Aerosol generating device for determining abnormal operation

Abstract

An aerosol generating device that determines abnormal operation is provided. [Solution] The aerosol generating device includes a battery, a first control circuit that converts power received from the battery into a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, a heating unit that heats an aerosol product based on the PWM signal received from the first control circuit, and a second control circuit that transmits a command to the first control circuit in response to a user input to the first control circuit to cause the first control circuit to generate the PWM signal. The first control circuit determines abnormal operation of the second control circuit, and the second control circuit determines abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can further determine specific operating conditions and prevent abnormal operation of the heating unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device for determining abnormal operation. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, aerosol generating devices that do not generate aerosols by burning cigarettes The aerosol is generated by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using There is an increasing demand for systems that can

[0003] In the aerosol generating device, a heater is used to heat the aerosol generating material. However, if the heater malfunctions, the user's smoking satisfaction will decrease and accidents such as fires may occur. In order to increase the stability of the aerosol generating device, Therefore, technology is required to determine abnormal conditions and prevent malfunctions. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If abnormal heating occurs due to abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device, Internal hardware components may be damaged or safety issues may arise. If an error occurs in the control circuit itself that controls the generating device as a whole, the aerosol generating device It also becomes difficult to determine if the device is operating abnormally or to prevent abnormal heating.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present invention provide an engine for determining abnormal operation as a method for improving the above-mentioned problems. The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is as described above. It is not limited to the technical problems as described above, and other technical problems can be analogized from the following embodiments.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical problems, an aerosol generation device according to one aspect includes a battery; a first control circuit that changes the power received from the battery into a PWM signal; a heating unit that heats an aerosol generation article based on the PWM signal received from the first control circuit; and a second control circuit that transmits a command word for generating the PWM signal to the first control circuit in response to a user input. The first control circuit can block the PWM signal transmitted to the heating unit when it is determined that the second control circuit is operating abnormally.

[0007] An aerosol generation device according to another embodiment includes a battery; a first control circuit that changes the power received from the battery into a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal; a heating unit that heats an aerosol generation article based on the PWM signal received from the first control circuit; and a second control circuit that transmits a command word for generating the PWM signal to the first control circuit in response to a user input. The first control circuit determines the presence or absence of abnormal operation of the second control circuit based on the parameters generated from the second control circuit, and the second control circuit can determine the abnormal operation of the aerosol generation device based on at least one of the parameters generated from the first control circuit, the parameters generated from the second control circuit, and the parameter indicating the presence or absence of power supply to at least one of the first control circuit and the second control circuit. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] The present invention can provide an aerosol generating device. Specifically, the first control circuit of the aerosol generating device according to the present invention determines whether it has not received the parameter generated by the second control circuit within a preset time, or whether the parameters generated by the second control circuit and the first control circuit do not match each other, and determines the abnormal operation of the second control circuit, and can block the PWM signal transmitted from the first control circuit to the heating part. When the parameter generated by the second control circuit is not received within the preset time, or when the parameters generated by the second control circuit and the first control circuit do not match each other, the first control circuit can determine the abnormal operation of the second control circuit and block the PWM signal transmitted from the first control circuit to the heating part. When the parameter generated by the second control circuit is not received within the preset time, or when the parameters generated by the second control circuit and the first control circuit do not match each other, the first control circuit can determine the abnormal operation of the second control circuit and block the PWM signal transmitted from the first control circuit to the heating part. When the parameter generated by the second control circuit is not received within the preset time, or when the parameters generated by the second control circuit and the first control circuit do not match each other, the first control circuit can determine the abnormal operation of the second control circuit and block the PWM signal transmitted from the first control circuit to the heating part. When the parameter generated by the second control circuit is not received within the preset time, or when the parameters generated by the second control circuit and the first control circuit do not match each other, the first control circuit can determine the abnormal operation of the second control circuit and block the PWM signal transmitted from the first control circuit to the heating part.

[0009] As described above, when it is determined that the second control circuit of the aerosol generating device according to the present invention is operating abnormally, the PWM signal transmitted from the first control circuit to the heating part can be blocked to prevent the occurrence of abnormal heating due to the continuous heating operation of the heating part. As described above, when it is determined that the second control circuit of the aerosol generating device according to the present invention is operating abnormally, the PWM signal transmitted from the first control circuit to the heating part can be blocked to prevent the occurrence of abnormal heating due to the continuous heating operation of the heating part. As described above, when it is determined that the second control circuit of the aerosol generating device according to the present invention is operating abnormally, the PWM signal transmitted from the first control circuit to the heating part can be blocked to prevent the occurrence of abnormal heating due to the continuous heating operation of the heating part.

[0010] The first control circuit can receive a control command from the second control circuit to start the heating operation of the heating part and then perform heating. However, if the first control circuit has not received a control command from the second control circuit to end the heating operation of the heating part within a preset time and continues to heat, safety problems may occur. The first control circuit can receive a control command from the second control circuit to start the heating operation of the heating part and then perform heating. However, if the first control circuit has not received a control command from the second control circuit to end the heating operation of the heating part within a preset time and continues to heat, safety problems may occur. The first control circuit can receive a control command from the second control circuit to start the heating operation of the heating part and then perform heating. However, if the first control circuit has not received a control command from the second control circuit to end the heating operation of the heating part within a preset time and continues to heat, safety problems may occur. The first control circuit can receive a control command from the second control circuit to start the heating operation of the heating part and then perform heating. However, if the first control circuit has not received a control command from the second control circuit to end the heating operation of the heating part within a preset time and continues to heat, safety problems may occur.

[0011] If the parameters generated by the second control circuit and the first control circuit do not match each other, it is not clear which circuit of the second control circuit and the first control circuit is operating abnormally. It is safer for the first control circuit to determine that the second control circuit is operating abnormally and end the heating operation than to continue the heating operation according to the parameters generated by the second control circuit. If the parameters generated by the second control circuit and the first control circuit do not match each other, it is not clear which circuit of the second control circuit and the first control circuit is operating abnormally. It is safer for the first control circuit to determine that the second control circuit is operating abnormally and end the heating operation than to continue the heating operation according to the parameters generated by the second control circuit. If the parameters generated by the second control circuit and the first control circuit do not match each other, it is not clear which circuit of the second control circuit and the first control circuit is operating abnormally. It is safer for the first control circuit to determine that the second control circuit is operating abnormally and end the heating operation than to continue the heating operation according to the parameters generated by the second control circuit. If the parameters generated by the second control circuit and the first control circuit do not match each other, it is not clear which circuit of the second control circuit and the first control circuit is operating abnormally. It is safer for the first control circuit to determine that the second control circuit is operating abnormally and end the heating operation than to continue the heating operation according to the parameters generated by the second control circuit. Therefore, the first control circuit is used as an additional safety device in addition to a direct safety device. It is possible to increase the convenience of the user, prevent accidents such as fires, and eliminate the user's sense of uneasiness. Yes.

[0012] Further, the second control circuit of the aerosol generating device according to the present invention can determine an abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device based on at least one of the parameters generated from the first control circuit, the parameters generated from the second control circuit, and the parameters indicating the presence or absence of power supply to at least one of the first control circuit and the second control circuit. The second control circuit can determine an abnormal operation of all components and functions included in the aerosol generating device, such as the power supply of the aerosol generating device, the first control circuit, and communication. Therefore, the abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device can be determined in more detail. Based on Yes.

[0013] That is, the second control circuit can determine an abnormal operation of all components and functions included in the aerosol generating device, such as the power supply of the aerosol generating device, the first control circuit, and communication. Therefore, the abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device can be determined in more detail. Therefore, the abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device can be determined in more detail. Yes.

[0014] As described above, the second control circuit and the first control circuit included in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention can determine each other's states based on the parameters exchanged with each other via communication. Therefore, an abnormal operation of any one of the second control circuit and the first control circuit can be determined. Based on Yes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] As technical means for achieving the above-described technical problems, one or more embodiments can be provided. This can be done.

[0017] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a battery; a first control circuit that changes the power received from the battery into a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal; a heating unit that heats an aerosol generating article based on the PWM signal received from the first control circuit; and a second control circuit that transmits a command word for causing the first control circuit to generate the PWM signal in response to a user input to the first control circuit. The first control circuit can block the PWM signal transmitted to the heating unit when it is determined that the second control circuit is operating abnormally. An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a battery; a first control circuit that changes the power received from the battery into a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal; a heating unit that heats an aerosol generating article based on the PWM signal received from the first control circuit; and a second control circuit that transmits a command word for causing the first control circuit to generate the PWM signal in response to a user input to the first control circuit. The first control circuit can block the PWM signal transmitted to the heating unit when it is determined that the second control circuit is operating abnormally. An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a battery; a first control circuit that changes the power received from the battery into a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal; a heating unit that heats an aerosol generating article based on the PWM signal received from the first control circuit; and a second control circuit that transmits a command word for causing the first control circuit to generate the PWM signal in response to a user input to the first control circuit. The first control circuit can block the PWM signal transmitted to the heating unit when it is determined that the second control circuit is operating abnormally. An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a battery; a first control circuit that changes the power received from the battery into a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal; a heating unit that heats an aerosol generating article based on the PWM signal received from the first control circuit; and a second control circuit that transmits a command word for causing the first control circuit to generate the PWM signal in response to a user input to the first control circuit. The first control circuit can block the PWM signal transmitted to the heating unit when it is determined that the second control circuit is operating abnormally. An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a battery; a first control circuit that changes the power received from the battery into a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal; a heating unit that heats an aerosol generating article based on the PWM signal received from the first control circuit; and a second control circuit that transmits a command word for causing the first control circuit to generate the PWM signal in response to a user input to the first control circuit. The first control circuit can block the PWM signal transmitted to the heating unit when it is determined that the second control circuit is operating abnormally. An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a battery; a first control circuit that changes the power received from the battery into a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal; a heating unit that heats an aerosol generating article based on the PWM signal received from the first control circuit; and a second control circuit that transmits a command word for causing the first control circuit to generate the PWM signal in response to a user input to the first control circuit. The first control circuit can block the PWM signal transmitted to the heating unit when it is determined that the second control circuit is operating abnormally.

[0018] Further, the first control circuit can determine whether the second control circuit is operating abnormally based on at least one parameter generated from the second control circuit. Further, the first control circuit can determine whether the second control circuit is operating abnormally based on at least one parameter generated from the second control circuit.

[0019] Further, the first control circuit compares at least one parameter generated from the second control circuit with at least one parameter generated from the first control circuit, and when at least one parameter generated from the second control circuit matches at least one parameter generated from the first control circuit, it can be determined that the second control circuit is operating normally. Further, the first control circuit compares at least one parameter generated from the second control circuit with at least one parameter generated from the first control circuit, and when at least one parameter generated from the second control circuit matches at least one parameter generated from the first control circuit, it can be determined that the second control circuit is operating normally. Further, the first control circuit compares at least one parameter generated from the second control circuit with at least one parameter generated from the first control circuit, and when at least one parameter generated from the second control circuit matches at least one parameter generated from the first control circuit, it can be determined that the second control circuit is operating normally. Further, the first control circuit compares at least one parameter generated from the second control circuit with at least one parameter generated from the first control circuit, and when at least one parameter generated from the second control circuit matches at least one parameter generated from the first control circuit, it can be determined that the second control circuit is operating normally. Further, the first control circuit compares at least one parameter generated from the second control circuit with at least one parameter generated from the first control circuit, and when at least one parameter generated from the second control circuit matches at least one parameter generated from the first control circuit, it can be determined that the second control circuit is operating normally.

[0020] Further, when at least one parameter generated by the second control circuit and at least one parameter generated by the first control circuit do not match each other, the first control circuit can determine that the second control circuit is operating abnormally. Further, when the first control circuit cannot receive at least one parameter generated by the second control circuit within a preset time, the first control circuit can determine that the second control circuit is operating abnormally. Further, at least one parameter generated by the second control circuit and at least one parameter generated by the first control circuit may include a current temperature value of the heating unit, a target value of the temperature that the first control circuit attempts to control, an operation duration of the heating unit, and a count that accumulates the number of communication times between the second control circuit and the first control circuit.

[0021] Further, the first control circuit includes a timer for measuring the operation duration of the heating unit. When it is determined that the second control circuit is operating abnormally, the first control circuit can cut off the PWM signal transmitted to the heating unit when the operation duration measured by the timer exceeds a critical value. An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment includes a battery; a first control circuit that changes the power received from the battery into a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal; a heating unit that heats an aerosol generating article based on the PWM signal received from the first control circuit; and a user input in response to

[0022]

[0023]

[0024] ​​​​​​​​​​​​a second control circuit that transmits an instruction word for generating the PWM signal to the first control circuit; including, based on parameters generated from the second control circuit, the first control circuit determines whether there is an abnormal operation of the second control circuit, and the second control circuit generates parameters from the first control circuit, parameters generated from the second control circuit, and the first control circuit and at least one of the parameters indicating the presence or absence of power supply to at least one of the second control circuit, based on at least one of the parameters, it is possible to determine an abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0025] Further, based on the fact that the parameter generated from the first control circuit corresponds to a NACK (Negative Acknowledge) signal, the second control circuit can determine that a communication error has occurred between the second control circuit and the first control circuit.

[0026] Further, when it is determined that the first control circuit is operating abnormally, the second control circuit can reset the first control circuit.

[0027] Further, the aerosol generating device further includes a display capable of outputting visual information, and the second control circuit, based on the determination that the aerosol generating device is operating abnormally, can output a notification indicating a state corresponding to the abnormal operation using the display.

[0028] The terms used in the examples are, as much as possible considering the functions in the present invention, general terms that are currently widely used However, this is based on the intention or precedent of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies ​​​​​​​It also varies depending on etc. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in that case, in the description part of the invention, its meaning is described in detail. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not merely the names of the terms, but must be defined based on the meaning that the terms have and the content covering the whole of the present invention.

[0029] Throughout the specification, when a certain part states that a certain component "includes", unless there is a special description to the contrary, it does not exclude other components, but means that it may further include other components as well. Also, terms such as "… part" and "… module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and it may be embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software .

[0030] Expressions such as "at least one" used in the specification, when preceding a list of components, modify the entire list of components and do not modify individual components in the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be understood to include a alone, b alone, c alone, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c .

[0031] Also, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" used in the present specification can be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms can be used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

[0032] Hereinafter, based on the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. However, the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. One having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily understand that the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Figure 1 is a drawing showing an aerosol generation system according to some embodiments.

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generation device 10 and a cigarette 15. The aerosol generation device 10 includes a housing space into which the cigarette 15 is inserted, and can heat the cigarette 15 inserted into the housing space to generate an aerosol. The cigarette 15 is a kind of aerosol generation article and may contain an aerosol generating substance. On the other hand, in Figure 1, for the convenience of explanation, the aerosol generation device 10 is shown as being used together with the cigarette 15, but this is merely an example. The aerosol generation device 10 can be used together with any suitable aerosol generation article even if it is not the cigarette 15.

[0034] The aerosol generation device 10 may include a battery 110, a control unit 120, a susceptor 130, an induction coil 140, and a cigarette insertion detection sensor 150. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 10 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 1. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 10, some of the hardware configurations shown in Figure 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added. The aerosol generation device 10 includes a housing space into which the cigarette 15 is inserted, and can heat the cigarette 15 inserted into the housing space to generate an aerosol. The cigarette 15 is a kind of aerosol generation article and may contain an aerosol generating substance. On the other hand, in Figure 1, for the convenience of explanation, the aerosol generation device 10 is shown as being used together with the cigarette 15, but this is merely an example. The aerosol generation device 10 can be used together with any suitable aerosol generation article even if it is not the cigarette 15. The aerosol generation device 10 includes a housing space into which the cigarette 15 is inserted, and can heat the cigarette 15 inserted into the housing space to generate an aerosol. The cigarette 15 is a kind of aerosol generation article and may contain an aerosol generating substance. On the other hand, in Figure 1, for the convenience of explanation, the aerosol generation device 10 is shown as being used together with the cigarette 15, but this is merely an example. The aerosol generation device 10 can be used together with any suitable aerosol generation article even if it is not the cigarette 15. The aerosol generation device 10 includes a housing space into which the cigarette 15 is inserted, and can heat the cigarette 15 inserted into the housing space to generate an aerosol. The cigarette 15 is a kind of aerosol generation article and may contain an aerosol generating substance. On the other hand, in Figure 1, for the convenience of explanation, the aerosol generation device 10 is shown as being used together with the cigarette 15, but this is merely an example. The aerosol generation device 10 can be used together with any suitable aerosol generation article even if it is not the cigarette 15. The aerosol generation device 10 includes a housing space into which the cigarette 15 is inserted, and can heat the cigarette 15 inserted into the housing space to generate an aerosol. The cigarette 15 is a kind of aerosol generation article and may contain an aerosol generating substance. On the other hand, in Figure 1, for the convenience of explanation, the aerosol generation device 10 is shown as being used together with the cigarette 15, but this is merely an example. The aerosol generation device 10 can be used together with any suitable aerosol generation article even if it is not the cigarette 15. The aerosol generation device 10 includes a housing space into which the cigarette 15 is inserted, and can heat the cigarette 15 inserted into the housing space to generate an aerosol. The cigarette 15 is a kind of aerosol generation article and may contain an aerosol generating substance. On the other hand, in Figure 1, for the convenience of explanation, the aerosol generation device 10 is shown as being used together with the cigarette 15, but this is merely an example. The aerosol generation device 10 can be used together with any suitable aerosol generation article even if it is not the cigarette 15. The aerosol generation device 10 includes a housing space into which the cigarette 15 is inserted, and can heat the cigarette 15 inserted into the housing space to generate an aerosol. The cigarette 15 is a kind of aerosol generation article and may contain an aerosol generating substance. On the other hand, in Figure 1, for the convenience of explanation, the aerosol generation device 10 is shown as being used together with the cigarette 15, but this is merely an example. The aerosol generation device 10 can be used together with any suitable aerosol generation article even if it is not the cigarette 15. The aerosol generation device 10 includes a housing space into which the cigarette 15 is inserted, and can heat the cigarette 15 inserted into the housing space to generate an aerosol. The cigarette 15 is a kind of aerosol generation article and may contain an aerosol generating substance. On the other hand, in Figure 1, for the convenience of explanation, the aerosol generation device 10 is shown as being used together with the cigarette 15, but this is merely an example. The aerosol generation device 10 can be used together with any suitable aerosol generation article even if it is not the cigarette 15.

[0035] The aerosol generation device 10 may include a battery 110, a control unit 120, a susceptor 130, an induction coil 140, and a cigarette insertion detection sensor 150. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 10 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 1. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 10, some of the hardware configurations shown in Figure 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added. The aerosol generation device 10 may include a battery 110, a control unit 120, a susceptor 130, an induction coil 140, and a cigarette insertion detection sensor 150. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 10 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 1. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 10, some of the hardware configurations shown in Figure 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added. The aerosol generation device 10 may include a battery 110, a control unit 120, a susceptor 130, an induction coil 140, and a cigarette insertion detection sensor 150. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 10 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 1. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 10, some of the hardware configurations shown in Figure 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added. The aerosol generation device 10 may include a battery 110, a control unit 120, a susceptor 130, an induction coil 140, and a cigarette insertion detection sensor 150. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 10 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 1. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 10, some of the hardware configurations shown in Figure 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added. The aerosol generation device 10 may include a battery 110, a control unit 120, a susceptor 130, an induction coil 140, and a cigarette insertion detection sensor 150. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 10 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 1. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 10, some of the hardware configurations shown in Figure 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added. The aerosol generation device 10 may include a battery 110, a control unit 120, a susceptor 130, an induction coil 140, and a cigarette insertion detection sensor 150. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 10 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 1. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 10, some of the hardware configurations shown in Figure 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added.

[0036] The battery 110 supplies the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery 110 can supply power so that the induction coil 140 generates a variable magnetic field. In addition, the battery 110 can supply power to other hardware components provided in the aerosol generating device 10, such as various sensors (not shown), a user interface (not shown), a memory (not shown), and the operation of the control unit 120. The battery 110 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 110 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] The control unit 120 is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the control unit 120 controls not only the battery 110, the susceptor 130, the induction coil 140, and the cigarette insertion detection sensor 150, but also the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 10. In addition, the control unit 120 checks the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 10 and determines whether the aerosol generating device 10 is in an operable state.

[0038] The control unit 120 includes a main control circuit that controls the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 as a whole, and may further include a heating unit control circuit that centrally controls only the heating unit composed of the susceptor 130 and the induction coil 140.

[0039] The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. The processor can also be embodied as an array of a large number of logic gates, and includes a general-purpose microprocessor and the microprocessor. It is also embodied by a combination of memories in which the program to be executed is stored. Also, it will be understandable to those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs that the sensor is also embodied by different forms of hardware.

[0040] The susceptor 130 may include a substance to be heated when a variable magnetic field is applied. For example, the susceptor 130 may include metal or carbon. The susceptor 130 may include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum. Also, the susceptor 130 may include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramics such as zirconia, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co), and metalloids such as boron (B) and phosphorus (P). However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0041] In one example, the susceptor 130 is also tubular or cylindrical and may be arranged to surround a receiving space into which the cigarette 15 is inserted. If the cigarette 15 is inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol generating device 10, the susceptor 130 may be arranged to surround the cigarette 15. Therefore, the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette 15 increases due to the heat transmitted from the external susceptor 130.

[0042] The induction coil 140 can generate a variable magnetic field when powered by the battery 110. The variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil 140 is applied to the susceptor 130, and thereby the susceptor 130 may be heated. The power supplied to the induction coil 140 is adjusted under the control of the control unit 120, and the temperature at which the susceptor 130 is heated can be appropriately maintained.

[0043] The cigarette insertion detection sensor 150 senses whether a cigarette 15 is inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 10. In one example, the cigarette 15 contains a metallic substance such as aluminum, and the cigarette insertion detection sensor 150 is also an inductive sensor that senses the magnetic field change generated when the cigarette 15 is inserted into the accommodation space. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto. The cigarette insertion detection sensor 150 may also be an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, a resistance sensor, or the like.

[0044] Based on sensing the insertion of a cigarette, the control unit 120 can perform a heating operation automatically without additional external input. For example, if the control unit 120 senses the insertion of the cigarette 15 using the cigarette insertion detection sensor 150, it can control the battery 110 to supply power to the induction coil 140. A variable magnetic field is generated by the induction coil 140, and thereby the susceptor 130 may be heated. Accordingly, the cigarette 15 disposed in the susceptor 130 is heated, and an aerosol may be generated.

[0045] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 10 includes the battery 110, the control unit 120, the susceptor 130, ​​In addition to the induction coil 140 and the cigarette insertion detection sensor 150, it may further include a general-purpose configuration. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may include other sensors (for example, a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, etc.), a user interface and a memory in addition to the cigarette insertion detection sensor 150. The user interface can provide information to the user about the state of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0046] The user interface may include a display or a lamp that outputs visual information, a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, and an input / output (I / O) interface means for receiving information input by the user or outputting information to the user (for example, a button or a touch screen). In addition, the user interface may include various interfacing means such as a communication interface module for performing data communication, a terminal for supplying charging power, or wireless communication with an external device (for example, WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near-Field Communication), etc.). Among the examples of the various user interfaces, only a part may be selectively implemented in the aerosol generating device 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In addition, at least a part of the examples of the various user interfaces may be combined and implemented in the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 outputs visual information on the front surface while performing wireless communication with an external device (for example, WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near-Field Communication), etc.). Among the examples of the various user interfaces, only a part may be selectively implemented in the aerosol generating device 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] In the aerosol generating device 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention, only a part of the examples of the various user interfaces may be selectively implemented. In addition, at least a part of the examples of the various user interfaces may be combined and implemented in the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may output visual information on the front surface while performing wireless communication with an external device (for example, WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near-Field Communication), etc.). It may also include a touch screen display capable of receiving user input. The touch screen display includes a fingerprint sensor, and user authentication can be performed by the fingerprint sensor.

[0048] The memory is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 10 and can store the data processed by the control unit 120 and the data to be processed. The memory can be embodied by various types such as RAM (random access memory) (e.g., DRAM (dynamic random ac cess memory), SRAM (static random access memory), etc.), ROM (read-only memory), EEP ROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), etc. Data related to the operation time, maximum puff count, current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern of the aerosol generating device 10 may be stored in the memory.

[0049] Figure 2 is a block diagram for explaining a driving method of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments. The aerosol generating device may correspond to the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 1. For example, the battery 210 in FIG. 2 corresponds to the battery 110 in FIG. 1. Therefore, duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, the first control circuit 220 means hardware that controls the overall operation of the heating unit 230 (e.g., the susceptor 1 30 and the induction coil 140 in FIG. 1). The first control The control circuit 220 is also an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The first control circuit 220 is implemented by hardware independent of the second control circuit 240. The first control circuit 220 includes at least one processor. The processor is also implemented as an array of a large number of logic gates, and is also implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Also, the first control circuit 220 is implemented as a System On Chip. However, for those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs, it will be understandable that the first control circuit 220 can also be implemented by different forms of hardware.

[0051] The first control circuit 220 can control the heating operation of the heating unit 230. For example, the first control circuit 220 can control the power supply from the battery 210 to the heating unit 230 in order to control at least one of the heating temperature and heating time of the heating unit 230. The first control circuit 220 can control the power supplied to the heating unit 230 so that the heating operation of the heating unit 230 starts or ends. Also, the first control circuit 220 can control the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 230 and the time during which the power is supplied so that the heating unit 230 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature. The first control circuit 220 adjusts the power supplied to the heating unit 230 using a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method. Specifically, the power received from the battery is changed to a PWM signal.

[0052]

[0053] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​It is possible to transmit a PWM signal to the heating unit 230 to adjust the power supplied to the heating unit 230. Yes.

[0054] The heating unit 230 receives a PWM signal from the first control circuit 220 and heats the cigarette inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device based on the received PWM signal, which means a hardware configuration. The heating unit 230 can heat the cigarette using an induction heating method. For example, the heating unit 230 may include an induction coil for generating a variable magnetic field and a susceptor heated by the variable magnetic field. Since the induction coil and the susceptor included in the heating unit 230 respectively correspond to the susceptor 130 and the induction coil 140 in FIG. 1, duplicate explanations are omitted. Based on the received PWM signal, it heats the cigarette inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device, which means a hardware configuration for heating. The heating unit 230 can heat the cigarette using an induction heating method. For example, the heating unit 230 may include an induction coil for generating a variable magnetic field and a susceptor heated by the variable magnetic field. The induction coil and the susceptor included in the heating unit 230 respectively correspond to the susceptor 130 and the induction coil 140 in FIG. 1, so duplicate explanations are omitted. The induction coil and the susceptor included in the heating unit 230 respectively correspond to the susceptor 130 and the induction coil 140 in FIG. 1, so duplicate explanations are omitted. Duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0055] The second control circuit 240 means the hardware for controlling the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. The second control circuit 240 is an MCU, but is not limited thereto. The second control circuit 240 transmits a command word for causing the first control circuit 220 to generate a PWM signal in response to a user input, and the command word for generating the PWM signal means a signal for driving the first control circuit 220 by the second control circuit 240. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments. The second control circuit 240 means the hardware for controlling the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. The second control circuit 240 is an MCU, but is not limited thereto. The second control circuit 240 transmits a command word for causing the first control circuit 220 to generate a PWM signal in response to a user input. The command word for generating the PWM signal means a signal for driving the first control circuit 220 by the second control circuit 240. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 300 may include a heating unit 310, a battery 320, a first control circuit 330, and a second control circuit 340. The aerosol generating device 300 shown in FIG. 3 shows the components according to this embodiment. However, in addition to the components shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 300 may further include other general-purpose components.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 300 may include a heating unit 310, a battery 320, a first control circuit 330, and a second control circuit 340. The aerosol generating device 300 shown in FIG. 3 shows the components according to this embodiment. However, in addition to the components shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 300 may further include other general-purpose components. That is, in addition to the components shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 300 may further include other general-purpose components. This should be understandable to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment. On the other hand, the heating unit 310 in FIG. 3 corresponds to the heating unit 230 in FIG. 2, the battery 320 in FIG. 3 corresponds to the battery 110 in FIG. 1 and the battery 210 in FIG. 2, and the first control circuit 330 in FIG. 3 corresponds to the first control circuit 220 in FIG. 2, and the second control circuit 340 in FIG. 3 corresponds to the second control circuit 240 in FIG. 2. Therefore, duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0057] The first control circuit 330 can communicate with the second control circuit 340. For example, the first control circuit 330 can send the parameters generated from the first control circuit 330 to the second control circuit 3 40 and receive the parameters generated from the second control circuit 340. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the process in which the first control circuit 330 and the second control circuit 340 exchange parameters through communication will be described in detail.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, the process in which the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420 exchange parameters through communication is shown. The first control circuit 420 in FIG. 4 corresponds to the first control circuit 2 20 in FIG. 2 and the first control circuit 330 in FIG. 3, and the second control circuit 410 in FIG. 4 corresponds to the second control circuit 240 in FIG. 2 and the second control circuit 340 in FIG. 3. Therefore, duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0060] The second control circuit 410 can generate a parameter 430 and transmit it to the first control circuit 420. The parameter 430 refers to the data value generated from the second control circuit 410. and the parameter 430 may be used to control components included in the aerosol generating device. For example, the second control circuit 410 transmits the generated parameter 430 to the first control circuit 420, and the first control circuit 420 can control the adjustment of the operating time of the heating unit. The parameter 430 may be transmitted to the first control circuit 420 by the second control circuit 410, and the first control circuit 420 can control the adjustment of the operating time of the heating unit. The parameter 430 may include, but is not limited to, the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating portion of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, a value indicating whether the second control circuit 410 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 440), etc. For example, the parameter 430 may include the command words for generating the PWM signal described with reference to FIG. 2. The first control circuit 420 can receive the parameter 430 generated from the second control circuit 410 and perform the operation corresponding to the received parameter 430. Also, the first control circuit 420 can generate the parameter 440 and transmit it to the second control circuit 410. The parameter 440 is also generated corresponding to the reception of the parameter 430, and is also generated separately from the reception of the parameter 430. For example, the parameter 440 may include, but is not limited to, a value indicating whether the first control circuit 420 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 430), the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, etc.

[0061] The parameter 430 may include, but is not limited to, the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating portion of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, a value indicating whether the second control circuit 410 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 440), etc. For example, the parameter 430 may include the command words for generating the PWM signal described with reference to FIG. 2. The parameter 430 may include, but is not limited to, the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating portion of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, a value indicating whether the second control circuit 410 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 440), etc. For example, the parameter 430 may include the command words for generating the PWM signal described with reference to FIG. 2. The parameter 430 may include, but is not limited to, the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating portion of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, a value indicating whether the second control circuit 410 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 440), etc. For example, the parameter 430 may include the command words for generating the PWM signal described with reference to FIG. 2. The parameter 430 may include, but is not limited to, the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating portion of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, a value indicating whether the second control circuit 410 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 440), etc. For example, the parameter 430 may include the command words for generating the PWM signal described with reference to FIG. 2. The parameter 430 may include, but is not limited to, the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating portion of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, a value indicating whether the second control circuit 410 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 440), etc. For example, the parameter 430 may include the command words for generating the PWM signal described with reference to FIG. 2. The parameter 430 may include, but is not limited to, the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating portion of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, a value indicating whether the second control circuit 410 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 440), etc. For example, the parameter 430 may include the command words for generating the PWM signal described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0062] The first control circuit 420 can receive the parameter 430 generated from the second control circuit 410 and perform the operation corresponding to the received parameter 430. Also, the first control circuit 420 can generate the parameter 440 and transmit it to the second control circuit 410. The parameter 440 is also generated corresponding to the reception of the parameter 430, and is also generated separately from the reception of the parameter 430. For example, the parameter 440 may include, but is not limited to, a value indicating whether the first control circuit 420 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 430), the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, etc. The first control circuit 420 can receive the parameter 430 generated from the second control circuit 410 and perform the operation corresponding to the received parameter 430. Also, the first control circuit 420 can generate the parameter 440 and transmit it to the second control circuit 410. The parameter 440 is also generated corresponding to the reception of the parameter 430, and is also generated separately from the reception of the parameter 430. For example, the parameter 440 may include, but is not limited to, a value indicating whether the first control circuit 420 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 430), the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, etc. The first control circuit 420 can receive the parameter 430 generated from the second control circuit 410 and perform the operation corresponding to the received parameter 430. Also, the first control circuit 420 can generate the parameter 440 and transmit it to the second control circuit 410. The parameter 440 is also generated corresponding to the reception of the parameter 430, and is also generated separately from the reception of the parameter 430. For example, the parameter 440 may include, but is not limited to, a value indicating whether the first control circuit 420 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 430), the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, etc. The parameter 440 is also generated corresponding to the reception of the parameter 430, and is also generated separately from the reception of the parameter 430. For example, the parameter 440 may include, but is not limited to, a value indicating whether the first control circuit 420 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 430), the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, etc. The parameter 440 is also generated corresponding to the reception of the parameter 430, and is also generated separately from the reception of the parameter 430. For example, the parameter 440 may include, but is not limited to, a value indicating whether the first control circuit 420 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 430), the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, etc. The parameter 440 may include, but is not limited to, a value indicating whether the first control circuit 420 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 430), the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, etc. The parameter 440 may include, but is not limited to, a value indicating whether the first control circuit 420 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 430), the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, etc. The parameter 440 may include, but is not limited to, a value indicating whether the first control circuit 420 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 430), the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, etc. The parameter 440 may include, but is not limited to, a value indicating whether the first control circuit 420 has received a parameter (for example, parameter 430), the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature of the heating unit that the first control circuit 420 attempts to control, the time for which the heating operation of the heating unit continues, the count for accumulating the number of communication times between the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420, etc.

[0063] On the one hand, the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420 can perform communication using various methods. For example, the method by which the second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420 perform communication is also serial communication. The second control circuit 410 and the first control circuit 420 can exchange parameters 430 and 440 using serial communication such as I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit), UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 3 again, the first control circuit 330 can determine whether there is an abnormal operation of the second control circuit 340 based on the parameters generated by the second control circuit 340.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first control circuit 330 compares the parameters generated by the second control circuit 340 with the parameters generated by the first control circuit 330, and when the parameters generated by the second control circuit 340 match the parameters generated by the first control circuit 330, it is determined that the second control circuit 340 is operating normally. However, when the parameters generated by the second control circuit 340 do not match the parameters generated by the first control circuit 330, the first control circuit 330 determines that the second control circuit 340 is operating abnormally. For example, when the second control circuit 340 generates a parameter indicating that it performs a heating operation for 15 seconds

[0066] ​​​​​​​However, when the first control circuit 330 generates a parameter indicating that the heating operation is to be performed for 10 seconds, it corresponds to the case where either one of the second control circuit 340 and the first control circuit 330 malfunctions. In such a situation where it is unclear which of the second control circuit 340 and the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning, it is safer for the first control circuit 330 to end the heating operation by determining that the second control circuit 340 is malfunctioning rather than continuing the heating operation based on the parameter generated by the second control circuit 340. Therefore, the first control circuit 330 can determine that the second control circuit 340 is malfunctioning. In addition, in another embodiment, when the first control circuit 330 cannot receive the parameter generated by the second control circuit 340 within a preset time, it determines that the second control circuit 340 is malfunctioning. For example, after the first control circuit 330 receives a control command to start the heating operation of the heating unit 310 from the second control circuit 340 and is performing the heating operation, if it cannot receive a control command to end the heating operation of the heating unit 310 from the second control circuit 340 within a preset time, it determines that the second control circuit 340 is malfunctioning. On the other hand, "matching" means the case where any two parameters are exactly the same and match, or it may mean the case where any two parameters do not have the same name, but the value corresponding to one parameter is the value of the other parameter, but it is not limited thereto. When the first control circuit 330 is determined to be malfunctioning, the first control circuit 330...

[0067]

[0068]

[0069] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​1 The PWM signal transmitted from the control circuit 330 to the heating unit 310 can be blocked to stop the heating operation of the heating unit 310. Therefore, overheating due to abnormal heating operation of the aerosol generating device can be prevented. The PWM signal blocking can occur even when the first control circuit 330 does not generate the PWM signal or when it generates the PWM signal but does not transmit it from the first control circuit 330, but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the first control circuit 330 may include a timer. The timer measures the duration of the heating operation of the heating unit 310, and when it is determined that the second control circuit 340 is operating abnormally, based on the duration of the heating operation measured by the timer exceeding a critical value, the PWM signal transmitted from the first control circuit 330 to the heating unit 310 can be blocked. For example, the critical value can be 1 second, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition to the problem of abnormal heating caused by the continuous heating operation of the heating unit 310, other problems may occur in the components included in the aerosol generating device 300, and the first control circuit 330 can prevent it. In one embodiment, the first control circuit 330 may include a switch. The switch is connected to a signal for controlling the power supply of the aerosol generating device 300, and when it is determined that the second control circuit 340 is operating abnormally, the first control circuit 330 can close the switch to cut off all power supplies from the battery 320 to the components included in the aerosol generating device 300.

[0070]

[0071]

[0072] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Thus, the aerosol generating device 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the first control circuit 330 so that even if an error occurs in the second control circuit 340 itself, the stability of the aerosol generating device 300 can be ensured.

[0073] The second control circuit 340 can determine the abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device 300 based on at least one of the parameters generated by the first control circuit 330, the parameters generated by the second control circuit 340, and the parameters indicating the presence or absence of power supply to at least one of the second control circuit 340 and the first control circuit 330. Among the parameters, at least one parameter can be used to determine the abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0074] In one embodiment, the second control circuit 340 compares the parameters generated by the first control circuit 330 with the parameters generated by the second control circuit 340. If the parameters generated by the first control circuit 330 match the parameters generated by the second control circuit 340, it can be determined that the first control circuit 330 is operating normally. However, if the parameters generated by the first control circuit 330 do not match the parameters generated by the second control circuit 340, the second control circuit 340 can determine that the first control circuit 330 is operating abnormally.

[0075] For example, when the second control circuit 340 transmits a parameter indicating that it performs a heating operation for 10 seconds to the first control circuit 330, if the first control circuit 330 is operating normally, the first control circuit 330 generates a parameter indicating that it performs a heating operation for 10 seconds in response to receiving the parameter from the second control circuit 340, and based on the generated parameter, heating The unit 310 can be controlled. However, instead of the parameter indicating that the heating operation is performed for 10 seconds, if a parameter meaning that the heating operation is performed for 20 seconds is generated from the first control circuit 330, this would correspond to the case where the first control circuit 330 malfunctions. Here, the second control circuit 340 determines whether the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning based on parameter matching. When a parameter indicating that the heating operation is performed for 20 seconds is generated from the first control circuit 330 instead of the parameter indicating that the heating operation is performed for 10 seconds, this would correspond to the case where the first control circuit 330 malfunctions. Here, the second control circuit 340 determines whether the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning based on parameter matching. When a parameter indicating that the heating operation is performed for 20 seconds is generated from the first control circuit 330 instead of the parameter indicating that the heating operation is performed for 10 seconds, this would correspond to the case where the first control circuit 330 malfunctions. Here, the second control circuit 340 determines whether the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning based on parameter matching. When a parameter indicating that the heating operation is performed for 20 seconds is generated from the first control circuit 330 instead of the parameter indicating that the heating operation is performed for 10 seconds, this would correspond to the case where the first control circuit 330 malfunctions. Here, the second control circuit 340 determines whether the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning based on parameter matching. When a parameter indicating that the heating operation is performed for 20 seconds is generated from the first control circuit 330 instead of the parameter indicating that the heating operation is performed for 10 seconds, this would correspond to the case where the first control circuit 330 malfunctions. Here, the second control circuit 340 determines whether the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning based on parameter matching.

[0076] When it is determined that the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 initializes the parameters generated by the first control circuit 330 by resetting the first control circuit 330. Thereby, abnormal heating operation of the heating unit under the control of the first control circuit 330 can be prevented. When it is determined that the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 initializes the parameters generated by the first control circuit 330 by resetting the first control circuit 330. Thereby, abnormal heating operation of the heating unit under the control of the first control circuit 330 can be prevented. When it is determined that the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 initializes the parameters generated by the first control circuit 330 by resetting the first control circuit 330. Thereby, abnormal heating operation of the heating unit under the control of the first control circuit 330 can be prevented. When it is determined that the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 initializes the parameters generated by the first control circuit 330 by resetting the first control circuit 330. Thereby, abnormal heating operation of the heating unit under the control of the first control circuit 330 can be prevented.

[0077] Also, when it is determined that the aerosol generating device 300 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 outputs a notification indicating the state corresponding to the malfunction. For example, when it is determined that the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 can output a notification indicating the malfunction of the first control circuit 330. Thereby, the user can more easily recognize the state corresponding to the malfunction of the aerosol generating device 300. On the other hand, the notification is provided to the user through the touch screen display provided in the aerosol generating device 300, but this is not necessarily the case. Also, when it is determined that the aerosol generating device 300 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 outputs a notification indicating the state corresponding to the malfunction. For example, when it is determined that the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 can output a notification indicating the malfunction of the first control circuit 330. Thereby, the user can more easily recognize the state corresponding to the malfunction of the aerosol generating device 300. On the other hand, the notification is provided to the user through the touch screen display provided in the aerosol generating device 300, but this is not necessarily the case. Also, when it is determined that the aerosol generating device 300 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 outputs a notification indicating the state corresponding to the malfunction. For example, when it is determined that the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 can output a notification indicating the malfunction of the first control circuit 330. Thereby, the user can more easily recognize the state corresponding to the malfunction of the aerosol generating device 300. On the other hand, the notification is provided to the user through the touch screen display provided in the aerosol generating device 300, but this is not necessarily the case. Also, when it is determined that the aerosol generating device 300 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 outputs a notification indicating the state corresponding to the malfunction. For example, when it is determined that the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 can output a notification indicating the malfunction of the first control circuit 330. Thereby, the user can more easily recognize the state corresponding to the malfunction of the aerosol generating device 300. On the other hand, the notification is provided to the user through the touch screen display provided in the aerosol generating device 300, but this is not necessarily the case. Also, when it is determined that the aerosol generating device 300 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 outputs a notification indicating the state corresponding to the malfunction. For example, when it is determined that the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 can output a notification indicating the malfunction of the first control circuit 330. Thereby, the user can more easily recognize the state corresponding to the malfunction of the aerosol generating device 300. On the other hand, the notification is provided to the user through the touch screen display provided in the aerosol generating device 300, but this is not necessarily the case. Also, when it is determined that the aerosol generating device 300 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 outputs a notification indicating the state corresponding to the malfunction. For example, when it is determined that the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 can output a notification indicating the malfunction of the first control circuit 330. Thereby, the user can more easily recognize the state corresponding to the malfunction of the aerosol generating device 300. On the other hand, the notification is provided to the user through the touch screen display provided in the aerosol generating device 300, but this is not necessarily the case. Also, when it is determined that the aerosol generating device 300 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 outputs a notification indicating the state corresponding to the malfunction. For example, when it is determined that the first control circuit 330 is malfunctioning, the second control circuit 340 can output a notification indicating the malfunction of the first control circuit 330. Thereby, the user can more easily recognize the state corresponding to the malfunction of the aerosol generating device 300. On the other hand, the notification is provided to the user through the touch screen display provided in the aerosol generating device 300, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0078] In this way, the second control circuit 340 can increase the stability of the aerosol generating device 300 by determining the abnormal operation of the components included in the aerosol generating device 300 and taking corresponding measures. In this way, the second control circuit 340 can increase the stability of the aerosol generating device 300 by determining the abnormal operation of the components included in the aerosol generating device 300 and taking corresponding measures. In this way, the second control circuit 340 can increase the stability of the aerosol generating device 300 by determining the abnormal operation of the components included in the aerosol generating device 300 and taking corresponding measures.

[0079] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a method of operating a first control circuit according to some embodiments. There is. The method of FIG. 5 is also performed by an aerosol generating device. For example, the method of FIG. 5 is also performed by a first control circuit included in the aerosol generating device. The first control circuit is shown in FIG. corresponding to the first control circuit 220 of FIG. 2, the first control circuit 330 of FIG. 3, and the first control circuit 420 of FIG. 4, so redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, at step 510, the first control circuit can determine whether it has received parameters generated by the second control circuit within a preset time.

[0081] After the first control circuit transmits the parameters generated by the first control circuit to the second control circuit and based on receiving the parameters generated by the second control circuit within a preset time, the first control circuit performs step 520, and based on not receiving within the preset time, the first control circuit can perform step 530.

[0082] At step 530, the first control circuit determines an abnormal operation of the second control circuit. If it is determined that the second control circuit has an abnormal operation, the first control circuit can perform step 540. .

[0083] At step 540, the first control circuit cuts off the PWM signal transmitted to the heating unit.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first control circuit may include a timer. The timer measures the duration of the heating operation of the heating unit, and when it is determined that the second control circuit is operating abnormally and based on the duration of the heating operation measured by the timer exceeding a critical value, the first The PWM signal transmitted from the control circuit to the heating unit can be cut off.

[0085] In step 520, the first control circuitry determines whether the parameters generated from the first control circuit are equal to or different from the parameters generated from the second control circuitry. The first control circuit judges whether the parameters match those generated by the second control circuit. If the parameters match, step 550 is performed. If the parameters do not match, step 560 is performed. If so, step 530 can be performed.

[0086] In step 530, the first control circuit determines whether the second control circuit is operating abnormally. When the second control circuit is judged to be operating abnormally, the first control circuit transmits a signal to the heating unit. The transmitted PWM signal is then blocked (step 540).

[0087] In step 550, the first control circuitry determines whether the parameters generated from the first control circuit and the second control circuit are matched. When the parameters generated by the control circuit are matched, the normal operation of the second control circuit is ensured. It is possible to make a judgment.

[0088] In step 560, if the first control circuit determines that the second control circuit is operating normally, , a heating operation corresponding to the parameters generated from the second control circuit can be performed.

[0089] For example, when the second control circuit is determined to be operating normally, the first control circuit controls the heating of the heating unit. You can either continue the heating action or continue the heating action for a certain period of time and then stop it, It is not limited to that.

[0090] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating the second control circuit according to some embodiments. The method of FIG. 6 may also be performed by an aerosol generating device. For example, the method of FIG. This is also performed by the second control circuit included in the aerosol generation device. The second control circuit corresponds to the second control circuit 240 in FIG. 2, the second control circuit 340 in FIG. 3, and the second control circuit 410 in FIG. 4, so duplicate descriptions are omitted. Since it corresponds to the second control circuit 240 in FIG. 2, the second control circuit 340 in FIG. 3, and the second control circuit 410 in FIG. 4, duplicate descriptions are omitted. In step 610, after the second control circuit transmits the parameters generated from the second control circuit to the first control circuit, it determines whether it has received the parameters generated from the first control circuit within a preset time.

[0091] If the second control circuit has received the parameters generated from the first control circuit within the preset time, it performs step 620; if not, it performs step 660. In step 610, after the second control circuit transmits the parameters generated from the second control circuit to the first control circuit, it determines whether it has received the parameters generated from the first control circuit within a preset time. In step 610, after the second control circuit transmits the parameters generated from the second control circuit to the first control circuit, it determines whether it has received the parameters generated from the first control circuit within a preset time.

[0092] If the second control circuit has received the parameters generated from the first control circuit within the preset time, it performs step 620; if not, it performs step 660. In step 660, the second control circuit determines an abnormal operation of the first control circuit. If the second control circuit determines that there is an abnormal operation of the first control circuit, it performs step 670.

[0093] In step 660, the second control circuit determines an abnormal operation of the first control circuit. If the second control circuit determines that there is an abnormal operation of the first control circuit, it performs step 670. In step 660, the second control circuit determines an abnormal operation of the first control circuit. If the second control circuit determines that there is an abnormal operation of the first control circuit, it performs step 670.

[0094] In step 670, the second control circuit resets the first control circuit. For example, when the second control circuit determines that there is an abnormal operation of the first control circuit, it cuts off the power supply from the battery to the first control circuit for a certain period of time and then supplies power again. In step 670, the second control circuit resets the first control circuit. For example, when the second control circuit determines that there is an abnormal operation of the first control circuit, it cuts off the power supply from the battery to the first control circuit for a certain period of time and then supplies power again. In step 670, the second control circuit resets the first control circuit. For example, when the second control circuit determines that there is an abnormal operation of the first control circuit, it cuts off the power supply from the battery to the first control circuit for a certain period of time and then supplies power again.

[0095] In step 620, the second control circuit determines whether the parameters generated from the first control circuit correspond to the second value. In step 620, the second control circuit determines whether the parameters generated from the first control circuit correspond to the second value.

[0096] The second value means a parameter related to whether the first control circuit has received the parameters generated from the second control circuit. The second value means a parameter related to whether the first control circuit has received the parameters generated from the second control circuit.

[0097] In one embodiment, the second control circuit and the first control circuit perform serial communication and I2C communication. If one has confidence, the second value is also a NACK (Negative Acknowledge) signal, but it is not limited thereto. It is not limited.

[0098] When the parameter generated from the first control circuit corresponds to the second value, step 630 is performed. When it does not correspond to the second value, step 640 is performed.

[0099] In step 630, the second control circuit determines a communication error that has occurred between the second control circuit and the first control circuit. The communication error means a state where the second control circuit and the first control circuit are not connected and communication is completely impossible, a state where communication is possible but there is a problem with the connection line for communication between the second control circuit and the first control circuit and accurate communication is impossible, a state where accurate communication is impossible due to abnormal operation of the first control circuit, etc., but it is not limited thereto. The communication error means a state where the second control circuit and the first control circuit are not connected and communication is completely impossible, a state where communication is possible but there is a problem with the connection line for communication between the second control circuit and the first control circuit and accurate communication is impossible, a state where accurate communication is impossible due to abnormal operation of the first control circuit, etc., but it is not limited thereto. The communication error means a state where the second control circuit and the first control circuit are not connected and communication is completely impossible, a state where communication is possible but there is a problem with the connection line for communication between the second control circuit and the first control circuit and accurate communication is impossible, a state where accurate communication is impossible due to abnormal operation of the first control circuit, etc., but it is not limited thereto. The communication error means a state where the second control circuit and the first control circuit are not connected and communication is completely impossible, a state where communication is possible but there is a problem with the connection line for communication between the second control circuit and the first control circuit and accurate communication is impossible, a state where accurate communication is impossible due to abnormal operation of the first control circuit, etc., but it is not limited thereto. The communication error means a state where the second control circuit and the first control circuit are not connected and communication is completely impossible, a state where communication is possible but there is a problem with the connection line for communication between the second control circuit and the first control circuit and accurate communication is impossible, a state where accurate communication is impossible due to abnormal operation of the first control circuit, etc., but it is not limited thereto.

[0100] In step 640, the second control circuit determines whether the parameter generated from the first control circuit matches the parameter generated from the second control circuit. When the parameters are matched, step 650 is performed. When they are not matched, step 660 is performed. In step 640, the second control circuit determines whether the parameter generated from the first control circuit matches the parameter generated from the second control circuit. When the parameters are matched, step 650 is performed. When they are not matched, step 660 is performed. In step 640, the second control circuit determines whether the parameter generated from the first control circuit matches the parameter generated from the second control circuit. When the parameters are matched, step 650 is performed. When they are not matched, step 660 is performed.

[0101] In step 650, the second control circuit can determine the normal operation of the first control circuit. When the parameter generated from the first control circuit matches the parameter generated from the second control circuit, the second control circuit determines that the first control circuit is operating normally. In step 650, the second control circuit can determine the normal operation of the first control circuit. When the parameter generated from the first control circuit matches the parameter generated from the second control circuit, the second control circuit determines that the first control circuit is operating normally. In step 650, the second control circuit can determine the normal operation of the first control circuit. When the parameter generated from the first control circuit matches the parameter generated from the second control circuit, the second control circuit determines that the first control circuit is operating normally. In step 650, the second control circuit can determine the normal operation of the first control circuit. When the parameter generated from the first control circuit matches the parameter generated from the second control circuit, the second control circuit determines that the first control circuit is operating normally.

[0102] In step 660, the second control circuit determines the abnormal operation of the first control circuit. When the abnormal operation is determined, the second control circuit resets the first control circuit (step 670). Therefore, In step 660, the second control circuit determines the abnormal operation of the first control circuit. When the abnormal operation is determined, the second control circuit resets the first control circuit (step 670). Therefore, This prevents accidents such as fires and allows error phenomena in aerosol generating devices to be more accurately determined. can be.

[0103] In step 680, the second control circuit detects whether the parameter indicating the presence or absence of power supply corresponds to the first value. The parameter indicating the presence or absence of power supply is used to determine whether or not the second control circuit is supplied with power. A parameter indicating whether or not power is supplied to the first control circuit and a parameter indicating whether or not power is supplied to the first control circuit. The second control circuit may be configured to: Step 681 may be performed and if not, step 682 may be performed.

[0104] In one embodiment, the parameter indicating the presence or absence of power supply is a GPIO (General-Purpose Input / Output) The first value is also a signal by the utput, and the second value is a value that means power off, but there are restrictions on this. I can't.

[0105] In step 682, the second control circuit determines normal operation of the power supply. The circuit performs a first reset when the parameter indicating whether or not the power supply is present does not correspond to a value indicating that the power supply is off. Determine whether the power supply for the control circuit is operating normally.

[0106] In step 681, the second control circuit determines whether the power supply is operating abnormally. This means that the power will not turn on due to leakage current from the power supply or other reasons.

[0107] One embodiment is a computer program such as a program module executed by a computer. The present invention may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium including instructions executable by a computer. The medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media. It includes both volatile media, and separable and non-separable media. Also, the computer-readable media may include both computer recording media and communication media. The computer recording media includes volatile and non-volatile, separable and non-separable media embodied as any method or technology for the storage of information such as computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules or other data. The communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules, or other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission media. The description related to the above-described embodiments is merely exemplary, and those having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom.

[0108] ​

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device, a battery, an induction coil that generates a variable magnetic field in an aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device, a first control circuit that controls power supply to the induction coil using the power of the battery, communicating with the first control circuit via at least one communication means of I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), and SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodation space, a second control circuit that transmits a heating control command to the first control circuit via the communication means, The second control circuit is an aerosol generating device that determines an abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device based on parameters generated from the first control circuit and parameters generated from the second control circuit, or based on a parameter indicating the presence or absence of power supply to at least one of the first control circuit and the second control circuit.

2. The first control circuit is the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, which determines the presence or absence of an abnormal operation of the second control circuit based on parameters generated from the second control circuit.

3. The first control circuit is comparing the parameters generated from the second control circuit with the parameters generated from the first control circuit, the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein when the parameters generated from the second control circuit match the parameters generated from the first control circuit, it is determined that the second control circuit is operating normally.

4. The first control circuit is the aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein when the parameters generated from the second control circuit do not match the parameters generated from the first control circuit, it is determined that the second control circuit is operating abnormally.

5. The first control circuit is the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, which determines that the second control circuit is operating abnormally when it cannot receive the parameters generated from the second control circuit within a preset time.

6. The parameters generated from the second control circuit and the first control circuit include the current temperature value of the heating unit, the target value of the temperature that the first control circuit attempts to control, the operating duration of the heating unit, and a count that accumulates the number of communication times between the second control circuit and the first control circuit. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2.

7. The first control circuit further includes a timer for measuring the duration for which the aerosol generating article is heated by the variable magnetic field, When it is determined that the second control circuit is operating abnormally, the power supply to the induction coil is cut off when the duration measured by the timer exceeds a critical value. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

8. The second control circuit When the parameter generated from the first control circuit corresponds to a NACK (Negative Acknowledge) signal, it is determined that a communication error has occurred between the second control circuit and the first control circuit. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

9. The second control circuit When it is determined that the first control circuit is operating abnormally, the first control circuit is reset. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8.

10. further includes a display capable of outputting visual information, The second control circuit When the second control circuit determines an abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device, it outputs a notification indicating the state corresponding to the abnormal operation to the display. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8.

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