Microphone sensor and aerosol forming device using microphone sensor

Abstract

A microphone sensor (10) comprises: an air pressure sensing capacitor (210), which comprises a first electrode (122) and a second electrode (124) forming a capacitor, and the capacitance varies with the externally applied air pressure; a control chip (200), used for measuring the capacitance and outputting an electric signal corresponding to the capacitance; and a program terminal connected to the control chip (200). When a program signal for enabling the control chip (200) to operate in a program mode is provided to the control chip (200) by means of the program terminal, the control chip (200) enters the program mode for calibrating working parameters.

Description

Microphone sensor and aerosol generating device using the same Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a microphone sensor and an aerosol-generating device using the microphone sensor. Background Art

[0002] Liquid-based e-cigarette devices work by detecting the user's inhalation of a cigarette without requiring a separate input device such as a switch. The user inhales the vaporized e-cigarette liquid, creating a mist. To detect the user's inhalation, an air pressure sensor called a microphone sensor is used. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical problems to be solved

[0004] The microphone sensor includes a capacitor having two electrodes whose relative distance varies according to air pressure. The capacitor included in the microphone sensor changes capacitance according to changes in air pressure, and a sensing circuit can detect the user's inhalation by detecting the change in capacitance.

[0005] When a user applies the same sound pressure during an inhalation, the capacitance change in the microphone sensor is affected by the material of the electrodes, the distance between them, the manufacturing process, and assembly non-uniformity. Consequently, non-uniformity in the microphone sensor can compromise operational reliability, leading to false or inability to detect a user's inhalation, and negatively impacting the user experience.

[0006] Mechanical calibration of the diaphragm of a microphone sensor whose capacitance changes outside the normal range is difficult. This is because the chip that detects the capacitance change of the microphone sensor and outputs the electrical signal is contained in the same package as the microphone sensor, and the microphone sensor package is sealed with metal and substrate.

[0007] One of the problems to be solved by the present technology is to provide a microphone sensor capable of being calibrated when a capacitance change outside a normal range occurs in the microphone sensor.

[0008] Solutions to technical problems

[0009] The microphone sensor of this embodiment includes: an air pressure sensing capacitor, which includes a first electrode and a second electrode forming a capacitor, and the capacitance changes with externally applied air pressure; a control chip (control chip), which is used to detect the change in the capacitance value and generate a control signal based on the changed capacitance value and operating parameters; and a program terminal, which is connected to the control chip; when the program signal is provided to the control chip through the program terminal, the control chip enters a program mode for calibrating the operating parameters.

[0010] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the microphone sensor further includes a non-volatile memory for storing the operating parameters.

[0011] According to any aspect of the present embodiment, the nonvolatile memory stores data by being supplied with a storage voltage, and the microphone sensor further includes a storage voltage terminal to which the storage voltage is applied.

[0012] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the microphone sensor is included in an aerosol-forming device, and the aerosol-forming device includes a heating portion that forms aerosol; the heating portion is driven in response to the control signal output by the control chip, thereby forming aerosol.

[0013] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the microphone sensor includes a heating part that forms an aerosol, and the microphone sensor also includes a heating part control circuit for controlling the heating part; the heating part control circuit controls the heating part so that in response to the control signal output by the control chip, the heating part is driven by the heating part control circuit to form an aerosol.

[0014] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the operating parameter further includes any one or more of an output voltage value output to the heating portion, an output current value output to the heating portion, and an output power value output to the heating portion.

[0015] According to any aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the output voltage value, the output current value, and the output power value is stored as independent values ​​for each of the plurality of heating intervals after the heating unit starts heating.

[0016] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the operating parameter includes a target heating temperature value of the heating portion.

[0017] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the operating parameters are differentiated and stored in any one or more processes of the control chip manufacturing process, the microphone sensor manufacturing process, and the manufacturing process including at least one of the control chip and the microphone sensor.

[0018] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the operating parameters stored in the chip manufacturing process include any one or more of the internal clock frequency calibration parameters of the control chip, the bandgap reference voltage calibration parameters of the control chip, and the ADC calibration parameters of the control chip; the operating parameters stored in the microphone sensor manufacturing process include any one or more of the inhalation judgment threshold of the microphone sensor, the inhalation release threshold as the release standard for user inhalation, the inhalation judgment and release threshold as the user inhalation and release standard, and one or more of the reaction times of the microphone sensor; the operating parameters stored in the manufacturing process of the aerosol forming device include: any one or more of the heating voltage, heating power and heating current corresponding to the raw materials for forming the aerosol.

[0019] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the operation parameter includes at least one of an inhalation recognition threshold, an inhalation release threshold, and an inhalation recognition release threshold, which are criteria for determining whether the user has inhaled.

[0020] According to any aspect of the present embodiment, the program signal is any one of a signal having a predetermined voltage level and a predetermined time duration and a signal having a predetermined sequence.

[0021] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the control chip can also operate in any one of the working mode, debugging mode and test mode, and when the working mode entry signal, debugging mode entry signal and test mode entry signal are provided through the program terminal, the control chip operates in each mode.

[0022] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the microphone sensor further includes a light emitting element and a light emitting element driving terminal for driving the light emitting element.

[0023] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the light emitting element driving terminal is connected to the program terminal.

[0024] The device for forming an aerosol for inhalation by a user in this embodiment includes: a main body; a mouthpiece for the user to inhale the aerosol; a heating part, which heats a liquid to form the aerosol; and a microphone sensor, which detects the user's inhalation; wherein the microphone sensor includes: an air pressure sensing capacitor, which includes a first electrode and a second electrode forming a capacitor, and whose capacitance changes with externally applied air pressure; a control chip, which is used to detect the change in the capacitance value and generate a control signal according to the changed capacitance value and an operating parameter; and a program terminal, which is connected to the control chip; when the program signal is provided to the control chip through the program terminal, the control chip enters a program mode for calibrating the operating parameters.

[0025] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the microphone sensor further includes a non-volatile memory for storing the operating parameters.

[0026] According to any aspect of the present embodiment, the nonvolatile memory stores data by being supplied with a storage voltage, and the microphone sensor further includes a storage voltage terminal to which the storage voltage is applied.

[0027] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the heating unit is driven in response to the control signal output by the control chip, thereby forming aerosol.

[0028] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the microphone sensor further includes a heating unit control circuit for controlling the heating unit; the heating unit control circuit controls the heating unit so that in response to the control signal output by the control chip, the heating unit is driven by the heating unit control circuit to form aerosol.

[0029] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the operating parameter further includes any one or more of an output voltage value output to the heating portion, an output current value output to the heating portion, and an output power value output to the heating portion.

[0030] According to any aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the output voltage value, the output current value, and the output power value is stored as independent values ​​for each of the plurality of heating intervals after the heating unit starts heating.

[0031] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the operating parameter includes a target heating temperature value of the heating portion.

[0032] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the operating parameters are differentiated and stored in any one or more processes of the control chip manufacturing process, the microphone sensor manufacturing process, and the manufacturing process including at least one of the control chip and the microphone sensor.

[0033] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the operating parameters stored in the chip manufacturing process include any one or more of the internal clock frequency calibration parameters of the control chip, the bandgap reference voltage calibration parameters of the control chip, and the ADC calibration parameters of the control chip; the operating parameters stored in the microphone sensor manufacturing process include any one or more of the inhalation judgment threshold of the microphone sensor, the inhalation release threshold as the release standard for user inhalation, the inhalation judgment and release threshold as the user inhalation and release standard, and one or more of the reaction time of the microphone sensor; the operating parameters stored in the manufacturing process of the aerosol forming device include any one or more of the heating voltage, heating power and heating current corresponding to the raw materials for forming the aerosol.

[0034] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the operation parameter includes any one or more of an inhalation recognition threshold, an inhalation release threshold, and an inhalation recognition release threshold, which are criteria for determining whether the user has inhaled.

[0035] According to any aspect of the present embodiment, the program signal is any one of a signal having a predetermined voltage level and a predetermined time duration and a signal having a predetermined sequence.

[0036] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the control chip can also operate in any one of the working mode, debugging mode and test mode, and when the working mode entry signal, debugging mode entry signal and test mode entry signal are provided through the program terminal, the control chip operates in each mode.

[0037] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the microphone sensor further includes a light emitting element and a light emitting element driving terminal for driving the light emitting element.

[0038] According to any aspect of this embodiment, the light emitting element driving terminal is connected to the program terminal.

[0039] Effects of the Invention

[0040] According to the present invention, a microphone sensor and an aerosol inhalation device capable of calibrating and updating operating parameters are provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG1 is a diagram schematically showing an aerosol-generating device according to this embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 2( a ) is a perspective view schematically showing the microphone sensor of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2( b ) is a view showing the bottom surface of the microphone sensor of the present embodiment.

[0043] Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the state of connection between the microphone sensor and the heating part, Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram showing the control chip and the heating part according to one embodiment, and Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram showing the control chip, the heating part control circuit and the heating part according to another embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross section of a microphone sensor including an air pressure sensing capacitor.

[0045] FIG6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the microphone sensor and the aerosol-generating device including the microphone sensor according to the present embodiment.

[0046] 7( a ) and 7 ( b ) are diagrams showing examples of a program signal capable of causing a microphone sensor to enter a program mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an aerosol-forming device 1 of the present embodiment. Referring to FIG1 , the aerosol-forming device 1 includes a mouthpiece M, which is formed with an airflow path to contact the user's lips so that the user inhales the aerosol; a main body B, which is used to accommodate a battery (not shown) that provides driving power to a microphone sensor 10 (see FIG2 ) for recognizing the user's inhalation and the aerosol-forming device 1; and a heating unit 300 (see FIG3 ) that stores liquid that forms the aerosol and heats the liquid to form the aerosol.

[0048] FIG2( a ) is a perspective view schematically illustrating the microphone sensor 10 of this embodiment, and FIG2( b ) is a diagram illustrating the bottom surface of the microphone sensor 10 of this embodiment. Referring to FIG2( a ) and FIG2( b ), the microphone sensor 10 includes a drive power terminal VDD for providing drive power (VDD), a standard voltage terminal GND for providing a standard voltage (GND), a program terminal PRG for providing a program signal (PRG), and a connection terminal AT for connecting to the outside of the microphone sensor. In one embodiment, the connection terminal AT is connected to the heating unit 300 or the heating unit control circuit 230 (see FIG4 ), wherein the heating unit 300 heats and vaporizes the liquid to form aerosol, and the heating unit control circuit 230 controls the heating unit 300. In an embodiment not shown, the microphone sensor 10 may also include a terminal for providing a storage voltage for storing data in a memory. In one embodiment, the light-emitting element drive terminal may be connected to the program terminal.

[0049] As shown, the microphone sensor 100 is housed in a non-openable housing 120 to minimize malfunction due to penetration of liquid and aerosol formed by vaporization of the liquid from the electronic cigarette.

[0050] Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the microphone sensor 10 and the heating unit 300 are connected, Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating a control chip 200 and the heating unit 300 according to one embodiment, and Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating a control chip 200, a heating unit control circuit 230, and the heating unit 300 according to another embodiment. Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the microphone sensor 10 includes an air pressure sensing capacitor 210, a control chip 200 configured to detect a change in capacitance of the air pressure sensing capacitor 210 and output an electrical signal, and a memory 220 for storing operating parameters.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 (a), the control chip 200 may further include a heating unit control circuit 230, which controls the heating and stopping of the heating unit 300. The control chip 200 detects the capacitance change of the air pressure sensing capacitor 210, and compares the capacitance value after the change with the operating parameter values ​​such as the inhalation judgment threshold, the inhalation release threshold, and the inhalation judgment release threshold stored in the storage 220, and provides the control signal corresponding to the comparison result to the heating unit control circuit 230 inside the chip. The heating unit control circuit 230 drives the heating unit 300 in response to the received signal. In the embodiment shown, the signal output by the control chip 200 is provided to the heating unit 300 connected via the connection terminal AT as the control signal driving the heating unit 300.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in FIG4( b ), the heating unit control circuit 230 may be formed separately from the control chip 200 and, as shown, may be included in the microphone sensor 10. However, this embodiment is merely an example, and the heating unit control circuit 230 may be formed outside the microphone sensor 10. As an example, when the heating unit control circuit 230 is formed separately from the control chip 200, a heating drive terminal AT may be formed in the microphone sensor 10 to connect to the heating unit control circuit 230.

[0053] As described above, the control chip 200 detects changes in the capacitance of the air pressure sensing capacitor 210, compares the changed capacitance value with operating parameters such as the inhalation recognition threshold, the inhalation release threshold, and the inhalation recognition release threshold, and provides a control signal corresponding to the comparison result to the heating unit control circuit 230. The heating unit control circuit 220 drives the heating unit 300 in response to the provided signal. As an embodiment, the signal output by the control chip 200 is provided as a signal to the heating unit control circuit 230 via the connection terminal AT.

[0054] The microphone sensor 10 includes a program terminal PRG and provides a program signal (prg) for operating the control chip 200 in a program mode to the control chip 200 through the program terminal PRG. In the program mode, operating parameters of the control chip 200 are calibrated in response to the control signal (prg).

[0055] The microphone sensor 100 may further include a light emitting element 110 that can output light in the visible light band to indicate the user's inhalation, the operating mode of the aerosol generating device 1, or whether the aerosol generating device 1 is operating. As an example not shown, the light emitting element can indicate light by providing light to the light guide plate.

[0056] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the light-emitting element 110 can be connected between the standard voltage terminal GND and the program terminal PRG. In embodiments not shown, the microphone sensor 10 may further include a light-emitting element drive terminal for providing a light-emitting element drive signal to drive the light-emitting element; and the light-emitting element can be connected between the light-emitting element drive terminal and the standard voltage terminal GND, or between the light-emitting element drive terminal and the drive power supply terminal VDD.

[0057] As an embodiment, the light emitting element 110 may indicate the working states of the control chip 200 included in the aerosol generating device 1 , such as the inhalation recognition state, the inhalation release state, the heating state, and the protection state, according to the light emitting duration or the number of blinks.

[0058] As another example, the light emitting element 110 may output a plurality of different colors, and the light emitting element may display different colors according to the operation of the control chip 200 included in the aerosol-generating device 1. Therefore, when the aerosol-generating device 1 is operating, the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 can be confirmed by the LED emitting light.

[0059] The memory 220 may be a non-volatile memory that retains stored information even without power, and may be, for example, a flash memory, a multi-time programmable memory (MTP), a one-time programmable memory (OTP), or an e-FUSE memory. The memory 220 stores operating parameters that determine the operation of the microphone sensor 100 and may store operating parameters requested in the program mode and debug mode described later.

[0060] For example, a driving voltage or a storage voltage higher than the driving voltage may be required to store operating parameters in the memory 220. Necessary operating parameters can be stored in the memory 220 by supplying the storage voltage to a separate memory power supply terminal and providing a program signal (prg).

[0061] For example, the operating parameters stored in the memory 220 may be any one or more of an inhalation determination threshold (puff on threshold), an inhalation release threshold (puff off threshold), and an inhalation determination release threshold. The inhalation determination threshold may be a threshold for determining that the user is inhaling, and the inhalation release threshold may be a value for determining a state of no inhalation due to, for example, the user completing inhalation. Furthermore, the inhalation determination release threshold may be a threshold that has the same criteria for identifying the user's inhalation and for identifying completion of inhalation. The operating parameters stored in the memory 220 may correspond to the capacitance value of the air pressure sensing capacitor 210.

[0062] Multiple operating parameters can be stored according to the manufacturing process. For example, during the manufacturing and assembly process of the control chip 200, the memory 220 may store at least one of the following: a clock frequency calibration parameter used as a system standard signal for the control chip 200; a calibration parameter for an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that senses the drive voltage and drive current and converts them into digital codes; and a bandgap reference voltage calibration parameter. The bandgap reference voltage is a constant standard voltage output regardless of the internal temperature and external voltage of the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0063] Furthermore, the operating parameters stored during the manufacturing or assembly of the microphone sensor 10 may include one or more of the microphone sensor's inhalation determination threshold, an inhalation release threshold serving as a criterion for releasing the user's inhalation, an inhalation determination and release threshold serving as a criterion for releasing the user's inhalation, and the microphone sensor's response time. This advantageously compensates for capacitance variations caused by manufacturing variations in the air pressure sensing capacitor 210, thereby providing the user with consistent quality.

[0064] The operating parameters stored during the manufacturing or assembly of the aerosol-generating device may include any one or more of the heating voltage, heating power, and heating current corresponding to the raw material used to form the aerosol. The flavor of the aerosol varies depending on the raw material liquid, so many users choose to enjoy their aerosol by changing the liquid. However, the heating voltage, heating current, and heating power that produce the optimal flavor vary for each liquid. By simply adjusting this, manufacturers can offer the advantage of using a single aerosol-generating device to create and provide consumers with aerosol-generating devices optimized for a variety of flavors.

[0065] The heating unit 300 vaporizes the liquid to form an aerosol for the user to inhale. As an example, the liquid can be stored in a container, impregnated in a liquid storage member such as cotton in the container, and heated and vaporized into aerosol by a resistor as a heating member shown in FIG. 3 .

[0066] The heating element heats the liquid using Joule heat generated by electrical resistance and can be made of a heat-resistant metal material with a resistance between 0.5Ω and 2.5Ω. The heating unit 300 generates aerosol by heating based on an electrical signal output by the control chip 200. An air path is formed within the heating unit for the user to inhale the aerosol.

[0067] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross-section of microphone sensor 10 including air pressure sensing capacitor 210. Referring to FIG5 , air pressure sensing capacitor 210 includes a first electrode 122 and a second electrode 124, which form a capacitor. In the illustrated embodiment, first electrode 122 is a fixed electrode, and a through-hole may be formed through the electrode. Second electrode 124 may be an electrode having elasticity and tension, and may deform in response to external airflow.

[0068] When the user is not inhaling the aerosol or the device is in a standby state, the second electrode 124 remains unchanged, maintaining a distance d1 from the first electrode 122. However, when the user inhales the aerosol, air flows and generates pressure, causing the second electrode 124 to deform, increasing the distance from the first electrode 122 to d2, as shown in the figure. The capacitance formed between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124 can be expressed as follows:

[0069]

Mathematical formula 1

[0070] (C: capacitance, ε: dielectric constant, A: electrode area, d: distance between electrodes)

[0071] When the user inhales the mist through the mouthpiece, causing the air pressure to change, the second electrode moves, reducing the distance from the first electrode 122 to d2, thereby increasing the capacitance. In other words, the capacitor formed by the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124 in the microphone sensor 10 changes with the air pressure applied externally, such as by the user's inhalation.

[0072] As one embodiment, the control chip 200 may provide a current of a known value to the air pressure sensing capacitor 210 and detect the resulting voltage to detect the capacitance of the air pressure sensing capacitor 210. As another example, the control chip 200 may detect the capacitance of the air pressure sensing capacitor 210 by detecting the time it takes for the air pressure sensing capacitor 210 to discharge after being charged. However, this is merely an example of a method for detecting the capacitance value of the air pressure sensing capacitor 210, and the capacitance value may be obtained using other conventional methods not shown.

[0073] The air pressure sensing capacitor 210 changes capacitance in response to changes in air pressure formed when a user inhales into the mouthpiece M, and the control chip 200 detects the changed capacitance.

[0074] The control chip 200 compares an inhalation recognition threshold, one of the operating parameters stored in the memory 220, with a signal value generated based on the capacitance change. As an example, the capacitance value corresponding to the inhalation recognition threshold and the value corresponding to the changed capacitance are compared. As another example, the inhalation recognition threshold and the relative change in capacitance can be compared. As yet another example, the inhalation recognition threshold and the frequency of the pulses generated using the capacitance can be compared. As a result of the comparison, if it is determined that the user is inhaling, the control chip 200 provides a control signal to cause the heating unit 300 to heat.

[0075] As an example, when the control chip 200 determines that the user is inhaling, it generates a control signal and provides the generated control signal to the heating unit 300 to heat the heating unit 300, causing the heating unit 300 to form aerosol. As another example, when the control chip 200 determines that the user is inhaling, it generates a control signal and provides the control signal to the heating unit control circuit 230. In response to the control signal, the heating unit control circuit 230 drives the heating unit 300 to heat the user, causing the heating unit 300 to form aerosol.

[0076] The heating unit 230 supplies power to a heating element, shown as a resistor, and vaporizes the liquid to form an aerosol. In the illustrated example, a resistive heating method is employed, whereby current flows into the resistor and the Joule heat generated thereby is used to heat the liquid. In an unillustrated embodiment, electromagnetic induction heating, which utilizes eddie currents, may be employed to heat the liquid.

[0077] When the user stops inhaling, the capacitance of the air pressure sensing capacitor 210 decreases. The control chip 200 detects the capacitance of the air pressure sensing capacitor 210 and compares it with the inhalation release threshold to determine that the user has not inhaled. The control chip 200 switches the heating unit 300 to a standby state without heating.

[0078] As an embodiment, during heating, the control chip 200 may directly output the voltage and current of the input power supplied to the chip, thereby controlling the heating of the heating unit 300 .

[0079] As another embodiment, the control chip 200 can heat the heating member in a PWM manner by controlling the duty ratio of the heating unit 300. For example, the same effect can be achieved by heating using a DC 3.6V voltage and providing a 7.2V voltage with a duty ratio of 50%.

[0080] As another embodiment, the control chip 200 can control heating using a constant power heating method, which maintains uniform power consumption across the heating element. The control chip 200 detects the voltage and current of the electrical signal output to the heating element 230, calculates instantaneous power consumption, and uses this as a criterion to control the output voltage for heating, ensuring that the average power consumption matches the target power consumption. In this embodiment, the microphone sensor may also include a current sensor for calculating power consumption.

[0081] As another embodiment, the chip can use a constant temperature heating method to heat the heating unit 230. The constant temperature heating method is implemented by detecting the temperature of the heating member and maintaining the temperature of the detection member at a target temperature. When the control chip 200 uses the constant temperature heating method to heat the heating member, the microphone sensor 10 may further include a circuit for detecting the temperature.

[0082] As another example, the temperature of the heating member can be detected using the resistance change characteristic according to the temperature of the heating member. As an example, a heating member made of a material having a high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) such as SUS316L, NiFe30, TiO1, tungsten, or Ni200 can be used.

[0083] The relationship between the temperature and the resistance value of the heating member satisfies the following Mathematical Formula 2.

[0084] [Math 2] T = R0(1 + TCR(T-T0))

[0085] (T0: standard temperature, R0: heating coil resistance at standard temperature, TCR: TCR value of heating coil material)

[0086] Therefore, by measuring the resistance of the heating element, the temperature corresponding to the resistance value can be obtained. However, it is necessary to detect the reference resistor (R0) on the production line and calibrate the parasitic resistance component at the standard temperature (T0).

[0087] According to this embodiment, temperature control can be performed under absolute temperature standards, thereby minimizing the impact of various factors that affect the flavor of the inhaled aerosol, achieving high-temperature protection, and providing high stability. Operating parameters such as the output voltage value required to heat the heating unit, the output current value output to the heating unit, the output power value output to the heating unit, and the duty ratio of any one or more of the output voltage value, output current value, and output power value can be stored in memory 220.

[0088] Furthermore, the heating temperature and heating power of the heating unit 300 vary with the driving time of the heating unit 300 included in the aerosol-generating device 1, and even the same liquid can produce different flavors depending on the heating time. Therefore, to provide a uniform user experience, after the heating unit starts heating, one or more of the output voltage value, output current value, output power value, and target heating temperature can be provided to the heating unit 300 according to the multiple heating sections. These values ​​can be stored in the memory as different independent values ​​for the multiple heating sections after the heating unit starts heating.

[0089] As shown in Figure 2, during the assembly of the air pressure sensing capacitor 210, errors may occur due to factors such as the distance between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124, the elasticity deviation of the film, the gap, and the material of the electrodes. Due to these errors, even if the same air pressure is applied to inhale, some products may not recognize it as inhalation, while others may recognize it as inhalation, resulting in inconsistent user experiences between products. Resolving these issues requires disassembling the housing, replacing the first and second electrodes 122 and 124, or mechanically calibrating them.

[0090] However, as described above, by calibrating the capacitance deviation caused by the manufacturing deviation of the air pressure sensing capacitor 210 , uniform quality can be provided to the user.

[0091] The following describes a calibration process of the microphone sensor 10 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, a program signal (prg) is provided to the control chip 200 via a program terminal PRG formed in the microphone sensor 10 .

[0092] FIG6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the microphone sensor 10 and the aerosol-generating device 1 (see FIG1 ) including the microphone sensor 10 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG6 , when the microphone sensor 10 and the aerosol-generating device 1 of the present embodiment are in a standby state awaiting inhalation by a user (USER), the user (USER) causes the microphone sensor 10 to enter a program mode by providing a program signal (prg) to the program terminal PRG (see FIG2 ).

[0093] 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams illustrating examples of program signals that can cause the microphone sensor 10 to enter program mode. Referring to FIG. 7(a), the program signal (prg) can be a signal having a predetermined voltage V1 for a predetermined duration t1. The example shown shows that, by providing the program signal (prg), if the voltage V1 is provided during the time interval t1, the program mode is entered. For another example, after entering the program mode by providing the program signal (prg), if the voltage V2 is provided during the time interval t2, the debug mode can be entered, and if the voltage V3 is provided during the time interval t3, the test mode can be entered. For example, the program signal (prg) for entering the program mode can be a signal having a voltage of 0.7V or more during 100 milliseconds (msec), and the control chip 200 recognizes this voltage as a logic high.

[0094] 7( b ), the program signal (prg) may be a signal having a predetermined sequence. As shown in the example, the predetermined sequence may be a signal including a predetermined number of pulses, or may be a signal including a predetermined bit sequence.

[0095] As described above, the light emitting element 110 can indicate the working state according to the light emitting duration or the number of blinks. For example, the number of blinks can be used to indicate the working state of the control chip 200, such as the inhalation recognition state, the inhalation release state, the heating state, the protection state, etc.

[0096] As another example, the light emitting element 110 may output a plurality of different colors. For example, the color of the light provided by the light emitting element 110 may be used to indicate the working state of the control chip 200.

[0097] When the user USER provides data (data) as an object to be updated to the microphone sensor 10 through the program signal (prg), the control chip 200 operating in the program mode can update and modify the parameters provided as the data (data).

[0098] As another example, after entering the program mode, the user may provide a signal for reading the operating parameters stored in the memory 220 , and the memory 220 may output the corresponding operating parameters.

[0099] Subsequently, after completing the update of the target operating parameters, the user can provide an exit signal, and the microphone sensor 10 can return to the standby state according to the exit signal. The microphone sensor 10 can return to the standby state by removing and reapplying power instead of the exit signal.

[0100] The exit signal may be a signal in which a predetermined voltage is applied for a predetermined period of time. For example, the exit signal may be a signal in which a voltage of 0.3V or less is applied for 500 milliseconds (msec), and the chip recognizes the voltage as a digital low.

[0101] In an embodiment not shown, the chip can operate in program mode, debug mode, and test mode. The program mode updates operating parameters; the debug mode outputs and updates all stored operating parameters to detect errors in the factory-assembled state; and the test mode tests whether the aerosol-generating device is functioning properly. As an example, a user can enter debug mode and test mode codes in program mode to access each mode. Furthermore, debug mode and test mode can be entered directly from the standby state.

[0102] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are described. However, these embodiments are merely exemplary, and it is understood that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various modifications and equivalent embodiments therefrom. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0103] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1: aerosol-generating device 10: microphone sensor 110: light-emitting element 120: housing 122: first electrode 124: second electrode 200: chip 210: air pressure sensing capacitor 220: reservoir 300: heating unit

Claims

1. A microphone sensor, wherein, The microphone sensor includes: A barometric pressure sensing capacitor, which includes a first electrode and a second electrode forming the capacitor, and the capacitance changes with the externally applied barometric pressure; A control chip for detecting the change in capacitance value and generating a control signal according to the changed capacitance value and operating parameters; and A program terminal connected to the control chip; When a program signal is provided to the control chip through the program terminal, the control chip enters a program mode for calibrating the operating parameters.

2. The microphone sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The microphone sensor further includes: A non-volatile memory for storing the operating parameters.

3. The microphone sensor according to claim 2, wherein, The non-volatile memory stores data by being supplied with a storage voltage, The microphone sensor further includes a storage voltage terminal to which the storage voltage is applied.

4. The microphone sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The microphone sensor is included in an aerosol forming device, The aerosol forming device includes a heating part for forming an aerosol; The heating part is driven in response to the control signal output by the control chip, thereby forming the aerosol.

5. The microphone sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The microphone sensor is included in an aerosol forming device, the aerosol forming device includes a heating part for forming an aerosol, The microphone sensor further includes a heating part control circuit for controlling the heating part; The heating part control circuit controls the heating part such that in response to the control signal output by the control chip, The heating part is driven by the heating part control circuit to form an aerosol.

6. The microphone sensor according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein, The operating parameters further include any one or more of an output voltage value output to the heating part, an output current value output to the heating part, and an output power value output to the heating part.

7. The microphone sensor according to claim 6, wherein, According to multiple heating intervals after the heating part starts heating, any one or more of the output voltage value, the output current value, and the output power value are stored respectively with independent values.

8. The microphone sensor according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein, The operating parameters include a target heating temperature value of the heating part.

9. The microphone sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The operating parameters are distinguished and stored in any one or more of the control chip manufacturing process, the microphone sensor manufacturing process, and the aerosol forming device manufacturing process; Wherein, the aerosol forming device includes any one or more of the control chip and the microphone sensor.

10. The microphone sensor according to claim 9, wherein, The operating parameters stored during the chip manufacturing process include: Any one or more of the internal clock frequency calibration parameter of the control chip, the bandgap reference voltage calibration parameter of the control chip, and the ADC calibration parameter of the control chip; The operating parameters stored during the microphone sensor manufacturing process include: One or more of the inhalation determination threshold of the microphone sensor, the inhalation release threshold as a criterion for releasing user inhalation, the inhalation determination and release threshold as a criterion for user inhalation and release, and one or more of the response time of the microphone sensor; The operating parameters stored during the manufacturing process of the aerosol forming device, including: One or more of the heating voltage, heating power, and heating current corresponding to the raw material for forming the aerosol.

11. The microphone sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The operating parameters include: One or more of the inhalation recognition threshold, inhalation release threshold, and inhalation recognition release threshold as criteria for determining user inhalation.

12. The microphone sensor according to claim 1, wherein The program signal is either a signal having a predetermined voltage level and a predetermined duration or a signal having a predetermined sequence.

13. The microphone sensor according to claim 1, wherein The control chip can also operate in any one of a working mode, a debugging mode, and a testing mode. When a working mode entry signal, a debugging mode entry signal, and a testing mode entry signal are provided through the program terminal, the control chip operates in each mode.

14. The microphone sensor according to claim 1, wherein The microphone sensor further includes a light emitting element and a light emitting element driving terminal for driving the light emitting element.

15. The microphone sensor according to claim 14, wherein The light emitting element driving terminal is connected to the program terminal.

16. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol for a user to inhale, wherein, The aerosol forming device includes: A main body portion; A mouthpiece portion for a user to inhale the aerosol; A heating portion for heating a liquid to form the aerosol; and A microphone sensor for detecting user inhalation; The microphone sensor includes: A barometric sensing capacitor including a first electrode and a second electrode forming a capacitor, and the capacitance changes with an externally applied air pressure; A control chip for detecting a change in the capacitance value and generating a control signal based on the changed capacitance value and operating parameters; and A program terminal connected to the control chip; When a program signal is provided to the control chip through the program terminal, the control chip enters a program mode for calibrating the operating parameters.

17. The aerosol forming device according to claim 16, wherein The microphone sensor further includes a non-volatile memory for storing the operating parameters.

18. The aerosol forming device according to claim 17, wherein The non-volatile memory stores data by being supplied with a storage voltage. The microphone sensor further includes a storage voltage terminal to which the storage voltage is applied.

19. The aerosol forming device according to claim 16, wherein The heating portion is driven in response to the control signal output by the control chip to form an aerosol.

20. The aerosol forming device according to claim 16, wherein The microphone sensor further includes a heating portion control circuit for controlling the heating portion; The heating portion control circuit controls the heating portion such that in response to the control signal output by the control chip, The heating part is driven by the heating part control circuit to form aerosol.

21. The aerosol forming device according to any one of claims 19 and 20, wherein the operating parameters further include any one or more of an output voltage value output to the heating part, an output current value output to the heating part, and an output power value output to the heating part.

22. The aerosol forming device according to claim 21, wherein according to a plurality of heating intervals after the heating part starts heating, any one or more of the output voltage value, the output current value, and the output power value are stored separately with independent values.

23. The aerosol forming device according to any one of claims 19 and 20, wherein the operating parameters include a target heating temperature value of the heating part.

24. The aerosol forming device according to claim 16, wherein the operating parameters are differentiated and stored in any one or more of the process of manufacturing the control chip, the process of manufacturing the microphone sensor, and the process of manufacturing the aerosol forming device; wherein, the aerosol forming device includes any one or more of the control chip and the microphone sensor.

25. The aerosol forming device according to claim 24, wherein the operating parameters stored in the process of manufacturing the chip include: any one or more of an internal clock frequency calibration parameter of the control chip, a bandgap reference voltage calibration parameter of the control chip, and an ADC calibration parameter of the control chip; the operating parameters stored in the process of manufacturing the microphone sensor include: any one or more of an inhalation judgment threshold of the microphone sensor, an inhalation release threshold as a criterion for releasing user inhalation, an inhalation judgment and release threshold as a criterion for user inhalation and release, and a response time of the microphone sensor; the operating parameters stored in the process of manufacturing the aerosol forming device include: any one or more of a heating voltage, a heating power, and a heating current corresponding to the raw material for forming the aerosol.

26. The aerosol forming device according to claim 16, wherein the operating parameters include any one or more of an inhalation recognition threshold, an inhalation release threshold, and an inhalation recognition release threshold as a criterion for judging user inhalation.

27. The aerosol forming device according to claim 16, wherein the program signal is any one of a signal having a predetermined voltage level and a predetermined duration and a signal having a predetermined sequence.

28. The aerosol forming device according to claim 16, wherein the control chip can also work in any one of a working mode, a debugging mode, and a testing mode, when a working mode entry signal, a debugging mode entry signal, and a testing mode entry signal are provided through the program terminal, the control chip works in each mode.

29. The aerosol forming device according to claim 16, wherein the microphone sensor further includes a light emitting element and a light emitting element driving terminal for driving the light emitting element.

30. The aerosol generating device according to claim 29, wherein, the light emitting element driving terminal is connected to the program terminal.

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