain percentage when the temperature of the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been consumed when the temperature of the cartridge heater HT exceeds the limit temperature, and interrupts the supply of power to the cartridge heater HT.

[0342] The control unit 12 controls the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 checks the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0343] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control unit 12 checks whether the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a criterion for cutting off charging of the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 controls the power source 11 to be charged based on a predetermined charging current. If the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 cuts off charging of the power source 11.

[0344] When the aerosol generating device 1 is powered on, the control unit 12 checks whether the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a criterion for cutting off the discharge of the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 controls the power source 11 to use the power stored in the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 stops using the power stored in the power source 11.

[0345] The control unit 12 calculates the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source 11. For example, the control unit 12 calculates the remaining capacity of the power source 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing value of the power source 11.

[0346] The control unit 12 determines whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor IDS. The control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor IDS. If it determines that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 controls the supply of power to the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 supplies power to the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0347] The control unit 12 determines whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 determines whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor IDS. For example, the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a set gradient. If it is determined that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 cuts off the supply of power to the cartridge heater HT and / or the heater 18.

[0348] The control unit 12 controls the time and / or amount of power supply to the heater 18 according to the state of the stick S sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 checks the level range that includes the signal level of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 determines the moisture content of the stick S according to the checked level range.

[0349] When the stick S is in an over-humid state, the control unit 12 controls the time for which power is supplied to the heater 18 to increase the pre-heating time of the stick S compared to when the stick S is in a normal state.

[0350] The control unit 12 determines whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space has been reused using the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 compares the sensing value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range including a first color, and if the sensing value is within the first reference range, determines that the stick S has not been used. For example, the control unit 12 compares the sensing value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range including a second color, and if the sensing value is within the second reference range, determines that the stick S has been used. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 cuts off the supply of power to the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18.

[0351] The control unit 12 determines whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 using the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 determines whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0352] The control unit 12 determines whether the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 12 applies power to preheat the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18, determines whether the temperature of the cartridge heater HT exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period, and determines that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted if the temperature of the cartridge heater HT exceeds the limit temperature. If it determines that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, the control unit 12 cuts off the supply of power to the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18.

[0353] The control unit 12 determines whether the cartridge 19 is usable. For example, the control unit 12 determines that the cartridge 19 is unusable if the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19 based on the data stored in the memory 17. For example, the control unit 12 determines that the cartridge 19 is unusable if the total heating time of the heater HT is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum time or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater HT is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power.

[0354] The control unit 12 determines whether the user is inhaling using the puff sensor PS. For example, the control unit 12 determines whether a puff is occurring based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor PS. For example, the control unit 12 determines the strength of the puff based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor PS. If the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are sensed for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18.

[0355] The control unit 12 determines whether the cap is attached and / or removed using the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 determines whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0356] The control unit 12 controls the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor PS reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 12 notifies the user through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the audio output unit 143 that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon end. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that the stick S is not present in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or cap are not installed. For example, the control unit 12 transmits information regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0357] The control unit 12 saves and updates a history of events that have occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events include operations performed by the aerosol generation device 1, such as detection of insertion of the stick S, start of heating of the stick S, detection of puffing, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18, detection of application of overvoltage to the cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18, end of heating of the stick S, operations such as turning the power of the aerosol generation device 1 on / off, start of charging the power supply 11, detection of overcharging of the power supply 11, and end of charging the power supply 11. The event history includes the time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event includes data related to the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor IDS, etc. For example, if a given event senses overheating of cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18, the current flowing through cartridge heater HT and / or heater 18, etc.

[0358] The control unit 12 controls the establishment of a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When authentication-related data is received from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 lifts the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. Here, the authentication-related data includes data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication using the external device. The external device determines whether the user data is valid based on the user's birthday, user unique number, etc., and receives data regarding the authorization to use the aerosol generation device 1 from an external server. The external device transmits data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generation device 1 based on the data regarding the authorization. When user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 lifts the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, when user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 lifts the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0359] The control unit 12 transmits data regarding the status of the aerosol generation device 1 to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device outputs the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generation device 1, the operating mode, etc. via the display of the external device.

[0360] The external device transmits a location search request to the aerosol generation device 1 based on an input to start a location search of the aerosol generation device 1. When receiving the location search request from the external device, the control unit 12 controls at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 generates vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 outputs objects corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0361] When the control unit 12 receives firmware data from an external device, it controls to perform a firmware update. The external device checks the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generation device 1 and determines whether a new version of the firmware exists. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it receives firmware data of the new version and transmits the firmware data of the new version to the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 controls to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generation device 1 by receiving the firmware data of the new version.

[0362] The control unit 12 transmits data on sensing values ​​from at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16 and receives and stores a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​using machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit 12 uses the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining a user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 stores the sensing value data from at least one sensor 13 and data for training the artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 stores a database related to each component included in the aerosol generation device 1, and weights and biases constituting the artificial neural network (ANN) structure, for training the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 learns the data on sensing values ​​from at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, and the temperature profile stored in the memory 17 to generate at least one learning model used for determining a user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0363] The above-described embodiments of the present invention or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the respective configurations or functions of the above-described embodiments of the present invention or other embodiments may be used together or combined.

[0364] For example, it means that a configuration A illustrated in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B illustrated in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination of the components is not directly described, it means that the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

[0365] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in various modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a receiving space into which the aerosol-producing article is inserted; a heater for heating the aerosol product; an insertion detection sensor that detects whether the aerosol product is inserted into the receiving space; a control unit that notifies a user through an output unit when the insertion detection sensor detects that the aerosol product inserted in the storage space has moved out of the storage space during the heating operation of the heater; The aerosol generating device, wherein the heater maintains a heating operation for heating the aerosol product while providing the notification.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit includes at least one of a display unit, a haptic unit, and an audio output unit.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines that the aerosol product has moved when a change in a sensing value sensed using the insertion sensor corresponds to a predetermined value.

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3 , further comprising a memory containing a look-up table to which the predetermined values ​​are matched for each of the aerosol product items.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the insertion detection sensor includes at least one of an inductive sensor that detects a change in inductance of the accommodating space, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater, and a capacitive sensor that detects a change in capacitance of the accommodating space.

6. The control unit periodically switching the state of the inductive sensor to an activated state; The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the inductive sensor switched to the activated state senses an inductance change.

7. The control unit When the aerosol product is inserted into the receiving space, a first inductance change of the receiving space is sensed at the predetermined period; 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein it is determined that the aerosol product has moved out of the storage space when the magnitude of the detected first inductance change is greater than or equal to a first critical value and less than or equal to a second critical value.

8. The inductive sensor includes a first channel that senses an inductance change caused by a first portion of the aerosol product, and a second channel that senses an inductance change caused by a second portion of the aerosol product that is distinct from the first portion; The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein when the magnitude of the first inductance change is greater than the first critical value and less than the second critical value, the inductance change is detected by only a portion of the first channel and the second channel.

9. 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the control unit determines that the aerosol product has been removed from the storage space when the magnitude of the first inductance change exceeds the second critical value, and temporarily suspends the heating operation of the heater.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the heating operation of the heater is resumed if the aerosol product is reinserted into the storage space within a predetermined grace period from the point at which the heating operation was temporarily stopped.

11. The control unit When the aerosol product is removed from the receiving space, the inductive sensor detects a second inductance change in the receiving space at the predetermined period for a specified time; 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein reinsertion of the aerosol producing article is detected when the magnitude of the detected second inductance change is equal to or greater than a third critical value.

12. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol production article includes a thermally conductive material including at least one of aluminum, nickel, and iron.

13. 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: inserting an aerosol-producing article into the receiving space; heating the aerosol product with a heater; detecting whether the inserted aerosol product has moved out of the receiving space by an insertion detection sensor during the heating operation of the heater; and providing a notification to a user via an output if the aerosol product item is removed from the storage space; The method of operating an aerosol generating device, wherein the heater maintains heating of the aerosol product during the step of providing notification.

14. The method for operating an aerosol generating device according to claim 13 , wherein the output unit includes at least one of a display unit, a haptic unit, and an audio output unit.

15. The method for operating an aerosol generating device described in claim 14, wherein the step of detecting whether the aerosol product has moved from the storage space determines that the aerosol product has moved when the change in the sensing value detected using the insertion detection sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

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