Aerosol generating apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The aerosol generator and its control method, when a smoking session is started, set a power profile to perform dielectric heating of the aerosol product using microwaves, monitor power feedback data related to the power supplied to the source unit that generates a microwave signal while performing dielectric heating according to the power profile during the smoking session, and when the smoking session ends, determine whether or not calibration of the power profile is necessary based on the monitored power feedback data, and if it is determined that calibration of the power profile is necessary, update the power profile based on the monitored power feedback data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device and a control method thereof, and more specifically, to a method for updating a power profile used for performing dielectric heating in an aerosol generation device.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, demand related to alternative methods for overcoming the shortcomings of general cigarettes has been increasing. For example, demand has been increasing for a method of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance, instead of a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette. Accordingly, research related to heated aerosol generation devices is being actively conducted.

[0003] However, since the heated aerosol generation device is a device that uses high power for heating operations, efficient use of the battery is required. In addition, accurate control of the heating temperature is required to provide a user with a satisfactory smoking sensation. Accordingly, there is a demand for a scheme for optimizing the power profile used for heating control for the aerosol generation device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The aerosol generation device generates an aerosol by performing heating control according to a preset power profile. However, due to factors such as the usage pattern of the aerosol generation device and the surrounding environment, the performance of heating control deteriorates with the preset power profile. Therefore, there is a demand for a scheme that performs accurate power control of the aerosol generation device to improve the efficiency and performance of heating control. The technical problem of the present invention is not limited to the above, and other technical problems may be inferred from the following embodiments.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention employs a function to update the power profile, thereby enabling more efficient power usage and precise heating control.

[0006] In one aspect, the aerosol generator includes a source unit that generates a microwave signal for dielectric heating of an aerosol product using microwaves, and a control unit that controls the intensity of the microwave signal by controlling the power supplied to the source unit from a power source, the control unit includes a processor that monitors power feedback data relating to the power supplied to the source unit while performing dielectric heating according to a pre-set power profile during a smoking session, and updates the power profile based on the monitored power feedback data if calibration of the power profile to a target power is required.

[0007] In other words, a method for controlling an aerosol generator includes the steps of: setting a power profile to perform dielectric heating of an aerosol product using microwaves when a smoking session is started; monitoring power feedback data relating to the power supplied to a source unit that generates a microwave signal while performing dielectric heating according to the set power profile during the smoking session; determining whether calibration of the power profile is necessary based on the monitored power feedback data when the smoking session is finished; and updating the power profile based on the monitored power feedback data if it is determined that calibration of the power profile is necessary.

[0008] From another perspective, a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium may include a recording medium on which one or more programs containing instruction words that perform the methods described above are recorded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] As mentioned above, if the power profile currently used in the aerosol generator needs calibration, it will be updated to a new power profile. This allows for efficient control of dielectric heating and aerosol generation by controlling the dielectric heating with a power profile optimized for the aerosol generator's usage pattern, potentially providing users with an even better smoking experience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the power profile according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating a method for generating a power profile used in an aerosol generator, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates a comparison between a pre-set power profile and the change in power supply during actual smoking when dielectric heating is performed in an aerosol generator, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for calibrating a power profile according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating a method for determining whether or not power profile calibration is necessary according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the power profile updated through calibration according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates a method for configuring the power profile update function according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] In one aspect, the aerosol generator includes a source unit that generates a microwave signal for dielectric heating of an aerosol product using microwaves, and a control unit that controls the intensity of the microwave signal by controlling the power supplied to the source unit from a power source, the control unit includes a processor that monitors power feedback data relating to the power supplied to the source unit while performing dielectric heating according to a pre-set power profile during a smoking session, and updates the power profile based on the monitored power feedback data if calibration of the power profile to a target power is required.

[0012] Furthermore, the processor determines whether calibration is necessary by analyzing data relating to the power difference between the target power of the power profile and the power supplied to the source unit from the monitored power feedback data.

[0013] Furthermore, the data relating to the power difference includes at least one of the following: the frequency at which a power difference exceeding a predetermined range occurred between the target power and the power supplied to the source unit; the period during which the power difference exceeding the predetermined range was maintained; the magnitude of the power difference; and the time period during which the power difference occurred frequently.

[0014] Furthermore, the processor updates the power profile by determining that calibration is necessary if the data relating to the analyzed power difference satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0015] Furthermore, the predetermined conditions include at least one of the following: the frequency at which a power difference occurs within a certain period is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times; the power difference is maintained for a predetermined time; the magnitude of the power difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined size; or the condition is repeated for each predetermined number of smoking sessions.

[0016] Further, the processor updates the power profile by calibrating, using the power data included in the power feedback data, the target power determined to require calibration among the target powers of the power profile.

[0017] Further, the power feedback data includes data related to the power actually supplied to the power amplifier provided in the source unit.

[0018] According to another aspect, a method for controlling an aerosol generation apparatus comprises: when a smoking session is started, setting a power profile to perform dielectric heating using microwaves on an aerosol generating article; while the smoking session is in progress, monitoring power feedback data related to the power provided to a source unit that generates microwave signals while performing the dielectric heating according to the set power profile; when the smoking session ends, determining whether calibration of the power profile is required based on the monitored power feedback data; and when it is determined that the calibration of the power profile is required, updating the power profile based on the monitored power feedback data.

[0019] Further, the determining step determines whether the calibration is required by analyzing data related to a power difference between the target power of the power profile and the power provided to the source unit from the monitored power feedback data.

[0020] Further, the data related to the power difference includes at least one of: the frequency at which a power difference exceeding a predetermined range between the target power and the power provided to the source unit occurs, the period during which the power difference exceeding the predetermined range is maintained, the magnitude of the power difference, and the time zone in which the power difference frequently occurs.

[0021] Further, the determining step determines that calibration is required when the data related to the analyzed power difference satisfies a predetermined condition, and the predetermined condition includes at least one of a case where the frequency of occurrence of the power difference within a certain period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times, a case where the power difference is maintained for a predetermined time, a case where the magnitude of the power difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude, and a case where the power difference is repeated every predetermined number of smoking sessions.

[0022] Further, the updating step updates the power profile by calibrating the target power, which is determined to require calibration among the target power values of the power profile, using the power data included in the power feedback data.

[0023] Further, the power feedback data includes data relating to the power actually supplied to the power amplifier provided in the source unit.

[0024] According to still another aspect, a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium may include a recording medium on which one or more programs including instructions for performing the above-described method are recorded.

[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar constituent elements are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions related thereto are omitted. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar drawing reference numerals may be used for similar or related constituent elements.

[0026] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description for components are added or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of specification preparation and do not have a distinct meaning or role on their own. On the other hand, the suffixes "module" or "part" include units embodied by hardware, software, or firmware and can be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A "module" or "part" is the smallest unit or part of a component that is configured as a whole or performs one or more functions. For example, a "module" or "part" can be embodied in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0027] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a specific description of such prior art is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are merely for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and it should be understood that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein and include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes that fall within the concept and technical scope of the present invention.

[0028] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but the components are not limited by such terms. The terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another.

[0029] When it is mentioned that one component is "linked" or "connected" to another component, it must be understood that it is either directly linked to the other component, or connected but with other components in between. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that one component is "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it must be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0030] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention are embodied by software comprising one or more instruction words stored on a storage medium (e.g., memory) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generator 1). For example, the processor (e.g., processor 170) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generator 1) can invoke and execute at least one instruction from the one or more instruction words stored on the storage medium. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function by the invoked at least one instruction word. The one or more instruction words include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily on the storage medium.

[0032] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 may include a control unit 10, a source unit 20, and a radiating unit 30. The control unit 10 is a circuit for controlling the basic operation of the aerosol generator 1. The source unit 20 is a circuit for generating an RF (Radio Frequency) signal under the control of the control unit 10. The radiating unit 30 is a device for radiating the RF signal generated by the source unit 20 in an electromagnetic wave manner into the space in which the aerosol product is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space). The radiated electromagnetic wave (e.g., RF signal) causes the charge or ions of the dielectric (e.g., glycerin) contained in the aerosol product to vibrate or rotate, and the dielectric heat generated by the frictional heat generated in the process of the charge or ions vibrating or rotating can heat the aerosol product. In other words, the aerosol generator 1 is a device that heats the aerosol product using a dielectric heating method and generates an aerosol.

[0034] For example, the control unit 10 may include a power connector 110, a charging circuit 120, a power supply 130, a first power converter 140, a second power converter 150, a third power converter 160, and / or a processor 170. The source unit 20 may include an RF signal generation circuit 210, a drive amplifier 220, a power amplifier 230, a directional coupler 240, and / or a temperature sensing circuit 250. However, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0035] The power connector 110 refers to a physical coupling device used for transmitting and receiving power, electrically connecting the aerosol generator 1 to an external electronic device or system (e.g., an external power supply). For example, the power connector 110 can receive power from an external power supply and transmit the received power to a component that needs charging (e.g., a power supply 130). The power connector 110 can also provide a path for data transmission. The aerosol generator 1 can send and receive data with an external electronic device or system (e.g., a smartphone, computer, etc.) through the power connector 110. The power connector 110 may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) power connector, a DC (Direct Current) power connector, etc. As an example, the power connector 110 is a USB-C type connector that supplies a 9V DC voltage with a 1A current, but is not necessarily limited to this. The power connector 110 may also include an interface for wirelessly transmitting and receiving power.

[0036] The charging circuit 120 refers to a circuit for charging the power supply 130. The charging circuit 120 can charge the power supply 130 using power transmitted from the power connector 110. For example, the charging circuit 120 may be embodied by a charger IC, which is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs functions for efficiently and safely charging the power supply 130. The charging circuit 120 can monitor the charge state of the power supply 130 or optimize the charging process by monitoring the voltage, current, and / or temperature of the power supply 130. For example, the charging circuit 120 can prevent overcharging or over-discharging by sensing the state of the power supply 130 and providing appropriate charging voltage and current.

[0037] The power supply 130 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generator 1. The power supply 130 may include one or more rechargeable batteries. The power supply 130 can supply power to the radiating unit 30 so that the radiating unit 30 radiates electromagnetic waves (e.g., RF signals) into the insertion space to heat the aerosol product. Here, supplying power to the radiating unit 30 is equivalent to supplying power to the source unit 20. The power supply 130 can also supply power necessary for the operation of the processor 170, the RF signal generation circuit 210, the drive amplifier 220, the power amplifier 230, the temperature sensing circuit 250, etc. For example, the power supply 130 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power supply 130 may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be installed in a battery housing provided in the aerosol generator 1, or it may be removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may be charged via wired and / or wireless means.

[0038] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power conversion circuit for converting power supplied from the power supply 130 into power (e.g., voltage and / or current) suitable for other components. The power conversion circuit may include at least one of a buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, and LDO regulator (low-dropout regulator). The power conversion circuit may also include a DC / AC converter (e.g., inverter) as needed.

[0039] As an example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a first power converter 140, a second power converter 150, and a third power converter 160. The first power converter 140 is an LDO regulator for supplying power suitable for the processor 170 (e.g., DC 3.3V), the second power converter 150 is a buck boost converter for supplying power suitable for the temperature sensing circuit 250, the RF signal generation circuit 210, and the drive amplifier 220 (e.g., DC 5V), and the third power converter 160 is a boost converter for supplying power suitable for the power amplifier 230 (e.g., DC 12V / 25W).

[0040] However, the first power converter 140, the second power converter 150, and the third power converter 160 are not limited to the examples given above and may include other types of power conversion circuits. Also, although Figure 1 shows that the aerosol generator 1 includes three power converters, the aerosol generator 1 may include more than three power converters or fewer power converters. For example, at least some of the first power converter 140, the second power converter 150, and the third power converter 160 may be integrated into a single power converter.

[0041] The processor 170 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the processor 170 can directly or indirectly control the charging and discharging of the power supply 130 using the charging circuit 120. Furthermore, the processor 170 can adjust the voltage and / or current output from the power conversion circuit by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit. In addition to the components described above, the processor 170 can also generally control the operation of other components, which will be described later.

[0042] The processor 170 may be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and memory storing a program executable by such an MCU. Furthermore, a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs will understand that the processor 170 may be embodied by different forms of hardware.

[0043] The RF signal generation circuit 210 can generate an RF signal based on power transmitted from the power supply 130 or the second power converter 150. An RF signal refers to a signal having a frequency in the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. For example, an RF signal may have a frequency of 1 GHz to 100 GHz. Alternatively, an RF signal may have frequencies in the ISM (Industrial Scientific and Medical equipment) band, such as 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and / or 5.8 GHz. In this embodiment, the RF signal may be referred to separately as electromagnetic waves, microwaves, etc.

[0044] The RF signal generation circuit 210 may include a VCO (Voltage-controlled oscillator) that generates RF signals having different frequencies depending on the input voltage. The RF signal generation circuit 210 can receive a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) from the processor 170 and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received control signal. The processor 170 can store control signals corresponding to desired frequencies in a lookup table, or calculate control signals corresponding to desired frequencies in real time through at least one operation.

[0045] As an example, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a digital-to-analog converter (D / A converter) for converting a digital control signal output from the processor 170 into an analog control signal. The RF signal generation circuit 210 can receive an analog control signal and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received analog control signal.

[0046] The drive amplifier 220 can amplify the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit 210. For example, by amplifying the signal level (e.g., amplitude) of the RF signal, the drive amplifier 220 can provide an input signal suitable for the next step's components (e.g., the power amplifier 230). The drive amplifier 220 minimizes signal distortion by maintaining high linearity. However, since the drive amplifier 220 is an amplifier focused on increasing the signal level, it can provide relatively low output power.

[0047] The power amplifier 230 can amplify the power of the RF signal received from the drive amplifier 220. The power amplifier 230 is an amplifier focused on providing sufficient power to the final output device (e.g., the radiator 30). For example, the power amplifier 230 can provide the radiator 30 with a high-power RF signal so that the radiator 30 radiates electromagnetic waves into the insertion space to heat aerosol products. The power amplifier 230 performs amplification operations using the power received through the third power converter 160, which provides higher power and / or voltage than the second power converter 150.

[0048] The drive amplifier 220 and power amplifier 230 may include transistors such as bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field effect transistors (FETs), or vacuum tubes. For example, the drive amplifier 220 and power amplifier 230 are GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors that offer high efficiency, high speed, and high voltage processing, but are not necessarily limited to these. The drive amplifier 220 and power amplifier 230 may also include operational amplifiers.

[0049] On the other hand, although the drive amplifier 220 and the power amplifier 230 are shown as separate amplifiers in Figure 1, the drive amplifier 220 and the power amplifier 230 can be integrated into a single amplifier. Furthermore, the drive amplifier 220 and / or the power amplifier 230 may be composed of multiple amplifiers connected in series, in parallel, and / or in combination thereof.

[0050] The radiating section 30 may include at least one antenna for radiating electromagnetic waves into space. At least one antenna may have a size and shape suitable for the size and shape of the aerosol product. For example, if the aerosol product is cylindrical, at least one antenna may be tubular, surrounding the cylindrical aerosol product. Here, the tubular shape of the antenna means that the overall shape of the antenna is tubular. In other words, if the antenna is formed by a metal (e.g., SUS) track, it means that the overall shape of the entire track is tubular. The shape of at least one antenna is not limited to the examples given above and may include a variety of shapes such as a flat plate or a bent plate.

[0051] The radiating unit 30 can heat the aerosol product by radiating electromagnetic waves (e.g., amplified RF signal or transmitted RF signal) into the insertion space. To maximize the heating efficiency of the aerosol product, electromagnetic resonance must occur within the insertion space. The resonance conditions of the insertion space (e.g., resonance frequency) may vary depending on the type and amount of dielectric material contained in the inserted aerosol product. The processor 170 can control the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit 210 to correspond to or be adjacent to the resonance conditions of the insertion space by adjusting the control signal input to the RF signal generation circuit 210. The processor 170 can utilize the directional coupler 240 to obtain information about the resonance conditions of the insertion space.

[0052] The directional coupler 240 refers to a passive element having a waveguide structure that separates incident waves and reflected waves. The directional coupler 240 can receive the RF signal transmitted from the power amplifier 230 toward the radiator 30 and the electromagnetic waves that have been radiated by the radiator 30 and reflected from the insertion space. The directional coupler 240 can separate the transmitted RF signal and the reflected electromagnetic waves and transmit them to the processor 170.

[0053] As an example, the aerosol generator 1 may further include an A / D converter (Analog to digital converter) for converting the analog output of the directional coupler 240 to a digital output. The A / D converter may be integrated into the processor 170 or may exist as a separate component outside the processor 170. By monitoring the output of the directional coupler 240, the processor 170 can analyze the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency) and the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic wave (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency).

[0054] The processor 170 can verify whether the source unit 20 is operating as intended based on the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal. Furthermore, the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal, along with the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic wave, can be used to determine the heating efficiency of the source unit 20 or the radiating unit 30. The processor 170 can control the source unit 20 so as to maximize the heating efficiency of the source unit 20 or the radiating unit 30. For example, the processor 170 can adjust the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit 210 so as to minimize the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave. Minimizing the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave means that the frequency of the RF signal approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space. The characteristics of the transmitted RF signal can provide a criterion for determining whether the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave has been minimized.

[0055] Since electromagnetic wave resonance occurs in the insertion space depending on the frequency of the RF signal, the insertion space is referred to as the resonant area. At least a portion of the insertion space is surrounded by at least one shielding member to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the aerosol generator 1. According to one embodiment, the insertion space may further include a physical structure to ensure that the resonance conditions are within a range controllable by the processor 170. The physical structure includes at least one conductor, and the resonance conditions of the insertion space may vary depending on the arrangement, thickness, and length of the conductor. The physical structure may also include a space for housing a dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption, separate from the dielectric contained in the aerosol product. A dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption can change the resonance frequency of the entire resonant area without absorbing the energy that must be transferred to the heated object. This allows the resonance conditions to be determined within a range controllable by the processor 170, even if the resonant area is miniaturized.

[0056] The temperature sensing circuit 250 is positioned in contact with or adjacent to the components included in the source unit 20 and can measure the temperature of the source unit 20. For example, the temperature sensing circuit 250 may be positioned in contact with or adjacent to at least one of the RF signal generation circuit 210, the drive amplifier 220, and the power amplifier 230. During the RF signal generation and / or amplification process, heat is generated by limited efficiency, but if excessive heat is generated, it will negatively affect the components included in the source unit 20 or other components included in the aerosol generator 1. The temperature measured by the temperature sensing circuit 250 can be used to prevent overheating of the source unit 20.

[0057] The processor 170 receives the temperature (or a value corresponding to the temperature) measured by the temperature sensing circuit 250, and if it determines that the source unit 20 has overheated, it can interrupt the operation of the source unit 20. For example, the processor 170 can interrupt the operation of the source unit 20 by interrupting the power supply to the source unit 20 or by transmitting a control signal. Hereafter, the term "power supply to the source unit 20" is used to mean controlling the operation of the source unit 20.

[0058] The temperature sensing circuit 250 may include at least one temperature sensor from among thermocouples, RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors), thermistors, semiconductor temperature sensors, and optical temperature sensors. For example, the temperature sensing circuit 250 may be implemented by a chip-type sensor (e.g., an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor) to minimize the area it occupies, but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0059] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 may further include other components in addition to those shown in Figure 1. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a sensor unit, an output unit, an input unit, a communication unit, and a memory. Also, if the aerosol generator 1 is a hybrid type device that uses both aerosol products and a cartridge, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a cartridge heater. The cartridge heater is powered by a power supply 130 and can heat the medium and / or aerosol generating material in the cartridge.

[0060] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may further include a heater (or "aerosol product heater") for selectively heating the aerosol product through the radiation unit 30 using a resistance heating method in addition to the dielectric heating method. The heater can heat the aerosol product by generating heat in response to the power supplied from the power supply 130.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 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 processor 170. For example, the sensor unit may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, a reuse sensor, an overly moist sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge sensor, a cap sensor, and / or a motion sensor. On the other hand, the sensor unit may further include a variety of sensors, such as a liquid level sensor for sensing the remaining liquid in the cartridge and a water ingress sensor for sensing water ingress into the aerosol generator 1.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor can sense the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol product. The temperature sensor can be positioned in contact with or adjacent to the insertion space or the aerosol product to directly measure the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol product. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be positioned at a distance from the insertion space or the aerosol product to indirectly measure the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol product (e.g., non-contact). As an example, the temperature sensor may include an optical temperature sensor (e.g., an infrared temperature sensor).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor can sense the temperature of the power supply 130. The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power supply 130. For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power supply 130 (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one side of a printed circuit board. As an example, the aerosol generator 1 includes a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power supply 130 together with the power protection circuit.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generator 1 and may sense the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0066] As an example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1, and the processor 170 can detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. 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 may be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0067] As another example, a puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop occurs in the airflow path, insertion space, aerosol product, etc. The processor 170 can detect the user puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc., output from the temperature sensor.

[0068] As yet another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor can measure a temperature used to calibrate the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. For example, the puff sensor can calibrate a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the calibrated signal. As yet another example, the puff sensor can output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the processor 170 can receive the signals and calibrate the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0069] As yet another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In this invention, the capacitance sensor is also referred to as a cap sensor or capacitive sensor. When a user puff occurs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow occurs within the insertion space, which can change the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. The processor 170 can detect the user puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

[0070] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples given above and can be implemented by a variety of sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product. The insertion sensing sensor may be installed around the insertion space.

[0072] As an example, the insertion sensing sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor includes at least one conductor, which may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When aerosol products are inserted into / removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor changes. The processor 170 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products based on a signal output from the capacitance sensor that corresponds to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space.

[0073] As another example, the insertion sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor includes at least one coil, which may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol product (e.g., the wrapper of the aerosol product) contains a conductor, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows when the aerosol product is inserted into / out of the insertion space. The processor 170 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product containing a conductor based on the characteristics of the current (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) output from or sensed by the inductive sensor. Alternatively, the aerosol product (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol product) may include a susceptor (SUS), etc. In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field occurs around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like in the insertion space, and the processor 170 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product based on the current characteristics of the inductive sensor.

[0074] The insertion sensing sensor is not limited to the examples given above and can be embodied by a variety of sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) for sensing the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. The insertion sensing sensor may also include any combination of the examples given above. According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor may include a switch for sensing the intrusion by the aerosol product.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the reuse-sensing sensor can sense whether or not an aerosol product is to be reused. As an example, the reuse-sensing sensor is a color sensor for sensing the hue of the aerosol product. When the aerosol product is used by a user, the generated aerosol or heating causes a change in the hue of a portion of the flank surrounding the outside of the aerosol product. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to the optical properties (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the hue of the flank based on the light reflected from the flank. If a change in the hue of a portion of the flank is detected, the processor 170 can determine that the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity sensing sensor can sense whether or not the aerosol product is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity sensing sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The processor 170 can detect whether or not the aerosol product is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant output from the capacitance sensor. As an example, the processor 170 can check the level range that includes the level of the signal based on a lookup table and determine the amount of moisture in the aerosol product based on the checked level range.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can sense whether or not the aerosol product is genuine, and / or the type of aerosol product.

[0078] As an example, a cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for sensing an identification substance (or identification tag) located on the outer surface (e.g., the flaps) of an aerosol product. The optical sensor can irradiate light onto the identification substance (or identification tag) of the aerosol product and, based on the reflected light, can sense whether the aerosol product is genuine and / or of its type. For example, the identification substance may include a substance that emits light of a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The processor 170 can detect whether the aerosol product is genuine and / or of its type based on the wavelength range.

[0079] As another example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. Depending on the type of aerosol product inserted into the insertion space, the dielectric constants inside the insertion space may differ from one another. The processor 170 can detect whether the aerosol product is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

[0080] As yet another example, a cigarette lighter identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If the hood and / or interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space contains a conductor, the characteristics of the current sensed by the inductive sensor when the aerosol product is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the AC current) may differ from one another, depending on the type of aerosol product inserted into the insertion space. The processor 170 can detect whether the inserted aerosol product is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor.

[0081] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples given above and can be embodied by a variety of sensors for sensing whether an aerosol product is genuine and / or for sensing the type of aerosol product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples given above.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the cartridge sensing sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the cap sensing sensor can sense the attachment and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of the cartridge attached to or inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or that covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generator 1. When the cap sensing sensor attaches to / removes the cap from the housing, it outputs a signal corresponding to the attachment or removal, and the processor 170 can sense the attachment or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the attachment or removal.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the motion sensing sensor can sense the movement of the aerosol generator 1. The motion sensing sensor can be embodied by at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit may further include at least one of the following sensors in addition to the aforementioned sensors: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, or a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation may be omitted.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the output unit can output information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit includes, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an acoustic output unit. For example, information about the aerosol generator 1 may include the charging / discharging status of the power supply 130 of the aerosol generator 1, the operating status of the source unit 20 or the radiation unit 30, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol product and / or cartridge, the attachment and / or 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 item). The display can visually provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the display may include an LED (light-emitting diode) light-emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and the like. If the display includes a touchpad, it may also be used as an input unit. The haptic unit can tactilely provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the haptic section may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulator, etc. The acoustic output section can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output section can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the input unit can receive information entered by the user. For example, the input unit may include a touch panel, buttons, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the memory is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the processor 170 and data being processed. For example, the memory may 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. For example, the memory 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.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the communication unit may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices). For example, the communication unit may include a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association: IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, and the like.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol product by controlling the amplification factor of the source unit 20 (e.g., power amplifier 230). The processor 170 can control the amplification factor of the source unit 20 (e.g., power amplifier 230) based on the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol product sensed using a temperature sensor. The processor 170 can control the amplification factor of the source unit 20 (e.g., power amplifier 230) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0091] Furthermore, the processor 170 can heat the aerosol product using a resistance heating method instead of a dielectric heating method by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 130 to the heater (or "aerosol product"). For example, the processor 170 can heat the aerosol product using a resistance heating method by supplying power only to the heater without supplying power to the source unit 20 through the power supply 130.

[0092] Furthermore, the processor 170 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater by controlling the power supplied to the cartridge heater from the power supply 130. The processor 170 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater sensed using a temperature sensor. The processor 170 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can prevent the insertion space, aerosol product, and / or cartridge heater from overheating. For example, the processor 170 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the source unit 20 or cartridge heater, or to interrupt the power supply to the source unit 20 or cartridge heater, based on the temperature of the insertion space, aerosol product, and / or cartridge heater exceeding a pre-set limit temperature.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater based on the results sensed by the sensor unit.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater based on the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products into and from the insertion space. For example, the processor 170 can use an insertion sensing sensor to control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater if it determines that aerosol products have been inserted into the insertion space. The processor 170 can use an insertion sensing sensor to cut off the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater if it determines that aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space. The processor 170 may also determine that aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol products is above a limiting temperature, or if the temperature change gradient of the insertion space or the aerosol products is above a set gradient.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the source unit 20 or cartridge heater based on the state of the aerosol product. For example, if the processor 170 determines, using an over-humidity sensing sensor, that the aerosol product is in an over-humidity state, it can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the source unit 20 or cartridge heater.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater based on whether or not the aerosol product is to be reused. For example, if the processor 170 determines that the aerosol product has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater based on whether or not the cartridge is connected and / or removed. For example, if the processor 170 determines, using a cartridge sensing sensor, that the cartridge is separated, it can interrupt the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater, or control the power supply so that it does not reach the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater based on whether or not the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been consumed. For example, the processor 170 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been consumed if it determines that the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds a limiting temperature during preheating (i.e., in the preheating section). If it determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been consumed, the processor 170 can cut off the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is usable or not. For example, the processor 170 can determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in memory, the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. Alternatively, the processor 170 can determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the cartridge heater has been heated is equal to or greater than a previously set maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater is equal to or greater than a previously set maximum amount of power. In this case, the processor 170 can interrupt the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater, or control the power supply so that it is not supplied to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater based on the user's puffs. For example, the processor 170 can use a puff sensor to determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff. The processor 170 can cut off the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater if the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs and / or if no puffs are detected for a predetermined time or longer. The processor 170 may also control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater when a puff is detected.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol product (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of the type. For example, the processor 170 can use a cigarette identification sensor to detect whether the aerosol product is genuine and / or of the type. As an example, if the processor 170 detects that the aerosol product (or cartridge) is counterfeit, it can cut off the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater. If the processor 170 detects that the aerosol product (or cartridge) is genuine, it can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater. As another example, the processor 170 can control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater differently depending on the type of aerosol product (or cartridge). More specifically, the processor 170 can control the amplification factor of the source unit 20 or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a first temperature profile (or first power profile) if the aerosol product (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol product (or first cartridge), and can control the amplification factor of the source unit 20 or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a second temperature profile (or second power profile) if the aerosol product (or second cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol product (or second cartridge).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the output unit based on the results sensed by the sensor unit. For example, the processor 170 can control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generator 1 will immediately terminate when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor reaches a predetermined number. For example, the processor 170 can also control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the insertion space, the aerosol product, or the cartridge heater.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can store and update a history of events in memory based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, an event may include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as sensing the insertion of an aerosol product, starting the heating of the aerosol product, detecting puffing, ending the puffing, detecting overheating, sensing the application of an overvoltage to the cartridge heater, ending the heating of the aerosol product, turning the power of the aerosol generator 1 on / off, starting the charging of the power supply 130, detecting overcharging of the power supply 130, and ending the charging of the power supply 130. For example, the history of an event may include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is the sensing of insertion of an aerosol product, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater, the current flowing through the cartridge heater, etc.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the communication unit to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0106] According to one embodiment, if the processor 170 receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link, it can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., heating function). For example, the authentication data may include the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, and whether or not the user's authentication has been completed.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can transmit data regarding the state of the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., remaining power supply 130, operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output through a display or the like on the external device.

[0108] According to one embodiment, when the processor 170 receives a request from an external device to locate the aerosol generator 1 via a communication link, it can control the output unit to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the processor 170 can control the haptic unit to generate vibrations, or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the completion of the search.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 performs a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device via a communication link.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 transmits data for sensing values ​​from at least one sensor unit to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, learns the sensing values ​​from the server through machine learning such as deep learning, and receives and stores the generated learning model. The processor 170 uses the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0111] Although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit includes at least one switching element that can interrupt the circuit to the power supply 130 in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging of the power supply 130.

[0112] The aerosol product referred to in the present invention may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium) and at least one filter rod. The radiating section 30 is arranged to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently from each other in terms of the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating substance, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating substance may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include a variety of other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and / or an organic acid, and may also include a variety of other substances. For example, the aerosol generating rod may include an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco substance (e.g., an aerosol generating substance and / or nicotine), and / or include a solid tobacco substance (e.g., tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). Tobacco material is contained in the aerosol generating rod in various forms, such as shredded tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additives to the aerosol generating rod may include a basic substance. Based on the basic substance, the nicotine of the tobacco material contained in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine can be released from the aerosol generating rod even at low temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod includes two or more aerosol generating rods, and these two or more aerosol generating rods may each contain tobacco material and / or non-tobacco material. On the other hand, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod are each and / or collectively wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present invention, the aerosol product may be referred to as a stick.

[0113] The cartridge referred to in this invention may contain an aerosol-generating substance having one of the following states: liquid, solid, gas, 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. On the other hand, the cartridge may include a storage section containing the aerosol-generating substance and / or a liquid delivery means that impregnates (contains) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater is included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater may be included in an aerosol-generating device 1 that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0114] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the power profile according to one embodiment.

[0115] Referring to Figure 2, the power profile 201 shows the change in target power supplied to the source unit 20 in the aerosol generator 1 over time. Specifically, the radiating unit 30 can adjust the intensity of electromagnetic microwaves radiated into the insertion space for heating the aerosol product. In this case, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves can be adjusted according to the amplification level of the power amplifier 230 provided in the source unit 20. For example, if the radiating unit 30 must radiate relatively high-power electromagnetic waves, the power amplifier 230 can adjust the intensity of the radiated electromagnetic waves by increasing the amplification factor, and if it must radiate relatively low-power electromagnetic waves, the power amplifier 230 can adjust the intensity of the radiated electromagnetic waves by decreasing the amplification factor. The amplification factor of the power amplifier 230 can be changed depending on the amount of power supplied to the power amplifier 230.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the power profile 201 corresponds to a profile in which a predetermined target power is set for the power supplied to the power amplifier 230 of the source unit 20. Referring to the power profile 201, after the operation of the source unit 20 is started, a preheating section is performed in which the output power of the source unit 20 (power amplifier 230) is increased in a short time in order to rapidly raise the temperature of the dielectric in the insertion space and the aerosol product for a certain period of time. Once preheating is complete, a smoking section in which the user puffs is performed is performed. In the smoking section, a section in which the change in target power is not large is maintained until the end of smoking, and the smoking section may be set to maintain a target power level that is relatively lower than that of the preheating section.

[0117] Changes in the target power on the power profile 201 correspond to changes in the output power of the source unit 20 (power amplifier 230), and the intensity of the output electromagnetic waves (output microwaves) of the radiating unit 30 corresponds to changes in the output power of the source unit 20 (power amplifier 230). The intensity of the radiated electromagnetic waves also affects the degree of heat generation due to frictional heat of the dielectric in the aerosol product. Therefore, the temperature of the insertion space and the dielectric in the aerosol product in the preheating section and smoking section can be changed to follow the trend of changes in the target power on the power profile 201.

[0118] On the other hand, the power profile 201 shown in Figure 2 is merely an arbitrary profile presented for illustrative purposes, and the usable power profiles in the aerosol generator 1 are not limited by Figure 2.

[0119] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for generating a power profile used in an aerosol generator, according to one embodiment.

[0120] Referring to Figure 3, a power profile can be generated using a test cigarette 311 and an aerosol tester 312. Here, a test cigarette 311 is a cigarette manufactured through a production process under identical conditions, with identical specifications such as cigarette length, type of medium, and medium content. However, due to actual manufacturing process tolerances, there are slight differences within the tolerance range for each test cigarette 311.

[0121] The aerosol tester 312 is a device having a heater assembly 321 that is manufactured in the same manner as the heater assembly structure of the aerosol generator 1. The heater assembly 321 is manufactured in the same manner as the internal and external structures provided for dielectric heating, such as the insertion space, source section 20 and radiation section 30 of the aerosol generator 1. The device operates to mimic the user's smoking act when inserting the test cigarette 311. Specifically, the heater assembly 321 of the aerosol tester 312 has a structure having a cavity for accommodating the test cigarette 311, and is equipped with structures and components for heating the test cigarette 311 using electromagnetic waves (microwaves) as a dielectric heating method, similar to the aerosol generator 1.

[0122] The aerosol tester 312 may be operated during a pre-configured smoking test session, under the same smoking constraints as the aerosol generator 1, until a predetermined time (e.g., 4 minutes and 30 seconds) has elapsed after the smoking test has started, or until a predetermined number of puffs (e.g., 16) has been reached.

[0123] The aerosol tester 312 can explore the optimal power profile by varying the dielectric heating conditions of the heater assembly 321 so that the expected amount of aerosol atomization is produced from the test cigarette 311 during the smoking test session of the test cigarette 311. Here, the dielectric heating conditions are conditions in which the amount of power supplied at each time period during the smoking test session is set to be different from one another.

[0124] For example, when a cigarette 1 is inserted into the aerosol tester 312, the heater assembly 321 of the aerosol tester 312 performs dielectric heating of the cigarette 1 based on a first power condition. When dielectric heating is started, the aerosol analyzer 322 can acquire data on the amount of power supplied to the heater assembly 321 for each time period during the smoking test session, and data on the amount of aerosol atomized by the aerosol analyzer 322. At this time, temperature data related to the cigarette 1 or temperature data related to the heater assembly 321 can also be acquired through a temperature sensor installed inside the heater assembly 321 or a temperature sensor installed outside the heater assembly 321. Once the smoking test on the cigarette 1 is completed, data on the amount of medium (aerosol generating substance) consumed inside the cigarette 1 can also be acquired separately. In other words, the aerosol tester 312 acquires various analytical data from the cigarette 1 consumed by dielectric heating under the first power condition, such as the amount of aerosol atomized (amount produced) and the amount of medium (aerosol generating substance) consumed.

[0125] On the other hand, such smoking tests are performed under second power conditions, ..., n power conditions for the entire set of test cigarettes 311, such as cigarette 2, ..., cigarette n (where n is a natural number).

[0126] The aerosol tester 312 is intended to explore a power profile that generates a uniform amount of atomized aerosol throughout the entire smoking test session by analyzing the amount of aerosol atomized from the test cigarette 311 under various dielectric heating conditions. Based on the test results, the power profile thus explored can be determined to be the final power profile 301.

[0127] Referring to the final power profile 301, the time it takes to reach the target preheating temperature after preheating begins, the amount of power supplied to reach the target preheating temperature, the time the temperature is maintained after reaching the target preheating temperature, the amount of power supplied to maintain the temperature after reaching the target preheating temperature, and target power amounts for each time period within the smoking section are set. However, the final power profile 301 shown in Figure 3 is merely an example for the sake of explanation, and the final power profile 301 also includes power profiles with other trends.

[0128] If the final power profile 301 is obtained through the aerosol tester 312, the final power profile 301 may be stored in the memory of the aerosol generator 1 as the initial power profile for controlling the dielectric heating of the aerosol generator 1.

[0129] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a comparison between a pre-set power profile and the change in power supply during actual smoking when dielectric heating is performed in an aerosol generator according to one embodiment.

[0130] Referring to Figure 4, the aerosol generator 1 controls the power supply based on a pre-set power profile 401 while dielectric heating is performed. Here, the control of the power supply means controlling the intensity of the electromagnetic microwaves output from the radiating unit 30 by the amplification level of the power amplifier 230 provided in the source unit 20, as described above.

[0131] The power profile 401 is pre-configured for optimal aerosol generation from the aerosol generator 1 using the method described in Figure 3. However, the aerosol generator 1 may operate in environments different from the test environment conditions due to external factors such as the user's inhalation strength, usage pattern, and ambient temperature / humidity. Therefore, even if the optimal power profile 401 is set, the target power set in the power profile 401 may not be maintained during actual operation of the aerosol generator 1.

[0132] Actual power change graph 402 exemplifies the changes in the actual power supplied while the aerosol generator 1 is performing a smoking session with a user. According to the actual power change graph 402, the trend of power change over the entire interval is controlled to follow the trend of target power change in power profile 401. However, in section 410, indicated by the arrow, feedback control is performed to bring the power back to the target power after power exceeding the target power has been supplied.

[0133] While the aerosol generator 1 performs a smoking session using dielectric heating, the processor 170 performs feedback control while monitoring the power actually supplied to the power amplifier 230 in relation to the target power of the pre-set power profile 401. Here, the processor 170 also performs feedback control while monitoring the power supplied to other components in addition to the power amplifier 230, such as the RF signal generation circuit 210 and the drive amplifier 220.

[0134] Specifically, the processor 170 can analyze and monitor the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal (radiated electromagnetic wave) (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase, and / or frequency) and the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic wave (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase, and / or frequency) by monitoring the output of the directional coupler 240. Based on this, the processor 170 can perform feedback control on the operation of the source unit 20 based on the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal. For example, the processor 170 can adjust the frequency of the RF signal so that the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave is minimized, or adjust the amplification factor of the RF signal by the amplifier (e.g., power amplifier 230).

[0135] In the actual power change graph 402, section 410, indicated by the arrow, supplied power exceeding the target power. This is because power different from the target power was supplied in order to maximize the heating efficiency by the RF signal while minimizing the power of reflected electromagnetic waves. In other words, the pre-set power profile 401 in the aerosol generator 1 differs slightly from the power optimized for aerosol generation during the actual operation of the aerosol generator 1. If a tendency to supply power different from the target power of the pre-set power profile 401 is continuously monitored during the actual operation of the aerosol generator 1, it is desirable to calibrate the power profile 401.

[0136] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for calibrating a power profile according to one embodiment.

[0137] While the aerosol generator 1 performs a smoking session using dielectric heating, the processor 170 performs power feedback control based on a pre-set power profile and updates the power profile if a significant difference repeatedly / cumulatively occurs between the target power of the pre-set power profile and the power supplied during actual operation. This power profile update process will be described below.

[0138] Referring to Figure 5, in step 501, the processor 170 sets a power profile to perform dielectric heating on the aerosol product when a smoking session is started in the aerosol generator 1. Here, the power profile is pre-stored in memory. The power profile is the target power supplied to the source unit 20, and specifically, it is a pre-set profile of the target power supplied to the power amplifier 230 of the source unit 20 at regular intervals. However, in addition to the power profile for power control of the power amplifier 230, the processor 170 also uses other power profiles to control the power supplied to other components of the control unit 10 and the source unit 20, such as the RF signal generation circuit 210 and the drive amplifier 220, to control the power of each component in the aerosol generator 1.

[0139] In step 502, the processor 170 monitors power feedback data while performing dielectric heating according to a set power profile during a smoking session in the aerosol generator 1. The power feedback data may include data relating to the power supplied to the power amplifier 230 over time for dielectric heating. For example, the power feedback data may include data relating to the difference between the target power on the power profile and the actual supplied power over time, and data relating to parameters for feedback control (e.g., PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential control)).

[0140] On the other hand, the processor 170 also monitors the power supplied to other components of the control unit 10 and source unit 20, such as the RF signal generation circuit 210 and the drive amplifier 220. The processor 170 may also monitor data related to the power supplied to other components of the control unit 10 and source unit 20, such as the RF signal generation circuit 210 and the drive amplifier 220, and collect power feedback data.

[0141] In step 503, the processor 170 determines, based on the collected power feedback data, whether or not adjustment calibration of the pre-configured power profile is required once the current smoking session has ended.

[0142] Specifically, the processor 170 can analyze the frequency with which a power difference exceeding a predetermined range (power feedback margin Δp) occurs between the target power on the power profile and the actual supplied power within a certain period while dielectric heating is performed according to a pre-set power profile, the duration for which the power difference exceeding the predetermined range is maintained, the magnitude of the power difference, and the time periods when the power difference occurs frequently. If the analysis results satisfy predetermined conditions, the processor 170 can determine that calibration of the power profile is necessary.

[0143] Here, the predetermined conditions may include cases where the frequency of power difference occurrences within a certain period is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times (threshold number of times), where the power difference is maintained for a predetermined time (threshold time), where the magnitude of the power difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude (threshold magnitude), or where it is repeated for each predetermined number of smoking sessions (threshold number of times).

[0144] For example, it can be assumed that in any first section within a smoking interval, the power supplied to the power amplifier 230 exceeds the target power on the power profile by 10% or more five times within a 10-second interval, and that the same phenomenon has accumulated over five past smoking sessions. The processor 170 can determine that power profile calibration is necessary if such excessive power supply occurs repeatedly and identically.

[0145] Alternatively, if it is analyzed that, in any second section within a smoking interval, the power supplied to the power amplifier 230 exceeds the target power on the power profile by 15% or more for 2 seconds or more, and this phenomenon has occurred cumulatively over three past smoking sessions, the processor 170 may determine that power profile calibration is necessary.

[0146] In other words, the predetermined conditions for determining whether or not power profile calibration is necessary can be set in various ways, and the processor 170 can compare the monitored power feedback data with the predetermined conditions to determine whether or not power profile calibration is necessary. If it is determined that power profile calibration is necessary, the processor 170 performs step 504. However, if it is determined that power profile calibration is not necessary, the processor 170 performs step 501 again.

[0147] In step 504, the processor 170 updates the power profile based on the monitored power feedback data. That is, the processor 170 replaces the existing power profile with the calibrated power profile. Thus, when a new smoking session is started, the processor 170 controls dielectric heating with the updated power profile.

[0148] Based on the decision results in step 503, the processor 170 updates the target power of the existing power profile that is determined to require calibration using power feedback data. For example, the processor 170 can calibrate the target power of the first section of the existing power profile based on the power supplied from the first section included in the power feedback data. In this case, the processor 170 can either calibrate the existing target power exactly as it is contained in the power feedback data (i.e., 100% reflection), or calibrate it to a certain percentage of the power data contained in the power feedback data (i.e., less than 100% reflection).

[0149] Thus, by customizing the power profile for controlling dielectric heating in the aerosol generator 1 to be optimized for the usage pattern of the aerosol generator 1, more efficient control of dielectric heating can be achieved, potentially providing the user with an improved aerosol smoking sensation.

[0150] On the other hand, while Figure 5 primarily describes how the processor 170 updates the power profile based on the power supplied to the power amplifier 230, it is not limited to this, and the method in Figure 5 can be similarly applied to how the processor 170 updates the power profile related to the power supplied to other components of the control unit 10 and source unit 20, such as the RF signal generation circuit 210 and the drive amplifier 220.

[0151] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining whether or not power profile calibration is necessary according to one embodiment.

[0152] Referring to Figure 6, a target power is pre-set on the power profile, and the processor 170 can acquire power feedback data regarding the actual power applied to the power amplifier 230 in real time through power monitoring. The processor 170 performs feedback control so that the actual power currently supplied to the power amplifier 230 follows the target power on the power profile.

[0153] However, due to various factors such as the usage pattern of the aerosol generator 1, the internal and external temperatures of the aerosol generator 1, the characteristics of the aerosol products, interference between internal circuits, and battery voltage fluctuations, power may be supplied that deviates from a predetermined range of the power feedback margin Δp. The processor 170 collects power feedback data and, after the smoking session ends, can determine whether such power supply deviating from a predetermined range of the power feedback margin Δp is a temporary phenomenon or a phenomenon that requires calibration of the target power to satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0154] For example, as shown in Figure 6, if the power feedback margin Δp is exceeded three or more times within a certain time period within a smoking interval, and such power overloads occur cumulatively over three consecutive smoking sessions, the processor 170 determines that calibration of the power profile against the target power for that interval is necessary.

[0155] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the power profile updated through calibration according to one embodiment.

[0156] Referring to Figure 7, the initial power profile 701 is the power profile initially stored in the aerosol generator 1, and it is a power profile that has not undergone any calibration. For example, the initial power profile 701 is the power profile stored at the time of factory shipment of the aerosol generator 1 through test results as shown in Figure 3.

[0157] As the kth smoking session (where k is a natural number) progresses, the processor 170 determines that calibration of the power profile against the target power is required in the first section 712 within the smoking interval. For example, as the kth smoking session progresses, the processor 170 determines that the predetermined conditions for calibration of the first section 712 have been met because, cumulatively over the past five smoking sessions, the power supplied to the power amplifier 230 within 10 seconds has exceeded the target power on the power profile by more than 10% five times. Based on this, the processor 170 can increase the target power by a certain amount based on the power feedback data acquired for the first section 712 and update the initial power profile 701 to the first power profile 702.

[0158] Subsequently, as the mth smoking session (where m is a natural number) progresses, the processor 170 determines that calibration of the power profile against the target power is necessary in the second section 713 within the smoking interval. For example, as the mth smoking session progresses, the processor 170 determines that the predetermined conditions for calibration of the second section 713 have been met because, cumulatively over the past three smoking sessions, the power supplied to the power amplifier 230 in the second section 713 has exceeded the target power on the power profile by 15% or more and has been maintained for 2 seconds or more. Based on this, the processor 170 can increase the target power by a certain amount based on the power feedback data acquired for the second section 713 and update the first power profile 702 to the second power profile 703.

[0159] Thus, while the aerosol generator 1 continues to be used, the processor 170 continuously monitors the power difference between the currently used power profile and the power actually supplied to the power amplifier 230 for dielectric heating, and updates the power profile to a new one using power feedback data when calibration of the power profile is necessary. Therefore, the aerosol generator 1 controls dielectric heating with a power profile optimized for the usage pattern and generates aerosols from the aerosol product, thereby providing the user with an improved smoking sensation.

[0160] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a method for configuring the power profile update function according to one embodiment.

[0161] Referring to reference no. 800 in Figure 8, the aerosol generator 1 can be configured to update the power profile. For example, the power profile update function can be selected from activation, deactivation, and initialization.

[0162] Referring to reference number 801, with the power profile update function activated, the aerosol generator 1 collects power feedback data while dielectric heating is performed according to the current power profile when a smoking session is initiated. Referring to reference number 802, if an update to the existing power profile is necessary, the aerosol generator 1 updates the existing power profile to a new power profile based on the collected power feedback data and saves the updated power profile. That is, the power profile is updated by the process described in Figures 4 to 7.

[0163] Referring to reference number 811, with the power profile update function deactivated, the aerosol generator 1 performs dielectric heating according to the currently set power profile when a smoking session is started. However, even in this case, the aerosol generator 1 can continuously collect power feedback data.

[0164] Referring to reference number 812, if the function to initialize the power profile is set, the aerosol generator 1 (processor 170) resets the current power profile to the power profile that was initially saved. That is, from the next smoking session onward, the aerosol generator 1 will again use the initial power profile for dielectric heating.

[0165] On the other hand, the power profile update function can be set and changed by the user through the input section provided in the aerosol generator 1.

[0166] The effects described above for this embodiment are illustrative and not limited to those described, and other effects are possible. Furthermore, the present invention may be embodied by the following features. The diverse features of the diverse embodiments can be combined in various ways, including some features and excluding others, depending on the diverse other applications.

[0167] Example 1: An aerosol generating apparatus includes a source unit that generates a microwave signal for dielectric heating of an aerosol product using microwaves, and a control unit that controls the intensity of the microwave signal by controlling the power supplied from a power source to the source unit, wherein the control unit monitors power feedback data related to the power supplied to the source unit while performing dielectric heating according to a pre-set power profile during a smoking session, and updates the power profile based on the monitored power feedback data if calibration of the power profile to a target power is required.

[0168] Example 2: In the aerosol generator of Example 1, the processor determines whether calibration is necessary by analyzing data relating to the power difference between the target power of the power profile and the power supplied to the source unit from the monitored power feedback data.

[0169] Example 3: In the aerosol generating apparatus of Example 2, the data relating to the power difference includes at least one of the following: the frequency at which a power difference exceeding a predetermined range occurred between the target power and the power supplied to the source unit; the period during which the power difference exceeding the predetermined range was maintained; the magnitude of the power difference; and the time period during which the power difference occurred frequently.

[0170] Example 4: In the aerosol generator of Example 3, the processor updates the power profile by determining that calibration is necessary when the data relating to the analyzed power difference satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0171] Example 5: In the aerosol generating apparatus of Example 4, the predetermined conditions include at least one of the following: the frequency at which a power difference occurs within a certain period is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times; the power difference is maintained for a predetermined time; the magnitude of the power difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined size; and the condition is repeated for each predetermined number of smoking sessions.

[0172] Example 6: In the aerosol generator of Example 1, the processor updates the power profile by calibrating the target power of the power profile that is determined to require calibration using the power data included in the power feedback data.

[0173] Example 7: In the aerosol generating apparatus of Example 1, the power feedback data includes data relating to the power actually supplied to the power amplifier provided in the source unit.

[0174] Example 8: A method for controlling an aerosol generator, comprising the steps of: setting a power profile to perform dielectric heating of an aerosol product using microwaves when a smoking session is started; monitoring power feedback data relating to the power supplied to a source unit that generates a microwave signal while performing dielectric heating using the set power profile during the smoking session; determining whether calibration of the power profile is necessary based on the monitored power feedback data when the smoking session is finished; and updating the power profile based on the monitored power feedback data if it is determined that calibration of the power profile is necessary.

[0175] Example 9: In the method of Embodiment 8, the determination step involves determining whether calibration is necessary by analyzing data relating to the power difference between the target power of the power profile and the power supplied to the source unit from the monitored power feedback data.

[0176] Example 10: In the method of Embodiment 9, the data relating to the power difference includes at least one of the following: the frequency at which a power difference exceeding a predetermined range occurred between the target power and the power supplied to the source unit; the period during which the power difference exceeding the predetermined range was maintained; the magnitude of the power difference; and the time period during which the power difference occurred frequently.

[0177] Example 11: In the method of Example 10, the determination step is to determine that calibration is necessary if the data relating to the analyzed power difference satisfies predetermined conditions, and the predetermined conditions include at least one of the following: the frequency at which a power difference occurs within a certain period is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times; the power difference is maintained for a predetermined time; the magnitude of the power difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude; or it is repeated for each predetermined number of smoking sessions.

[0178] Example 12: In the method of Embodiment 8, the updating step updates the power profile by calibrating the target power of the power profile that is determined to require calibration using the power data included in the power feedback data.

[0179] Example 13: In the method of Example 8, the power feedback data includes data relating to the power actually supplied to the power amplifier provided in the source unit.

[0180] Example 14: A computer-readable non-transitory recording medium may be provided, which contains a program for executing one of the methods from Examples 8 to 13 on a computer.

[0181] Any or other embodiments of the present invention described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from one another. Any or other embodiments of the present invention described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other, depending on their respective configurations or functions.

[0182] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that it is possible to combine them unless it is stated that such combination is impossible.

[0183] The above 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 claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device, A source unit that generates a microwave signal in order to perform dielectric heating of an aerosol product using microwaves, Includes a control unit that controls the intensity of the microwave signal by controlling the power supplied from the power source to the source unit, The control unit, An aerosol generator comprising a processor that monitors power feedback data relating to the power supplied to the source unit while performing dielectric heating according to a pre-configured power profile during a smoking session, and updates the power profile based on the monitored power feedback data if calibration of the power profile to a target power is required.

2. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein calibration is determined by analyzing data relating to the power difference between the target power of the power profile and the power supplied to the source unit from the monitored power feedback data.

3. The data relating to the power difference is, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, comprising at least one of the following: the frequency at which a power difference exceeding a predetermined range occurs between the target power and the power supplied to the source unit; the period during which the power difference exceeding the predetermined range is maintained; the magnitude of the power difference; and the time period during which the power difference frequently occurs.

4. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the power profile is updated by determining that calibration is necessary when the data relating to the analyzed power difference satisfies predetermined conditions.

5. The aforementioned predetermined conditions are: The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, comprising at least one of the following: the frequency at which a power difference occurs within a certain period is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times; the power difference is maintained for a predetermined time; the magnitude of the power difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude; or it is repeated for each predetermined number of smoking sessions.

6. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power profile is updated by calibrating the target power of the power profile that is determined to require calibration using the power data included in the power feedback data.

7. The aforementioned power feedback data is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, including data relating to the power actually supplied to the power amplifier provided in the source section.

8. In a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, If a smoking session is initiated, the steps include setting a power profile to perform dielectric heating of the aerosol product using microwaves, During the smoking session, the power feedback data relating to the power supplied to the source unit that generates a microwave signal while performing dielectric heating according to the set power profile is monitored. When the smoking session ends, the step of determining whether calibration of the power profile is necessary based on the monitored power feedback data, A method comprising the step of updating the power profile based on monitored power feedback data if it is determined that the power profile needs to be calibrated.

9. The aforementioned determination step is, The method according to claim 8, wherein it is determined whether calibration is necessary by analyzing data relating to the power difference between the target power of the power profile and the power supplied to the source unit from the monitored power feedback data.

10. The data relating to the power difference is, The method according to claim 9, comprising at least one of the following: the frequency at which a power difference exceeding a predetermined range occurs between the target power and the power supplied to the source unit; the period during which the power difference exceeding the predetermined range is maintained; the magnitude of the power difference; and the time period during which the power difference frequently occurs.

11. The aforementioned determination step is, If the data relating to the power difference analyzed above satisfies the predetermined conditions, it is determined that the calibration is necessary. The aforementioned predetermined conditions are: The method according to claim 10, comprising at least one of the following: the frequency at which a power difference occurs within a certain period is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times; the power difference is maintained for a predetermined time; the magnitude of the power difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude; or it is repeated for each predetermined number of smoking sessions.

12. The aforementioned update steps are: The method according to claim 8, wherein the power profile is updated by calibrating the target power of the power profile that is determined to require calibration using the power data included in the power feedback data.

13. The aforementioned power feedback data is The method according to claim 8, further comprising data relating to the power actually supplied to the power amplifier provided in the source unit.

14. A computer-readable non-transitory recording medium that stores a program for causing a computer to perform the method described in any one of claims 8 to 13.

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