Aerosol generating apparatus and its operating method

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a housing including an accommodation space for accommodating at least a part of an aerosol generating article, a heater for heating the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodation space, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater, a battery for supplying power to the heater, and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the battery. The processor acquires at least any one of the initial temperature of the heater measured through the temperature sensor and data related to the final heating profile of the heater, and controls the power supply from the battery to the heater based on the acquired data. Various other embodiments can be understood through the specification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device that controls power supply to a heater based on the temperature of the heater and the state of a cigarette.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, the demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol, has been increasing.

[0003] When an aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodation space, the aerosol generating device can heat the aerosol generating article according to a preset temperature profile. The temperature profile means temperature change data of the heater or the aerosol generating article during the smoking operation. The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating article differs depending on the components of the aerosol generating substance contained in the aerosol generating article. For example, the temperature and the generated amount of the aerosol generated depend on the amount of moisture contained in the aerosol generating substance.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the aerosol generating article contains a certain amount of moisture, appropriate temperature and generated amount of aerosol are generated by preheating the aerosol generating article. However, when the amount of moisture contained in the aerosol generating article during preheating is more than the appropriate range, as the temperature rise rate of the heater decreases due to the moisture, excessive water vapor may be generated and high-temperature aerosol may be generated.

[0005] In particular, if a single package contains multiple aerosol products, and if the moisture content of any one of the aerosol products exceeds the appropriate range, it can be presumed that all aerosol products contained in that package have been exposed to a humid environment.

[0006] In various embodiments of the present invention, the objective is to provide an aerosol generator that can set different heating profiles by estimating the moisture content of the aerosol product used during continuous smoking based on the state of the aerosol product used immediately beforehand.

[0007] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong, based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a housing that includes a containment space for containing at least a portion of the aerosol product, a heater for heating the aerosol product inserted into the containment space, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater, a battery for supplying power to the heater, and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the battery, wherein the processor can acquire at least one of the data associated with the initial temperature of the heater and the final heating profile of the heater measured through the temperature sensor, and can control the power supply from the battery to the heater based on the acquired data.

[0009] An operating method of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment includes the steps of acquiring at least one of the following data: the initial temperature of a heater that heats an aerosol product inserted into a containment space, and the final heating profile of the heater, via a temperature sensor; and controlling the power supply from a battery to the heater based on the acquired data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the risk of burns to the user due to a humid cigarette can be minimized by setting a heating temperature profile based on whether or not continuous smoking occurred, which is determined based on the initial temperature of the heater, and the condition of the cigarette used in the previous smoking operation.

[0011] Furthermore, according to various embodiments of the present invention, efficiency can be improved by estimating that the state of the cigarette is in an over-humidified state when pre-set conditions are met and setting the heating profile accordingly, thereby omitting the detection operation when the need to detect the state of the cigarette is relatively low.

[0012] However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong, based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a drawing showing an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing a method by which an aerosol generator according to one embodiment controls the power supply to a heater. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a specific flowchart illustrating how the aerosol generator controls the power supply to the heater. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a temperature profile, including a preheating profile, related to an aerosol product under normal conditions according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a temperature profile, including a preheating profile, related to an aerosol product in an overly humid state according to one embodiment. [Figure 7A]A drawing showing the state in which an aerosol-generating article is continuously inserted after an aerosol-generating article in a supersaturated state is inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] A drawing showing an example of data stored in the memory of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] A drawing showing the state in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted after a predetermined time has elapsed after an aerosol-generating article in a supersaturated state is inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8B] A drawing showing an example of data stored in the memory of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9A] A drawing showing the state in which an aerosol-generating article is continuously inserted after an aerosol-generating article in a normal state is inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9B] A drawing showing an example of data stored in the memory of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 9A. [Figure 10] A drawing showing an example of a first temperature profile and a second temperature profile according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] A drawing showing an example of a final heating profile of a heater and a second temperature profile according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] A block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] The terms used in the embodiments are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined not simply by the name of the terms, but based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0015] Throughout the specification, when a part states that a certain component "includes" something, unless there is a special contrary statement, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. Also, terms such as "… part" and "… module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0016] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of an arrayed component, it modifies the entire component that is not each of the arrayed components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0017] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that electrically heats a cigarette housed in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0018] The aerosol generating device includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and if an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0019] The heater includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette according to the shape of the heating element.

[0020] A cigarette includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod can be made in sheet or strand form and may be made from shredded tobacco obtained by cutting the tobacco sheet into small pieces. The tobacco rod is also surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0021] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may consist of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering out a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0022] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0023] The aerosol generator includes a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a main body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge may, but is not limited to, be detachably coupled to the main body. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the main body or assembled and fixed so that it cannot be attached or detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body with the aerosol-generating substance contained inside, but is not limited to this; the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while it is coupled to the main body.

[0024] The cartridge contains an aerosol-generating substance that exists in one of several states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0025] The cartridge operates via electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit, converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge to a gas phase and generating an aerosol. An aerosol refers to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along an airflow passage in the aerosol generator, and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol is delivered to the user through a cigarette.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols from aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0028] The aerosol generator includes a transducer that generates short-period vibrations through the transducer, thereby atomizing the aerosol-generating substance. The vibrations generated by the transducer are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of ultrasonic vibrations is approximately 100 kHz to approximately 3.5 MHz, but is not limited to this range.

[0029] The aerosol generator may further include a core that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the core may be positioned to surround at least one region of the oscillator or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0030] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the transducer, and these heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations can be transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0031] For example, aerosols are generated when the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core decreases due to the heat generated from the transducer, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity is atomized by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer, but this is not the only way in which aerosols are formed.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus is also a device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product contained within the aerosol generating apparatus using an induction heating method.

[0033] The aerosol generator includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. By supplying power to the coil from the aerosol generator, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field. The aerosol product can be heated by the susceptor being located inside the coil and generating heat due to the application of a magnetic field. Alternatively, the susceptor may be selectively located within the aerosol product.

[0034] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0035] The aerosol generator forms a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle charges the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so as to be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art. The present invention can be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the aerosol generating apparatus of the various embodiments described above, or in a variety of different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generator 10 and an aerosol product 200. The aerosol generator 10 includes a housing 100 which includes a containment space into which at least a portion of the aerosol product 200 is inserted, and the aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol product 200 inserted into the containment space. The aerosol product 200 is also in cigarette form and contains an aerosol-generating substance. On the other hand, for convenience of explanation, Figure 1 shows the aerosol generator 10 being used with the aerosol product 200 in cigarette form, but is not limited thereto. The aerosol generator 10 can be used with any suitable form of aerosol product, even if it is not in cigarette form.

[0040] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 10 includes a battery 110, a processor 120, a heater 130, and a temperature sensor 140. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 10 is not limited to that shown in Figure 1. A person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that the design of the aerosol generator 10 may omit some of the hardware configurations shown in Figure 1, or that new configurations may be added.

[0041] In one embodiment, the battery 110 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 10. For example, if the heater 130 is an induction heater, the battery 110 supplies power to the induction coil of the heater 130 so that it generates a variable magnetic field. In another example, if the heater 130 is a resistance heater, the battery 110 supplies power to allow current to flow through the conductive track of the heater 130.

[0042] In one embodiment, the processor 120 is also hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 10. For example, the processor 120 can control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generator 10, as well as the battery 110, heater 130, and temperature sensor 140. The processor 120 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 10 and determine whether the aerosol generator 10 is in an operational state.

[0043] In one embodiment, the processor 120 may store data related to the overall operation in a separate memory (not shown). For example, the processor 120 may store data related to the power supply operation (i.e., including the heating operation), such as the start and end times of power supply from the battery 110, the power value supplied from the battery 110, and the heating profile of the heater 130, in a separate memory.

[0044] In one embodiment, the heater 130 can heat the aerosol product 200 inserted into the containment space of the aerosol generator 10. For example, if the heater 130 is an induction heating type, the heater 130 may include an induction coil and a susceptor. In this case, if a variable magnetic field is generated by the induction coil, the generated variable magnetic field can be applied to the susceptor, thereby heating the susceptor. If the susceptor is tubular or cylindrical, the susceptor can be arranged to surround the aerosol product 200 and heat it. If the susceptor is needle-shaped or rod-shaped, the susceptor can also be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol product 200 and heat it. However, the heating method of the heater 130 is not limited thereto, and the heater 130 may be a resistance heating type.

[0045] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 140 can measure the temperature of the heater 130. For example, the temperature sensor 140 is positioned close to or in contact with the heater 130 to measure the temperature of the heater 130. The temperature sensor 140 is an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) sensor, an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient of Resistance) sensor, or a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient of Resistance) sensor, but the type of temperature sensor 140 is not limited to these.

[0046] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can measure the initial temperature of the heater 130 via the temperature sensor 140 when it receives an input to the aerosol generator 10 (for example, a signal input associated with the insertion of an aerosol product 200). In this case, "initial temperature of the heater" means the temperature measured at the time when a signal associated with the insertion of an aerosol product 200 is input to the aerosol generator 10, or at the time when a signal is input to switch the power state of the aerosol generator 10 from the off state to the on state.

[0047] In one embodiment, based on the initial temperature of the heater 130 measured through the temperature sensor 140, the processor 120 can determine whether the input to the aerosol generator 10 is an input related to continuous smoking or an input related to the first smoking. In this case, "continuous smoking" means a smoking operation performed by inserting a new cigarette immediately after the previous smoking operation with another cigarette has finished, and "first smoking" means a smoking operation performed by inserting a cigarette in a state where there has been no previous smoking operation (i.e., a state where there has been no smoking operation for a certain period of time).

[0048] In one embodiment, if the initial temperature of the heater 130 satisfies predetermined conditions, the processor 120 can obtain data from memory related to the final heating profile of the heater 130. In this case, the "final heating profile" refers to the temperature profile applied to the heater 130 in the previous smoking session, relative to the time when smoking begins. For example, the processor 120 can obtain data related to the final heating profile of the heater 130 if the initial temperature of the heater 130, measured through the temperature sensor 140, is equal to or greater than a pre-set temperature.

[0049] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an aerosol product according to one embodiment.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol product 200 is divided into a first part 201, a second part 202, a third part 203, and a fourth part 204, each containing an aerosol generating element, a tobacco element, a cooling element, and a filter element, respectively. Specifically, the first part 201 contains an aerosol generating substance, the second part 202 contains a tobacco substance and a humectant, the third part 203 contains means for cooling the airflow passing through the first part 201 and the second part 202, and the fourth part 204 contains a filter substance.

[0051] The first part 201, the second part 202, the third part 203, and the fourth part 204 can be aligned sequentially with respect to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 200. In this case, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 200 is also the direction in which the length of the aerosol product 200 is extended. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 200 is the direction from the first part 201 to the fourth part 204. As a result, the aerosol generated in at least one of the first part 201 and the second part 202 passes sequentially through the first part 201, the second part 202, the third part 203, and the fourth part 204 to form an airflow, thereby allowing the user to inhale the aerosol from the fourth part 204.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first part 201 includes a crimped sheet, and the aerosol-generating elements may be included in the first part 201 in an impregnated state within the crimped sheet. Other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids, as well as flavoring liquids, may also be included in the first part 201 in an absorbed state within the crimped sheet. The crimped sheet may also be a sheet composed of a polymer material. For example, the polymer material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, or polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may also be a paper sheet that does not produce a heat-induced off-odor even when heated to high temperatures, but is not limited thereto.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first portion 201 extends to a point of about 7 to about 20 mm from the end of the aerosol product 200, and the second portion 202 extends to a point of about 7 to about 20 mm from the end of the first portion 201. However, the numerical range is not necessarily limited to such a range, and the length to which the first portion 201 and the second portion 202 are extended can be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily changed by an ordinary technician.

[0054] In one embodiment, the second part 202 comprises a tobacco element. The tobacco element is also a specific form of tobacco substance. For example, the tobacco element may be in the form of shredded tobacco, tobacco particles, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, tobacco powder, or tobacco extract. The tobacco substance may also include one or more of the following: tobacco leaves, tobacco veins, puffed tobacco, shredded tobacco, flat leaf shredded tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco.

[0055] In one embodiment, the third portion 203 includes means for cooling the airflow passing through the first portion 201 and the second portion 202. The third portion 203 may also be made of a polymer or a biodegradable polymer and may have a cooling function. For example, the third portion 203 may be made of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the third portion 203 may be made of a cellulose acetate filter containing multiple pores. However, the third portion 203 is not limited to the examples described above and may be any material that performs the function of cooling an aerosol. For example, the third portion 203 may be a hollow tube filter or a paper tube filter.

[0056] In one embodiment, the fourth portion 204 contains a filter material. For example, the fourth portion 204 is also a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the fourth portion 204. For example, the fourth portion 204 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod containing a hollow interior. Alternatively, the fourth portion 204 may be a recessed rod. If the fourth portion 204 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made in a different shape.

[0057] In one embodiment, the fourth portion 204 may be manufactured to generate flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the fourth portion 204, or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the interior of the fourth portion 204.

[0058] In one embodiment, the aerosol product 200 includes a trumpet 250 that surrounds at least a portion of the first to fourth portions 201 to 204. Alternatively, the aerosol product 200 may include a trumpet 250 that surrounds all of the first to fourth portions 201 to 204. The trumpet 250 is located on the outermost periphery of the aerosol product 200, and while the trumpet 250 is a single trumpet, it may be a combination of multiple trumpets.

[0059] In one embodiment, the trumpet 250 contains a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material is a metal foil such as silver foil (Ag), aluminum foil (Al), or copper foil (Cu), but is not limited to these. The heat-conducting material contained in the trumpet 250 uniformly distributes the heat transferred to the first part 201 or the second part 202, improving the thermal conductivity and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The heat-conducting material contained in the trumpet 250 can also function as a susceptor.

[0060] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing how an aerosol generator according to one embodiment controls the power supply to a heater.

[0061] Referring to Figure 3, the processor (e.g., processor 120 in Figure 1) of the aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 10 in Figure 1) can acquire data related to the initial temperature of the heater (e.g., heater 130 in Figure 1) and the final heating profile of the heater 130 during operation 301. For example, the processor 120 can acquire the initial temperature of the heater 130 measured through a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 140 in Figure 1), and if the acquired initial temperature of the heater 130 satisfies predetermined conditions, it can acquire the final heating profile of the heater 130 through memory (not shown).

[0062] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can detect the initial temperature of the heater 130 through the temperature sensor 140. For example, if a signal related to the insertion of an aerosol product 200 is input to the aerosol generator 10, or if a signal is input to switch the power state of the aerosol generator 10 from the off state to the on state, the processor 120 can detect the temperature of the heater 130 through the temperature sensor 140.

[0063] The processor 120 can determine whether the input to the aerosol generator 10 is related to continuous smoking or the first smoking by detecting the initial temperature of the heater 130 through the temperature sensor 140. That is, if a user performs the first smoking action with one cigarette through the aerosol generator 10 and immediately attempts a second smoking action with another cigarette, the aerosol generator 10 can determine that the input to the aerosol generator 10 for the second smoking action (e.g., cigarette insertion signal, power state switching signal, etc.) is related to continuous smoking. In the case of continuous smoking, since the heater 130 of the aerosol generator 10 is already heated, the heater 130 may be controlled through a preheating profile different from the preheating profile for the first smoking.

[0064] Therefore, the aerosol generator 10 according to the present invention can control the heating operation of the cigarette inserted into the aerosol generator 10 through different temperature profiles by distinguishing between continuous smoking and the first smoking based on the initial temperature of the heater 130.

[0065] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can obtain the final heating profile of the heater 130 through memory (not shown) if the initial temperature of the heater 130 satisfies predetermined conditions. For example, if the initial temperature of the heater 130 detected by the temperature sensor 140 is above a pre-set temperature, the processor 120 can obtain the final heating profile of the heater 130 through memory.

[0066] If the initial temperature of the heater 130 is above a previously set temperature, the processor 120 can determine the input to the aerosol generator 10 in the smoking operation as an input associated with continuous smoking. In this case, for the smoking operation corresponding to continuous smoking, the processor 120 can control the heater 130 through different preheating profiles based on the state of the cigarette in the previous smoking operation.

[0067] For example, during a smoking operation that corresponds to continuous smoking, if the cigarette used in the previous smoking operation is a steady-state cigarette, the processor 120 can control the heater 130 for the cigarette used in the continuous smoking operation through a general preheating profile.

[0068] As another example, during a smoking operation that constitutes continuous smoking, if the cigarette used in the previous smoking operation was in an over-humidified state, the processor 120 can control the heater 130 for the cigarette used in the continuous smoking operation through an over-humidified preheating profile. That is, if the smoking operation constitutes continuous smoking and the cigarette used in the previous smoking operation was in an over-humidified state, the aerosol generator 10 can estimate that the cigarette used in the current smoking operation is also in an over-humidified state and apply the over-humidified preheating profile. In this case, the expressions "excessively wet" and "over-humidified" are used interchangeably, and while they mean a state in which the aerosol product 200 contains approximately 15 wt% or more of moisture relative to the total weight of the article, they are not limited to this and can be varied in various ways depending on the manufacturer's design, etc.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the processor 120 of the aerosol generator 10 can control the power supply to the heater 130 in operation 303 based on acquired data. For example, the processor 120 can control the power supply to the heater 130 through a general preheating profile based on data related to the initial temperature of the heater 130 (e.g., "initial temperature < pre-set temperature" data). As another example, the processor 120 can control the power supply to the heater 130 through an overhumidity preheating profile based on data related to the initial temperature of the heater 130 (e.g., "initial temperature ≥ pre-set temperature" data) and data related to the final heating profile of the heater 130 (e.g., "overhumidity preheating profile" data). As yet another example, the processor 120 can control the power supply to the heater 130 through a general preheating profile based on data related to the initial temperature of the heater 130 (e.g., "initial temperature ≥ pre-set temperature" data) and data related to the final heating profile of the heater 130 (e.g., "general preheating profile" data).

[0070] Figure 4 is a specific flowchart showing how the aerosol generator in Figure 3 controls the power supply to the heater.

[0071] Referring to Figure 4, the processor (e.g., processor 120 in Figure 1) of the aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 10 in Figure 1) can acquire data related to the initial temperature of the heater (e.g., heater 130 in Figure 1) during operation 401. For example, if a signal related to the insertion of aerosol product 200 is input to the aerosol generator 10 (i.e., the insertion of aerosol product 200 is detected), or if a signal is input to switch the power state of the aerosol generator 10 from the off state to the on state, the processor 120 can detect the temperature of the heater 130 through the temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 140 in Figure 1) and acquire data related to the initial temperature.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the processor 120 can determine in operation 403 whether the initial temperature of the heater 130 is above a predetermined temperature. In this case, for example, the "predetermined temperature" refers to the temperature of the heater 130 (e.g., average temperature, minimum temperature, etc.) measured after a predetermined time (e.g., 2 minutes) has elapsed since the heater 130 finished heating.

[0073] According to one embodiment, if the initial temperature of the heater 130 detected through the temperature sensor 140 is equal to or greater than a pre-set temperature, the processor 120 can obtain data from memory related to the final heating profile of the heater 130 during operation 405. In this case, the "final heating profile" refers to the temperature profile applied to the heater 130 in the most recent smoking session, relative to the time when smoking begins. For example, if the pre-set temperature is approximately 50°C and the initial temperature of the heater 130 detected through the temperature sensor 140 is approximately 150°C, the processor 120 can obtain data from memory indicating that the temperature profile applied to the heater 130 in the most recent smoking session is a "heating profile for heating a cigarette in an overly humid state," or data indicating that the temperature profile applied to the heater 130 in the most recent smoking session is a "heating profile for heating a cigarette in a normal state."

[0074] According to one embodiment, if the initial temperature of the heater 130 detected through the temperature sensor 140 is below a pre-set temperature, the processor 120 can control the power supply to the heater 130 in operation 411 to correspond to a first temperature profile. In this case, the "first temperature profile" means a temperature profile for heating a cigarette in a steady state.

[0075] According to one embodiment, in operation 407, the processor 120 can determine whether the time corresponding to the temperature rise section of the final heating profile of the heater 130 is equal to or greater than a pre-set time. The final heating profile of the heater 130 includes a preheating profile, which includes a "temperature rise section" in which the temperature rises to the preheating target temperature of the heater 130, a "temperature holding section" in which the temperature is maintained at that temperature, and a "temperature decrease section" in which the temperature decreases to the preheating end temperature. At this time, the processor 120 can determine the state of the cigarette in the immediately preceding smoking operation by determining whether the time corresponding to the "temperature rise section" of the preheating profile of the final heating profile of the heater 130 is equal to or greater than a pre-set time. For example, if the time corresponding to the "temperature rise section" of the final heating profile of the heater 130 is equal to or greater than a pre-set time, the processor 120 can determine that the cigarette in the immediately preceding smoking operation to which the final heating profile was applied is in an "overly wet state". As another example, if the time corresponding to the "temperature rise interval" is less than a pre-set time, the processor 120 can determine that the cigarette is in a "steady state" during the smoking operation immediately preceding the application of the final heating profile.

[0076] According to one embodiment, if the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval in the final heating profile of the heater 130 is longer than or equal to a previously set time, the processor 120 can control the power supply to the heater 130 in operation 409 to correspond to a second temperature profile. In this case, the "second temperature profile" means a temperature profile for heating a cigarette in an over-humidified state.

[0077] According to one embodiment, if the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval in the final heating profile of the heater 130 is less than a pre-set time, the processor 120 can control the power supply to the heater 130 in operation 411 to correspond to the first temperature profile.

[0078] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a temperature profile, including a preheating profile, related to an aerosol product under normal conditions according to one embodiment.

[0079] Referring to Figure 5, the processor (for example, the processor 120 in Figure 1) can start a first preheating profile 505 for the heater (for example, the heater 130 in Figure 1) by detecting a signal input operation 500 for the aerosol generator (for example, the aerosol generator 10 in Figure 1). At this time, the signal input operation 500 is also an operation related to a normal aerosol product. For example, the signal input operation 500 may be an operation related to the insertion of a normal aerosol product, or it may be an operation related to switching the power state of the aerosol generator 10 after the insertion of a normal aerosol product.

[0080] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can perform a preheating operation on the aerosol product based on a first preheating profile 505 during a first preheating time 520. In this case, the first preheating profile 505 includes a first temperature rise section 510, a first temperature hold section 512, and a first temperature fall section 514.

[0081] In one embodiment, the first temperature rise interval 510 means the interval in which the temperature of the heater 130 rises to a preheating target temperature 530. After a signal input operation 500 is detected, the processor 120 can supply power to the heater 130 so that the temperature of the heater 130 rises to the preheating target temperature 530 in the first temperature rise interval 510. In the present invention, the preheating target temperature 530 means a temperature set to substantially raise the temperature of the heater 130 before heating the aerosol product.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first temperature holding section 512 means a section in which the temperature of the heater 130 is maintained at the preheating target temperature 530. After the temperature of the heater 130 reaches the preheating target temperature 530, the processor 120 can supply power to the heater 130 so that the temperature of the heater 130 is maintained at the preheating target temperature 530 in the first temperature holding section 512.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first temperature decrease section 514 means the section in which the temperature of the heater 130 decreases from the preheating target temperature 530 to the preheating completion temperature 535. After the temperature of the heater 130 is held at the preheating target temperature 530 for a predetermined holding time, the processor 120 can supply power to the heater 130 so that the temperature of the heater 130 decreases to the preheating completion temperature 535 in the first temperature decrease section 514.

[0084] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a temperature profile, including a preheating profile, related to an aerosol product in an overly humid state according to one embodiment.

[0085] Referring to Figure 6, the processor (for example, the processor 120 in Figure 1) can start a second preheating profile 605 for the heater (for example, the heater 130 in Figure 1) by detecting a signal input operation 600 for the aerosol generator (for example, the aerosol generator 10 in Figure 1). At this time, the signal input operation 600 is also an operation related to the aerosol product in an over-humidified state. For example, the signal input operation 600 may be an operation related to the insertion of the aerosol product in an over-humidified state, or an operation related to switching the power state of the aerosol generator 10 after the aerosol product in an over-humidified state has been inserted.

[0086] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can perform a preheating operation on the aerosol product based on a second preheating profile 605. In this case, the second preheating profile 605 includes a second temperature rise section 610, a second temperature hold section, and a second temperature fall section.

[0087] In one embodiment, the second temperature rise section 610 means the section in which the temperature of the heater 130 rises to the preheating target temperature 530. After the signal input operation 600 is detected, the processor 120 can supply power to the heater so that the temperature of the heater 130 rises to the preheating target temperature 530 in the second temperature rise section 610.

[0088] When aerosol products in a humid state are inserted, the time it takes for the heater 130 to reach the preheating target temperature of 530 is longer than for aerosol products in a normal state. In other words, aerosol products in a humid state contain a large amount of moisture compared to aerosol products in a normal state, and this large amount of moisture slows down the heating rate of the heater 130 relatively.

[0089] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can determine that the state of the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 10 is "over-humidified" if the time it takes for the heater 130 temperature to reach the preheating target temperature 530 is longer than a pre-set time 630. For example, if the temperature profile applied to the heater 130 in the previous smoking session from memory includes a second preheating profile 605, the time it takes for the heater 130 temperature to reach the preheating target temperature 530 corresponds to the second temperature rise interval 610, which is longer than the pre-set time 630. Therefore, the processor 120 can determine that the state of the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generator 10 is "over-humidified".

[0090] Figure 7A is a diagram showing the state in which aerosol products in a highly humid state are inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, and then aerosol products are continuously inserted.

[0091] Referring to Figure 7A, the aerosol generator 10 includes a housing that contains a containment space into which at least a portion of the aerosol product 700a is inserted. In this case, the aerosol product 700a is also the cigarette used in the smoking immediately preceding the start of continuous smoking, and the aerosol product 700a is in a humid state.

[0092] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 10 can detect that the new smoking operation is continuous smoking when the aerosol product 700b is inserted within a predetermined time after the previous smoking operation has finished. In this case, the aerosol product 700b is also a cigarette used for continuous smoking. Alternatively, if a new smoking operation is started within a predetermined time after the previous smoking operation has finished, the aerosol generator 10 can omit the operation of determining whether the aerosol product 700b is in a normal state or an over-humidified state.

[0093] Figure 7B is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the memory of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 7A. Figure 7B shows, but is not limited to, the database format for the execution log of the processor (e.g., processor 120 in Figure 1) within the aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 10 in Figure 1).

[0094] Referring to Figure 7B, the execution log 750 of processor 120 includes the count 705, date and time 710, component ID 715, component operation details 720, and parameters 725. However, this is just one example, and the execution log 750 may include a variety of fields within the realm of what is obvious to an average technician.

[0095] In one embodiment, log data 1 also indicates that the insertion of a cigarette (for example, the aerosol product 200 in Figure 1) into the aerosol generator 10 has been detected. In this case, ID 1 is also a sensor (for example, a proximity sensor) that detects the insertion of a cigarette into the aerosol generator 10. For example, the processor 120 can detect the insertion of a cigarette through the sensor at "2022.12.11.09:00:00" and save log data 1 to memory.

[0096] In one embodiment, log data 2 is also data indicating that the initial temperature of the heater (for example, heater 130 in Figure 1) has been detected. In this case, ID 2 is also the temperature sensor (for example, temperature sensor 140 in Figure 1) that measures the temperature of heater 130 within the aerosol generator 10. The processor 120 can also sense the initial temperature of heater 130 through temperature sensor 140 at "2022.12.11.09:00:05" and save log data 2 to memory. For example, if the initial temperature of heater 130 is detected as 150°C, the processor 120 can save "TEMP_INITIAL=150°C" to memory as a parameter for the initial temperature of heater 130. The processor 120 can then determine that the initial temperature of heater 130 is above a previously set temperature (for example, 50°C).

[0097] In one embodiment, log data 3 is also data for loading the final heating profile of heater 130, and log data 4 is also data for loading the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval in the preheating profile of the final heating profile. In this case, ID 3 is also a memory for storing data within the aerosol generator 10. Furthermore, the processor 120 loads the final heating profile of heater 130 from memory at "2022.12.11.09:00:10" and loads the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval in the preheating profile of the final heating profile from memory at "2022.12.11.09:00:12". For example, if the processor 120 obtains that the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval in the preheating profile of the final heating profile of heater 130 is 30 seconds, the processor 120 will set "TIME_T" as a parameter for the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval of heater 130. RISE The value "=30sec" can be stored in memory. The processor 120 can then determine that the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval of the heater 130 is greater than or equal to a previously set time (for example, 25 seconds).

[0098] In one embodiment, log data 5 also indicates that a heating profile has been set to be applied to heater 130. In this case, ID 4 is also the heater 130 that heats the cigarette 200. The processor 120 can also set the heating profile to be applied to heater 130 at "2022.12.11.09:00:20" and save log data 5 to memory. For example, if the initial temperature TEMP_INITIAL of heater 130 is greater than or equal to the previously set temperature TEMP_DET, and the time TIME_T corresponds to the temperature rise interval in the final heating profile of heater 130. RISE The already set time TIME_T DET Therefore, the processor 120 can set the heating profile applied to the heater 130 to the second temperature profile PROFILE=2.

[0099] Figure 8A is a diagram showing the state after a predetermined time has elapsed since an aerosol product in a highly humid state was inserted into an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0100] Referring to Figure 8A, the aerosol generator 10 includes a housing that contains a containment space into which at least a portion of the aerosol product 800a is inserted. In this case, the aerosol product 800a is the cigarette used in the previous smoking session, relative to the time when smoking begins, and is also in a highly humid state.

[0101] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 10 can detect that the new smoking operation is the first smoking operation by inserting the aerosol product 800b after the previous smoking operation has finished and a predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, the aerosol product 800b is also the cigarette used for the new smoking operation. However, if the new smoking operation is started after the previous smoking operation has finished and a predetermined time has elapsed, the aerosol generator 10 can determine whether the aerosol product 800b is in a normal state or an over-humidified state. Alternatively, the aerosol generator 10 can estimate that it is in a normal state and control the power supply to correspond to the temperature profile for heating a cigarette in a normal state.

[0102] Figure 8B is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the memory of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 8A. Figure 8B shows, but is not limited to, the database format for the execution log of the processor (e.g., processor 120 in Figure 1) within the aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 10 in Figure 1).

[0103] Referring to Figure 8B, the execution log 850 of processor 120 includes the count 805, date and time 810, component ID 815, component operation details 820, and parameters 825. However, this is only an example, and the execution log 850 may contain a variety of fields within the realm of what is obvious to an average technician.

[0104] In one embodiment, log data 1 also indicates that the insertion of a cigarette (for example, the aerosol product 200 in Figure 1) into the aerosol generator 10 has been detected. In this case, ID 1 is also a sensor (for example, a proximity sensor) that detects the insertion of a cigarette into the aerosol generator 10. For example, the processor 120 can detect the insertion of a cigarette through the sensor at "2022.12.11.09:00:00" and save log data 1 to memory.

[0105] In one embodiment, log data 2 is also data indicating that the initial temperature of the heater (e.g., heater 130 in Figure 1) has been detected. In this case, ID 2 is also the temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 140 in Figure 1) that measures the temperature of heater 130 within the aerosol generator 10. The processor 120 can also detect the initial temperature of heater 130 through temperature sensor 140 at "2022.12.11.09:00:05" and save log data 2 to memory. For example, if the initial temperature of heater 130 is detected as 25°C, the processor 120 can save "TEMP_INITIAL=25°C" to memory as a parameter for the initial temperature of heater 130. The processor 120 can then determine that the initial temperature of heater 130 is less than a previously set temperature (e.g., 50°C).

[0106] In one embodiment, log data 3 also indicates that a heating profile has been set to be applied to heater 130. In this case, ID 4 is also the heater 130 that heats the cigarette 200. The processor 120 can set the heating profile to be applied to heater 130 at "2022.12.11.09:00:10" and save log data 3 to memory. For example, since the initial temperature TEMP_INITIAL of heater 130 is less than the previously set temperature TEMP_DET, the processor 120 can set the heating profile applied to heater 130 to the first temperature profile PROFILE=1.

[0107] Figure 9A is a diagram showing the state in which aerosol products in a normal state are inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, followed by the continuous insertion of aerosol products.

[0108] Referring to Figure 9A, the aerosol generator 10 includes a housing that contains a containment space into which at least a portion of the aerosol product 900a is inserted. In this case, the aerosol product 900a is the cigarette used in the previous smoking session, relative to the time when smoking begins, and is in a normal state.

[0109] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 10 can detect that the new smoking operation is continuous smoking when the aerosol product 900b is inserted within a predetermined time after the previous smoking operation has finished. In this case, the aerosol product 900b is also a cigarette used for continuous smoking. However, if the new smoking operation is started within a predetermined time after the previous smoking operation has finished, the aerosol generator 10 may omit the operation of determining whether the aerosol product 900b is in a normal state or an over-humidified state.

[0110] Figure 9B is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the memory of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 9A. Figure 9B shows, but is not limited to, the database format for the execution log of the processor (e.g., processor 120 in Figure 1) within the aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 10 in Figure 1).

[0111] Referring to Figure 9B, the execution log 950 of processor 120 includes the count 905, date and time 910, component ID 915, component operation details 920, and parameters 925. However, this is only an example, and the execution log 950 may contain a variety of fields within the realm of what is obvious to an average technician.

[0112] In one embodiment, log data 1 also indicates that the insertion of a cigarette (for example, the aerosol product 200 in Figure 1) into the aerosol generator 10 has been detected. In this case, ID 1 is also a sensor (for example, a proximity sensor) that detects the insertion of a cigarette into the aerosol generator 10. For example, the processor 120 can detect the insertion of a cigarette through the sensor at "2022.12.11.09:00:00" and save log data 1 to memory.

[0113] In one embodiment, log data 2 is also data indicating that the initial temperature of the heater (for example, heater 130 in Figure 1) has been detected. In this case, ID 2 is also the temperature sensor (for example, temperature sensor 140 in Figure 1) that measures the temperature of heater 130 within the aerosol generator 10. The processor 120 can also sense the initial temperature of heater 130 through temperature sensor 140 at "2022.12.11.09:00:05" and save log data 2 to memory. For example, if the initial temperature of heater 130 is detected as 150°C, the processor 120 can save "TEMP_INITIAL=150°C" to memory as a parameter for the initial temperature of heater 130. The processor 120 can then determine that the initial temperature of heater 130 is above a previously set temperature (for example, 50°C).

[0114] In one embodiment, log data 3 is also data for loading the final heating profile of heater 130, and log data 4 is also data for loading the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval in the preheating profile of the final heating profile. In this case, ID 3 is also a memory for storing data within the aerosol generator 10. Furthermore, the processor 120 loads the final heating profile of heater 130 from memory at "2022.12.11.09:00:10" and loads the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval in the preheating profile of the final heating profile from memory at "2022.12.11.09:00:12". For example, if the processor 120 obtains that the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval in the preheating profile of the final heating profile of heater 130 is 30 seconds, the processor 120 will set "TIME_T" as a parameter for the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval of heater 130. RISE The value "=20 sec" can be stored in memory. The processor 120 can then determine that the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval of the heater 130 is less than a previously set time (for example, 25 seconds).

[0115] In one embodiment, log data 5 also indicates that a heating profile has been set to be applied to heater 130. In this case, ID 4 is also the heater 130 that heats the cigarette 200. The processor 120 can also set the heating profile to be applied to heater 130 at "2022.12.11.09:00:20" and save log data 5 to memory. For example, if the initial temperature TEMP_INITIAL of heater 130 is greater than or equal to the previously set temperature TEMP_DET, and the time TIME_T corresponds to the temperature rise interval in the final heating profile of heater 130. RISE The already set time TIME_T DET Since it is less than , the processor 120 can set the heating profile applied to the heater 130 to the first temperature profile PROFILE=1.

[0116] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first temperature profile and a second temperature profile according to one embodiment. However, in the specific explanation relating to Figure 10, content that corresponds to, is the same as, or is similar to the content described above may be omitted.

[0117] Referring to Figure 10, graph (a) is the first temperature profile for the heater (e.g., heater 130 in Figure 1), and graph (b) is the second temperature profile for heater 130. In this case, the "first temperature profile" refers to the temperature profile for heating a cigarette in a steady state, and the "second temperature profile" refers to the temperature profile for heating a cigarette in an over-humidified state. More specifically, the "second temperature profile" refers to the temperature profile for heating a cigarette that is presumed to be in an over-humidified state during continuous smoking.

[0118] Graph (a) shows the first preheating profile, which includes a first temperature rise section 810, a first temperature hold section 812, and a first temperature fall section 814 in the first temperature profile. Graph (b) shows the second preheating profile, which includes a second temperature rise section 820, a second temperature hold section 822, and a second temperature fall section 824 in the second temperature profile.

[0119] In one embodiment, the first preheating profile and the second preheating profile are different. For example, the total time corresponding to the second preheating profile (i.e., total preheating time 826) is longer than the total time corresponding to the first preheating profile (i.e., total preheating time 816).

[0120] In one embodiment, the second preheating profile differs from the first preheating profile in that it includes a delay time of 830. For example, the second preheating profile is a temperature profile applied to continuous smoking operation, and since the heater 130 is already heated by the previous smoking operation during continuous smoking operation, the processor (e.g., the processor 120 in Figure 1) can maintain the initial temperature of the heater 130 for about a first time (i.e., the delay time of 830) and then control the power supply so that the temperature of the heater 130 rises to the preheating target temperature of 800.

[0121] In one embodiment, the processor 120 can obtain the delay time 830 included in the second preheating profile by anti-windup control. For example, the processor 120 can obtain the delay time 830 included in the second preheating profile by anti-windup control methods such as clamping or back-calculation.

[0122] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the final heating profile and second temperature profile of a heater according to one embodiment. However, in the specific explanation relating to Figure 11, content that corresponds to, is the same as, or is similar to the content described above may be omitted.

[0123] Referring to Figure 11, when the first smoking operation is performed on one over-humidified cigarette through an aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 10 in Figure 1), and immediately afterward the second smoking operation is performed on another cigarette, graph (a) is the temperature profile for the heater (e.g., heater 130 in Figure 1) during the first smoking operation, and graph (b) is the temperature profile for heater 130 during the second operation. In this case, the "temperature profile during the first smoking operation" refers to the final heating profile of heater 130, and the "temperature profile during the second smoking operation" refers to the temperature profile (i.e., the second temperature profile) used in the continuous smoking operation to heat the cigarette which is presumed to be over-humidified.

[0124] Graph (a) shows the preheating profile of heater 130 in the final heating profile, including a temperature rise section 910, a temperature hold section 912, and a temperature fall section 914. Graph (b) shows the second preheating profile in the second temperature profile, including a second temperature rise section 820, a second temperature hold section 822, and a second temperature fall section 824.

[0125] In one embodiment, the final heating profile and the second temperature profile of the heater 130 are different. For example, the time 824 corresponding to the temperature decrease section in the preheating profile of the second temperature profile is shorter than the time 914 corresponding to the temperature decrease section in the preheating profile of the final heating profile of the heater 130.

[0126] Figure 12 is a block diagram of the aerosol generator 1200 according to another embodiment.

[0127] The aerosol generator 1200 includes a control unit 1210, a sensing unit 1220, an output unit 1230, a battery 1240, a heater 1250, a user input unit 1260, a memory 1270, and a communication unit 1280. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1200 is not limited to that shown in Figure 12. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 12 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1200.

[0128] The sensing unit 1220 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1200 or the state of the area surrounding the aerosol generator 1200, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1210. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1210 can control the aerosol generator 1200 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 1250, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol product (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.) has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0129] The sensing unit 1220 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 1222, insertion sensing sensor 1224, and puff sensor 1226.

[0130] The temperature sensor 1222 can sense the temperature at which the heater 1250 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1200 may include a separate temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the heater 1250, or the heater 1250 itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1222 may be positioned around the battery 1240 to monitor its temperature.

[0131] The insertion sensing sensor 1224 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1224 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect signal changes due to the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0132] The puff sensor 1226 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1226 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0133] In addition to the aforementioned temperature sensor 1222, insertion sensing sensor 1224, and puff sensor 1226, the sensing unit 1220 may further include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0134] The output unit 1230 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1200. The output unit 1230 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 1232, the haptic unit 1234, and the acoustic output unit 1236. When the display unit 1232 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 1232 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0135] The display unit 1232 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1200. For example, information about the aerosol generator 1200 can include various types of information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 1240 of the aerosol generator 1200, the preheating status of the heater 1250, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or conditions under which the use of the aerosol generator 1200 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 1232 can output this information externally. The display unit 1232 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or an LED light-emitting element.

[0136] The haptic unit 1234 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1200. For example, the haptic unit 1234 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0137] The acoustic output unit 1236 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1200. For example, the acoustic output unit 1236 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0138] The battery 1240 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1200. The battery 1240 can supply power to heat the heater 1250. Furthermore, the battery 1240 can supply power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 1200 (e.g., the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280). The battery 1240 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1240 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to these.

[0139] The heater 1250 is powered by the battery 1240 and can heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 12, the aerosol generator 1200 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 1240 and supplies it to the heater 1250. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1200 generates aerosols by induction heating, the aerosol generator 1200 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 1240 into AC power supply.

[0140] The control unit 1210, sensing unit 1220, output unit 1230, user input unit 1260, memory 1270, and communication unit 1280 can function by being powered by the battery 1240. Although not shown in Figure 12, the system may further include power conversion circuits, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that convert the power from the battery 1240 and supply it to each component.

[0141] In one embodiment, the heater 1250 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. Suitable electrical resistant materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 1250 may also be embodied by, but are not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0142] In other embodiments, the heater 1250 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 1250 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0143] The user input unit 1260 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1260 may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in Figure 12, the aerosol generator 1200 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 1240.

[0144] Memory 1270 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1200, and can store data processed by the control unit 1210 and data being processed. Memory 1270 includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 1270 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1200, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0145] The communication unit 1280 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1280 may include a short-range communication unit 1282 and a wireless communication unit 1284.

[0146] The short-range wireless communication unit 1282 includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth® communication units, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication units, Near Field Communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee® communication units, infrared (IrDA: infrared Data Association) communication units, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication units, UWB (ultra wideband) communication units, Ant+ communication units, etc.

[0147] The wireless communication unit 1284 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 1284 can also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 1200 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0148] The control unit 1210 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1200. In one embodiment, the control unit 1210 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0149] The control unit 1210 can control the temperature of the heater 1250 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1240 to the heater 1250. For example, the control unit 1210 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 1240 and the heater 1250. As another example, the direct heating circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 1250 by a control command from the control unit 1210.

[0150] The control unit 1210 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220 and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220, the control unit 1210 can control the power supplied to the heater 1250 so that the heater 1250 starts or stops operating. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220, the control unit 1210 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 1250 and the power supply time so that the heater 1250 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0151] The control unit 1210 can control the output unit 1230 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 1226 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 1210 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1200 will soon shut off through at least one of the display unit 1232, the haptic unit 1234, and the acoustic output unit 1236.

[0152] One embodiment also embodies a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are also any available media accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Furthermore, computer-readable media include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media, embodied by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0153] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and any person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be determined by the claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device, A housing including a containment space for containing at least a portion of the aerosol product, A heater for heating the aerosol product inserted into the aforementioned containment space, A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater, A battery that supplies power to the heater, The heater and the battery are electrically connected to a processor, The aforementioned processor, The initial temperature of the heater, measured through the temperature sensor, is obtained. The aforementioned processor, If the initial temperature of the heater is below a previously set temperature, the power supply to the heater is controlled to correspond to the first temperature profile. An aerosol generator that, when the initial temperature of the heater is equal to or greater than the previously set temperature, acquires data related to the final heating profile of the heater, and controls the power supply from the battery to the heater based on the acquired data.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a memory for storing data related to the final heating profile of the heater.

3. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the initial temperature of the heater is equal to or greater than the previously set temperature, data relating to the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval in the preheating profile of the final heating profile is obtained from the memory.

4. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, when the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval is greater than or equal to a previously set time, the power supply to the heater is controlled to correspond to a second temperature profile distinct from the first temperature profile.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the total time corresponding to the preheating profile of the second temperature profile is longer than the total time corresponding to the preheating profile of the first temperature profile.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the time corresponding to the temperature decrease interval in the preheating profile of the second temperature profile is shorter than the time corresponding to the temperature decrease interval in the preheating profile of the final heating profile.

7. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second temperature profile maintains the initial temperature of the heater for about a first hour before increasing the temperature.

8. The aforementioned processor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first time is obtained by anti-windup control.

9. In the operation method of an aerosol generating device, The stage of obtaining the initial temperature of the heater that heats the aerosol product inserted into the containment space. and, If the initial temperature of the heater is below a previously set temperature, the power supply to the heater is controlled to correspond to a first temperature profile. A method for operating an aerosol generator, comprising the steps of: obtaining data from memory related to the final heating profile of the heater when the initial temperature of the heater is equal to or greater than the previously set temperature; and controlling the power supply from the battery to the heater based on the obtained data.

10. The method of operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the data relating to the final heating profile includes the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval in the preheating profile of the final heating profile.

11. The aforementioned control step is, The method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising the step of controlling the power supply to the heater to correspond to a second temperature profile distinct from the first temperature profile when the time corresponding to the temperature rise interval is greater than or equal to a previously set time.

12. The method for operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the total time corresponding to the preheating profile of the second temperature profile is longer than the total time corresponding to the preheating profile of the first temperature profile.

13. The method of operating an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the time corresponding to the temperature decrease interval in the preheating profile of the second temperature profile is shorter than the time corresponding to the temperature decrease interval in the preheating profile of the final heating profile.

14. The method of operating the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second temperature profile is obtained by raising the temperature after maintaining the initial temperature of the heater for about a first hour.

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