Method and apparatus for detecting generation of dry puffs

Abstract

The following disclosure relates to a method for detecting the generation of dry puffs, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a user's puffs; performing, on the basis of the user's puffs, proportional integral derivation (PID) control on a heater of an aerosol generation apparatus to control the temperature of the heater; measuring, on the basis of the PID control, consumption of power supplied to the heater; and detecting whether dry puffs have been generated on the basis of preset reference power consumption and the consumption of power.

Description

Method for detecting dry puff occurrence and device therefor

[0001] The disclosure below relates to a method and device for detecting dry puff occurrence.

[0002] Demand for e-cigarettes has been steadily increasing in recent years. Furthermore, as demand for e-cigarettes grows, features related to e-cigarettes are continuously being developed. Specifically, features specific to the type and characteristics of e-cigarettes are being continuously developed.

[0003] Liquid-based e-cigarettes can provide users with the right liquid flavor through proper temperature control of the heater. Therefore, technologies that prevent dry puffs and produce appropriate vapor are needed to provide e-cigarette users with an efficient and comfortable experience.

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0005] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol.

[0006] One embodiment may provide a method for detecting a dry puff in an aerosol generating device.

[0007] However, technical challenges are not limited to the technical challenges described above, and other technical challenges may exist.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a method for detecting dry puff generation performed by an aerosol generating device may include the steps of detecting a user's puff, controlling the temperature of a heater of the aerosol generating device by PID (Proportional Integral Derivation) control based on the user's puff, measuring power consumption supplied to the heater based on the PID control, and detecting whether a dry puff has been generated based on a preset reference power consumption and the power consumption.

[0009] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device may include a sensor unit for detecting a user's puff, a heater unit for heating an aerosol generating material, and a processor, wherein the processor controls the temperature of the heater of the aerosol generating device by PID controlling the heater based on the user's puff, measures power consumption supplied to the heater based on the PID control, and detects whether a dry puff has been generated based on a preset reference power consumption and the power consumption.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for detecting a dry puff may be provided based on appropriate temperature control of a heater of an aerosol generating device.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting dry puff occurrence according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a dry puff detection method according to one embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a dry puff detection method according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining PID control according to one embodiment.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0020] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0021] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0023] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0024] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025]

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an aerosol generating device (1) may include a body (10) and a cartridge (19). The aerosol generating device (10) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), and a sensor (13). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), and the sensor (13) may be disposed inside the body (10). A cartridge (19), which is an aerosol generating article, may be mounted on the body (10). A user may inhale the aerosol by placing a mouthpiece provided at one end of the cartridge (19) in his / her mouth.

[0028] The cartridge (19) may contain an aerosol generating material in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state, within an internal chamber (C0). The aerosol generating material may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0029] The cartridge (19) can be detachably coupled to the body (10). The cartridge (19) can be mounted on the body (10) by being inserted into the body (10).

[0030] The body (10) can be formed in a structure in which outside air can be introduced into the interior of the body (10) while the cartridge (19) is inserted. At this time, the outside air introduced into the body (10) can pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0031] The cartridge (19) may include a chamber (C0) containing an aerosol generating material and / or a heater (24) for heating the aerosol generating material in the chamber (C0). A liquid delivery means (25) impregnated with (contained by) the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the chamber (C0). Here, the liquid delivery means (25) may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The electrically conductive track of the heater (24) may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that winds the liquid delivery means (25) or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means (25). The heater (24) may be referred to as a cartridge heater.

[0032] The cartridge (19) can generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery means (25) is heated by the cartridge heater (24), an aerosol can be generated. The generated aerosol can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0033] An airflow channel (CN) may be provided in the cartridge (19). The airflow channel (CN) may communicate with the chamber (C1, see FIG. 3) in which the heater (24) of the cartridge (19) is arranged and the outside of the cartridge. One end of the airflow channel (CN) may be opened to the chamber (C1) in which the heater (24) is arranged, and the other end may be communicated with the mouthpiece (35). For example, referring to FIG. 1, the airflow channel (CN) may extend in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge (19) from one side of the chamber (C0) of the cartridge (19). For example, referring to FIG. 2, the airflow channel (CN) may extend in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge (19) by penetrating the chamber (C0) of the cartridge (10).

[0034] The power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device. The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the cartridge heater (24).

[0035] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11), the sensor (13), and the cartridge (19). The control unit (12) can control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device. The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device to determine whether the aerosol generating device is in an operable state.

[0036] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) so ​​that the operation of the cartridge heater (24) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the cartridge heater (24) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0037] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a movement detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the cartridge heater (24), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor (13) may sense the movement of the aerosol generating device.

[0038]

[0039] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] An aerosol generator (1100) (e.g., the aerosol generator (1) of FIG. 1) may include a power source (1110) (e.g., the power source (11) of FIG. 1), a control unit (1120) (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIG. 1), a sensor (1130) (e.g., the sensor (13) of FIG. 1), an output unit (1140), an input unit (1150), a communication unit (1160), a memory (1170), and at least one heater (1180, 1124) (e.g., the heater (24) of FIG. 1). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator (1100) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generator (1100), some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0041] The sensor (1130) can detect the status of the aerosol generator (1100) or the status around the aerosol generator (1100) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (1120). Based on the detected information, the control unit (1120) can control the aerosol generator (1100) to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180), restricting smoking, determining whether a stick (S) and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0042] The sensor (1130) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (1131), a puff sensor (1132), an insertion detection sensor (1133), a reuse detection sensor (1134), a cartridge detection sensor (1135), a cap detection sensor (1136), and a motion detection sensor (1137).

[0043] The temperature sensor (1131) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) is heated. The aerosol generator (1100) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180), or the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0044] The temperature sensor (1131) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180). For example, the temperature sensor (1131) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor (1131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180). For example, the temperature sensor (1131) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180). At this time, the temperature sensor (1131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180).

[0045] A temperature sensor (1131) may be placed around the power source (1110) to monitor the temperature of the power source (1110). The temperature sensor (1131) may be placed adjacent to the power source (1110). For example, the temperature sensor (1131) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (1110). For example, the temperature sensor (1131) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0046] A temperature sensor (1131) is placed inside the body (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the body (10).

[0047] The puff sensor (1132) can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (1132) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (1132) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (1132) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1100) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (1132) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1100).

[0048] The insertion detection sensor (1133) can detect insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (1133) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (1133) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (1133) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick (S) according to a change in the permittivity inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (1133) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0049] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-flowing coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0050] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0051] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings, for example, the electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when a stick (S) including a wrapper made of a metallic material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the stick (S).

[0052] A reuse detection sensor (1134) can detect whether the stick (S) has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (1134) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0053] At least some of the wrappers constituting the stick (S) may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (1134) may be positioned corresponding to a position where at least some of the wrappers that change color due to the aerosol are positioned when the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick (S) is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (1100) while passing through the stick (S), the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0054] The cartridge detection sensor (1135) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (1135) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0055] The cap detection sensor (1136) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body (10), the cartridge (19) and a portion of the body (10) covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (1136) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0056] A motion detection sensor (1137) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (1137) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0057] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (1131 to 1137), the sensor (1130) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0058] The output unit (1140) can output information about the status of the aerosol generator (1100) and provide it to the user. The output unit (1140) may include at least one of a display (1141), a haptic unit (1142), and an audio output unit (1143), but is not limited thereto. When the display (1141) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (1141) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0059] The display (1141) can visually provide information about the aerosol generator (1100) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generator (1100) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (1110) of the aerosol generator (1100), the preheating status of the heater (1180), the insertion / removal status of the stick (S) and / or cartridge (19), the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generator (1100) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display (1141) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (1141) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (1141) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0060] The haptic unit (1142) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus to provide tactile information about the aerosol generator (1100) to the user. For example, the haptic unit (1142) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or heater (1180) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (1142) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0061] The acoustic output unit (1143) can provide information about the aerosol generator (1100) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (1143) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0062] The power source (1110) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator (1100). The power source (1110) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) can be heated. In addition, the power source (1110) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator (1100), such as a sensor (1130), an output unit (1140), an input unit (1150), a communication unit (1160), and a memory (1170). The power source (1110) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (1110) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] Although not shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generator (1100) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (1110) and include a switching element.

[0064] The power protection circuit can block the power supply (1110) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (1110) when the voltage level of the power supply (1110) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (1110) when the voltage level of the power supply (1110) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0065] The heater (1180) can receive power from the power source (1110) to heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the stick (S). Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1100) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power source (1110) and supplies it to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (1100) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (1100) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power source (1110) into alternating current power.

[0066] The control unit (1120), sensor (1130), output unit (1140), input unit (1150), communication unit (1160), and memory (1170) may receive power from the power source (1110) to perform functions. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the power source (1110) and supplies it to each component. In addition, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (1110) and the heater (1180). The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of a high-frequency switching current applied from the power source (1110) to the heater (1180). By using a low-pass filter, it is possible to prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to a sensor (1130), such as an insertion detection sensor (1133).

[0067] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. Furthermore, the heater (1180) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0068] In another embodiment, the heater (1180) may be an induction heater. For example, the heater (1180) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0069] The input unit (1150) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (1150) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0070] The display (1141) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted (on-cell type or in-cell type) into the display (1141). For example, the touch panel may be added-on to the display panel (141).

[0071] Meanwhile, the input unit (1150) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0072] The memory (1170) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator (1100), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (1120). The memory (1170) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (1170) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generator (1100), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0073] The communication unit (1160) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (1160) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0074] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0075] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0076] The aerosol generator (1100) further includes a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (1110) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface, such as a USB interface.

[0077] The control unit (1120) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator (1100). In one embodiment, the control unit (1120) may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0078] The control unit (1120) can control the temperature of the heater (1180) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (1110) to the heater (1180). The control unit (1120) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) sensed by the temperature sensor (1131). The control unit (1120) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180). For example, the control unit (1120) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (1170).

[0079] The aerosol generator (1100) may include a power supply circuit electrically connected to the power supply (1110) between the power supply (1110) and the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (1124), the heater (1180), or the induction coil. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (1120) may control the power supply circuit.

[0080] The control unit (1120) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (1110) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0081] The control unit (1120) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (1110) to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180). The control unit (1120) can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180). The control unit (1120) can control the current supplied from the power source (1110) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0082] The control unit (1120) can control the voltage output from the power source (1110) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (1110). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (1110). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0083] The control unit (1120) can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (1110). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source (1110). As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater (1180) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0084] The control unit (1120) can control power to be supplied to the heater (1180) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0085] For example, the control unit (1120) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (1180) using the PWM method. The control unit (1120) can control the power supplied to the heater (1180) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0086] For example, the control unit (1120) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (1120) can control the power supplied to the heater (1180) using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (1180) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0087] The control unit (1120) can prevent the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) from overheating. For example, the control unit (1120) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to stop the supply of power to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (1120) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) by a predetermined ratio based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (1120) may determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19) is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) exceeding a limit temperature, and may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (1124).

[0088] The control unit (1120) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (1110). The control unit (1120) can check the temperature of the power source (1110) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (1131).

[0089] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator (1100), the control unit (1120) can check whether the temperature of the power source (1110) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a criterion for blocking charging of the power source (1110). If the temperature of the power source (1110) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (1120) can control the power source (1110) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (1110) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (1120) can block charging of the power source (1110).

[0090] When the power of the aerosol generator (1100) is turned on, the control unit (1120) can check whether the temperature of the power source (1110) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (1110). If the temperature of the power source (1110) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (1120) can control to use the power stored in the power source (1110). If the temperature of the power source (1110) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (1120) can stop using the power stored in the power source (1110).

[0091] The control unit (1120) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (1110). For example, the control unit (1120) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (1110) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (1110).

[0092] The control unit (1120) can determine whether a stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (1133). The control unit (1120) can determine that the stick (S) is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor (1133). If it is determined that the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (1120) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180). For example, the control unit (1120) can supply power to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) based on the temperature profile stored in the memory (1170).

[0093] The control unit (1120) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (1120) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (1133). For example, the control unit (1120) can determine that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (1180) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (1180) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (1120) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180).

[0094] The control unit (1120) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (1180) according to the state of the stick (S) detected by the sensor (1130). The control unit (1120) can check the level range that includes the level of the signal of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit (1120) can determine the moisture content of the stick (S) according to the checked level range.

[0095] When the stick (S) is in an over-humidified state, the control unit (1120) can control the power supply time to the heater (1180) to increase the preheating time of the stick (S) compared to the normal state.

[0096] The control unit (1120) can determine whether the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (1134). For example, the control unit (1120) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the stick (S) has not been used. For example, the control unit (1120) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the stick (S) has been used. If it is determined that the stick (S) has been used, the control unit (1120) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180).

[0097] The control unit (1120) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (1135). For example, the control unit (1120) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0098] The control unit (1120) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. For example, the control unit (1120) can preheat the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) exceeds the limited temperature, the control unit (1120) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. If the control unit (1120) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted, the control unit (1120) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180).

[0099] The control unit (1120) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (1120) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge (19) based on data stored in the memory (1170). For example, the control unit (1120) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the total time that the heater (1124) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (1124) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0100] The control unit (1120) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (1132). For example, the control unit (1120) can determine whether a puff has been generated based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit (1120) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (1132). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (1120) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180).

[0101] The control unit (1120) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (1136). For example, the control unit (1120) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0102] The control unit (1120) can control the output unit (1140) based on the result detected by the sensor (1130). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (1132) reaches a preset number, the control unit (1120) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1100) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (1141), the haptic unit (1142), and the audio output unit (1143). For example, the control unit (1120) can notify the user through the output unit (1140) based on a determination that the stick (S) is not present in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (1120) can notify the user through the output unit (1140) based on a determination that the cartridge (19) and / or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (1120) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180) to the user through the output unit (1140).

[0103] The control unit (1120) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (1170) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events may include operations such as detection of insertion of a stick (S), initiation of heating of the stick (S), detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or heater (1180), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or heater (1180), termination of heating of the stick (S), power on / off of the aerosol generator (1100), initiation of charging of the power source (1110), detection of overcharging of the power source (1110), termination of charging of the power source (1110), etc., performed in the aerosol generator (1100). The history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of a stick (S), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (1133), etc. For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a cartridge heater (1124) and / or a heater (1180), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180), the current flowing through the cartridge heater (1124) and / or the heater (1180), etc.

[0104] The control unit (1120) may control to establish a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data regarding authentication from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (1120) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator (1100). Here, the data regarding authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and may receive data regarding the use authorization of the aerosol generator (1100) from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator (1100) based on the data regarding the use authorization. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (1120) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator (1100). For example, the control unit (1120) may release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (1180) when user authentication is completed.

[0105] The control unit (1120) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generator (1100) to an external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity, operation mode, etc. of the power supply (1110) of the aerosol generator (1100) via a display of the external device.

[0106] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator (1100) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generator (1100). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (1120) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (1142) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (1141) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0107] The control unit (1120) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generator (1100) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generator (1100). The control unit (1120) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generator (1100) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0108] The control unit (1120) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (1130) to an external server through the communication unit (1160), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (1120) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc. using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (1120) can store, in the memory (1170), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (1130) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (1170) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (1100) for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming an artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (1120) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor (1130), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory (1170), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0109]

[0110] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting dry puff occurrence according to one embodiment.

[0111] For convenience of explanation, operations 1210 to 1240 are described as being performed using an aerosol generating device (1, 1100) in FIGS. 1 to 3. However, operations 1210 to 1240 may be utilized via any other suitable electronic device and within any suitable system.

[0112] Furthermore, the operations of FIG. 4 can be performed in the order and manner illustrated, but the order of some operations may be changed or some operations may be omitted without departing from the spirit and scope of the illustrated embodiment. Multiple operations illustrated in FIG. 4 may be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Furthermore, the descriptions made with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 may be equally applicable to FIG. 4, and any overlapping content may be omitted.

[0113] If the heater of an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 or the aerosol generating device (1100) of FIG. 3) does not supply the aerosol generating material normally while the user is smoking, a dry puff may occur. If a dry puff occurs, the user may experience a taste or a burning smell while smoking. For example, a dry puff may occur when the heater of the aerosol generating device overheats, or when the residue of the aerosol generating material burns or evaporates. For example, a dry puff may occur when the user inhales the aerosol too strongly, or when the heater does not generate enough aerosol compared to the user's inhalation force.

[0114] In operation 1210, the aerosol generating device can detect a puff from a user. For example, the puff sensor of the aerosol generating device may include a pressure sensor, and the aerosol generating device can detect the user's puff by sensing a pressure change due to a change in airflow caused by the user's puff using the pressure sensor. The puff sensor can output the detected user's puff as a signal and transmit it to the control unit (or processor) of the aerosol generating device.

[0115] In operation 1220, the aerosol generating device may control the temperature of the heater (e.g., heaters 1124 and 1180 of FIG. 3) of the aerosol generating device by performing PID (Proportional Integral Derivation) control based on the user's puff. PID control may be a control method that adjusts an actual output value to a desired target value (set-point) to maintain it as close to the target value as possible. A method for controlling the temperature of the heater through PID control may be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8, which will be described later.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can measure the current resistance value of the heater using a circuit connected to the heater, and determine the current temperature of the heater based on the measured resistance value. The aerosol generating device can control the power supplied to the heater based on the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature. The power supplied to the heater can be determined by PID control.

[0117] In operation 1230, the aerosol generating device may measure the power consumption supplied to the heater based on PID control. For example, the aerosol generating device may measure the power consumption by measuring the power (or watts) supplied to heat the heater over a certain period of time.

[0118] In operation 1240, the aerosol generating device can detect whether a dry puff has been generated based on a preset reference power consumption and power consumption.

[0119] A preset reference power consumption (e.g., W1) can be set to correspond to the power consumed by the heater when heating the aerosol generating material.

[0120] The preset reference power consumption is the power consumption for the aerosol generating device to detect a dry puff, and the preset reference power consumption may be set to a power value lower than the power value normally supplied to and consumed by the heater when heating an aerosol generating material. In other words, the closer the preset reference power consumption value is to the power value consumed by the heater when heating an aerosol generating material, the more sensitively the aerosol generating device can detect a dry puff.

[0121] For example, when the cartridge is full of an aerosol generating substance, the power consumed per puff by the user may be 1 W. In this case, the aerosol generating device may set a preset reference power consumption to 0.8 W. As another example, if the power consumed when the user puffs 15 times is 20 W, the preset reference power consumption may be 16 W. The preset reference power consumption may be set based on at least one of the type of the aerosol generating substance and the type of the heater (e.g., the constituent material of the coil, the performance of the coil, etc.). In addition, the preset reference power consumption is not limited to the described embodiments, and may be set in various ways in consideration of errors depending on the user's puff environment.

[0122] According to one embodiment, a method for detecting whether a dry puff has been generated by an aerosol generating device may be a method of comparing power consumption with a preset reference power consumption. The aerosol generating device may determine that a dry puff has been generated if the power consumption supplied to the heater is lower than the preset reference power consumption.

[0123] For example, a dry puff is a problem that occurs when the aerosol generating device heats the heater when there is a shortage of aerosol generating material in the cartridge (e.g., cartridge (19) of FIG. 1) or when the heater is overheated, and the power consumption supplied to the heater can be measured to be less than or equal to a preset reference power consumption. For example, if there is a shortage of aerosol generating material in the cartridge of the aerosol generating device, the heater will heat up quickly because there is no material to heat, and thus the power consumption supplied to the heater that is insufficient in the aerosol generating material can be measured to be less than the power consumption supplied to the heater that normally heats the aerosol generating material. In other words, the heater can heat up more quickly to reach the target temperature, and thus the power consumption supplied to the heater can be measured to be less than or equal to the preset reference power consumption. At this time, the aerosol generating device can detect that a dry puff has occurred.

[0124]

[0125] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a dry puff detection method according to one embodiment.

[0126] The description referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 can be equally applied to FIG. 13, and overlapping content can be omitted.

[0127] Actions 1310 to 1360 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 or the aerosol generating device (1100) of FIG. 3).

[0128] At step 1310, the aerosol generating device can detect an inhalation (or puff) from the user.

[0129] In operation 1320, the aerosol generating device that detects the user's inhalation may control the temperature of a heater (e.g., heater (1124, 1180) of FIG. 3) based on PID control. At this time, the aerosol generating device may supply power to the heater so that the heater tracks the target temperature.

[0130] In operation 1330, the aerosol generating device may calculate the cumulative power consumption (e.g., W2) supplied to the heater over a preset period of time. That is, the aerosol generating device may measure power consumption by accumulating the power supplied to the heater over a preset period of time. The preset period may be any time from the time the user begins inhaling and power is supplied to the heater. For example, assuming the preset period of time is 2 seconds, the aerosol generating device may calculate the cumulative power consumption supplied to the heater over a 2-second period.

[0131] In operation 1340, the aerosol generating device may compare the preset reference power consumption with the accumulated power consumption. As in the examples described above, if the preset reference power consumption is 0.8 W and the accumulated power consumption supplied to the heater for 2 seconds is 1.2 W, the aerosol generating device may determine that a dry puff has not been generated. The fact that the accumulated power consumption (W2) supplied to the heater is 1.2 W may mean that the heater normally heats the aerosol generating material and generates the aerosol. In other words, if the aerosol generating material is insufficient, the heater may heat abnormally and reach the target temperature with less power, and the heater that has reached the target temperature may consume less power for 2 seconds because it requires less additional power to maintain the temperature. In the example described above, if the accumulated power consumption supplied to the heater for 2 seconds is 0.6 W, the aerosol generating device may detect that a dry puff has been generated.

[0132] In operation 1350, if the preset reference power consumption is less than the accumulated power consumption, the aerosol generating device may perform a standby mode operation for the user's inhalation. At this time, if the user's inhalation is detected, the aerosol generating device may perform the aforementioned operations 1310 to 1340 again. On the other hand, if the user's inhalation is not detected for a certain period of time (e.g., 5 seconds), the aerosol generating device may exit the standby mode and stop heating the heater.

[0133] In operation 1360, if the preset reference power consumption is greater than the accumulated power consumption, the aerosol generating device may notify the user of a shortage of aerosol generating material. Additionally, the aerosol generating device may stop heating the heater.

[0134]

[0135] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a dry puff detection method according to one embodiment.

[0136] The description referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 can be equally applied to FIG. 6, and overlapping content can be omitted.

[0137] Actions 1410 to 1460 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 or the aerosol generating device (1100) of FIG. 3).

[0138] At step 1410, the aerosol generating device can detect an inhalation (or puff) from the user.

[0139] In operation 1420, the aerosol generating device that detects the user's inhalation can control the temperature of a heater (e.g., heater (1124, 1180) of FIG. 3) based on PID control.

[0140] At operation 1430, the aerosol generating device may calculate power consumption (e.g., W3) based on the time it takes for the user to puff on the heater. That is, the aerosol generating device may measure power consumption by accumulating the power supplied to the heater over the time it takes for the user to puff. The time it takes for the user to puff may be the time from the time the user begins inhaling and power is supplied to the heater until the user ends inhaling.

[0141] At operation 1440, the aerosol generating device may perform a standby mode operation for the user's inhalation. In the standby mode, the aerosol generating device may repeat operations 1410 to 1430 described above upon detecting the user's inhalation. Alternatively, if the aerosol generating device determines that the user has finished inhaling after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 seconds) in the standby mode, the aerosol generating device may switch to an operation for detecting the generation of a dry puff.

[0142] At step 1450, the aerosol generating device can detect whether a dry puff has been generated by comparing the power consumption with a preset reference power consumption. At this time, the preset reference power consumption may be set differently depending on the number of puffs the user takes and the time required per puff.

[0143] For example, assume that the user took 15 puffs from the time the user started inhaling to the time the user finished inhaling, and each puff took 2 seconds. In this case, the power consumption based on the time taken by the user to puff can be measured as 20 W. The aerosol generating device can determine a preset reference power consumption for the user to take 15 puffs and take 2 seconds per puff as 16 W. Since the preset reference power consumption is less than the power consumption, the aerosol generating device can determine that no dry puff was generated.

[0144] On the other hand, if the aerosol generating device lacks aerosol generating material, the power consumption required to heat the heater may be reduced based on the time taken by the user to puff. As in the example described above, it is assumed that the user puffs 15 times from the time the user starts inhaling to the time the user ends inhaling, and each puff takes 2 seconds. In this case, the power consumption based on the time taken by the user to puff can be measured as 10 W. Since the aerosol generating device has a preset reference power consumption greater than the power consumption, the aerosol generating device can detect the generation of a dry puff.

[0145] In operation 1460, if the preset reference power exceeds the consumed power, the aerosol generating device may notify the user of a shortage of aerosol generating material. Additionally, the aerosol generating device may stop heating the heater.

[0146]

[0147] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device (1100) according to one embodiment.

[0148] According to one embodiment, operations 1510 and 1520 below may be performed after operation 1240 described above with reference to FIG. 4 is performed. Operations 1510 and 1520 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 or the aerosol generating device (1100) of FIG. 3).

[0149] In operation 1510, if it is determined that a dry puff has been generated, the aerosol generating device may output a notification indicating that the aerosol generating material of the aerosol generating device is insufficient. Additionally, if it is determined that a dry puff has been generated, the aerosol generating device may cut off power supply to the heater.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can output a notification of a shortage of aerosol generating material through an output portion (e.g., output portion (1140) of FIG. 11).

[0151] For example, the aerosol generating device may display a message corresponding to the notification using a display (e.g., display (1141) of FIG. 3). For example, the aerosol generating device may output a message such as "Liquid is low," "Liquid is completely used up," or "Please replace the liquid" using the display (1141).

[0152] For example, the aerosol generating device may output a notification as a vibration using a haptic unit (e.g., the haptic unit (1142) of FIG. 3) (or a haptic device). For example, the aerosol generating device may output a notification using the haptic unit (1142) by vibrating for 3 seconds or vibrating quickly 3 times.

[0153] For example, the aerosol generating device may output a sound corresponding to the notification using an audio output unit (e.g., audio output unit (1143) of FIG. 3) (or audio output device). For example, the aerosol generating device may output a notification using a voice message such as "Liquid is low" or "Liquid has been completely used up" or a non-verbal sound such as a warning sound using the audio output unit (1143).

[0154] In operation 1520, the aerosol generating device may cut off power to the heater if it determines that a dry puff has been generated. If a dry puff is detected, the heater may overheat or the aerosol generating device may malfunction. Therefore, the aerosol generating device may cut off power to the heater along with a notification indicating a lack of aerosol generating material, thereby preventing the user from inhaling any further.

[0155]

[0156] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining PID control according to one embodiment.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 8, one can see the difference between a graph (1610) for the temperature of a heater when the temperature of a heater (e.g., heaters (1124, 1180) of FIG. 3) is controlled without PID control and a graph (1620) for the temperature of a heater when the temperature of the heater is controlled using PID control. PID control is one of the methods used in a control system that uses feedback on results, and can have three components: proportional, integral, and derivative control for the error between a target value and a current value.

[0158] Proportional control can mean proportional to the current error (the difference between the target temperature and the actual temperature). If the error is large, the proportional control signal will also increase, causing the system to respond more strongly. For example, if the current temperature is significantly lower than the target temperature, the heater may operate more strongly. Conversely, if the error is small, the control signal will also decrease, reducing the system's response. Proportional control can enable a PID control system to respond more quickly.

[0159] Integral control can involve considering how errors accumulate over time. Integral control can be effective when small errors persist and accumulate. For example, if a PID control system is gradually falling short of the target temperature, integral control can gradually adjust the error so that the PID control system reaches the target temperature accurately.

[0160] Derivative control can take into account the rate of change in error. Derivative control can predict and adjust the future behavior of a PID control system. For example, when temperature suddenly rises or falls significantly, derivative control can stabilize the system by responding to rapid changes. Derivative control can also improve stability by preventing the system from overreacting.

[0161] In graph (1610), when the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1100) of FIG. 3) does not perform PID control on the heater, it can be seen that the observed value of the temperature sensor fluctuates with respect to the target temperature. That is, it can be seen that the heater reaches the target temperature and then decreases again, so that the heater temperature cannot be maintained constant. Therefore, the duty cycle may continue to occur, so that the aerosol generating device may have to activate the heater for a longer period of time. In this case, carbonization (accumulation of residual substances on the surface or inside of the heater) may occur on the heater, shortening the lifespan of the heater and reducing its efficiency.

[0162] In graph (1620), when the aerosol generator performs PID control on the heater, it can be confirmed that the heater temperature observation value of the temperature sensor remains similar to the target temperature. In other words, since the duty cycle does not occur continuously, the temperature of the aerosol generator can be maintained without overheating the heater. In this case, the heater is not exposed to continuous overvoltage or overcurrent, thereby maintaining its efficiency and extending its lifespan.

[0163]

[0164] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of the program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiment, and vice versa.

[0165] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may, independently or collectively, command the processing device. The software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave, for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0166] Although the embodiments described above have been described with limited drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various technical modifications and variations can be applied based on the above. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0167] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. In a method for detecting dry puff generation performed by an aerosol generating device, Step of detecting the user's puff; A step of controlling the temperature of the heater of the aerosol generating device by PID (Proportional Integral Derivation) control based on the puff of the user; A step of measuring the power consumption supplied to the heater based on the PID control; and A step of detecting whether a dry puff has occurred based on a preset reference power consumption and the above power consumption. A method for detecting dry puff occurrence, comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The step of measuring the above power consumption is: A step of measuring the power consumption by accumulating the power supplied to the heater for a preset period of time. A method for detecting dry puff occurrence, comprising:

3. In paragraph 1, The step of measuring the above power consumption is: A step of measuring the power consumption based on the time taken for the user's puff A method for detecting dry puff occurrence, comprising:

4. In paragraph 1, The above standard power consumption is A method for detecting dry puff generation, wherein the heater is set in response to the power consumed when heating an aerosol generating material.

5. In paragraph 4, The above standard power consumption is A method for detecting dry puff generation, the power being determined based on at least one of the type of aerosol generating material used in the aerosol generating device and the type of the heater.

6. In paragraph 1, The step of detecting whether the above dry puff has occurred is as follows: A step of determining that the dry puff has occurred when the above power consumption is less than or equal to the reference power consumption. A method for detecting dry puff occurrence, comprising:

7. In paragraph 1, A step of outputting a notification that the aerosol generating material of the aerosol generating device is insufficient when the above dry puff is determined to have occurred. A method for detecting the occurrence of dry puff, further comprising:

8. In paragraph 1, If it is determined that the above dry puff has occurred, a step of stopping the power supply to the heater A method for detecting the occurrence of dry puff, further comprising:

9. In paragraph 7, The step of outputting a notification that the above aerosol generating material is insufficient is: A step of displaying a message corresponding to the notification using the display of the aerosol generating device, outputting the notification as a vibration using the haptic part of the aerosol generating device, or outputting a sound corresponding to the notification using the sound output part of the aerosol generating device. A method for detecting dry puff occurrence, comprising:

10. A computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium to execute the method of claim 1 in combination with hardware.

11. In the aerosol generating device, A sensor unit that detects the user's puff; a heater section for heating an aerosol generating material; and processor Including, The above processor, Based on the user's puff, the temperature of the heater of the aerosol generating device is controlled by PID control, Based on the above PID control, the power consumption supplied to the heater is measured, Detecting whether a dry puff has occurred based on a preset reference power consumption and the above power consumption. Aerosol generating device.

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