Aerosol forming device, inhalation detection method thereof, and computer storage medium

Abstract

The present invention discloses an aerosol generating device, an inhalation detection method thereof, and a computer storage medium. The inhalation detection method includes: obtaining a current temperature detection value of a heating element of the aerosol generating device; determining a current duty ratio of a PWM signal based on the current temperature detection value and a preset target temperature; adjusting the current heating power of the heating element; obtaining a duty ratio of the PWM signal; and determining whether an inhalation is occurring based on the duty ratio of the PWM signal; and tracking the total number of inhalations during the atomization process. When the total number of inhalations reaches a threshold, the aerosol generating device is stopped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of atomizing devices, and more particularly to an aerosol forming device, an inhalation detection method thereof, and a computer storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] A non-combustion heating device (HNB, heat not burning) is a composite device that combines a heating device with an aerosol generating substrate (processed tobacco leaf product). The external heating device heats the aerosol generating substrate to a high temperature up to a temperature (200-350 ° C) at which the aerosol generating substrate can generate vapor but is insufficient to burn. Thereby, on the premise of not burning the tobacco leaf, the aerosol generating substrate emits the aroma of dried tobacco. When lighting a fire and inhaling, the temperature reaches between 350 and 600 ° C, but just reaching this temperature range, combustion generates a large number of harmful substances such as, for example, alkaloids such as carbon monoxide and nicotine, amines, nitriles, alcohols, phenols, alkanes, aldehydes, nitrogen oxides, etc. On the other hand, in the case of the non-combustion heating method, the temperature is about 300 ° C and no obvious fire occurs, so the harmful substances are greatly reduced. HNB adopts heating by low-temperature baking instead of directly burning conventional cigarettes, and is receiving great support from an increasing number of smokers around the world. This indicates a new upgrade direction in the global tobacco industry.

[0003] In the atomization process of the aerosol forming device (for example, the process of a user taking one puff), since the inhalation frequency varies depending on the user, the total number of inhalations (number of inhalations) in the entire atomization process also varies depending on the user. In contrast, in the prior art, neither the detection nor the recording of each inhalation and the total number of inhalations is performed. Therefore, even if the release of volatile compounds in the aerosol forming substrate (for example, a tobacco stick) is completed, the user cannot quickly know, which affects the user experience.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the technical problem that in the prior art, it is impossible to detect each inhalation operation and record the total number of inhalations.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problem is as follows.

[0006] It constitutes an inhalation detection method for an aerosol forming device. The method is characterized by performing the following steps in the atomization process.

[0007] Obtain the temperature detection value at that time of the heating element of the aerosol forming device, and determine the duty ratio of the PWM signal at that time based on the temperature detection value at that time and the preset target temperature, so as to adjust the heating power of the heating element at that time.

[0008] Obtain the duty ratio of the PWM signal, and based on the duty ratio of the PWM signal, identify whether an inhalation operation occurs at that time.

[0009] Statistically count the total number of inhalations in the atomization process, and when the total number of inhalations reaches a threshold value, control the aerosol forming device to be in a stopped state.

[0010] Preferably, when identifying whether an inhalation operation occurs at that time based on the duty ratio of the PWM signal, filter the duty ratio of the PWM signal, differentiate the filtered duty ratio to obtain the change rate of the duty ratio, when the change rate is greater than a first preset value, identify that an inhalation operation has occurred, and when the change rate is less than or equal to the first preset value, identify that no inhalation operation has occurred.

[0011] Preferably, when counting the total number of inhalations in the above atomization process, it includes initializing the total number of inhalations when receiving a heating start signal, and updating the total number of inhalations when an inhalation operation is detected during the atomization process.

[0012] Preferably, after obtaining the temperature detection value at that time of the heating element of the aerosol forming device, it further includes performing compensation processing on the temperature detection value at that time based on the cold and warm-up state of the heating element.

[0013] And when determining the duty ratio of the PWM signal at that time based on the temperature detection value at that time and the preset target temperature described above, it includes determining the duty ratio of the PWM signal at that time based on the temperature detection value at that time after compensation processing and the preset target temperature.

[0014] Preferably, the preset target temperature is related to time. And the preset target temperature rises from the initial temperature to the first preset temperature with the passage of time in the first stage, drops from the first preset temperature to the second preset temperature in the second stage, and stabilizes at the second preset temperature in the third stage. The second preset temperature is lower than the first preset temperature.

[0015] Preferably, the time of the first stage is shorter than 20 seconds, the time of the second stage is longer than 20 seconds, and the time of the third stage is 200 - 600 seconds.

[0016] Preferably, it further includes obtaining the environmental temperature detection value at that time, and performing compensation processing on the second preset temperature based on the environmental temperature detection value at that time.

[0017] The present invention further constitutes an aerosol forming device including a control module, a heating element, an electronic switch connected between a power source and the heating element, and a detection module for detecting the temperature of the heating element. The control module acquires the temperature detection value of the heating element at that time, determines the duty ratio of the PWM signal at that time based on the temperature detection value at that time and a preset target temperature, and outputs the PWM signal to the electronic switch, so as to be used to adjust the heating power of the heating element at that time, and is a temperature control unit, acquires the duty ratio of the PWM signal, and is a suction detection unit used to identify the presence or absence of a suction operation at that time based on the duty ratio of the PWM signal, and counts the total number of inhalations in the atomization process, and is a stop control unit used to control the aerosol forming device to be in a stopped state when the total number of inhalations reaches a threshold value.

[0018] Preferably, the inhalation detection unit includes a filtering subunit used to filter the duty ratio of the PWM signal, a differentiating subunit used to obtain the change rate of the duty ratio by differentiating the filtered duty ratio, and a specifying subunit used to specify that an inhalation operation has occurred when the change rate is greater than a first preset value, and to specify that no inhalation operation has occurred when the change rate is less than or equal to the first preset value.

[0019] Preferably, the stop control unit includes a statistical subunit used to initialize the total number of inhalations when a heating start signal is received and to update the total number of inhalations when the occurrence of an inhalation operation is identified during the atomization process, and a control subunit used to control the aerosol forming device to be in a stopped state when the total number of inhalations reaches a threshold value.

[0020] The present invention further constitutes an aerosol forming device. The device includes a heater including at least one heating element configured to form an aerosol by heating an aerosol forming substrate, a power source used to supply power to the heating element, a memory and a processor. A computer program is stored in the memory. When the processor executes the computer program, it includes a control circuit that realizes the inhalation detection method of the aerosol forming device described above.

[0021] The present invention further constitutes an aerosol forming device including a memory and a processor. At least one program instruction is stored in the memory. The processor realizes the inhalation detection method described above by loading and executing the at least one program instruction.

[0022] The present invention further constitutes a computer storage medium. Computer program instructions are stored in the computer storage medium. When the computer program instructions are executed by a processor, they realize the inhalation detection method of the aerosol forming device described above.

[0023] The present invention further constitutes a control circuit applied to an aerosol forming device. The control circuit is characterized in that it is configured to execute the inhalation detection method of the aerosol forming device described above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] When implementing the technical solution of the present invention, when controlling the temperature of the heating element of the aerosol forming device in the PWM mode, the user's inhalation operation can be identified by detecting the duty ratio of the PWM signal. Then, the total number of inhalations during the atomization process is counted, and automatic control is performed to stop when the total number of inhalations reaches a threshold value. Thereby, not only can the power consumption be reduced, but also the user experience can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] The present invention will be further described below in combination with the drawings and embodiments.

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and concisely described below in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Needless to say, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained on the premise that those skilled in the art do not perform creative labor belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of Example 1 of the inhalation detection method of the aerosol forming device in the present invention. In the atomization process, the inhalation detection method of this embodiment performs the following steps.

[0029] Step S10: Obtain the temperature detection value at that time of the heating element of the aerosol forming device, and determine the duty ratio of the PWM signal at that time based on the temperature detection value at that time and the preset target temperature, so as to adjust the heating power of the heating element at that time.

[0030] In this step, the heating power of the heating element is adjusted based on the preset target temperature and the temperature detection value of the heating element at that time. As a realization method at that time, for example, an appropriate duty ratio of the PWM signal is calculated, such as calculating the corresponding duty ratio by the PID algorithm, and by adjusting the ratio of the on / off time of the electronic switch, appropriate electrical energy is supplied to the heating element to stabilize the temperature at a predetermined target temperature.

[0031] Step S20: Obtain the duty ratio of the PWM signal, and based on the duty ratio of the PWM signal, identify whether the inhalation operation occurs at that time.

[0032] In this step, when the inhalation operation does not occur, the temperature of the heating element is relatively stable, and the fluctuation of the duty ratio of the PWM signal is small. On the other hand, when the inhalation operation occurs, a rapid change occurs in the temperature of the heating element, and a short-term decrease appears. As a result, since the heat of the heating element is instantaneously taken away, in step S10, when performing power control of the heating element, by increasing the duty ratio of the PWM signal, the supply of electrical energy is increased to compensate for the heat loss of the heating element. As a result, hopping appears in the duty ratio of the PWM signal during inhalation. Therefore, when combined with FIG. 2, when a sudden fluctuation occurs in the duty ratio of the detected PWM signal between time t 11 and t 12 , it can be identified that the user has performed the inhalation operation P.

[0033] Step S30: Statistically count the total number of inhalations during the atomization process, and when the total number of inhalations reaches the threshold value, control the aerosol forming device to be in a stopped state.

[0034] In this step, the inhalation operation occurring during the atomization process can be counted. When it is determined that the total number of inhalations has reached a threshold value (for example, 13 inhalations), since it means that the release of the volatile compound in the aerosol-forming substrate (for example, tobacco stick) has been completed, power consumption can be saved by controlling to stop the aerosol-forming device at that time. Further, as a point to be explained, different threshold values may be associated with each user. The threshold value may be set by the user himself / herself or may be obtained by automatic learning.

[0035] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, in step S20, when specifying the occurrence or non-occurrence of the inhalation operation at that time based on the duty ratio of the PWM signal, the following is included.

[0036] Filter the duty ratio of the PWM signal and differentiate the filtered duty ratio to obtain the rate of change of the duty ratio.

[0037] When the rate of change is greater than a first preset value, it is specified that an inhalation operation has occurred.

[0038] When the rate of change is less than or equal to the first preset value, it is specified that no inhalation operation has occurred.

[0039] In this embodiment, when combining FIGS. 3 and 4, in the atomization process, D1 represents the initial duty ratio of the PWM signal, D2 represents the duty ratio of the PWM signal after filtering, and D3 represents the duty ratio after differentiating the filtered duty ratio. P represents that an inhalation operation has occurred, and S1 represents the total number of inhalations. Therefore, by detecting the rate of change of the duty ratio of the PWM signal, it is possible to specify the occurrence or non-occurrence of the inhalation operation in the atomization process and count the number of inhalations.

[0040] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, in step S30, when counting the total number of inhalations in the atomization process, the following is included.

[0041] When receiving a heating start signal, initialize the total number of inhalations.

[0042] In the atomization process, when the occurrence of an inhalation operation is identified, update the total number of inhalations.

[0043] In this embodiment, when initializing the total number of inhalations, the total number of inhalations may be initialized to 0, and each time an inhalation is detected in the atomization process, 1 may be added to the total number of inhalations.

[0044] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, after obtaining the temperature detection value at that time of the heating element in the aerosol forming device, further include performing a compensation process on the temperature detection value at that time based on the cold and warm-up states of the heating element.

[0045] And when determining the duty ratio of the PWM signal at that time based on the temperature detection value at that time and the preset target temperature, include determining the duty ratio of the PWM signal at that time based on the temperature detection value at that time after compensation processing and the preset target temperature.

[0046] In this embodiment, first, as a point to be explained, when specifying the temperature detection value of the heating element based on the resistance detection value of the heating element, in a situation where there is a field distribution in the temperature of the heating element, as the heating time increases, the heat conduction of the heating element-substrate increases, so when the resistance value is the same, the temperature may have a certain decreasing process. There is a correlation between this process and the heat conduction of the heating element-substrate. That is, when the heating element itself is in a warm-up state, the volatilization situation is different from that in the cold state. Therefore, in order to achieve a vapor temperature that balances the consistency and comfort of the volatilization of the compound, an internal compensation algorithm is added. When the temperature decreases due to heat conduction, the relevant terms are the time t and the target temperature T 目標 Let them be. That is, the actual temperature detection value T = F(R Heater ) + f(t, T 目標 ). Note that R Heater is the resistance detection value of the heating element. This can ensure that the entire inhalation stage is almost consistent with the cold state.

[0047] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the preset target temperature is time-related. And the preset target temperature rises from an initial temperature to a first preset temperature over time in a first stage, drops from the first preset temperature to a second preset temperature in a second stage, and stabilizes at the second preset temperature in a third stage. The second preset temperature is lower than the first preset temperature.

[0048] In this embodiment, when combined with the target temperature curve shown in FIG. 5, in the first stage (0 - t1), the target temperature rises from the initial temperature to the first preset temperature T1. Then, in the second stage (t1 - t2), the target temperature drops from the first preset temperature T1 to the second preset temperature T2. Also, in the third stage (t2 - t3), the target temperature stabilizes at the second preset temperature T2. By setting the target temperature in the second stage (lower than the first preset temperature in the first stage), it is possible to ensure that the tobacco capsule continuously generates aerosol at an optimal temperature. And by maintaining the stability of the second preset temperature in the third stage, the heat conduction rate from the heating element to the tobacco capsule increases, enabling the conveyance of aerosol with consistent characteristics without change over time.

[0049] Moreover, the target temperature curve is an ideal curve. That is, this is the curve of the process in which the heating element statically heats the atomization substrate. However, in the process of actual inhalation by the user, each time the aerosol is inhaled, actually, the airflow will take away some heat of the heating element. That is, in the actual scenario, the temperature value at the timing when the user inhales is lower than the temperature value at the corresponding timing within the target temperature curve. And at the temperature decreased during inhalation, the corresponding aerosol components cannot be atomized according to the preset temperature, which affects the smoking experience. In this case, in order to make the actual temperature of the heating element coincide with the target temperature, a sudden change occurs in the duty ratio of the generated PWM signal, and the duty ratio of the PWM signal suddenly increases. Thereby, firstly, by making the actual temperature of the heating element coincide with the target temperature, it is possible to ensure that the corresponding aerosol components are atomized according to the preset temperature so as not to affect the user's smoking experience. Secondly, it is possible to reflect that the user has performed an inhalation operation at that time.

[0050] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the time of the first stage is shorter than 20 seconds, and the time of the second stage is longer than 20 seconds. Also, the time of the third stage is 200 - 600 seconds.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the inhalation detection method of the aerosol forming device in the present invention further includes obtaining the detected value of the ambient temperature at that time and performing compensation processing on the second preset temperature based on the detected value of the ambient temperature at that time.

[0052] In this embodiment, when the external ambient temperature changes, in order to maintain the experience of the product inhalation stage, it is necessary to perform compensation processing on the target temperature (the second preset temperature) as well. For example, when the ambient temperature is low in winter (for example, the ambient temperature is lower than 15°C), the second preset temperature is raised to maintain the inhalation temperature in the mouth. On the other hand, when the temperature is high in summer (for example, the ambient temperature is higher than 25°C), the second preset temperature is lowered to maintain the inhalation temperature in the mouth.

[0053] Figure 6 is a logical structure diagram of Example 1 of the aerosol forming device in the present invention. The aerosol forming device of this example includes a control module 10, a heating element H1, an electronic switch K1 connected between a power supply 30 and the heating element H1, and a detection module 20 for detecting the temperature of the heating element H1. The control module 10 includes a temperature control unit 11, an inhalation detection unit 12, and a stop control unit (not shown). And the temperature control unit 11 acquires the temperature detection value of the heating element H1 at that time, determines the duty ratio of the PWM signal at that time based on the temperature detection value at that time and the preset target temperature, and outputs the PWM signal to the electronic switch K1, so as to adjust the heating power of the heating element H1 at that time. The inhalation detection unit 12 acquires the duty ratio of the PWM signal and is used to identify whether an inhalation operation occurs at that time based on the duty ratio of the PWM signal. The stop control unit is used to count the total number of inhalations in the atomization process and control the aerosol forming device to enter a stop state when the total number of inhalations reaches a threshold value.

[0054] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the inhalation detection unit 12 includes a filtering subunit, a differentiating subunit, and an identifying subunit. The filtering subunit is used to filter the duty ratio of the PWM signal. The differentiating subunit is used to obtain the change rate of the duty ratio by differentiating the duty ratio after filtering. The identifying subunit is used to identify that an inhalation operation has occurred when the change rate is greater than a first preset value, and to identify that no inhalation operation has occurred when the change rate is less than or equal to the first preset value.

[0055] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the stop control unit includes a statistical subunit and a control subunit. The statistical subunit is used to initialize the total number of inhalations when a heating start signal is received and update the total number of inhalations when an inhalation operation occurs in the atomization process. The control subunit is used to control the aerosol forming device to enter a stop state when the total number of inhalations reaches a threshold value.

[0056] The present invention further constitutes an aerosol forming device. The aerosol forming device includes a memory and a processor. At least one program instruction is stored in the memory. By loading and executing the at least one program instruction, the processor realizes the inhalation detection method described above.

[0057] The present invention further constitutes an aerosol forming device. The aerosol forming device includes a heater, a power source, and a control circuit. The heater includes at least one heating element configured to form an aerosol by heating an aerosol forming substrate. The power source is used to supply power to the heating element. The control circuit includes a memory and a processor. A computer program is stored in the memory. When the processor executes the computer program, it realizes the inhalation detection method of the aerosol forming device described above.

[0058] The present invention further constitutes a computer storage medium. Computer program instructions are stored in the computer storage medium. When the computer program instructions are executed by a processor, they realize the inhalation detection method of the aerosol forming device described above.

[0059] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications may exist in the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. implemented within the spirit and principle scope of the present invention shall all be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting inhalation of an aerosol forming device, comprising: During the atomization process, Obtaining the temperature detection value of the heating element of the aerosol forming device at that time, and determining the duty ratio of the PWM signal at that time based on the temperature detection value at that time and a preset target temperature, thereby adjusting the heating power of the heating element at that time; Obtaining the duty ratio of the PWM signal, and identifying the occurrence or non-occurrence of an inhalation operation at that time based on the duty ratio of the PWM signal; Counting the total number of inhalations during the atomization process, and when the total number of inhalations reaches a threshold value, controlling the aerosol forming device to be in a stopped state; The step of identifying the occurrence or non-occurrence of the inhalation operation includes: Filtering the duty ratio of the PWM signal, and differentiating the filtered duty ratio to obtain the change rate of the duty ratio; When the change rate is greater than a first preset value, identifying that an inhalation operation has occurred; When the change rate is less than or equal to the first preset value, identifying that no inhalation operation has occurred. A method characterized by the above.

2. The controlling step includes, when counting the total number of inhalations during the atomization process, Initializing the total number of inhalations when a heating start signal is received; When an inhalation operation is identified during the atomization process, updating the total number of inhalations. The method for detecting inhalation of an aerosol forming device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The step of adjusting the heating power includes, After obtaining the temperature detection value of the heating element of the aerosol forming device at that time, further performing a compensation process on the temperature detection value at that time based on the cold and warm-up states of the heating element; When determining the duty ratio at that time, determining the duty ratio of the PWM signal at that time based on the temperature detection value at that time after the compensation process and the preset target temperature. The method for detecting inhalation of an aerosol forming device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The preset target temperature is related to time, and The preset target temperature rises from the initial temperature to the first preset temperature over time in the first stage, drops from the first preset temperature to the second preset temperature in the second stage, and stabilizes at the second preset temperature in the third stage, and the second preset temperature is lower than the first preset temperature. The inhalation detection method of the aerosol forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The time of the first stage is shorter than 20 seconds, the time of the second stage is longer than 20 seconds, and the time of the third stage is 200 to 600 seconds. The inhalation detection method of the aerosol forming device according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. Furthermore, obtaining the detected environmental temperature value at that time, and including the step of performing compensation processing on the second preset temperature based on the detected environmental temperature value at that time. The inhalation detection method of the aerosol forming device according to claim 4, characterized in that.

7. An aerosol forming device including a control module, a heating element, an electronic switch connected between a power source and the heating element, and a detection module for detecting the temperature of the heating element. The control module is obtaining the detected temperature value of the heating element at that time, determining the duty ratio of the PWM signal at that time based on the detected temperature value at that time and the preset target temperature, and outputting the PWM signal to the electronic switch, thereby adjusting the heating power of the heating element at that time. A temperature control unit used for, obtaining the duty ratio of the PWM signal, and an inhalation detection unit used for specifying the presence or absence of an inhalation operation at that time based on the duty ratio of the PWM signal. counting the total number of inhalations during the atomization process, and including a stop control unit used for controlling the aerosol forming device to be in a stopped state when the total number of inhalations reaches a threshold value. The inhalation detection unit is a filtering subunit used for filtering the duty ratio of the PWM signal, a differentiating subunit used for obtaining the rate of change of the duty ratio by differentiating the filtered duty ratio, and a specifying subunit used for specifying that an inhalation operation has occurred when the rate of change is greater than a first preset value, and specifying that no inhalation operation has occurred when the rate of change is less than or equal to the first preset value. The device is characterized in that.

8. The stop control unit is configured to a statistical subunit used to initialize the total inhalation count when a heating start signal is received and update the total inhalation count when an inhalation operation is identified during the atomization process; and a control subunit used to control the aerosol forming device to enter a stopped state when the total inhalation count reaches a threshold value. The aerosol forming device according to claim 7, characterized in that **Claim 9** An aerosol forming device, comprising: a heater including at least one heating element configured to form an aerosol by heating an aerosol forming substrate; a power source used to supply power to the heating element; a control circuit including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, the control circuit realizes the inhalation detection method of the aerosol forming device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The device is characterized in that **Claim 10** An aerosol forming device, comprising: a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores at least one program instruction, and the processor loads and executes the at least one program instruction to realize the inhalation detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. **Claim 11** A computer storage medium, storing computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, realize the inhalation detection method of the aerosol forming device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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