Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus is disclosed. The aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure includes a body having an insertion space, an optical sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space, and a control unit that calibrates the optical sensor based on color information output by the optical sensor, wherein the control unit can compare the color information output by the optical sensor with a pre-set sensing range and determine the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor so that the color information output by the optical sensor falls within the sensing range.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or a substance through an aerosol. The medium can contain substances with various components. The substances contained in the medium may be flavor substances with various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium can include a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component, etc. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

[0003] In an aerosol generating device equipped with an optical sensor, the optical sensor can sense a stick or a cartridge etc. accommodated in the device. The optical sensor can emit light continuously for sensing. The optical sensor can be continuously exposed to the heat generated during the process of generating an aerosol.

[0004] Due to continuous light emission and heat exposure, the optical sensor may age. For example, discoloration or coloring etc. may occur in the optical sensor. Therefore, there is a problem that the sensitivity of the optical sensor decreases and the optical sensor cannot accurately sense a stick or a cartridge etc.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems and other problems.

[0006] Another object is to provide an aerosol generating device that calibrates the intensity of the output light of an optical sensor so that the color information output by the optical sensor is included within the set sensing range.

[0007] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator that calibrates the intensity of output light so that the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor is maximized when the color information output by the optical sensor is equal to or less than the upper limit of the sensing range.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator that calibrates the intensity of output light so that each of the multiple hues of light intensity information output by the optical sensor is equal to or less than the upper limit of the sensing range.

[0009] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator that calibrates the intensity of output light based on color information output by an optical sensor corresponding to the light reflected by each of several sticks with different reflectivity.

[0010] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator that identifies the type of stick housed in the device based on the ratio of light intensity information of multiple hues output by an optical sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided that includes a body having an insertion space, an optical sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space, and a control unit that calibrates the optical sensor based on color information output by the optical sensor, wherein the control unit compares the color information output by the optical sensor with a pre-set sensing range and determines the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor so that the color information output by the optical sensor falls within the sensing range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing accuracy of an optical sensor can be improved by calibrating the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor so that the color information output by the optical sensor falls within a set sensing range.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensitivity of the optical sensor can be prevented from decreasing and the lifespan of the optical sensor can be extended by calibrating the intensity of the output light so that the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor is maximized within a range where the color information output by the optical sensor is equal to or less than the upper limit of the sensing range.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing accuracy of an optical sensor can be improved by calibrating the intensity of the output light based on color information output by the optical sensor in response to light reflected by each of a plurality of sticks with different reflectivity.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the type of stick housed in the device can be accurately identified by identifying the type of stick housed in the device based on the ratio of light intensity information of a plurality of hues output by an optical sensor.

[0016] Any additional applicable scope of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of this disclosure, should be understood to be given only as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]It is a diagram showing an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an optical sensor included in an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an optical sensor included in an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the optical sensor calibration of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] It is a graph showing calibration of an optical sensor in an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, considering multiple hue information. [Figure 9] It is a graph showing calibration of an optical sensor in an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, considering multiple hue information. [Figure 10] It is a graph showing calibration of an optical sensor in an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, considering the hue information of multiple sticks. [Figure 11] It is a graph showing calibration of an optical sensor in an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with the stick not inserted. [Figure 12] It is a graph showing the sensitivity degradation of a sensor depending on whether optical sensor calibration is performed or not in an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] It is a block diagram of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components are given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0019] The suffixes “module” and “section” for the components used in the following description are used only for the ease of description in the specification. “Module” and “section” do not have meanings or roles that are distinguishable from each other.

[0020] Also, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, when a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. can be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0022] When referring to a certain component being “connected” or “joined” to another component, it can be understood that it may be directly connected or joined to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when referring to a certain component being “directly connected” or “directly joined” to another component, it can be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0023] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless otherwise indicated clearly in the context.

[0024] Throughout this specification, the orientation of the aerosol generator 1 can be defined with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generator 1. The y-axis can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generator 1. The z-axis can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generator 1.

[0025] Throughout this specification, “upstream” and “downstream” can be determined based on the direction of the airflow that flows so that the generated aerosol is drawn into the user’s mouth or lungs when the user inhales it. For example, in Figures 1 to 4, the generated aerosol flows from the portion of the stick S inserted into the aerosol generator to the portion not inserted, so the portion of the stick S inserted into the aerosol generator is located upstream of the portion not inserted. “Upstream” and “downstream” can be determined relative to the components.

[0026] Figures 1 to 4 show an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator. The body 10 may have an insertion space 43 that opens upward so as to into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, can be inserted. The insertion space 43 may be formed by recessing inward to a predetermined depth so as to allow at least a portion of the stick S to be inserted. The depth of the insertion space 43 may correspond to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted inside the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. The user may inhale air by putting the exposed upper end of the stick S in their mouth.

[0028] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 may extend upward around the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may be in the form of a tube with a hollow interior. The heater 18 may be positioned around the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0029] For example, referring to Figure 1, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 18 can be heated by current flowing through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to a power supply 11. The heater 18 can generate heat directly by receiving current from the power supply 11.

[0030] For example, referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator may include an induction coil 181 surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil 181 can cause the heater 18 to heat up. The heater 18 can heat up due to the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and can generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0031] On the other hand, a susceptor can be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S can be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181.

[0032] On the other hand, the heater 18 may extend upward in the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater 18 may be inserted into the lower part of the stick S.

[0033] The power supply 11 can provide power to the components of the aerosol generator. The power supply 11 can be described as a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18. If the aerosol generator 1 includes an induction coil 181, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0034] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 can be mounted on a printed circuit board. The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11 and the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the display, motor, etc., installed in the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator and determine whether the aerosol generator is in an operational state.

[0035] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 so that the heater 18 starts or stops operating. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0036] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion sensing sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, and the internal and external temperatures of the body 10. For example, sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space 43.

[0037] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, and a cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator. The body 10 may provide an upwardly opening space into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, can be inserted. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted inside the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. The user can inhale air by placing the exposed upper end of the stick S in their mouth.

[0038] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0039] For example, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil can cause the heater 18 to generate heat. On the other hand, a susceptor may be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S can generate heat through the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil.

[0040] The cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol-generating substance having one of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0041] The cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 or may be detachably attached to the body 10.

[0042] For example, referring to Figure 3, the cartridge 19 is integrally formed with the body 10 and can communicate with the insertion space via the airflow channel CN.

[0043] For example, referring to Figure 4, a space is formed on one side of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 can be mounted on the body 10 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 19 into the space formed on one side of the body 10. The airflow channel CN ​​is defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0044] The body 10 can be formed in such a way that outside air can flow into the body 10 when the cartridge 19 is inserted. Here, the outside air that flows into the body 10 can pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the user's mouth.

[0045] The cartridge 19 may include a storage section C0 containing an aerosol-generating substance and / or a heater 24 for heating the aerosol-generating substance in the storage section C0. A liquid transfer means impregnated (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be located inside the storage section C0. Here, the liquid transfer means may include a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic. The electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in the form of a coil that winds the liquid transfer means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid transfer means. The heater 24 can be called a cartridge heater.

[0046] Cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. An aerosol can be generated by heating the liquid transfer means with the cartridge heater 24. An aerosol can be generated by heating the stick S with the heater 18. As the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and heater 18 passes through the stick S, tobacco substances are added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with added tobacco substances can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

[0047] The aerosol generator 1 is equipped only with a cartridge heater 24, and the body 10 does not need to be equipped with a heater 18. In this configuration, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 can absorb tobacco substances as it passes through the stick S and be inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0048] The aerosol generator 1 may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably attached to the body 10 so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 which is coupled to the body 10. The stick S may be inserted into the body 10 through the cap.

[0049] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator to operate. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, sensor 13, cartridge heater 24, and heater 18. If the aerosol generator 1 includes an induction coil, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil.

[0050] The control unit 12 can control the operation of the aerosol generating device as a whole. The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the following: the power supply 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, and the cartridge 19.

[0051] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 so that the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 starts or stops. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 and the duration for which power is supplied so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 are heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0052] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge sensor, and a cap sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether a cartridge is installed. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether a cap is installed.

[0053] Referring together to Figures 1 to 4, the aerosol generator 1 may include an optical sensor 138. The optical sensor 138 may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space 43. The optical sensor 138 can face the insertion space 43. The optical sensor 138 can emit light toward the insertion space 43 and receive light which is at least a portion of the emitted light reflected. The optical sensor 138 can obtain information about the hue from the received light. The control unit 12 may be electrically connected to the optical sensor 138. The control unit 12 can identify whether a stick S is inserted into the insertion space 43 and at least one of the types of stick S to be inserted, depending on the signal output by the optical sensor 138.

[0054] Figures 5 and 6 show an optical sensor included in an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Referring to Figure 5, the stick S can be housed in or inserted into the insertion space 43. The stick S may include a display unit 41. The display unit 41 may be formed on the surface paper or wrapper of the stick S. The display unit 41 may be printed on a portion of the surface paper or wrapper, or printed so as to extend circumferentially on the surface paper or wrapper. The display unit 41 may be located on the surface of at least a portion of the stick S that is inserted into the insertion space 43. The light reflectivity of the display unit 41 may differ from that of the stick S depending on the type of stick S. For example, the light reflectivity of the display unit of the first stick for R, G, and B may differ from that of the display unit of a second stick which is different from the first stick.

[0056] The aerosol generator 1 may include an optical sensor 138. The optical sensor 138 may comprise a light-emitting unit 1381 and a light-receiving unit 1382. The light-emitting unit 1381 can emit light toward the insertion space 43. The light-emitting unit 1381 can emit any one of ultraviolet light, infrared light, and white light. The light-emitting unit 1381 may be an LED. The light-emitting unit 1381 can be considered a light source. The light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1381 may be reflected by the insertion space 43 and / or by the stick S housed in the insertion space 43.

[0057] The reflected light can reach the light-receiving unit 1382. The light-receiving unit 1382 can sense the light reflected by the object. The light-receiving unit 1382 may be a photodiode. The light-receiving unit 1382 can obtain information about the hue (hereinafter referred to as color information) from the sensed light. The light-receiving unit 1382 can output color information corresponding to the hue of the sensed light.

[0058] The light-receiving unit 1382 can receive light reflected from the stick S when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space 43 and output color information corresponding to the hue of the received light. The light-receiving unit 1382 can also receive light reflected from the insertion space 43 when the stick S is not inserted into the insertion space 43 and output color information corresponding to the hue of the received light. The color information may include light intensity values ​​or gray level values ​​corresponding to multiple hues. The light-receiving unit 1382 can output light intensity values ​​or gray level values ​​corresponding to the hue of the sensed light. For example, the light-receiving unit 1382 can output Red, Green, and Blue values ​​corresponding to the hue of the sensed light.

[0059] The light intensity value or gray level can be represented using 16 bits. The light intensity value or gray level value can be any single value between 0 and 65535. The light intensity value or gray level value can be any single value between -32768 and 32767. However, the light intensity value or gray level value may vary depending on the sensor resolution required by the aerosol generator 1.

[0060] The body 10 or optical sensor 138 may include a lens 101. The lens 101 may cover the light-emitting unit 1381 and the light-receiving unit 1382. The light-emitting unit 1381 and the light-receiving unit 1382 may be arranged side by side in the direction in which the insertion space 43 extends. The lens 101 may be positioned between the light-emitting unit 1381 and the light-receiving unit 1382 and the insertion space 43. The lens 101 can transmit light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1381. The lens 101 can transmit light reflected by an object to the light-receiving unit 1382.

[0061] The control unit 12 can identify the stick S to be housed in the insertion space 43 based on the color information output from the optical sensor 138. The color information output from the optical sensor 138 may have light intensity values ​​corresponding to multiple hues. Based on the color information, the control unit 12 can determine the relative ratio between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to multiple hues, and based on the determined ratio, can identify the stick S to be housed in the insertion space 43.

[0062] Stick S can include multiple sticks, each with a different reflectance for each of the multiple hues. For example, Stick S can include a first stick, a second stick, and a third stick, each with a different reflectance for each of the multiple hues included in the color information (see Figure 10). The first stick may have higher reflectance in the order of Blue, Red, and Green. The second stick may have higher reflectance in the order of Green, Blue, and Red. The third stick may have higher reflectance in the order of Blue, Green, and Red. The first to third sticks may have different ratios of Red light intensity to Green light intensity and Blue light intensity to Green light intensity compared to the other sticks, based on the reflected light intensity values.

[0063] Based on the determined ratio, the control unit 12 can identify the type of stick to be accommodated in the insertion space 43 from among the multiple sticks. Based on the identified type of stick, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0064] Therefore, the sticks housed in the device can be accurately identified.

[0065] Referring to Figure 6, the light source 1381 of the optical sensor 138 can emit light repeatedly for sensing. The optical sensor 138 may be continuously exposed to heat generated by the heater 18, heat radiated from the stick S, and high-temperature aerosols flowing in the insertion space 43 during the aerosol generation process.

[0066] Sustained light emission and thermal exposure can cause the optical sensor 138 to deteriorate. For example, discoloration or staining may occur in at least a portion of the lens 101 102. As a result, the sensitivity of the optical sensor 138 may decrease, and it may not be able to accurately detect the stick S or the like.

[0067] In an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the decrease in sensitivity of the optical sensor 138 can be prevented or minimized by adjusting the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor 138 based on the color information output by the optical sensor 138. The features of this adjustment of the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor 138 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 to 12.

[0068] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the optical sensor calibration of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figures 8 and 9 are graphs showing that the optical sensor is calibrated considering multiple hue information in an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figures 8 and 9, the graph on the left shows the color information output from the optical sensor 138 before calibration is performed, and the graph on the right shows the color information output from the optical sensor 138 after calibration is performed.

[0069] Referring to Figure 7, the control unit 12 can calibrate the optical sensor 138 based on the color information output by the optical sensor 138. The control unit 12 can compare the color information output by the optical sensor 138 with a pre-set sensing range. The control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 so that the color information output by the optical sensor 138 falls within the pre-set sensing range.

[0070] The control unit 12 can receive color information output by the optical sensor 138 (S710). The optical sensor 138 can receive light reflected by the stick S housed in the insertion space 43 and output color information in response. The control unit 12 can receive color information output in response to the light reflected by the stick S.

[0071] The control unit 12 can compare the color information output by the optical sensor 138 with a previously set sensing range. The light-receiving unit 1382 of the optical sensor 138 can sense light having a light intensity within a certain range. The sensing range can be set to be smaller than the range defined as the range between the minimum and maximum values ​​of the light intensity output by the light-receiving unit 1382, or the range defined as the range between the minimum and maximum values ​​of the gray level output by the light-receiving unit 1382. For example, the upper limit of the sensing range UL1 can be set to be a certain value smaller than the maximum value of the light intensity output by the light-receiving unit 1382 or the maximum value of the gray level output by the light-receiving unit 1382. For example, the lower limit of the sensing range can be set to be a certain value larger than the minimum value of the light intensity output by the light-receiving unit 1382 or the minimum value of the gray level output by the light-receiving unit 1382. The control unit 12 can compare the color information output by the optical sensor 138 with the upper limit of the sensing range UL1.

[0072] The control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 so that the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 is maximized within a range where the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is the same as or smaller than the upper limit value UL1 of the sensing range.

[0073] If the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is the same as the upper limit value UL1 of the sensing range (yes in S720), the control unit 12 does not need to change the intensity of the light output by the optical sensor 138. The optical sensor 138 can emit light at its current output intensity, receive the reflected light, and output color information.

[0074] If the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is less than the upper limit of the sensing range UL1 (yes in S730), the control unit 12 can control the optical sensor 138 so that the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 increases (S740).

[0075] Referring to Figure 8, the color information output from the optical sensor 138 can include light intensity values ​​or gray level values ​​corresponding to multiple hues. For example, the color information can include light intensity values ​​R1, G1, and B1 corresponding to Red, Green, and Blue hues. The control unit 12 can compare each of the multiple light intensity values ​​R1, G1, and B1 included in the color information with the upper limit value UL1 of the sensing range.

[0076] The control unit 12 can identify the maximum value (G1 in Figure 8) among the multiple light intensity values ​​R1, G1, and B1. If the identified maximum value G1 is smaller than the upper limit of the sensing range UL1, the control unit 12 can control the optical sensor 138 so that the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 increases. The control unit 12 can determine the difference LD between the maximum value G1 and the upper limit of the sensing range UL1 among the multiple light intensity values ​​R1, G1, and B1, and increase the intensity of the output light in proportion to the determined difference LD.

[0077] For example, the control unit 12 can increase the intensity of the output light by a certain amount based on the determined difference LD. The intensity of the light output from the light source 1381 of the optical sensor 138 can be determined according to the input PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal. The intensity of the output light can increase as the duty ratio of the input PWM signal increases, and the intensity can decrease as the duty ratio of the input PWM signal decreases. The control unit 12 can determine the duty ratio of the PWM signal so that the intensity of the output light increases by a certain amount. The control unit 12 can change the intensity of the light output from the light source 1381 of the optical sensor 138 based on the determined duty ratio. The control unit 12 can receive color information output by the optical sensor 138 (S710), compare the color information output from the optical sensor 138 with the upper limit value UL1 of the sensing range, and repeatedly perform the process of changing the intensity of the output light.

[0078] For example, the control unit 12 can increase the intensity of the output light so that the maximum value G1 among multiple light intensity values ​​R1, G1, and B1 increases by a determined difference LD. The control unit 12 can determine the duty cycle of the PWM signal in proportion to the determined difference LD. The memory 17 (see Figure 13) can store information on the increase in light intensity values ​​or gray level values ​​corresponding to multiple hues output from the optical sensor 138 due to the increase in the intensity of the output light. Based on the information stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can control the optical sensor 138 so that the intensity of the output light increases. The control unit 12 can increase the duty cycle of the PWM signal so that the intensity of the output light increases by a determined difference LD.

[0079] After calibration is performed, the color information output by the optical sensor 138 can be the same as the upper limit of the sensing range UL1. After calibration is performed, the maximum value G1' among the multiple light intensity values ​​R1', G1', and B1' included in the color information output by the optical sensor 138 can be the same as the upper limit of the sensing range UL1.

[0080] If the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is greater than the upper limit of the sensing range UL1 (no in S730), the control unit 12 can control the optical sensor 138 so that the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 decreases (S740).

[0081] Referring to Figure 9, the control unit 12 can compare each of the multiple light intensity values ​​R2, G2, and B2 included in the color information with the upper limit value UL1 of the sensing range. The control unit 12 can identify the maximum value (G2 in Figure 9) among the multiple light intensity values ​​R2, G2, and B2. If the identified maximum value G2 is greater than the upper limit value UL1 of the sensing range, the control unit 12 can control the optical sensor 138 so that the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 decreases. The control unit 12 can determine the difference LD between the maximum value G2 among the multiple light intensity values ​​R2, G2, and B2 and the upper limit value UL1 of the sensing range, and can reduce the intensity of the output light in proportion to the determined difference LD.

[0082] After calibration is performed, the color information output by the optical sensor 138 can be the same as the upper limit of the sensing range UL1. After calibration is performed, the maximum value G2' among the multiple light intensity values ​​R2', G2', and B2' included in the color information output by the optical sensor 138 can be the same as the upper limit of the sensing range UL1.

[0083] If the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is greater than the upper limit of the sensing range UL1, the color information may be distorted due to sensor noise present in the optical sensor 138. On the other hand, if the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is less than the upper limit of the sensing range UL1 by a certain level or more, as the optical sensor 138 deteriorates, the color information output by the optical sensor 138 may become smaller than the lower limit of the sensing range LL (see Figure 12). In this case, the color information output by the optical sensor 138 may not accurately reflect the ratio of the unique light intensity values ​​of each stick S.

[0084] In an aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing accuracy of the optical sensor can be improved by adjusting the intensity of the output light so that the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is equal to or less than the upper limit value UL1 of the sensing range. Furthermore, a decrease in the sensitivity of the optical sensor can be prevented, and the lifespan of the optical sensor can be extended.

[0085] Figure 10 is a graph showing the calibration of an optical sensor in an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, taking into account the hue information of multiple sticks. In Figure 10, the graph on the left shows the color information output from the optical sensor 138 before calibration is performed, and the graph on the right shows the color information output from the optical sensor 138 after calibration is performed.

[0086] Referring to Figure 10 together with Figure 7, the aerosol generator 1 can identify various types of sticks S. The sticks S may include multiple sticks, each with a different reflectance for each of the multiple hues included in the color information. The control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor 138 corresponding to the light reflected by each of the multiple sticks.

[0087] For example, stick S may include a first stick, a second stick, and a third stick, each having a different reflectance for each of the multiple hues included in the color information. The first stick may have a higher reflectance in the order of Blue, Red, and Green. The second stick may have a higher reflectance in the order of Green, Blue, and Red. The third stick may have a higher reflectance in the order of Blue, Green, and Red.

[0088] With one of the first to third sticks housed in the insertion space 43, the optical sensor 138 can output color information corresponding to the housed stick. The optical sensor 138 can output first to third color information 1001, 1002, and 1003 corresponding to the first to third sticks. The control unit 12 can identify the maximum first value B4 among the multiple light intensity values ​​R4, G4, and B4 included in the first color information 1001. The control unit 12 can identify the maximum second value G5 among the multiple light intensity values ​​R5, G5, and B5 included in the second color information 1002. The control unit 12 can identify the maximum third value B6 among the multiple light intensity values ​​R6, G6, and B6 included in the third color information 1003. The control unit 12 can identify the maximum value B4 among the first to third values ​​B4, G5, and B6. In other words, the control unit 12 can identify the maximum value among all the light intensity values ​​included in the color information corresponding to the multiple sticks.

[0089] The control unit 12 can determine the difference value LD between the identified value B4 and the upper limit value UL1 of the sensing range. Based on the determined difference value LD, the control unit 12 can increase the intensity of the output light.

[0090] After calibration is performed, the color information output by the optical sensor 138 can be the same as the upper limit of the sensing range UL1. After calibration is performed, among the multiple light intensity values ​​R4', G4', B4', R5', G5', B5', R6', G6', B6' included in the color information output by the optical sensor 138 for multiple sticks, the maximum value B4' can be the same as the upper limit of the sensing range UL1.

[0091] If multiple sticks with different characteristics are interchangeable with the aerosol generator 1, the optical sensor 138 must be accurately calibrated for all of the interchangeable sticks.

[0092] In an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing accuracy of the optical sensor can be improved by adjusting the intensity of the output light so that the color information output by the optical sensor 138 corresponding to the light reflected by each of the multiple sticks is equal to or less than the upper limit of the sensing range UL1.

[0093] Figure 11 is a graph showing the calibration of an optical sensor in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the stick not inserted. In Figure 11, the graph on the left shows the color information output from the optical sensor 138 before calibration is performed, and the graph on the right shows the color information output from the optical sensor 138 after calibration is performed.

[0094] Referring to Figure 11 together with Figure 7, the optical sensor 138 can receive light reflected from the insertion space 43 when the insertion space 43 does not contain the stick S, and output color information corresponding to the hue of the received light. The control unit 12 can receive the color information output in response to the light reflected in the insertion space 43.

[0095] The control unit 12 can compare the color information output by the optical sensor 138 with a previously set sensing range. The sensing range may include a first upper limit value UL1 and a second upper limit value UL2. As described above, the first upper limit value UL1 may be a reference value for calibrating the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor 138 in response to the light reflected by the stick S. The second upper limit value UL2 may be a reference value for calibrating the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor 138 in response to the light reflected in the insertion space 43.

[0096] The second upper limit value UL2 can be set to correspond to the first upper limit value UL1. For example, if the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is the same as the first upper limit value UL1 of the sensing range when the stick S is inserted, the color information output by the optical sensor 138 may be the same as the second upper limit value UL2 of the sensing range when the stick S is not inserted. That is, if the maximum value G8 among the multiple light intensity values ​​R8, G8, and B8 included in the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is the same as the first upper limit value UL1 when the stick S is inserted, the maximum value B9 among the multiple light intensity values ​​R9, G9, and B9 included in the color information output by the optical sensor 138 may be the same as the second upper limit value UL2 of the sensing range when the stick S is not inserted.

[0097] The second upper limit value UL2 can be set to be a certain value smaller than the maximum value of the light intensity output by the light receiving unit 1382 or the maximum value of the gray level. The second upper limit value US2 may be smaller than the first upper limit value UL1. The control unit 12 can compare the color information output by the optical sensor 138 with the second upper limit value UL2 of the sensing range.

[0098] If the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is less than the second upper limit UL2 of the sensing range, the control unit 12 can control the optical sensor 138 so that the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 increases.

[0099] The control unit 12 can identify the maximum value (B9 in Figure 11) among the multiple light intensity values ​​R9, G9, and B9. If the identified maximum value B9 is smaller than the second upper limit value UL2 of the sensing range, the control unit 12 can control the optical sensor 138 so that the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 increases. The control unit 12 can determine the difference LD between the maximum value B9 among the multiple light intensity values ​​R9, G9, and B9 and the second upper limit value UL2 of the sensing range, and increase the intensity of the output light in proportion to the determined difference LD.

[0100] If the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is greater than the second upper limit UL2 of the sensing range, the control unit 12 can control the optical sensor 138 so that the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 decreases.

[0101] The control unit 12 determines the difference LD between the maximum value B9 and the second upper limit value UL2 of the sensing range among the multiple light intensity values ​​R9, G9, and B9, and can reduce the intensity of the output light in proportion to the determined difference LD.

[0102] If the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is the same as the second upper limit value UL2 of the sensing range, the control unit 12 does not need to change the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138.

[0103] After calibration is performed, with the insertion space 43 not accommodating the stick S, the color information output by the optical sensor 138 may be the same as the second upper limit UL2 of the sensing range. After calibration is performed, with the insertion space 43 accommodating the stick S, the color information output by the optical sensor 138 may be the same as the first upper limit UL1 of the sensing range. After calibration is performed, with the insertion space 43 accommodating the stick S, the maximum value G8' among the multiple light intensity values ​​R8', G8', and B8' included in the color information output by the optical sensor 138 may be the same as the first upper limit UL1 of the sensing range.

[0104] Therefore, the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 can be adjusted without the process of inserting a separate stick S into the insertion space 43.

[0105] Figure 12 is a graph showing the decrease in sensor sensitivity with and without optical sensor calibration in an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 12, the graph on the left shows the color information output from the optical sensor 138 at the time the aerosol generator 1 was manufactured, and the graph on the right shows the color information output from the optical sensor 138 after the aerosol generator 1 has been used for a long period of time.

[0106] Referring to Figure 12, in the aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor 138 is adjusted (1201), the maximum value G11 among the multiple light intensity values ​​R11, G11, and B11 included in the color information output from the optical sensor 138 may be the same as the upper limit of the sensing range UL1 at the time the aerosol generator 1 is manufactured. In contrast, when the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor 138 is not adjusted (1202), the maximum value G12 among the multiple light intensity values ​​R12, G12, and B12 included in the color information output from the optical sensor 138 may be a certain level smaller than the upper limit of the sensing range UL1.

[0107] As mentioned above, after the aerosol generator 1 has been used for a long time, the optical sensor 138 may deteriorate. As the usage time of the aerosol generator 1 gradually increases, the color information output from the optical sensor 138 may gradually decrease in value compared to the color information output from the optical sensor 138 at the time the aerosol generator 1 was manufactured. As illustrated in Figure 12(b), if the color information output from the optical sensor 138 becomes smaller than the lower limit value LL of the sensing range, the color information output from the optical sensor 138 may not be able to accurately reflect the light information reflected by the stick S.

[0108] On the other hand, in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor 138 is adjusted, it is possible to prevent the color information output from the optical sensor 138 from becoming smaller than the lower limit value LL of the sensing range, even if the optical sensor 138 deteriorates. Alternatively, the point at which the color information output from the optical sensor 138 becomes smaller than the lower limit value LL of the sensing range can be delayed. In other words, in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor 138 is adjusted, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the sensitivity of the optical sensor 138 and extend the lifespan of the optical sensor 138.

[0109] In an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit 12 compares the color information output by the optical sensor 138 with a lower limit value LL, and if the color information is smaller than the lower limit value LL, it can output information about the sensing error via the output unit 14.

[0110] Therefore, it can improve user convenience.

[0111] Figure 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 13. In other words, it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment that the design of the aerosol generator 1 may allow for the omission of some of the components shown in Figure 13 or the addition of new components.

[0113] The sensor 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether a stick S and / or cartridge 19 has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0114] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, insertion sensor 133, reuse sensor 134, cartridge sensor 135, cap sensor 136, and motion sensor 137.

[0115] The temperature sensor 131 can sense the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 are heated. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 themselves may act as a temperature sensor.

[0116] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented using a thermistor or other element that utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0117] The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned around the power supply 11 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of the battery which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0118] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the body 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0119] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0120] The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensing sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S by the change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0121] An induction sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the induction sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0122] Induction sensors can output signals that correspond to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an induction sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the inductance value of a coil.

[0123] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0124] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may also be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the hue of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the hue of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical property corresponding to the hue of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as an integrated configuration with the proximity sensor, or as a separate configuration separated from the proximity sensor.

[0125] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S can change hue due to aerosols. The reuse sensing sensor 134 may be positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the wrapper whose hue changes due to aerosols is located when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, at least a portion of the wrapper may have a first hue. Here, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper becomes wet with the aerosol, causing the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper to change to a second hue. On the other hand, after the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper has changed from the first hue to the second hue, it may be maintained at the second hue.

[0126] The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0127] The cap sensing sensor 136 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body 10, a portion of the cartridge 19 and body 10 that was covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap sensing sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0128] The motion sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensor 137 can be implemented using at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0129] Sensor 13 may further include at least one of the following, in addition to the sensors 131 to 137 described above: a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS position sensor, and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation can be omitted.

[0130] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an acoustic output unit 143. If the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 141 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0131] The display 141 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 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 the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object), and the display 141 can output this information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0132] The haptic unit 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 during a set time, the haptic unit 142 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0133] The acoustic output unit 143 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0134] The power supply 11 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The power supply 11 can supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be heated. The power supply 11 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator 1, namely the sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0135] Although not shown in Figure 13, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0136] The power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 if the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 if the voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0137] The heater 18 receives power from the power supply 11 and can heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick S. Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power supply 11 to AC power.

[0138] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can function by receiving power from the power supply 11. Although not shown in Figure 13, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a constant voltage circuit, may be further included to convert the power from the power supply 11 and supply it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 13, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion sensing sensor 133.

[0139] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may be, 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. Also, the heater 18 may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0140] In other embodiments, the heater 18 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol-generating material.

[0141] The input unit 15 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that senses touch. For example, the touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), or an infrared touch sensor.

[0142] The display 141 and the touch panel can be realized by a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be embedded within the display 141 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on top of the display panel 141 (add-on type).

[0143] On the other hand, the input section 15 may include, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0144] Memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed. Memory 17 can include at least one type of storage medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 17 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0145] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0146] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (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, and the like.

[0147] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

[0148] Although not shown in Figure 13, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via such a connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0149] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor can also be realized by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. It is also understandable to those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0150] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0151] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, heater 18, or induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element can be embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0152] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts the DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter can be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0153] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0154] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0155] The control unit 12 can adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power supply circuit. When the switching element remains in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the voltage level output from the power supply 11. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit can be. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0156] The control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0157] For example, the control unit 12 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses.

[0158] For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the heater temperature 18 and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0159] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to interrupt the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds a previously set limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by a certain ratio if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds a previously set limit temperature. For example, if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted and can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24.

[0160] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the power supply 11 in accordance with the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0161] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the charging of the power supply 11 based on a previously set charging current. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can shut off the charging of the power supply 11.

[0162] With the aerosol generator 1 powered on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the system to use the power stored in the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0163] The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 relative to the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0164] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion sensing sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal from the insertion sensing sensor 133. If it determines that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0165] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion sensing sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is above a set gradient. If the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0166] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 based on the state of the stick S sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can check the level range that includes the level of the capacitance sensor signal based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0167] If the stick S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18, thereby increasing the preheating time of the stick S compared to normal conditions.

[0168] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space has been reused by the reuse sensing sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and if the sensing value falls within the first reference range, it can determine that the stick S has not been used. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and if the sensing value falls within the second reference range, it can determine that the stick S has been used. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0169] The control unit 12 can determine the coupling and / or removal of the cartridge 19 based on the cartridge sensing sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the coupling and / or removal of the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor.

[0170] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted. For example, the control unit 12 can preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted. If the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0171] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 has been used. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the total time the heater 24 has been heated is greater than or equal to a previously set maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is greater than or equal to a previously set maximum amount of power.

[0172] The control unit 12 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation based on the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a pre-set maximum number of puffs or if no puff is detected for a period of time longer than a pre-set time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0173] The control unit 12 can determine whether to attach and / or remove the cap based on the cap sensing sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether to attach and / or remove the cap based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor.

[0174] The control unit 12 can control 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 132 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will immediately shut off via at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the acoustic output unit 143. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that there is no stick S in the insertion space, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the cartridge 19 and / or cap has not been installed, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0175] The control unit 12 can save and update a history of the event in the memory 17 when a predetermined event occurs. Events can include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick S insertion, start of stick S heating, puff detection, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, end of stick S heating, on / off of the aerosol generator 1, start of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharge of the power supply 11, and end of charging of the power supply 11. The history of an event can include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of stick S insertion, the log data corresponding to the event can include data such as the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0176] The control unit 12 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as the user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the authentication data may include data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication via the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the right to use the aerosol generator 1 from an external server. Based on the data regarding the right to use, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator 1. Once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0177] The control unit 12 can transmit data about the status of the aerosol generator 1 to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the operating mode, and other information via the external device's display.

[0178] An external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator 1 based on an input that initiates a location search for the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives a location search request from the external device, it can control 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 can generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 can output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0179] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current firmware version of the aerosol generator 1 and determine if a new firmware version is available. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new firmware data and transmit the new firmware data to the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives the new firmware data, it can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0180] The control unit 12 can transmit data about the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, learn the sensing values ​​from the server via machine learning such as deep learning, and receive and store the generated learning model. Using the learning model received from the server, the control unit 12 can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store the sensing value data of at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database of each component provided in the aerosol generator 1, weights and biases that make up the artificial neural network (ANN) structure, etc., for training the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 can learn the data about the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0181] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing accuracy of an optical sensor can be improved by calibrating the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor so that the color information output by the optical sensor falls within a set sensing range.

[0182] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensitivity of the optical sensor can be prevented from decreasing and the lifespan of the optical sensor can be extended by calibrating the intensity of the output light so that the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor is maximized within a range where the color information output by the optical sensor is equal to or less than the upper limit of the sensing range.

[0183] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing accuracy of the optical sensor can be improved by calibrating the intensity of the output light based on color information output by the optical sensor in response to light reflected by each of a plurality of sticks with different reflectivity.

[0184] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the type of stick housed in the device can be accurately identified by identifying the type of stick housed in the device based on the ratio of light intensity information of multiple hues output by an optical sensor.

[0185] Referring to Figures 1 to 13, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body 10 having an insertion space 43, an optical sensor 138 positioned adjacent to the insertion space 43, and a control unit 12 that calibrates the optical sensor 138 based on color information output by the optical sensor 138. The control unit 12 can compare the color information output by the optical sensor 138 with a pre-set sensing range and determine the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor 138 so that the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is included in the sensing range.

[0186] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the sensing range includes upper limits UL1 and UL2, and the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 such that the intensity of the output light from the optical sensor 138 is maximized within a range where the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is equal to or smaller than the upper limits UL1 and UL2.

[0187] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the color information includes light intensity values ​​corresponding to a plurality of hues, and the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the output light such that each of the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of hues is equal to or less than the upper limits UL1 and UL2.

[0188] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the optical sensor 138 receives light reflected by the stick S housed in the insertion space 43, and the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor 138 in response to the light reflected by the stick S.

[0189] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the stick S includes a plurality of sticks, each with a different reflectance for each of the plurality of hues included in the color information, and the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor 138 in response to the light reflected by each of the plurality of sticks.

[0190] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the optical sensor 138 receives reflected light when the insertion space 43 does not contain the stick S, and the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor 138 in response to the reflected light.

[0191] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can reduce the intensity of the output light when the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is greater than the upper limits UL1 and UL2, and increase the intensity of the output light when the color information output by the optical sensor 138 is less than the upper limits UL1 and UL2.

[0192] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can determine the difference LD between the color information output by the optical sensor 138 and the upper limits UL1 and UL2, and can decrease or increase the intensity of the output light in proportion to the determined difference LD.

[0193] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can determine a duty ratio corresponding to the determined output light intensity and control the optical sensor 138 based on the determined duty ratio.

[0194] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the control unit 12 can identify the stick S to be housed in the insertion space 43 based on the color information output from the optical sensor 138.

[0195] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the color information includes light intensity values ​​corresponding to a plurality of hues, and the control unit 12 can determine the relative ratio between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of hues included in the color information, and based on the determined ratio, can identify the stick S to be housed in the insertion space 43.

[0196] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the stick S comprises a plurality of sticks S1, S2 with different reflectances for each of the plurality of hues, and the control unit 12 can identify the type of stick from the plurality of sticks S1, S2 to be housed in the insertion space 43 based on the determined ratio.

[0197] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the system further includes an output unit 14, the sensing range includes a lower limit LL, and the control unit 12 compares the color information output by the optical sensor 138 with the lower limit LL, and if the color information is smaller than the lower limit LL, it can output information about the sensing error via the output unit 14.

[0198] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the upper limits UL1 and UL2 may be smaller than the maximum value of the color information output by the optical sensor 138, and the lower limit LL may be larger than the minimum value of the color information output by the optical sensor 138.

[0199] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the optical sensor 138 may include a light source 1381 that emits light, and a light receiving unit 1382 that receives light that has been reflected externally from the emitted light.

[0200] The specific or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable. The specific or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions.

[0201] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if a combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that such a combination is possible unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination is not possible.

[0202] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A body with an insertion space, An optical sensor is positioned adjacent to the aforementioned insertion space, The optical sensor includes a control unit that calibrates the optical sensor based on the color information output by the optical sensor, The control unit, The color information output by the optical sensor is compared with a previously set sensing range. An aerosol generating device that determines the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor such that the color information output by the optical sensor is included in the sensing range.

2. The sensing range includes an upper limit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the intensity of the output light such that the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor is maximized when the color information output by the optical sensor is within a range equal to or smaller than the upper limit.

3. The aforementioned color information includes light intensity values ​​corresponding to multiple hues, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines the intensity of the output light such that each of the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of hues is equal to or less than the upper limit value.

4. The optical sensor receives light reflected by the stick housed in the insertion space. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines the intensity of the output light based on color information output by the optical sensor in response to the light reflected by the stick.

5. The sticks include a plurality of sticks, each with a different reflectance for each of the plurality of hues included in the color information, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit determines the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor corresponding to the light reflected by each of the plurality of sticks.

6. The optical sensor receives light reflected when the insertion space does not contain the stick. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor in response to the reflected light.

7. The control unit, If the color information output by the optical sensor is greater than the upper limit, the intensity of the output light is reduced. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the intensity of the output light is increased when the color information output by the optical sensor is less than the upper limit.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit determines the difference between the color information output by the optical sensor and the upper limit, and decreases or increases the intensity of the output light in proportion to the determined difference.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a duty cycle corresponding to the determined output light intensity, and controls the optical sensor based on the determined duty cycle.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit identifies a stick to be housed in the insertion space based on color information output from the optical sensor.

11. The aforementioned color information includes light intensity values ​​corresponding to multiple hues, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control unit determines the relative ratio between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of hues included in the color information, and identifies the stick to be housed in the insertion space based on the determined ratio.

12. The sticks include a plurality of sticks, each of which has a different reflectance for each of the plurality of hues. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit identifies the type of stick to be housed in the insertion space from among the plurality of sticks based on the determined ratio.

13. Further including an output section, The sensing range includes the lower limit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit compares the color information output by the optical sensor with the lower limit value, and if the color information is smaller than the lower limit value, outputs information about the sensing error via the output unit.

14. The aforementioned upper limit is smaller than the maximum value of the color information output by the optical sensor. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the lower limit is greater than the minimum value of color information output by the optical sensor.

15. The optical sensor is A light source that emits light, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a light receiving unit that receives light reflected externally from the emitted light.

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