Capacitance detection method and aerosol generation apparatus for performing the method

Abstract

The method performed by the aerosol generator includes controlling a signal generation circuit to generate a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band according to a defined period, acquiring a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal, and determining capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol product based on the reflected signal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a technology for controlling an aerosol generator, and more particularly to a technology for detecting capacitance in a dielectric heating type aerosol generator. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, demand for e-cigarette devices has been gradually increasing. This increased demand has led to continuous development of related functions, particularly those specific to the type and characteristics of e-cigarette devices.

[0003] There is increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes (or aerosol products) using an aerosol generator, rather than by burning cigarettes. Electromagnetic wave heating technology is a technology that can heat objects using the principle of dielectric heating. Aerosol products can be heated rapidly using electromagnetic wave heating technology. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] One embodiment aims to provide an aerosol generating apparatus that can heat an aerosol product using a single antenna and detect its capacitance.

[0005] One embodiment aims to provide an aerosol generating apparatus that can determine whether or not to insert an aerosol product based on capacitance detected using a single antenna.

[0006] One embodiment aims to provide an aerosol generator capable of determining the type of aerosol product based on capacitance detected using a single antenna.

[0007] However, the technical challenges are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical challenges also exist. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A method performed by an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising a signal generating circuit for generating a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band, a resonant section for resonating the first signal to generate an electric field, a coupler for transmitting the first signal to the resonant section, and a processor, wherein the method may include operations to control the signal generating circuit to generate the first signal and the second signal according to a predetermined period, operations to acquire a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal, and operations to determine capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol product based on the reflected signal.

[0009] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a signal generation circuit that generates a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band, a resonant section that generates an electric field by resonating the first signal, a coupler for transmitting the first signal to the resonant section, and a processor, the processor being capable of controlling the signal generation circuit to generate the first signal and the second signal according to a predetermined period, acquiring a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal, and determining capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol product based on the reflected signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus can be provided that heats an aerosol product using a dielectric heating method with a single antenna and can determine capacitance information in parallel with the heating operation of the aerosol product.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus can be provided that can heat an aerosol product using a heating signal in a heating frequency band corresponding to the type of aerosol product. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a resonator formed based on a waveguide according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of a capacitance detection method according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of a method performed based on capacitance information according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of a method performed based on capacitance information according to one embodiment. [Figure 6a] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device including multiple antennas according to one embodiment. [Figure 6b] This is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device including multiple antennas according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, but regardless of the reference numerals used in the drawings, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0014] The suffixes "module" and "unit" for the components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of preparing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles from each other as such. On the other hand, the suffix "module" or "unit" includes a unit implemented by hardware, software, or firmware, and can be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A "module" or "unit" may be an integrally configured component, or a minimum unit or a part of said component that performs one or more functions. For example, a "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0015] Further, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, when it is determined that the specific description of related known techniques would obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easily understanding the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification are not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it should be understood that the present disclosure includes all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0017] When a component is referred to as being "coupled to" or "connected to" another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but other components may exist therebetween. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly coupled to" or "directly connected to" another component, it should be understood that no other components exist therebetween.

[0018] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by software including one or more instruction words stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., the memory 17) of a machine (e.g., the aerosol generation device 1). For example, a processor (e.g., the control unit 12) of the machine (e.g., the aerosol generation device 1) can call at least one instruction out of the one or more instruction words stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function by the at least one called instruction word. The one or more instruction words include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where data is stored temporarily on the storage medium.

[0020] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generation device 1 can be defined with reference to a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis direction is defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generation device 1. The y-axis direction is defined as the front-rear direction of the aerosol generation device 1. The z-axis direction is defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 includes 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 the form of electromagnetic waves into the space in which the aerosol product is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space). The radiated electromagnetic waves (e.g., RF signal) can cause the charges 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 charges or ions vibrating or rotating can heat the aerosol product. In other words, the aerosol generator 1 is a device that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol product using a dielectric heating method.

[0023] For example, the control unit 10 includes 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 includes an RF signal generation circuit 210, a drive amplifier 220, a power amplifier 230, a directional coupler 240, and / or a temperature detection circuit 250. However, it can be understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment 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.

[0024] The power connector 110 refers to a physical coupling device used to electrically connect the aerosol generator 1 to external electronic equipment or systems (e.g., an external power supply) and transmit and receive power. 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 to and from external electronic equipment or systems (e.g., a smartphone, computer, etc.) via the power connector 110. The power connector 110 includes USB (Universal Serial Bus) power connectors, DC (Direct Current) power connectors, etc. As an example, the power connector 110 may be, but is not limited to, a USB-C type connector capable of supplying a 9V DC voltage with a 1A current. The power connector 110 may also include an interface for wirelessly transmitting and receiving power.

[0025] 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 can be implemented as 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 detect the state of the power supply 130 and prevent overcharging or over-discharging by providing appropriate charging voltage and current.

[0026] The power supply 130 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generator 1. The power supply 130 includes one or more rechargeable batteries. The power supply 130 can supply power to the radiating unit 30 so that the radiating unit 30 can radiate 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 detection circuit 250, etc. For example, the power supply 130 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. 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 removed from the battery housing. The removable battery can be charged via wired and / or wireless connection.

[0027] The aerosol generator 1 includes 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 the following: a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, and a low-dropout regulator. The power conversion circuit may also include a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) as needed.

[0028] As an example, the aerosol generator 1 includes 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 detection circuit 250, the RF signal generation circuit 210, and the drive amplifier 220 (e.g., DC 5V), and the third power converter 160 may be a boost converter for supplying power suitable for the power amplifier 230 (e.g., DC 12V / 25W).

[0029] 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 or fewer power converters than three. 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.

[0030] 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 by 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 described later.

[0031] The processor 170 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and memory containing a program executed by such an MCU. Furthermore, it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that the processor 170 can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0032] The RF signal generation circuit 210 can generate an RF signal based on the power transmitted from the power supply 130 or the second power converter 150. The RF signal refers to a signal having a frequency in the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. As an example, the RF signal may have a frequency of 1 GHz to 100 GHz. Alternatively, the 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.

[0033] The RF signal generation circuit 210 includes a VCO (Voltage-controlled oscillator) that generates RF signals having different frequencies depending on the input voltage. The RF signal generation circuit 210 receives a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) from the processor 170 and generates an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received control signal. The processor 170 can store the control signals corresponding to the desired frequencies in the form of a lookup table, or it can calculate the control signals corresponding to the desired frequencies in real time through at least one operation.

[0034] As an example, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a D / A converter (Digital to analog 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.

[0035] 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 component (e.g., the power amplifier 230). The drive amplifier 220 can minimize 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.

[0036] 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 can radiate electromagnetic waves into the insertion space to heat the aerosol product. The power amplifier 230 can perform amplification operations using power received through the third power converter 160, which provides higher power and / or voltage than the second power converter 150.

[0037] 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 may be, but are not limited to, GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors capable of high efficiency, high speed, and high voltage processing. The drive amplifier 220 and power amplifier 230 may also include operational amplifiers.

[0038] On the other hand, although Figure 1 shows the drive amplifier 220 and the power amplifier 230 as separate amplifiers, the drive amplifier 220 and the power amplifier 230 may 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.

[0039] The radiating unit 30 includes at least one antenna for radiating electromagnetic waves into space. The 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, the 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 from a metal (e.g., SUS) track, it means that the overall shape of the entire track is tubular. The shape of the at least one antenna is not limited to the examples given above and may include various shapes such as a flat plate or a curved plate.

[0040] 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. For the heating efficiency of the aerosol product to be maximized, electromagnetic resonance must occur in the insertion space. The resonance conditions of the insertion space (e.g., resonance frequency) may vary depending on the 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 approach the resonance conditions of the insertion space by adjusting the control signal input to the RF signal generation circuit 210. The processor 170 can use the directional coupler 240 to obtain information regarding the resonance conditions of the insertion space.

[0041] The directional coupler 240 refers to a passive element having a waveguide structure that can separate 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.

[0042] 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 external component. 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) by monitoring the output of the directional coupler 240.

[0043] The processor 170 can verify whether the source unit 20 is operating as intended based on the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal. The characteristics of the transmitted RF signal, along with the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic wave, are 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 to maximize its heating efficiency. For example, the processor 170 can adjust the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit 210 so that the power of the reflected electromagnetic wave is minimized. 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.

[0044] The insertion space is also referred to as the resonant area because electromagnetic wave resonance can be generated in the insertion space depending on the frequency of the RF signal. 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 fall within a range controllable by the processor 170. The physical structure includes at least one conductor, and the resonance conditions of the insertion space can change depending on the arrangement, thickness, and length of the conductor. The physical structure also includes a space for accommodating a dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption, separate from the dielectric contained in the aerosol product. The dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption can change the resonance frequency of the entire resonant area without absorbing energy that should 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.

[0045] The temperature detection 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 detection 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. Heat is generated by the limited efficiency during the RF signal generation and / or amplification process, 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 detection circuit 250 is used to prevent overheating of the source unit 20.

[0046] The processor 170 receives the temperature (or a value corresponding to the temperature) measured by the temperature detection circuit 250, and if it determines that the source unit 20 has overheated, it interrupts 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. Hereinafter, the term "power supply to the source unit 20" will be used to mean controlling the operation of the source unit 20.

[0047] The temperature detection circuit 250 includes at least one temperature sensor from among a thermocouple, an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), a thermistor, a semiconductor temperature sensor, and an optical temperature sensor. For example, the temperature detection circuit 250 can be implemented using 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit can detect the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generator 1 and transmit the detected information to the processor 170. For example, the sensor unit includes a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a motion detection sensor. On the other hand, the sensor unit may further include various sensors such as a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level remaining in the cartridge and a water ingress sensor for detecting water ingress into the aerosol generator 1.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect 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 can 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).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power supply 130. The temperature sensor may be located 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 may include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be located adjacent to the power supply 130 together with the power protection circuit.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor can be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generator 1 to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0054] As an example, the puff sensor includes a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can output 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 can 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.

[0055] As another example, the puff sensor includes a temperature sensor. When a user puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, insertion space, aerosol product, etc. The processor 170 can detect the user puff based on a temperature-corresponding signal from the temperature sensor, such as the airflow path.

[0056] As a further 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 may calibrate a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the calibrated signal. As another example, the puff sensor may 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.

[0057] As a further example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In this disclosure, 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 cause a change in 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.

[0058] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples given above and can be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. The insertion detection sensor is provided around the insertion space.

[0060] As an example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor includes at least one conductor, which may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol product is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor can change. The processor 170 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

[0061] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include 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 occurs around the coil through which the current flows when the aerosol product is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The processor 170 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product containing a conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the AC current). 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 can also detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products based on the current characteristics of the inductive sensor.

[0062] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples given above and can be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples given above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch for detecting pressure applied by the aerosol product.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol product has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol product. When an aerosol product is used by a user, the aerosols generated or the heating may cause a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the aerosol product. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to the optical properties (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on the light reflected from the wrapper. If a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the processor 170 can determine that the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect the degree of over-humidity in the aerosol product. For example, the over-humidity detection 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 the degree of over-humidity in the aerosol product based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., 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.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether or not an aerosol product is genuine, and / or the type of aerosol product.

[0066] As an example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification substance (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., the wrapper) of the aerosol product. The optical sensor can irradiate light onto the identification substance (or identification mark) of the aerosol product and detect whether or not the aerosol product is genuine and / or its type based on the reflected light. 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 or not the aerosol product is genuine and / or its type based on the wavelength range.

[0067] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. Depending on the type of aerosol product inserted into the insertion space, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may differ. 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.

[0068] As a further example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If the wrapper 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 detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol product inserted into the insertion space. The processor 170 can determine whether the inserted aerosol product is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0069] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples given above and can be implemented with various sensors for detecting whether an aerosol product is genuine or not, and / or for detecting the type of aerosol product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples given above.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the attachment and / or removal of a cap. For example, the cap detection 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 includes a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge attached to or inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generator 1. The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the attachment or removal of the cap when the cap is attached to or removed from the housing, and the processor 170 can detect the attachment or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the attachment or removal.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generator 1. The motion detection sensor can be implemented using at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0073] 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 geomagnetic sensor, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, or a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the output unit can output information regarding 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 regarding the aerosol generator 1 includes 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 regarding 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 regarding 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 regarding the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output section can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0075] 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.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the memory can store data processed by the processor 170 and data being processed, as hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generator 1. For example, the memory may include at least one type of recording 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.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the communication unit includes 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.

[0078] 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 detected 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.

[0079] Furthermore, the processor 170 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 130 to the cartridge heater. 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 detected 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.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can prevent overheating of the insertion space, aerosol product, and / or cartridge heater. 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 predetermined limit temperature.

[0081] 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 detected by the sensor unit.

[0082] 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, if the processor 170 determines, using the insertion detection sensor, that aerosol products have been inserted into the insertion space, it can control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater. If the processor 170 determines, using the insertion detection sensor, that aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater. The processor 170 can 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.

[0083] 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 detection sensor, that the aerosol product is in an over-humidity state, it may increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the source unit 20 or cartridge heater.

[0084] 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 is 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.

[0085] 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 connected and / or removed. For example, if the processor 170 determines, using a cartridge detection 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 supply power to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater based on the exhaustion of the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge. For example, the processor 170 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted if it determines that the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds a limit temperature while the cartridge heater is being preheated (i.e., during the preheating period). If it determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted, the processor 170 can cut off the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater.

[0087] 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, if the processor 170 determines, based on data stored in memory, that the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge, it can determine that the cartridge is unusable. Alternatively, the processor 170 determines that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the cartridge heater has been heated is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater is equal to or greater than a predetermined 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.

[0088] 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 puff is detected for a predetermined time or longer. The processor 170 can also control the power supply to the source unit 20 or the cartridge heater if a puff is detected.

[0089] 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 controls (e.g., starts) 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). In detail, 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 it detects that the aerosol product (or cartridge) is 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 it detects that the aerosol product (or second cartridge).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the output unit based on the results detected 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.

[0091] 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 such as the insertion detection of an aerosol product, the start of heating of the aerosol product, puff detection, puff completion, overheating detection, overvoltage application detection to the cartridge heater, completion of heating of the aerosol product, turning the power of the aerosol product 1 on / off, the start of charging of the power supply 130, overcharge detection of the power supply 130, and completion of 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 insertion detection of an aerosol product, the log data corresponding to the event may include data related to the detection value of the insertion detection sensor, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is the overheating detection of the cartridge heater, the log data corresponding to the event may include data related to the temperature of the cartridge heater, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater, the current flowing through the cartridge heater, etc.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generator 1 (for example, the remaining capacity of the power supply 130, the 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.

[0095] According to one embodiment, when the processor 170 receives a request from an external device via a communication link to locate the aerosol generator 1, it can control the output unit to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the processor 170 may 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.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can perform a firmware update if it receives firmware data from an external device via a communication link.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the processor 170 can transmit data relating to the detected values ​​of at least one sensor unit to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the detected values ​​from the server through machine learning such as deep learning. Using the learning model received from the server, the processor 170 can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The aerosol products described herein 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 depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod includes at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating substance, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating substance includes glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include a variety of other substances. For example, the additive includes flavoring agents and / or organic acids, 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 a solid tobacco substance (e.g., tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco substance may be contained in the aerosol generating rod in various forms such as shredded tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive to the aerosol generating rod contains a basic substance. Based on the basic substance, the nicotine of the tobacco substance contained in the aerosol generating rod has 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 comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, each of which may contain tobacco substance and / or non-tobacco substance. On the other hand, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or collectively be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In this disclosure, the aerosol product is also referred to as a stick.

[0100] The cartridge described herein may contain an aerosol-generating substance having one of the following states internally: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance includes 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 includes 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 may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1 which is separable from the cartridge.

[0101] Figure 2 shows a diagram of a resonator formed based on a waveguide, as an example.

[0102] An aerosol generating apparatus (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1 in Figure 1) that generates aerosols by heating aerosol products using a dielectric heating method can radiate electromagnetic waves into the insertion space via a radiating section (e.g., radiating section 30 in Figure 1). The shape of the insertion space can be formed so that the electromagnetic waves resonate efficiently. The electromagnetic waves are microwaves. For example, the microwaves may have wavelengths between 1 mm (millimeter) and 1 m (meter).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the insertion space includes a resonator 351 in which electromagnetic waves resonate and an insertion section 350 in which the aerosol product is arranged. Electromagnetic waves resonated in the resonator 351 flow out into the insertion section 350, and the aerosol product can be heated by the flowing electromagnetic waves.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the resonator 351 can be formed based on a waveguide 300 including walls 321, 322, an outer conductor 311, and a central conductor 340. The resonator 351 corresponds to the resonant section described above with reference to Figure 1. The resonator 351 can form an amplified electromagnetic field by resonating supplied microwaves. At least a portion of the electromagnetic field formed by the resonated microwaves can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substrate inserted inside the waveguide. According to one embodiment, the resonator 351 may be a quarter-wavelength resonator, and the first end of the resonator 351 may be short-circuited through a metal wall, while the second end may be open. The outer conductor 311 and the central conductor 340 are each cylindrical and coaxial. The resonator 351 can be formed by a cavity between the cylindrical outer conductor 311 and the central conductor 340.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the walls 321, 322, the outer conductor 311, and the central conductor 340 are made of metal. The waveguide 300 may be coaxial in shape with an open interior. Furthermore, an insertion section 350 may be formed to connect to the internal space of the waveguide 300. The insertion section 350 is connected to the wall 322 in such a way that it extends into the internal cylindrical space formed by the central conductor 340. The material of the insertion section 350 is different from the material of the waveguide 300. For example, the material of the waveguide 300 may be a material that does not allow the electromagnetic field generated in the internal cavity to propagate to the outside, while the material of the insertion section 350 may be a material that does not affect the electromagnetic field's radio waves.

[0106] The central conductor 340 can be connected to the first end of the resonator 351 by the first wall 321. The central conductor 340 is not connected to any other metal and includes an open end 331. The insertion section 350 can be formed inside the waveguide 300 such that the aerosol-generating substrate 370 inserted inside the waveguide 300 is positioned at the open end 331 and the end of the insertion section 350.

[0107] The resonator 351 can be formed by the first end of the waveguide 300, which is the first wall 321, and a portion of the central conductor 340. That is, the resonator 351 may be donut-shaped with the central conductor 340 at its center.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the resonator 351 is formed such that its first end is a closed end where the outer conductor (or wall) and the central conductor are connected, and its second end, opposite the first end, is formed from an open end where the outer conductor (or wall) and the central conductor are not connected, so as to have a length of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of microwaves within the resonator 351. The length between the first and second ends may be an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of microwaves within the resonator 351. When microwaves are enclosed in a restricted space such as the resonator 351, they have a different wavelength than microwaves radiated into free space. For example, structural factors of the resonator 351 can change the wavelength of microwaves. As a different example, the wavelength of microwaves present in the dielectric within the resonator 351 decreases as the relative permittivity of the dielectric increases.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the user can insert the aerosol-generating substrate 370 through the insertion section 350 so as to be adjacent to the open end 331 of the central conductor 340 located opposite the first end by the first wall 321. The aerosol-generating substrate 370 is a tobacco medium. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate 370 may contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0110] Microwaves are supplied to the cavity of the waveguide 300 via the microwave coupler 332, and the microwaves are resonated by the resonator 351. The resonated microwaves create an amplified electromagnetic field within the resonator 351, and at least a portion of the electromagnetic field heats the aerosol-generating substrate 370.

[0111] By leaving the central conductor 340 and the insertion portion 350 disconnected, at least a portion of the electromagnetic field can act on the aerosol-generating substrate 370 through the open end 331 formed by this disconnection. In particular, a strong electromagnetic field is formed around the open end 331, causing the aerosol-generating substrate 370 to heat up easily. For example, the strongest electromagnetic field may be generated at the open end 331 where the resonance peak is formed on the side of the resonator 351. A portion of the formed electromagnetic field leaks into the aerosol-generating substrate 370 adjacent to the resonator 351, and this leaked electromagnetic field heats the aerosol-generating substrate 370. In other words, the method of heating the aerosol-generating substrate 370 described above is not a method of directly heating the aerosol-generating substrate located inside the resonator, but rather a method in which the electromagnetic field leaked through the open end 331 heats the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0112] Furthermore, the structure of the resonator 351 prevents the electromagnetic field from leaking in the direction of the insertion section 350, which is not within the resonator 351 region. That is, the electromagnetic field that leaks into the aerosol-generating substrate 370 heats only the aerosol-generating substrate 370 and does not propagate to the outside (for example, towards the user's mouth). Since the electromagnetic field does not propagate (or leak) into space outside the region of the resonator 351, no separate function or structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is required to shield the electromagnetic field.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the diameter of the insertion portion 350 may be less than half the wavelength of the microwave. When the diameter of the insertion portion 350 is less than half the wavelength of the microwave, the microwave that causes resonance is cut off.

[0114] The user can inhale the aerosol generated by the heated aerosol-generating substrate 370 through a cigarette.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the cavity of the resonator 351 can be filled with a low-loss dielectric material (such as Teflon®, quartz, or alumina). When the cavity is filled with a dielectric material with low dielectric loss, the size of the resonator 351 can be further reduced.

[0116] Referring to Figure 2, an aerosol generation device that uses a resonator formed based on a waveguide to resonate electromagnetic waves has been described, but the method of resonating electromagnetic waves is not limited to the method described above.

[0117] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a capacitance detection method according to one embodiment.

[0118] The following operations 310-330 can be performed by an aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 1 in Figure 1). The aerosol generator includes a signal generation circuit (e.g., RF signal generation circuit 210 in Figure 1), a resonator (e.g., resonator 351 in Figure 2), a coupler (e.g., microwave coupler 332 in Figure 2), and a processor (e.g., processor 170 in Figure 1).

[0119] In operation 310, the aerosol generator controls the signal generation circuit to generate a first signal in the first frequency band and a second signal in the second frequency band according to a predetermined period.

[0120] The signal generation circuit of the aerosol generator can generate signals with different frequencies depending on the input voltage. The processor of the aerosol generator applies a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) to the signal generation circuit. The signal generation circuit receives the control signal from the processor and can generate a signal with a frequency corresponding to the received control signal.

[0121] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator can store a first control signal corresponding to a first frequency band and a second control signal corresponding to a second frequency band in the form of a lookup table. In one embodiment, the aerosol generator can calculate the first control signal corresponding to a first frequency band and the second control signal corresponding to a second frequency band in real time via at least one operation. The processor of the aerosol generator applies the first control signal and the second control signal according to a predetermined period in a signal generation circuit. The signal generation circuit can generate a first signal in the first frequency band corresponding to the first control signal received from the processor and a second signal in the second frequency band corresponding to the second control signal received from the processor according to a predetermined period.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first frequency band and the second frequency band are different. For example, the first frequency band may be 1 GHz or higher. For example, the first frequency band may be in the 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and / or 5.8 GHz bands. The second frequency band is a lower frequency band than the first frequency band. For example, the second frequency band may be less than 1 GHz. Therefore, the first signal corresponds to a high-frequency signal, and the second signal corresponds to a low-frequency signal. The first signal in the relatively high-frequency band of the first frequency band is used for heating the aerosol product. The second signal in the relatively low-frequency band of the second frequency band is used for capacitance detection based on the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal.

[0123] The aerosol generator can control its signal generation circuit to alternately generate a first signal in a first frequency band during a defined first period and a second signal in a second frequency band during a defined second period. For example, the aerosol generator may control its signal generation circuit to alternately generate the first signal for 1 second and the second signal for 1 millisecond.

[0124] A drive amplifier (e.g., drive amplifier 220 in Figure 1) can amplify the first and second signals generated by the signal generation circuit. A power amplifier (e.g., power amplifier 230 in Figure 1) can provide the radiator (e.g., radiator 30 in Figure 1) with high power by amplifying the power of the first and second signals received from the drive amplifier. The radiator includes a first antenna for radiating the first and second signals into the insertion space (e.g., the resonator 351 and / or insertion 350 in Figure 2).

[0125] The aerosol generator can radiate a first signal and a second signal into at least a portion of the insertion space at predetermined intervals via a first antenna, which is a single antenna. The first signal, which corresponds to a high-frequency signal, can cause electromagnetic resonance within the insertion space. The aerosol generator can control the first frequency band of the first signal to correspond to or approach the resonance conditions of the insertion space by adjusting the first control signal input to the signal generation circuit.

[0126] In operation 320, the aerosol generator acquires a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal in the second frequency band.

[0127] The aerosol generator can acquire a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal after the second signal has been radiated by the first antenna and reflected from the insertion space. For example, when an aerosol product is inserted into the insertion space, the aerosol generator may acquire a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal after the second signal has been radiated by the first antenna and reflected from the aerosol product. The aerosol generator can acquire reflected signals corresponding to the first signal and the second signal, respectively, after the first and second signals have been radiated via the first antenna, and can identify the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal by separating the acquired reflected signals according to frequency.

[0128] In operation 330, the aerosol generator determines capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol product based on the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal.

[0129] Capacitance information may include at least one of the following: capacitance values, one or more capacitance values, the average of one or more capacitance values, and / or a range of one or more capacitance values ​​(e.g., minimum and maximum values). For example, an aerosol generator may determine one or more capacitance values ​​based on the acquired reflected signal in response to the emission of a second signal at a defined low frequency period.

[0130] The aerosol generator uses a reflection coefficient, which is the ratio of the intensity of the emitted second signal to the intensity of the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal (or the RVS (return voltage signal) corresponding to the second signal). The image JPEG2026536455000002.jpg43 can be determined. The aerosol generator determines capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol product based on the reflectance coefficient. The aerosol generator can determine capacitance information using the following formula (1).

[0131]

number

[0132] In equation (1), C represents capacitance, and Z L This represents the load impedance, i.e., the impedance of the incident medium of the second signal corresponding to the insertion space of the aerosol product. L This can be calculated using the following formula (2).

[0133]

number

[0134] In equation (2), Z oΓ represents the reference impedance (e.g., the impedance of the transmission line), and Γ represents the reflection coefficient. The aerosol generator can determine the reflection coefficient based on the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal, determine the load impedance based on the determined reflection coefficient, and determine the capacitance based on the determined load impedance.

[0135] According to one embodiment, after the aerosol generator is powered on, the aerosol generator can determine capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space for the aerosol product according to a determined period.

[0136] The aerosol generator can generate and emit the first and second signals alternately according to a predetermined period in order to minimize interference between them. The aerosol generator can perform the heating operation of the aerosol product using the first signal and the determination of capacitance information using the second signal in parallel.

[0137] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method executed based on capacitance information according to one embodiment.

[0138] The following operations 410 and 420 can be performed by an aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 1 in Figure 1). The aerosol generator includes a signal generation circuit (e.g., RF signal generation circuit 210 in Figure 1), a resonator (e.g., resonator 351 in Figure 2), a coupler (e.g., microwave coupler 332 in Figure 2), and a processor (e.g., processor 170 in Figure 1).

[0139] According to one embodiment, operation 410 can be performed after operation 330 as described above, with reference to Figure 3. The aerosol generator can perform operation 410 based on capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space for the aerosol product (e.g., insertion section 350 in Figure 2) determined based on the reflected signal.

[0140] In operation 410, the aerosol generator determines whether or not to insert an aerosol product into the aerosol generator based on capacitance information.

[0141] The aerosol product includes, but is not limited to, an aerosol-forming substrate (e.g., aerosol-forming substrate 370 in Figure 2) containing at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The aerosol product may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring solution such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the aerosol product by spraying it onto the tobacco rod of the aerosol product.

[0142] The capacitance information detected when the insertion space of the aerosol generator is empty and the capacitance information detected when an aerosol product is inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol generator may be different from each other. Because the density of the aerosol product is higher than the density of air, when an aerosol product is inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol generator, the capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol product increases.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator determines that an aerosol product has been inserted if the capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space for the aerosol product satisfies a defined standard. For example, the aerosol generator determines that an aerosol product has been inserted if the capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space for the aerosol product is equal to (or exceeds) a threshold. For example, the aerosol generator determines that an aerosol product has not been inserted if the capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space for the aerosol product is less than (or less than or equal to) a threshold. For example, the aerosol generator determines that an aerosol product has been removed if the capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space for the aerosol product is less than (or less than or equal to) a threshold.

[0144] According to one embodiment, operation 420 can be performed after operation 330 as described above, with reference to Figure 3. The aerosol generator can perform operation 420 based on capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol product determined based on the reflected signal.

[0145] In operation 420, the aerosol generator determines the type of aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator based on capacitance information.

[0146] Aerosol products may contain different aerosol-generating substrates depending on the type of aerosol product. Alternatively, the composition ratio of aerosol-generating substrates contained in the aerosol product may differ depending on the type of aerosol product. Therefore, the water content of the aerosol product may vary depending on the type of aerosol product. The dielectric constant of the aerosol product may vary depending on the water content. For example, the higher the water content of the aerosol product, the higher the dielectric constant of the aerosol product. The dielectric constant of the aerosol product may change the capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol product. For example, the higher the dielectric constant of the aerosol product, the greater the capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space into which the aerosol product is inserted. In conclusion, the detected capacitance information may vary depending on the type of aerosol product inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol generator.

[0147] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator can store reference capacitance information (e.g., capacitance value or capacitance value range) corresponding to multiple types of aerosol products in the form of a lookup table. Based on the lookup table, the aerosol generator can verify the reference capacitance information containing the detected capacitance information. The aerosol generator can identify the type of aerosol product corresponding to the verified reference capacitance information. The aerosol generator can determine the identified type as the type of aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator.

[0148] According to one embodiment, after determining that an aerosol product has been inserted (or after performing operation 410), the aerosol generator can determine capacitance information a predetermined number of times (for example, two, three, or four times). The aerosol generator can then determine the type of aerosol product based on the average of the determined capacitance information.

[0149] According to one embodiment, operations 410 and 420 can be performed selectively or sequentially. For example, the aerosol generator may determine the type of aerosol product based on the capacitance information in question, based on the decision to insert the aerosol product. For example, the aerosol generator may re-determine the capacitance information based on the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal acquired after the decision to insert the aerosol product (or after performing operation 410). The aerosol generator can then determine the type of aerosol product based on the re-determined capacitance information.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can determine the water content of the aerosol product. Below, a method for determining the water content of the aerosol product will be described with reference to equations (3) to (7).

[0151] As illustrated with reference to Figure 3, the aerosol generator can acquire a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal. The emitted second signal passes through the insertion space of the aerosol generator and / or the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator, and the power of the acquired reflected signal is attenuated compared to the second signal. The attenuated power P(z) of the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal is given by the following equation (3).

[0152]

number

[0153] z represents the propagation distance, P(z) represents the power at the point where the propagation distance is z, P0 represents the initial power, and α represents the attenuation constant. The attenuation constant α is given by the following equation (4).

[0154]

number

[0155] ω represents the angular frequency, c represents the speed of light, μ represents the permeability, and ε'' represents the loss dielectric constant.

[0156] The aerosol generator can detect the attenuation power and phase change of the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal. Based on the detected attenuation power and phase change of the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal, the aerosol generator can determine the loss dielectric constant of the aerosol product using equations (3) and (4).

[0157] On the other hand, the reference impedance (for example, the impedance of the transmission line) Z o This is shown in equation (5), and the complex dielectric constant of the aerosol product. JPEG2026536455000007.jpg32 is shown in formula (6).

[0158]

number

[0159] μ represents the permeability, ε0 ​​represents the permittivity of vacuum, and ε r This indicates the relative dielectric constant of the aerosol product.

[0160]

number

[0161] ε' represents the relative permittivity (dielectric constant), and ε'' represents the loss permittivity. The aerosol generator can determine the relative permittivity of the aerosol product using equation (5). Based on the relative permittivity of the aerosol product, the aerosol generator can determine the real part (or relative permittivity) of the complex permittivity of the aerosol product. Therefore, the aerosol generator can determine the complex permittivity of the aerosol product based on the loss permittivity and relative permittivity of the aerosol product, which are determined based on the attenuation power and phase change of the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal.

[0162] The dielectric constant of an aerosol product can change depending on its water content. For example, the lower the water content of the aerosol product, the lower its dielectric constant will be. Complex dielectric constant of aerosol product The image JPEG2026536455000010.jpg32 is represented by the following formula (7).

[0163]

number

[0164] ε represents the complex dielectric constant of the aerosol product, and ε dry ε represents the dielectric constant of the aerosol product in its dry state. water This indicates the dielectric constant of the water substance contained in the aerosol product, W m This indicates the water content (e.g., by mass ratio) contained in the aerosol product. The aerosol generator can determine the water content contained in the aerosol product based on the complex dielectric constant of the aerosol product using equation (7).

[0165] The aerosol generator determines whether an aerosol product has been used before based on the water content contained in the aerosol product. In one embodiment, the aerosol generator can determine that an aerosol product has been used before if the water content contained in the aerosol product satisfies a first defined standard. For example, the aerosol generator may determine that an aerosol product has been used before if the water content contained in the aerosol product is less than (or less than) a threshold. In one embodiment, the aerosol generator can determine that an aerosol product has not been used before if the water content contained in the aerosol product satisfies a second defined standard. For example, the aerosol generator may determine that an aerosol product has not been used before if the water content contained in the aerosol product is equal to (or more than) a threshold.

[0166] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method executed based on capacitance information according to one embodiment.

[0167] The following operations 510 and 520 can be performed by an aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 1 in Figure 1). The aerosol generator includes a signal generation circuit (e.g., RF signal generation circuit 210 in Figure 1), a resonator (e.g., resonator 351 in Figure 2), a coupler (e.g., microwave coupler 332 in Figure 2), and a processor (e.g., processor 170 in Figure 1).

[0168] According to one embodiment, operations 510 and 520 can be performed after operation 330 as described above with reference to Figure 3. The aerosol generator can perform operations 510 and 520 based on capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space for the aerosol product (for example, the insertion section 350 in Figure 2) determined based on the reflected signal.

[0169] An aerosol generator can produce aerosols by heating an aerosol-generating substrate within an aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator. The user smokes by inhaling the generated aerosol. During the smoking process, the user inhales the aerosol through the aerosol product, i.e., the moisture content of the aerosol product can change with each puff inhaled by the user. For example, the moisture content of the aerosol product decreases with each inhalation. The dielectric constant of the aerosol product can change depending on its moisture content. For example, the lower the moisture content of the aerosol product, the lower its dielectric constant. Therefore, the aerosol generator can determine whether or not a puff of aerosol inhalation occurs based on the change in the dielectric constant of the aerosol product.

[0170] In operation 510, the aerosol generator determines the amount of change in dielectric constant of the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator based on capacitance information.

[0171] The correlation between the change in dielectric constant and the change in capacitance of an aerosol-generating article is expressed as in Equation (8).

[0172] [Equation]

[0173] C represents the capacitance, ΔC represents the amount of change in the capacitance, and ε r represents the dielectric constant (or relative dielectric constant) of the aerosol-generating article, and Δε r represents the amount of change in the dielectric constant of the aerosol-generating article.

[0174] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device may store the dielectric constant (or relative dielectric constant) of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating device may store dielectric constants respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of aerosol-generating articles in the form of a lookup table. As described above with reference to Figure 4, the aerosol-generating device can determine the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device can confirm the dielectric constant corresponding to the determined type of the aerosol-generating article based on the lookup table. The aerosol-generating device can determine the amount of change in the dielectric constant of the aerosol-generating article based on the confirmed dielectric constant and capacitance information corresponding to at least a part of the insertion space for the aerosol-generating article. In Equation (8), C represents the capacitance corresponding to at least a part of the insertion space for the aerosol-generating article before heating of the aerosol-generating article is started. For example, C may represent the capacitance after insertion of the aerosol-generating article and before heating is started, similarly to the capacitance information used to determine the type of the aerosol-generating article.

[0175] In operation 520, the aerosol-generating device determines whether a user's puff on the aerosol-generating device has occurred based on the amount of change in the dielectric constant.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator can determine that a user puff has occurred on the aerosol generator if the amount of change in dielectric constant satisfies a determined criterion. For example, the aerosol generator determines that a user puff has occurred if the amount of change in dielectric constant is equal to (or exceeds) a threshold.

[0177] Figure 6a is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus including a plurality of antennas according to one embodiment.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 includes a source unit 600 (for example, the source unit 20 in Figure 1) and a radiation unit 60 (for example, the radiation unit 30 in Figure 1). Although not shown, the aerosol generator 1 may also include components of the control unit 10 and the source unit 20 described with reference to Figure 1. For example, the aerosol generator 1 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 600 includes a drive amplifier 220, a power amplifier 230, a directional coupler 240 and / or a temperature detection circuit 250, and further explanations that overlap with those described above with reference to Figure 1 are omitted.

[0179] Referring to Figure 3 of one embodiment, the radiating unit is described as being able to radiate a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band to at least a portion of the insertion space via a first antenna, which is a single antenna, according to a defined period. Referring to Figure 6a, the radiating unit 60 of the aerosol generator 1 may further include one or more antennas in frequency bands different from the first frequency band of the first signal. For example, the radiating unit 60 of the aerosol generator 1 may further include not only a first antenna 61 for radiating the first and second signals, but also a second antenna 62 and a third antenna 63 in frequency bands different from the first frequency band. The number of antennas shown in Figure 6a is illustrative, and the number of antennas included in the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to this disclosure.

[0180] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, it is explained that the first signal in the first frequency band, which is a relatively high frequency band, is used for heating the aerosol product, and the second signal in the second frequency band, which is a relatively low frequency band, is used for capacitance detection based on the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal. Hereafter, in order to distinguish it from the signal used for capacitance detection, the signal used for heating the aerosol product will be named the "heating signal," and the frequency band of the heating signal will be named the "heating frequency band." Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the first frequency band mentioned above is the "first heating frequency band," and the first signal can be understood as the "first heating signal."

[0181] The second antenna 62 and the third antenna 63 radiate a second heating signal and a third heating signal in frequency bands different from the first heating frequency band, respectively. The second antenna 62 radiates a second heating signal in a second heating frequency band different from the first heating frequency band. The third antenna 63 radiates a third heating signal in a third heating frequency band different from the first and second heating frequency bands. For example, the second and third heating frequency bands may be 1 GHz or higher. The second and third heating signals, which are in relatively high frequency bands, can be used to heat aerosol products.

[0182] The source unit 600 includes a signal generation circuit 601 (for example, the RF signal generation circuit 210 in Figure 1) and a switching circuit 602.

[0183] The signal generation circuit 601 includes a VCO that generates RF signals having different frequencies depending on the input voltage. The signal generation circuit 601 receives a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) from a processor (e.g., processor 170 in Figure 1) and generates an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received control signal.

[0184] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 can store control signals corresponding to the first heating frequency band, the second heating frequency band, and the third heating frequency band in the form of a lookup table. In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 can calculate the control signals corresponding to the first heating frequency band, the second heating frequency band, and the third heating frequency band in real time via at least one calculation. The processor of the aerosol generator 1 can apply control signals corresponding to the first heating frequency band, the second heating frequency band, or the third heating frequency band to the signal generation circuit 601. The signal generation circuit 601 can generate heating signals for the heating frequency band (e.g., the first heating frequency band, the second heating frequency band, or the third heating frequency band) corresponding to the control signals from the processor.

[0185] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 can control the connection between the signal generation circuit 601 and the antennas 61, 62, and 63 of the radiating unit 60 by controlling a switching circuit 602. For example, the switching circuit 602 may include a first switching element between the signal generation circuit 601 and the first antenna 61, a second switching element between the signal generation circuit 601 and the second antenna 62, and a third switching element between the signal generation circuit 601 and the third antenna 63. The processor of the aerosol generator 1 is electrically connected to the first switching element, the second switching element, and the third switching element, and can control the connection between the signal generation circuit 601 and the antennas 61, 62, and 63 by controlling the open / closed states of the first switching element, the second switching element, and the third switching element.

[0186] For example, the processor of the aerosol generator 1 can turn on a first switching element so that the signal generation circuit 601 and the first antenna 61 are connected, turn on a second switching element so that the signal generation circuit 601 and the second antenna 62 are connected, and / or turn on a third switching element so that the signal generation circuit 601 and the third antenna 63 are connected. Turning on a switching element means controlling the switching element so that its open / closed state is changed from an "open state" to a "closed state". Also, the fact that the signal generation circuit 601 is connected to the first antenna 61, the second antenna 62, and / or the third antenna 63 means that heating signals (e.g., a first heating signal, a second heating signal, and / or a third heating signal) are supplied from the signal generation circuit 601 to the first antenna 61, the second antenna 62, and / or the third antenna 63.

[0187] As a different example, the processor of the aerosol generator 1 may turn off the first switching element so that the signal generation circuit 601 and the first antenna 61 are not connected, turn off the second switching element so that the signal generation circuit 601 and the second antenna 62 are not connected, and / or turn off the third switching element so that the signal generation circuit 601 and the third antenna 63 are not connected. Turning off a switching element means controlling the switching element so that its open / closed state is changed from a "closed state" to an "open state". Also, the fact that the signal generation circuit 601 is not connected to the first antenna 61, the second antenna 62, and / or the third antenna 63 means that heating signals (e.g., the first heating signal, the second heating signal, and / or the third heating signal) are blocked from the signal generation circuit 601 to the first antenna 61, the second antenna 62, and / or the third antenna 63.

[0188] In one embodiment, the signal generation circuit 601 may include a plurality of circuits for generating signals in different frequency bands. For example, the signal generation circuit 601 may include a plurality of circuits corresponding to the antennas 61, 62, and 63 of the radiating unit 60, respectively (for example, a first circuit corresponding to the first antenna 61, a second circuit corresponding to the second antenna 62, and a third circuit corresponding to the third antenna 63).

[0189] The aerosol generator 1 controls the connections between multiple circuits (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, a third circuit) of the signal generation circuit 601 and the antennas 61, 62, and 63 of the radiating section 60 by controlling a switching circuit 602. In one embodiment, the switching circuit 602 includes a first switching element between the first circuit and the first antenna 61, a second switching element between the second circuit and the second antenna 62, and a third switching element between the third circuit and the third antenna 63. The processor of the aerosol generator 1 is electrically connected to the first switching element, the second switching element, and the third switching element, and can control the connections between multiple circuits (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, a third circuit) and the antennas 61, 62, and 63 by controlling the open / closed states of the first switching element, the second switching element, and the third switching element.

[0190] In one embodiment, unlike that shown in Figure 6a, the signal generation circuit 601 may be connected between the switching circuit 602 and the radiating unit 60. For example, the switching circuit 602 may be connected between the power supply (e.g., power supply 130 in Figure 1) and the signal generation circuit 601.

[0191] The aerosol generator 1 can control the connections between multiple circuits (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, and a third circuit) of the power supply and signal generation circuit 601 by controlling a switching circuit 602. For example, the switching circuit 602 includes a first switching element between the power supply and a first antenna 61, a second switching element between the power supply and a second antenna 62, and a third switching element between the power supply and a third antenna 63. The processor of the aerosol generator 1 is electrically connected to the first switching element, the second switching element, and the third switching element, and can control the connections between the power supply and antennas 61, 62, and 63 by controlling the open / closed states of the first switching element, the second switching element, and the third switching element.

[0192] For example, the processor of the aerosol generator 1 may turn on a first switching element so that the power supply and the first antenna 61 are connected, turn on a second switching element so that the power supply and the second antenna 62 are connected, and / or turn on a third switching element so that the power supply and the third antenna 63 are connected. The connection of the power supply to the first antenna 61, the second antenna 62, and / or the third antenna 63 means that power is supplied from the power supply to the first antenna 61, the second antenna 62, and / or the third antenna 63.

[0193] As a different example, the processor of the aerosol generator 1 may turn off the first switching element so that the power supply and the first antenna 61 are not connected, turn off the second switching element so that the power supply and the second antenna 62 are not connected, and / or turn off the third switching element so that the power supply and the third antenna 63 are not connected. The fact that the power supply is not connected to the first antenna 61, the second antenna 62, and / or the third antenna 63 means that the power supply to the first antenna 61, the second antenna 62, and / or the third antenna 63 is cut off.

[0194] Figure 6b is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device including multiple antennas according to one embodiment.

[0195] The following operation 610 is performed by an aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 1 in Figures 1 and 6a). The aerosol generator includes a signal generation circuit (e.g., RF signal generation circuit 210 in Figure 1 or signal generation circuit 601 in Figure 6a), a resonator (e.g., resonator 351 in Figure 2), a coupler (e.g., microwave coupler 332 in Figure 2), and a processor (e.g., processor 170 in Figure 1).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the operation 310 in Figure 3 includes operation 610.

[0197] In operation 610, the aerosol generator controls the signal generation circuit to generate a target heating signal in a target heating frequency band corresponding to the type of aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator.

[0198] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator can store heating profiles corresponding to multiple types of aerosol products. The heating profile includes the heating frequency band of the heating signal generated by the signal generation circuit. For example, the aerosol generator may store the heating profiles corresponding to multiple types of aerosol products in the form of a lookup table. As described above with reference to Figure 4, the aerosol generator can determine the type of aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator. Based on the lookup table, the aerosol generator can confirm the target heating profile (e.g., target heating frequency band) corresponding to the determined type of aerosol product. The aerosol generator can control the signal generation circuit based on the confirmed target heating profile. That is, the aerosol generator can control the signal generation circuit to generate a target heating signal in the target heating frequency band.

[0199] Referring to Figure 3 of one embodiment, the radiating unit is described as being able to radiate a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band to at least a portion of the insertion space via a first antenna, which is a single antenna, according to a predetermined period. As described above with reference to Figure 6a, the aerosol generator may further include one or more antennas (e.g., a second antenna 62 and a third antenna 63) for a first frequency band (or first heating frequency band) of the first signal (or first heating signal) and other frequency bands (or other heating frequency bands).

[0200] The aerosol generator can be configured, by controlling a switching circuit, to ensure that the target heating signal is radiated via a target antenna corresponding to the target heating frequency band, among one or more antennas and one or more antennas for radiating the first signal (or first heating signal) and the second signal.

[0201] For example, the aerosol generator may control the connections between the signal generation circuit and the antennas (e.g., the first antenna 61, the second antenna 62, and / or the third antenna 63) of the radiating unit (e.g., the radiating unit 60 in Figure 6) by controlling a switching circuit (e.g., the switching circuit 602 in Figure 6a). In a different example, the aerosol generator may control the connections between multiple circuits of the signal generation circuit (e.g., the first circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit) and the antennas of the radiating unit by controlling a switching circuit. In yet another example, the aerosol generator may control the connections between the power supply and multiple circuits of the signal generation circuit (e.g., the first circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit).

[0202] The embodiments described above of this disclosure, whether one or another, are not mutually exclusive or distinct. The respective configurations or functions of the embodiments described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other.

[0203] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing is 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 the combination is possible unless it is stated that the combination is impossible.

[0204] The above detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method performed by an aerosol generating device, The aerosol generating apparatus is A signal generation circuit that generates a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band, A resonant section that generates an electric field by resonating the first signal, A coupler for transmitting the first signal to the resonant section, Processor and Includes, The aforementioned method, An operation to control the signal generation circuit so as to generate the first signal and the second signal according to a predetermined period, An operation to acquire the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal, Based on the reflected signal, the operation of determining capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space for the aerosol product of the aerosol generating apparatus, Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus further includes a first antenna for emitting the first signal and the second signal.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generating device is heated by the resonance of the first signal in the first frequency band.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the operation of determining whether or not to insert an aerosol product into the aerosol generating device based on the capacitance information.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the operation of determining the type of aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generating device based on the capacitance information.

6. Based on the capacitance information, the operation of determining the change in dielectric constant of the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generating device, Based on the aforementioned change in dielectric constant, an operation is performed to determine whether or not a user puff is generated in the aerosol generating device, The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. The method according to claim 2, further comprising one or more antennas having a frequency band different from the first frequency band of the first signal.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising controlling the signal generation circuit to generate a target heating signal in a target heating frequency band corresponding to the type of aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator, wherein the target heating signal is radiated via a target antenna corresponding to the target heating frequency band, among the first antenna and one or more antennas for radiating the first signal and the second signal.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising controlling a switching circuit connected to the signal generation circuit to control the connection between the signal generation circuit and the first antenna and one or more antennas.

10. A recording medium readable by a computer that stores a program for performing the method according to claim 1.

11. Aerosol generating device, A signal generation circuit that generates a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band, A resonant section that generates an electric field by resonating the first signal, A coupler for transmitting the first signal to the resonant section, Processor and Includes, The aforementioned processor, An operation to control the signal generation circuit so as to generate the first signal and the second signal according to a predetermined period, An operation to acquire the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal, Based on the reflected signal, the operation of determining capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol product, An aerosol generating device that performs this function.

Images