Aerosol-generating apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is an aerosol-generating apparatus. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure comprises: a body providing an insertion space; an optical sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space; and a control unit for calibrating the optical sensor on the basis of color information output from the optical sensor, wherein the control unit may compare the color information output from the optical sensor, with a preset sensing range, and determine the intensity of light output from the optical sensor such that the color information output from the optical sensor is included in the sensing range.

Description

Aerosol generator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

[0002] An aerosol generator is designed to extract a specific component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain various components. The components contained in the medium may be flavoring substances of various components. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal ingredients, and / or coffee ingredients. Recently, extensive research has been conducted on such aerosol generators.

[0003] In an aerosol generating device equipped with an optical sensor, the optical sensor can detect a stick or cartridge, etc., accommodated in the device. The optical sensor can continuously emit light for sensing. The optical sensor can be continuously exposed to heat generated during the aerosol generating process.

[0004] Continuous exposure to light and heat can cause optical sensors to age. For example, discoloration or staining may occur. This can reduce the sensitivity of the optical sensor and prevent it from accurately detecting objects like sticks or cartridges.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0006] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that calibrates the output light intensity of an optical sensor so that color information output by the optical sensor falls within a set sensing range.

[0007] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that calibrates the output light intensity of the optical sensor so that the output light intensity of the optical sensor is maximized within a range where the color information output by the optical sensor is equal to or less than the upper limit of the sensing range.

[0008] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device that calibrates the output light intensity so that each of the plurality of color light quantity information output by the optical sensor is equal to or less than the upper limit of the sensing range.

[0009] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device that calibrates the output light intensity based on color information output by an optical sensor corresponding to light reflected from each of a plurality of sticks having different reflectances.

[0010] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device that identifies the type of stick received in the device based on a ratio between light quantity information of multiple colors output by an optical sensor.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, there is provided an aerosol generating device including: a body providing an insertion space; an optical sensor arranged adjacent to the insertion space; and a control unit calibrating the optical sensor based on color information output by the optical sensor, wherein the control unit compares the color information output by the optical sensor with a preset sensing range and determines the intensity of output light of the optical sensor so that the color information output by the optical sensor falls within the sensing range.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing accuracy of the optical sensor can be improved by calibrating the output light intensity of the optical sensor so that the color information output by the optical sensor falls within a set sensing range.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by calibrating the output light intensity of the optical sensor so that the output light intensity of the optical sensor is maximized within a range where the color information output by the optical sensor is equal to or less than the upper limit of the sensing range, the sensitivity of the optical sensor can be prevented from deteriorating and the lifespan of the optical sensor can be increased.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing accuracy of the optical sensor can be improved by calibrating the output light intensity based on color information output by the optical sensor corresponding to light reflected from each of a plurality of sticks having different reflectances.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a stick accommodated in a device can be accurately identified by identifying the type of stick accommodated in the device based on a ratio between light quantity information of multiple colors output by an optical sensor.

[0016] Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

[0017] FIGS. 1 to 4 are drawings illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 5 and 6 are drawings illustrating an optical sensor included in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing optical sensor calibration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are graphs showing calibration of an optical sensor by taking into account multiple color information in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a graph showing calibration of an optical sensor by taking into account color information of a plurality of sticks in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a graph showing calibration of an optical sensor in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when a stick is not inserted.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a graph showing a decrease in sensor sensitivity depending on the presence or absence of optical sensor calibration in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] 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 assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0026] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description may be assigned or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of writing the specification. "Module" and "part" do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0027] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of 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 understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings. It should be understood that the attached drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components. However, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0029] 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, although it should be understood 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.

[0030] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] Throughout this specification, the direction of the aerosol generator (1) may be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generator (1). The y-axis direction may be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generator (1). The z-axis direction may be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generator (1).

[0032] Throughout this specification, "upstream" and "downstream" may be determined based on the direction of airflow that causes the generated aerosol to be inhaled into the user's mouth or lungs when the user inhales. For example, in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the generated aerosol flows from the portion of the stick (S) that is inserted into the aerosol generating device to the portion that is not inserted, so the portion of the stick (S) that is inserted into the aerosol generating device is located upstream of the portion that is not inserted. "Upstream" and "downstream" may be determined relative to each other between components.

[0033]

[0034] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), and a heater (18). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device. The body (10) may provide an insertion space (43) that is opened upward so that a stick (S), which is an aerosol generating article, may be inserted. The insertion space (43) may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the body (10) by a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick (S) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space (43) may correspond to the length of a region of the stick (S) containing an aerosol generating material and / or a medium. The lower end of the stick (S) may be inserted into the inside of the body (10), and the upper end of the stick (S) may protrude outside the body (10). The user can inhale air by placing the top of the stick (S) exposed to the outside in his mouth.

[0036] The heater (18) can heat the stick (S). The heater (18) can extend upwardly around the space where the stick (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) can be in the form of a tube having a hollow space therein. The heater (18) can be arranged around the insertion space (43). The heater (18) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space (43). The heater (18) can heat the insertion space (43) or the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space (43). The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0037] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the heater (18) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (18) may be electrically connected to a power source (11). The heater (18) may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0038] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device may include an induction coil (181) surrounding a heater (18). The induction coil (181) may heat the heater (18). The heater (18) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (181). The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (18) and generate an eddy current within the heater (18). The current may generate heat in the heater (18).

[0039] Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included inside the stick (S), and the susceptor inside the stick (S) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (181).

[0040] Meanwhile, the heater (18) may extend upwardly in a space where the stick (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (18) may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater (18) may be inserted into the lower portion of the stick (S).

[0041] The power source (11) can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator to operate. 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 heater (18). When the aerosol generator (1) includes an induction coil (181), the power source (11) can supply power to the induction coil (181).

[0042] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit (12) can be mounted on a printed circuit board. The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11) and the sensor (13). The control unit (12) can control the operation of a display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generator. The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator to determine whether the aerosol generator is in an operable state.

[0043] 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 heater (18) so that the operation of the heater (18) 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 heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0044] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (18), 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 stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space (43).

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), a heater (18), and a cartridge (19). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device. The body (10) may provide an insertion space (43) that is opened upward so that a stick (S), which is an aerosol generating product, may be inserted. The lower end of the stick (S) may be inserted into the body (10), and the upper end of the stick (S) may protrude outside the body (10). A user may hold the upper end of the stick (S), which is exposed to the outside, in his / her mouth and inhale air.

[0046] The heater (18) can heat the stick (S). The heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0047] For example, the heater (18) may be a resistive heater. For example, the aerosol generator (1) may include an induction coil surrounding the heater (18). The induction coil may heat the heater (18). Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included inside the stick (S), and the susceptor inside the stick (S) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil.

[0048] The cartridge (19) may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing substance including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco substance.

[0049] The cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the body (10) or may be detachably coupled to the body (10).

[0050] For example, referring to FIG. 3, the cartridge (19) is formed integrally with the body (10) and can communicate with the insertion space through an airflow channel (CN).

[0051] For example, referring to FIG. 4, a space is formed on one side of the body (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) is inserted into the space formed on one side of the body (10) so that the cartridge (19) can be mounted on the body (10). The airflow channel (CN) can be defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the body (10), and the cartridge (19) can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN).

[0052] The body (10) can be formed in a structure in which outside air can flow into the interior of the body (10) while the cartridge (19) is inserted. At this time, the outside air flowing into the body (10) can pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the user's oral cavity.

[0053] The cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material and / or a heater (24) for heating the aerosol generating material in the storage portion (C0). A liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the storage portion (C0). Here, the liquid delivery means 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 or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. The heater (24) may be referred to as a cartridge heater.

[0054] The cartridge (19) can generate an aerosol. The aerosol can be generated as the liquid delivery means is heated by the cartridge heater (24). The aerosol can be generated by heating the stick (S) by the heater (18). Tobacco material can be added to the aerosol while the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) and the heater (18) passes through the stick (S), and the aerosol added with the tobacco material can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick (S).

[0055] The aerosol generator (1) may be equipped with only a cartridge heater (24) and the body (10) may not be equipped with a heater (18). In this case, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) may pass through the stick (S) and be mixed with tobacco material and inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0056] The aerosol generator (1) may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably coupled to the body (10) so as to cover at least a portion of a cartridge (19) coupled to the body (10). A stick (S) may be inserted into the body (10) through the cap.

[0057] The power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generator. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), the cartridge heater (24), and the heater (18). When the aerosol generator (1) includes an induction coil, the power source (11) can supply power to the induction coil.

[0058] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power source (11), sensor (13), heater (18), and cartridge (19).

[0059] 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) and / or the heater (18) so that the operation of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) 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 / or the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0060] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether a cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether a cap is mounted.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 together, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an optical sensor (138). The optical sensor (138) may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space (43). The optical sensor (138) may face the insertion space (43). The optical sensor (138) may emit light toward the insertion space (43) and receive light that is at least a portion of the emitted light reflected. The optical sensor (138) may obtain information about color from the received light. The control unit (12) may be electrically connected to the optical sensor (138). The control unit (12) may identify whether a stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space (43) and at least one of the types of the inserted stick (S) based on a signal output by the optical sensor (138).

[0062]

[0063] FIGS. 5 and 6 are drawings illustrating an optical sensor included in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 5, a stick (S) can be received or inserted into an insertion space (43). The stick (S) can include a display portion (41). The display portion (41) can be formed on the outer surface or wrapper of the stick (S). The display portion (41) can be printed on a portion of the outer surface or wrapper, or can be printed to extend along the circumference of the outer surface or wrapper. The display portion (41) can be located on the surface of at least a portion of a portion of the stick (S) that is inserted into the insertion space (43). The display portion (41) can have different light reflectances depending on the type of the stick (S). For example, the light reflectances for R, G, and B of the display portion of a first stick can be different from the light reflectances for R, G, and B of the display portion of a second stick that is different from the first stick.

[0065] The aerosol generating device (1) may include an optical sensor (138). The optical sensor (138) may include a light emitting portion (1381) and a light receiving portion (1382). The light emitting portion (1381) may emit light toward the insertion space (43). The light emitting portion (1381) may emit any one of ultraviolet light, infrared light, and white light. The light emitting portion (1381) may be an LED. The light emitting portion (1381) may be referred to as a light source. The light emitted from the light emitting portion (1381) may be reflected on the insertion space (43) and / or the stick (S) accommodated in the insertion space (43).

[0066] The reflected light can reach the light receiving unit (1382). The light receiving unit (1382) can detect the light reflected from an object. The light receiving unit (1382) can be a photodiode. The light receiving unit (1382) can obtain information about color (hereinafter, color information) from the detected light. The light receiving unit (1382) can output color information corresponding to the color of the detected light.

[0067] The light receiving unit (1382) can receive light reflected from the stick (S) when the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space (43) and output color information corresponding to the color of the received light. The light receiving unit (1382) can receive light reflected from the insertion space (43) when the stick (S) is not inserted into the insertion space (43) and output color information corresponding to the color of the received light. The color information can include light quantity values ​​or gray level values ​​corresponding to multiple colors. The light receiving unit (1382) can output light quantity values ​​or gray level values ​​corresponding to the color of the detected light. For example, the light receiving unit (1382) can output Red, Green, and Blue values ​​corresponding to the color of the detected light.

[0068] The luminous intensity value or gray level can be expressed in 16 bits. The luminous intensity value or gray level value can have any value from 0 to 65535. The luminous intensity value or gray level value can have any value from -32768 to 32767. However, the luminous intensity value or gray level value may vary depending on the resolution of the sensor required in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0069] A body (10) or an optical sensor (138) may be provided with a lens (101). The lens (101) may cover a light-emitting portion (1381) and a light-receiving portion (1382). The light-emitting portion (1381) and the light-receiving portion (1382) may be arranged in parallel along a direction in which the insertion space (43) extends. The lens (101) may be arranged between the light-emitting portion (1381), the light-receiving portion (1382), and the insertion space (43). The lens (101) may transmit light emitted from the light-emitting portion (1381). The lens (101) may transmit light reflected from an object to the light-receiving portion (1382).

[0070] The control unit (12) can identify the stick (S) accommodated in the insertion space (43) based on the color information output from the optical sensor (138). The color information output from the optical sensor (138) can include light quantity values ​​corresponding to a plurality of colors. The control unit (12) can determine the relative ratio between the light quantity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of colors based on the color information, and identify the stick (S) accommodated in the insertion space (43) based on the determined ratio.

[0071] The stick (S) may include a plurality of sticks each having a different reflectivity for a plurality of colors. For example, the stick (S) may include a first stick, a second stick, and a third stick each having a different reflectivity for a plurality of colors included in the color information (see FIG. 10). The first stick may have high reflectivity in the order of blue, red, and green. The second stick may have high reflectivity in the order of green, blue, and red. The third stick may have high reflectivity in the order of blue, green, and red. The first to third sticks may have different ratios of the red light quantity value to the green light quantity value and the blue light quantity value to the green light quantity value from the other sticks based on the reflected light quantity value.

[0072] The control unit (12) can identify the type of stick to be accommodated in the insertion space (43) among a plurality of sticks based on the determined ratio. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) based on the type of the identified stick.

[0073] Accordingly, the sticks accepted by the device can be accurately identified.

[0074]

[0075] Referring to Fig. 6, the light source (1381) of the optical sensor (138) can repeatedly emit light for sensing. During the process of generating an aerosol, the optical sensor (138) can be continuously exposed to heat generated from the heater (18), heat emitted from the stick (S), and high-temperature aerosol flowing within the insertion space (43).

[0076] Due to continuous exposure to light and heat, the optical sensor (138) may deteriorate. For example, discoloration or staining may occur in at least a portion (102) of the lens (101). Accordingly, the sensitivity of the optical sensor (138) may deteriorate, and the optical sensor (138) may not be able to accurately detect a stick (S), etc.

[0077] In an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by adjusting the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) based on the color information output by the optical sensor (138), a decrease in the sensitivity of the optical sensor (138) can be prevented or minimized. With regard to the adjustment of the output light intensity of the optical sensor (138), its features will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12.

[0078]

[0079] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating optical sensor calibration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are graphs illustrating calibration of an optical sensor in consideration of a plurality of color information in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the graph on the left illustrates color information output from the optical sensor (138) before calibration is performed, and the graph on the right illustrates color information output from the optical sensor (138) after calibration is performed.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (12) can calibrate the optical sensor (138) based on the color information output by the optical sensor (138). The control unit (12) can compare the color information output by the optical sensor (138) with a preset sensing range. The control unit (12) can determine the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) so that the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is included in the preset sensing range.

[0081] The control unit (12) can receive color information output by the optical sensor (138) (S710). The optical sensor (138) can receive light reflected by the stick (S) accommodated in the insertion space (43) and output color information corresponding thereto. The control unit (12) can receive color information output corresponding to the light reflected by the stick (S).

[0082] The control unit (12) can compare the color information output by the optical sensor (138) with a preset sensing range. The light receiving unit (1382) of the optical sensor (138) can detect light having a light quantity within a certain range. The sensing range can be set to be smaller than a range defined between the minimum value and the maximum value of the light quantity value output by the light receiving unit (1382) or a range defined between the minimum value and the maximum value of the gray level output by the light receiving unit (1382). For example, the upper limit (UL1) of the sensing range can be set to be smaller by a certain value than the maximum value of the light quantity value output by the light receiving unit (1382) or the maximum value of the gray level. For example, the lower limit of the sensing range can be set to be larger by a certain value than the minimum value of the light quantity value output by the light receiving unit (1382) or the minimum value of the gray level. The control unit (12) can compare the color information output by the optical sensor (138) with the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range.

[0083] The control unit (12) can determine the intensity of the output light so that the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) is maximized within a range where the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is equal to or less than the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range.

[0084] If the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is equal to the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range ("Yes" of S720), the control unit (12) may not change the output light intensity of the optical sensor (138). The optical sensor (138) may emit light with the current output light intensity and receive reflected light to output color information.

[0085] If the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is smaller than the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range (“Yes” in S730), the control unit (12) can control the optical sensor (138) so that the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) increases (S740).

[0086] Referring to Fig. 8, the color information output from the optical sensor (138) may include light quantity values ​​or gray level values ​​corresponding to multiple colors. For example, the color information may include light quantity values ​​(R1, G1, B1) corresponding to red, green, and blue colors. The control unit (12) may compare each of the multiple light quantity values ​​(R1, G1, B1) included in the color information with the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range.

[0087] The control unit (12) can identify the largest value (G1 in FIG. 8) among a plurality of light quantity values ​​(R1, G1, B1). The control unit (12) can control the optical sensor (138) to increase the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) based on the fact that the identified largest value (G1) is smaller than the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range. The control unit (12) can determine the difference (LD) between the largest value (G1) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R1, G1, B1) and the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range, and increase the intensity of the output light in proportion to the determined difference (LD).

[0088] For example, the control unit (12) can increase the intensity of the output light by a certain amount based on the determined difference (LD). The intensity of the light output from the light source (1381) of the optical sensor (138) can be determined based on the input PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal. The intensity of the output light can increase as the duty ratio of the input PWM signal increases, and the intensity can decrease as the duty ratio of the input PWM signal decreases. The control unit (12) can determine the duty ratio of the PWM signal so that the intensity of the output light increases by a certain amount. The control unit (12) can change the intensity of the light output from the light source (1381) of the optical sensor (138) based on the determined duty ratio. The control unit (12) can receive color information output by the optical sensor (138) (S710), compare the color information output by the optical sensor (138) with the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range, and repeat the process of changing the intensity of the output light.

[0089] For example, the control unit (12) can increase the intensity of the output light so that the largest value (G1) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R1, G1, B1) can increase by the determined difference (LD). The control unit (12) can determine the duty ratio of the PWM signal in proportion to the determined difference (LD). In the memory (17, see FIG. 13), information on the increase in the light quantity value or gray level value corresponding to the plurality of colors output from the optical sensor (138) according to the increase in the intensity of the output light can be stored. The control unit (12) can control the optical sensor (138) so that the intensity of the output light increases based on the information stored in the memory (17). The control unit (12) can increase the duty ratio of the PWM signal so that the intensity of the output light can increase by the determined difference (LD).

[0090] After calibration is performed, the color information output by the optical sensor (138) may be equal to the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range. Among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R1', G1', B1') included in the color information output by the optical sensor (138) after calibration is performed, the largest value (G1') may be equal to the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range.

[0091] If the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is greater than the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range (“No” in S730), the control unit (12) can control the optical sensor (138) so that the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) is reduced (S740).

[0092] Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (12) can compare each of the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R2, G2, B2) included in the color information with the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range. The control unit (12) can identify the largest value (G2 in FIG. 9) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R2, G2, B2). The control unit (12) can control the optical sensor (138) to reduce the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) based on the fact that the identified largest value (G2) is greater than the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range. The control unit (12) can determine the difference (LD) between the largest value (G2) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R2, G2, B2) and the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range, and reduce the intensity of the output light in proportion to the determined difference (LD).

[0093] After calibration is performed, the color information output by the optical sensor (138) may be equal to the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range. Among the multiple light quantity values ​​(R2', G2', B2') included in the color information output by the optical sensor (138) after calibration is performed, the largest value (G2') may be equal to the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range.

[0094] If the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is greater than the upper limit (UL1) of the sensing range, the color information may be distorted due to sensor noise of the optical sensor (138). On the other hand, if the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is smaller than the upper limit (UL1) of the sensing range by a certain level or more, as the optical sensor (138) ages, the color information output by the optical sensor (138) may become smaller than the lower limit (LL, see FIG. 12) of the sensing range. In this case, the color information output by the optical sensor (138) may not accurately reflect the unique light quantity value ratio of each stick (S).

[0095] In an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing accuracy of the optical sensor can be improved by adjusting the intensity of the output light so that the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is equal to or less than the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range. In addition, the sensitivity of the optical sensor can be prevented from deteriorating, and the lifespan of the optical sensor can be extended.

[0096]

[0097] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating calibration of an optical sensor by considering color information of a plurality of sticks in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 10, the graph on the left illustrates color information output from the optical sensor (138) before calibration is performed, and the graph on the right illustrates color information output from the optical sensor (138) after calibration is performed.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 10 together with FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device (1) can identify various types of sticks (S). The sticks (S) may include a plurality of sticks having different reflectances for each of a plurality of colors included in the color information. The control unit (12) can determine the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor (138) corresponding to the light reflected from each of the plurality of sticks.

[0099] For example, the stick (S) may include a first stick, a second stick, and a third stick, each having different reflectances for a plurality of colors included in the color information. The first stick may have high reflectances in the order of blue, red, and green. The second stick may have high reflectances in the order of green, blue, and red. The third stick may have high reflectances in the order of blue, green, and red.

[0100] When any one of the first to third sticks is received in the insertion space (43), the optical sensor (138) can output color information corresponding to the received stick. The optical sensor (138) can output first to third color information (1001, 1002, 1003) corresponding to the first to third sticks. The control unit (12) can identify the largest first value (B4) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R4, G4, B4) included in the first color information (1001). The control unit (12) can identify the largest second value (G5) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R5, G5, B5) included in the second color information (1002). The control unit (12) can identify the largest third value (B6) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R6, G6, B6) included in the third color information (1003). The control unit (12) can identify the largest value (B4) among the first to third values ​​(B4, G5, B6). That is, the control unit (12) can identify the largest value among all light quantity values ​​included in the color information corresponding to the plurality of sticks.

[0101] The control unit (12) can determine the difference value (LD) between the identified value (B4) and the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range. The control unit (12) can increase the intensity of the output light based on the determined difference value (LD).

[0102] After calibration is performed, the color information output by the optical sensor (138) may be equal to the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range. After calibration is performed, the largest value (B4') among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R4', G4', B4', R5', G5', B5', R6', G6', B6') included in the color information output by the optical sensor (138) for the plurality of sticks may be equal to the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range.

[0103] In the aerosol generator (1), if a plurality of sticks having different characteristics are compatible, the optical sensor (138) must be accurately calibrated for all of the compatible sticks.

[0104] In an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing accuracy of the optical sensor can be improved by adjusting the intensity of the output light so that the color information output by the optical sensor (138) corresponding to the light reflected from each of the plurality of sticks is equal to or less than the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range.

[0105]

[0106] FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating calibration of an optical sensor in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure without a stick inserted. In FIG. 11, the graph on the left illustrates color information output from the optical sensor (138) before calibration is performed, and the graph on the right illustrates color information output from the optical sensor (138) after calibration is performed.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 11 together with FIG. 7, the optical sensor (138) can receive light reflected from the insertion space (43) when the stick (S) is not accommodated in the insertion space (43) and output color information corresponding to the color of the received light. The control unit (12) can receive color information output corresponding to the light reflected from the insertion space (43).

[0108] The control unit (12) can compare the color information output by the optical sensor (138) with a preset sensing range. The sensing range can include a first upper limit value (UL1) and a second upper limit value (UL2). The first upper limit value (UL1) can be a reference value for calibrating the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor (138) in response to the light reflected from the stick (S), as described above. The second upper limit value (UL2) can be a reference value for calibrating the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor (138) in response to the light reflected from the insertion space (43).

[0109] The second upper limit value (UL2) may be set to correspond to the first upper limit value (UL1). For example, when the color information output by the optical sensor (138) in a state where the stick (S) is inserted is equal to the first upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range, the color information output by the optical sensor (138) in a state where the stick (S) is not inserted may be equal to the second upper limit value (UL2) of the sensing range. That is, when the largest value (G8) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R8, G8, B8) included in the color information output by the optical sensor (138) in a state where the stick (S) is inserted is equal to the first upper limit value (UL1), the largest value (B9) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R9, G9, B9) included in the color information output by the optical sensor (138) in a state where the stick (S) is not inserted may be equal to the second upper limit value (UL2) of the sensing range.

[0110] The second upper limit value (UL2) may be set to be a certain value smaller than the maximum value of the light quantity value output by the light receiving unit (1382) or the maximum value of the gray level. The second upper limit value (US2) may be smaller than the first upper limit value (UL1). The control unit (12) may compare the color information output by the optical sensor (138) with the second upper limit value (UL2) of the sensing range.

[0111] When the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is smaller than the second upper limit (UL2) of the sensing range, the control unit (12) can control the optical sensor (138) so that the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) increases.

[0112] The control unit (12) can identify the largest value (B9 in FIG. 11) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R9, G9, B9). The control unit (12) can control the optical sensor (138) to increase the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) based on the fact that the identified largest value (B9) is smaller than the second upper limit value (UL2) of the sensing range. The control unit (12) can determine the difference (LD) between the largest value (B9) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R9, G9, B9) and the second upper limit value (UL2) of the sensing range, and increase the intensity of the output light in proportion to the determined difference (LD).

[0113] When the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is greater than the second upper limit (UL2) of the sensing range, the control unit (12) can control the optical sensor (138) so that the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) decreases.

[0114] The control unit (12) can determine the difference (LD) between the largest value (B9) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R9, G9, B9) and the second upper limit value (UL2) of the sensing range, and reduce the intensity of the output light in proportion to the determined difference (LD).

[0115] When the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is equal to the second upper limit (UL2) of the sensing range, the control unit (12) may not change the output light intensity of the optical sensor (138).

[0116] After calibration is performed, the color information output by the optical sensor (138) in a state where the stick (S) is not accommodated in the insertion space (43) may be equal to the second upper limit (UL2) of the sensing range. After calibration is performed, the color information output by the optical sensor (138) in a state where the stick (S) is accommodated in the insertion space (43) may be equal to the first upper limit (UL1) of the sensing range. After calibration is performed, the largest value (G8') among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R8', G8', B8') included in the color information output by the optical sensor (138) in a state where the stick (S) is accommodated in the insertion space (43) may be equal to the first upper limit (UL1) of the sensing range.

[0117] Accordingly, the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) can be adjusted without the process of inserting a separate stick (S) into the insertion space (43).

[0118]

[0119] Fig. 12 is a graph showing a decrease in sensor sensitivity depending on the presence or absence of optical sensor calibration in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 12, the graph on the left shows color information output from the optical sensor (138) at the time the aerosol generating device (1) was manufactured, and the graph on the right shows color information output from the optical sensor (138) after the aerosol generating device (1) has been used for a long period of time.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 12, in an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) is adjusted (1201), at the time when the aerosol generating device (1) is manufactured, the largest value (G11) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R11, G11, B11) included in the color information output from the optical sensor (138) may be equal to the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range. In contrast, when the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) is not adjusted (1202), the largest value (G12) among the plurality of light quantity values ​​(R12, G12, B12) included in the color information output from the optical sensor (138) may be a certain level smaller than the upper limit value (UL1) of the sensing range.

[0121] After the aerosol generator (1) has been used for a long time, as described above, the optical sensor (138) may become aged. As the usage time of the aerosol generator (1) gradually elapses, the color information output from the optical sensor (138) may become smaller in value compared to the color information output from the optical sensor (138) at the time the aerosol generator (1) was manufactured. As illustrated in (b) of Fig. 12, when the color information output from the optical sensor (138) becomes smaller than the lower limit (LL) of the sensing range, the color information output from the optical sensor (138) may not accurately reflect the light information reflected from the stick (S).

[0122] Meanwhile, in the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) is adjusted, even if the optical sensor (138) ages, the color information output from the optical sensor (138) can be prevented from becoming smaller than the lower limit (LL) of the sensing range. Alternatively, the point in time when the color information output from the optical sensor (138) becomes smaller than the lower limit (LL) of the sensing range can be further delayed. In other words, in the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) is adjusted, the sensitivity of the optical sensor (138) can be prevented from deteriorating, and the lifespan of the optical sensor (138) can be extended.

[0123] In an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can compare the color information output by the optical sensor (138) with a lower limit value (LL), and based on the color information being smaller than the lower limit value (LL), output information related to a sensing error through the output unit (14).

[0124] Accordingly, user convenience can be improved.

[0125]

[0126] Fig. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] The aerosol generator (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and at least one heater (18, 24). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator (1) is not limited to that illustrated in Fig. 13. 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 (1), some of the components illustrated in Fig. 13 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0128] The sensor (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generator (1) or the status around the aerosol generator (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). Based on the detected information, the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generator (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), restricting smoking, determining whether a stick (S) and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

[0129] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (131), a puff sensor (132), an insertion detection sensor (133), a reuse detection sensor (134), a cartridge detection sensor (135), a cap detection sensor (136), and a movement detection sensor (137).

[0130] The temperature sensor (131) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is heated. The aerosol generator (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18), or the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) itself may serve as a temperature sensor.

[0131] The temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). 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 (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). At this time, the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0132] A temperature sensor (131) may be placed around the power source (11) to monitor the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor (131) may be placed adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0133] A temperature sensor (131) is placed inside the body (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the body (10).

[0134] The puff sensor (132) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (132) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (132) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0135] The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (133) 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 (133) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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).

[0139] A reuse detection sensor (134) can detect whether the stick (S) has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (134) 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.

[0140] At least some of the wrappers constituting the stick (S) may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (134) may be positioned corresponding to a position where at least some of the wrappers whose color changes due to the aerosol are disposed 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 (1) 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.

[0141] The cartridge detection sensor (135) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (135) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0142] The cap detection sensor (136) 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 (136) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0143] A motion detection sensor (137) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (137) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0144] In addition to the sensors (131 to 137) described above, the sensor (13) 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.

[0145] The output unit (14) can output information on the status of the aerosol generator (1) and provide it to the user. The output unit (14) may include at least one of a display (141), a haptic unit (142), and an audio output unit (143), but is not limited thereto. When the display (141) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (141) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0146] The display (141) can visually provide information about the aerosol generator (1) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generator (1) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generator (1), the preheating status of the heater (18), 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 (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display (141) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (141) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (141) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0147] The haptic unit (142) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generator (1) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (142) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when the initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (142) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0148] The acoustic output unit (143) can provide information about the aerosol generator (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (143) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0149] The power source (11) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator (1). The power source (11) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator (1), such as a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), and a memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0150] Although not shown in FIG. 13, the aerosol generator (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (11) and include a switching element.

[0151] The power protection circuit can block the power supply (11) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (11) when the voltage level of the power supply (11) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (11) when the voltage level of the power supply (11) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0152] The heater (18) can receive power from the power source (11) and heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the stick (S). Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power source (11) and supplies it to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (1) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power source (11) into alternating current power.

[0153] The control unit (12), sensor (13), output unit (14), input unit (15), communication unit (16), and memory (17) can receive power from the power source (11) and perform their functions. Although not illustrated in FIG. 13, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the power source (11) and supplies it to each component. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 13, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (11) and the heater (18). 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 the high frequency switching current applied from the power source (11) to the heater (18). The low pass filter can prevent high frequency noise components from being applied to a sensor (13), such as an insertion detection sensor (133).

[0154] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18) 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. Additionally, the heater (18) 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.

[0155] In another embodiment, the heater (18) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the heater (18) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0156] The input unit (15) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (15) 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.

[0157] The display (141) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (141) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added-on to the display panel (141).

[0158] Meanwhile, the input unit (15) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0159] The memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generator (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). The memory (17) 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 (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generator (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0160] The communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (16) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] Although not shown in FIG. 13, the aerosol generator (1) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (11) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0164] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator (1). In one embodiment, the control unit (12) 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 to which the present embodiment pertains that the processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0165] The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) sensed by the temperature sensor (131). The control unit (12) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

[0166] The aerosol generator (1) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (11) between the power supply (11) and the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (24), the heater (18), or the induction coil (181). 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 (12) may control the power supply circuit.

[0167] The control unit (12) 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 (11) 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.

[0168] The control unit (12) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (11) to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The control unit (12) can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the current supplied from the power source (11) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0169] The control unit (12) can control the voltage output from the power source (11) 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 (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0170] The control unit (12) 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 (11). 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 (11). 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 (18) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0171] The control unit (12) can control power to be supplied to the heater (18) using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0172] For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0173] For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (18) 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.

[0174] The control unit (12) can prevent the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is cut off based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (12) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating substance contained in the cartridge (19) is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeding the limit temperature, and can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24).

[0175] The control unit (12) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (11). The control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (131).

[0176] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator (1), the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control the power source (11) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11).

[0177] When the power of the aerosol generator (1) is turned on, the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control to use the power stored in the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using the power stored in the power source (11).

[0178] The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0179] The control unit (12) can determine whether a stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (S) is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor (133). If it is determined that the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the control unit (12) can supply power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

[0180] The control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0181] The control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18) according to the state of the stick (S) detected by the sensor (13). The control unit (12) can check the level range that includes the level of the signal of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit (12) can determine the moisture content of the stick (S) according to the checked level range.

[0182] When the stick (S) is in an over-humidified state, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time to the heater (18) to increase the preheating time of the stick (S) compared to the normal state.

[0183] The control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (134). For example, the control unit (12) 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 (12) 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 (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0184] The control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (135). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0185] The control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. For example, the control unit (12) can preheat the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeds the limited temperature, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted, the control unit (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0186] The control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (12) 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 (17). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the total time that the heater (24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0187] The control unit (12) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (132). For example, the control unit (12) 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 (12) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (132). 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 (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18).

[0188] The control unit (12) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (136). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0189] The control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor (13). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (132) reaches a preset number, the control unit (12) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (141), the haptic unit (142), and the sound output unit (143). For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on the determination that the stick (S) does not exist in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on the determination that the cartridge (19) and / or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (12) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) to the user through the output unit (14).

[0190] The control unit (12) can store and update the history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event 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 (24) and / or heater (18), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), termination of heating of the stick (S), power on / off of the aerosol generator (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharge of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc. performed in the aerosol generator (1). The history of the event may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of a stick (S), the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (133), etc. For example, if a given event is overheating detection of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), the current flowing through the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), etc.

[0191] The control unit (12) can control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When data regarding authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator (1). Here, the data regarding authentication can include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the use authority of the aerosol generator (1) from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator (1) based on the data regarding the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator (1). For example, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (18) when user authentication is completed.

[0192] The control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generator (1) 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 of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generator (1), the operation mode, etc. through the display of the external device.

[0193] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator (1) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generator (1). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (12) 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 (142) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (141) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0194] The control unit (12) 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 (1) 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 (1). The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generator (1) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0195] The control unit (12) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (13) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (16), 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 (12) 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 (12) can store, in the memory (17), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (13) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (17) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (1) for learning the artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming the artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (12) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor (13), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory (17), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0196]

[0197] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensing accuracy of the optical sensor can be improved by calibrating the output light intensity of the optical sensor so that the color information output by the optical sensor is included within a set sensing range.

[0198] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by calibrating the output light intensity of the optical sensor so that the output light intensity of the optical sensor is maximized within a range where the color information output by the optical sensor is equal to or less than the upper limit of the sensing range, the sensitivity of the optical sensor can be prevented from deteriorating and the lifespan of the optical sensor can be increased.

[0199] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing accuracy of the optical sensor can be improved by calibrating the output light intensity based on color information output by the optical sensor corresponding to light reflected from each of a plurality of sticks having different reflectances.

[0200] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a stick accommodated in a device can be accurately identified by identifying the type of stick accommodated in the device based on a ratio between light quantity information of a plurality of colors output by an optical sensor.

[0201]

[0202] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a body (10) providing an insertion space (43); an optical sensor (138) disposed adjacent to the insertion space (43); and a control unit (12) for calibrating the optical sensor (138) based on color information output by the optical sensor (138), wherein the control unit (12) can compare the color information output by the optical sensor (138) with a preset sensing range and determine the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) so that the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is included in the sensing range.

[0203] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensing range includes an upper limit value (UL1, UL2), and the control unit (12) can determine the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) so that the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor (138) is maximized within a range where the color information output by the optical sensor (138) is equal to or less than the upper limit value (UL1, UL2).

[0204] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the color information includes light quantity values ​​corresponding to a plurality of colors, and the control unit (12) can determine the intensity of the output light such that each of the light quantity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of colors is equal to or less than the upper limit value (UL1, UL2).

[0205] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the optical sensor (138) receives light reflected by a stick (S) accommodated in the insertion space (43), and the control unit (12) can determine the intensity of the output light based on color information that the optical sensor (138) outputs in response to the light reflected by the stick (S).

[0206] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the stick (S) includes a plurality of sticks each having a different reflectance for each of a plurality of colors included in the color information, and the control unit (12) can determine the intensity of the output light based on color information output by the optical sensor (138) corresponding to light reflected from each of the plurality of sticks.

[0207] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the optical sensor (138) receives reflected light in a state where the stick (S) is not accommodated in the insertion space (43), and the control unit (12) can determine the intensity of the output light based on color information that the optical sensor (138) outputs in response to the reflected light.

[0208] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can reduce the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor (138) being greater than the upper limit value (UL1, UL2), and can increase the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor (138) being less than the upper limit value (UL1, UL2).

[0209] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can determine the difference (LD) between the color information output by the optical sensor (138) and the upper limit value (UL1, UL2), and reduce or increase the intensity of the output light in proportion to the determined difference (LD).

[0210] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can determine a duty ratio corresponding to the intensity of the determined output light and control the optical sensor (138) based on the determined duty ratio.

[0211] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can identify the stick (S) accommodated in the insertion space (43) based on color information output from the optical sensor (138).

[0212] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the color information includes light quantity values ​​corresponding to a plurality of colors, and the control unit (12) determines a relative ratio between light quantity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of colors included in the color information, and based on the determined ratio, can identify the stick (S) accommodated in the insertion space (43).

[0213] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the stick (S) includes a plurality of sticks (S1, S2) having different reflectances for each of the plurality of colors, and the control unit (12) can identify the type of stick accommodated in the insertion space (43) among the plurality of sticks (S1, S2) based on the determined ratio.

[0214] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the output unit (14) is further included, the sensing range includes a lower limit value (LL), and the control unit (12) compares the color information output by the optical sensor (138) with the lower limit value (LL), and based on the color information being smaller than the lower limit value (LL), can output information related to a sensing error through the output unit (14).

[0215] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper limit value (UL1, UL2) may be smaller than the maximum value of color information output by the optical sensor (138), and the lower limit value (LL) may be larger than the minimum value of color information output by the optical sensor (138).

[0216] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the optical sensor (138) may include a light source (1381) that emits light; and a light receiving unit (1382) that receives light reflected from the outside of the emitted light.

[0217]

[0218] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0219] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0220] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A body that provides insertion space; An optical sensor positioned adjacent to the above insertion space; and A control unit for calibrating the optical sensor based on color information output by the optical sensor is included. The above control unit, Compare the color information output by the optical sensor with the preset sensing range, An aerosol generating device that determines the intensity of light output from the optical sensor so that color information output by the optical sensor is included in the sensing range.

2. In paragraph 1, The above sensing range is, Including the upper limit, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor so that the intensity of the output light of the optical sensor is maximized within a range where the color information output by the optical sensor is equal to or less than the upper limit value.

3. In paragraph 2, The above color information is, Contains luminance values ​​corresponding to multiple colors, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines the intensity of the output light so that each of the light quantity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of colors is equal to or less than the upper limit value.

4. In paragraph 2, The above optical sensor, Receive light reflected by a stick accommodated in the above insertion space, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines the intensity of the output light based on color information output by the optical sensor in response to light reflected by the stick.

5. In paragraph 4, The above stick is, Includes a plurality of sticks having different reflectances for each of the plurality of colors included in the above color information, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines the intensity of the output light based on color information output by the optical sensor corresponding to light reflected from each of the plurality of sticks.

6. In paragraph 1, The above optical sensor, Receive reflected light in a state where the stick is not accommodated in the above insertion space, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that determines the intensity of the output light based on color information output by the optical sensor in response to the reflected light.

7. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, Based on the color information output by the optical sensor being greater than the upper limit value, the intensity of the output light is reduced, An aerosol generating device that increases the intensity of the output light based on the color information output by the optical sensor being less than the upper limit value.

8. In paragraph 7, The above control unit, Determine the difference between the color information output by the optical sensor and the upper limit value, An aerosol generating device that reduces or increases the intensity of the output light in proportion to the determined difference.

9. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, Determine the duty ratio corresponding to the intensity of the output light determined above, An aerosol generating device that controls the optical sensor based on the determined duty ratio.

10. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that identifies a stick accommodated in the insertion space based on color information output from the optical sensor.

11. In paragraph 10, The above color information is, Contains luminance values ​​corresponding to multiple colors, The above control unit, Determine the relative ratio between the light quantity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of colors included in the above color information, An aerosol generating device that identifies a stick accommodated in the insertion space based on the determined ratio.

12. In paragraph 11, The above stick is, It comprises a plurality of sticks having different reflectances for each of the plurality of colors, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that identifies the type of stick accommodated in the insertion space among the plurality of sticks based on the determined ratio.

13. In paragraph 2, Including more output sections, The above sensing range is, Including the lower limit, The above control unit, Compare the color information output by the optical sensor with the lower limit value, An aerosol generating device that outputs information related to a sensing error through the output unit based on the color information being smaller than the lower limit value.

14. In paragraph 13, The above upper limit is, Less than the maximum value of color information output by the above optical sensor, The above lower limit is, An aerosol generating device having a color information value greater than the minimum value output by the optical sensor.

15. In paragraph 1, The above optical sensor, a light source that emits light; and An aerosol generating device including a light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the outside from the above-described emitted light.

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