Capacitance sensing method and aerosol-generating device performing same

Abstract

A method performed by an aerosol-generating device may comprise the operations of: controlling a signal generation circuit so as to generate a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band according to a predetermined period; acquiring a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal; and determining capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of an insertion space of an aerosol-generating article on the basis of the reflected signal.

Description

Capacitance sensing method and aerosol generating device performing the method

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a technology for controlling an aerosol generating device, and in particular, to a technology for sensing capacitance in a dielectric heating type aerosol generating device.

[0002] Recently, the demand for electronic cigarette devices has been gradually increasing. Furthermore, as this demand grows, features related to electronic cigarette devices are being continuously developed. In particular, features tailored to the types and characteristics of electronic cigarette devices are being continuously developed.

[0003] There is increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating a cigarette (or an aerosol-generating item) using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol. Electromagnetic heating technology is a technology that can heat an object using the principle of dielectric heating. Aerosol-generating items can be heated rapidly using electromagnetic heating technology.

[0004] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device capable of heating an aerosol generating article and sensing capacitance using a single antenna.

[0005] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device capable of determining whether to insert an aerosol generating article based on capacitance sensed using a single antenna.

[0006] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device capable of determining the type of aerosol generating article based on capacitance sensed using a single antenna.

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

[0008] A method performed by an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: a signal generating circuit that generates a first signal of a first frequency band and a second signal of a second frequency band; a resonating unit that generates an electric field by resonating the first signal; a coupler for transmitting the first signal to the resonating unit; and a processor. The method may include an operation of controlling the signal generating circuit to generate the first signal and the second signal according to a predetermined period; an operation of acquiring a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal; and an operation of determining capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of an aerosol generating article based on the reflected signal.

[0009] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device comprises a signal generating circuit that generates a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band, a resonating unit that generates an electric field by resonating the first signal, a coupler for transmitting the first signal to the resonating unit, and a processor. The processor can perform the operation of controlling the signal generating circuit to generate the first signal and the second signal according to a predetermined period, the operation of acquiring a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal, and the operation of determining capacitance information corresponding to at least a part of the insertion space of an aerosol generating article based on the reflected signal.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device may be provided that heats an aerosol generating article by a dielectric heating method using a single antenna and determines capacitance information in parallel with the heating operation of the aerosol generating article.

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device capable of heating an aerosol generating article using a heating signal of a heating frequency band corresponding to the type of aerosol generating article may be provided.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram of a resonator formed based on a waveguide according to one example.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a capacitance sensing method according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method performed based on capacitance information according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method performed based on capacitance information according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6a is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device comprising a plurality of antennas according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6b is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device including a plurality of antennas according to one embodiment.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing symbols may be used for similar or related components.

[0020] The suffixes “module” and “unit” for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Meanwhile, the suffixes “module” or “unit” may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A “module” or “unit” may be a component formed as a whole, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, a “module” or “unit” may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0021] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0022] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0023] When it is stated that one component is “connected” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0024] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0026] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0028] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (1) may include a control unit (10), a source unit (20), and a radiating unit (30). The control unit (10) may refer to a circuit for controlling the basic operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The source unit (20) may refer to a circuit for generating an RF (Radio Frequency) signal under the control of the control unit (10). The radiating unit (30) may be a device for radiating the RF signal generated by the source unit (20) in the form of an electromagnetic wave into a space (hereinafter, insertion space) into which an aerosol generating article is inserted. The charges or ions of a dielectric material (e.g., glycerin) contained in the aerosol generating article may vibrate or rotate due to the radiated electromagnetic wave (e.g., RF signal), and the aerosol generating article may be heated as the dielectric material generates heat due to the frictional heat generated during the process of the charges or ions vibrating or rotating. In other words, the aerosol generating device (1) may be a device that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article using a dielectric heating method.

[0029] In one example, the control unit (10) may include a power connector (110), a charging circuit (120), a power source (130), a first power converter (140), a second power converter (150), a third power converter (160) and / or a processor (170). Additionally, the source unit (20) may include an RF signal generation circuit (210), a drive amplifier (220), a power amplifier (230), a directional coupler (240) and / or a temperature sensing circuit (250). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0030] The power connector (110) may refer to a physical connection device used to transmit and receive power by being electrically connected to an electronic device or system (e.g., an external power source) outside the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the power connector (110) may receive power from an external power source and transmit the received power to a component that requires charging (e.g., a power source (130)). The power connector (110) may also provide a path for data transmission. The aerosol generating device (1) may transmit and receive data with an external electronic device or system (e.g., a smartphone, a computer, etc.) through the power connector (110). The power connector (110) may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) power connector, a DC (Direct Current) power connector, etc. In one example, the power connector (110) may be a USB-C type connector capable of supplying a 9V DC voltage at a current of 1A, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The power connector (110) may include an interface for wirelessly transmitting and receiving power.

[0031] The charging circuit (120) may refer to a circuit for charging the power source (130). The charging circuit (120) may charge the power source (130) using power delivered from the power connector (110). In one example, the charging circuit (120) may be implemented as a charger IC, which is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs functions for efficiently and safely charging the power source (130). The charging circuit (120) may monitor the charging status of the power source (130) or optimize the charging process by monitoring the voltage, current, and / or temperature of the power source (130). For example, the charging circuit (120) may detect the state of the power source (130) and prevent overcharging or over-discharging by providing an appropriate charging voltage and current.

[0032] The power source (130) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (130) may include one or more rechargeable batteries. The power source (130) can supply power to the radiating unit (30) so that the radiating unit (30) can radiate electromagnetic waves (e.g., RF signals) into the insertion space to heat the aerosol generating article. Here, power supply to the radiating unit (30) may have the same meaning as power supply to the source unit (20). Additionally, the power source (130) can supply power required for the operation of the processor (170), RF signal generating circuit (210), driving amplifier (220), power amplifier (230), temperature sensing circuit (250), etc. In one example, the power source (130) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (130) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0033] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power conversion circuit for converting power supplied from a power source (130) into power (e.g., voltage and / or current) suitable for other components. The power conversion circuit may include at least one of a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, and a low-dropout regulator. Additionally, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) as needed.

[0034] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a first power converter (140), a second power converter (150), and a third power converter (160). The first power converter (140) is an LDO regulator for supplying power (e.g., DC 3.3V) suitable for a processor (170), the second power converter (150) is a buck-boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 5V) suitable for a temperature sensing circuit (250), an RF signal generating circuit (210), and a driving amplifier (220), and the third power converter (160) may be a boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 12V / 25W) suitable for a power amplifier (230).

[0035] However, the first power converter (140), the second power converter (150), and the third power converter (160) are not limited to the examples described above and may include other types of power converter circuits. Additionally, although FIG. 1 is illustrated as having three power converters, the aerosol generating device (1) may include more than three power converters or fewer power converters. In one example, at least some of the first power converter (140), the second power converter (150), and the third power converter (160) may be integrated into a single power converter.

[0036] The processor (170) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the processor (170) can directly or indirectly control the charging and discharging of the power supply (130) using the charging circuit (120). Additionally, the processor (170) can control the voltage and / or current output by the power conversion circuit by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit. In addition to the components described above, the processor (170) can control the overall operation of other components to be described later.

[0037] The processor (170) may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Additionally, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that the processor (170) may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0038] The RF signal generation circuit (210) can generate an RF signal based on power delivered from the power supply (130) or the second power converter (150). The RF signal may mean a signal having a frequency within the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. In one example, the RF signal may have a frequency of 1 GHz to 100 GHz. Additionally, the RF signal may have a frequency in the Industrial Scientific and Medical Equipment (ISM) band, for example, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and / or 5.8 GHz.

[0039] The RF signal generation circuit (210) may include a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) that generates an RF signal having a different frequency depending on the input voltage. The RF signal generation circuit (210) may receive a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) from the processor (170) and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received control signal. The processor (170) may store the control signal corresponding to the desired frequency in the form of a look-up table, or calculate the control signal corresponding to the desired frequency in real time through at least one operation.

[0040] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a digital-to-analog converter for converting a digital control signal output from a processor (170) into an analog control signal. An RF signal generating circuit (210) may receive an analog control signal and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received analog control signal.

[0041] The driving amplifier (220) can amplify the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (210). For example, the driving amplifier (220) can provide an input signal suitable for the next stage component (e.g., power amplifier (230)) by amplifying the signal level (e.g., amplitude) of the RF signal. The driving amplifier (220) can minimize signal distortion by maintaining high linearity. However, since the driving amplifier (220) is an amplifier focused on raising the signal level, it can provide relatively low output power.

[0042] The power amplifier (230) can amplify the power of the RF signal received from the driving amplifier (220). The power amplifier (230) may be an amplifier focused on providing sufficient power to the final output device (e.g., the radiator (30)). For example, the power amplifier (230) may provide a high-power RF signal to the radiator (30) so that the radiator (30) can radiate electromagnetic waves into the insertion space to heat the aerosol generating article. The power amplifier (230) may perform the amplification operation using power received through a third power converter (160) that provides higher power and / or voltage than the second power converter (150).

[0043] The driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may include transistors such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET), or vacuum tubes. In one example, the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may be GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors capable of handling high efficiency, high speed, and high voltage, but are not necessarily limited thereto. The driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may also include an operational amplifier.

[0044] Meanwhile, in FIG. 1, the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) are shown as separate amplifiers, but the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) can be integrated into a single amplifier. Additionally, the driving amplifier (220) and / or the power amplifier (230) may be configured as a series connection, a parallel connection, and / or a combination thereof of a plurality of amplifiers.

[0045] The radiating member (30) may include at least one antenna for radiating electromagnetic waves into space. The at least one antenna may have a size and shape suitable for the size and shape of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the aerosol generating article is cylindrical, the at least one antenna may be tubular, surrounding the cylindrical aerosol generating article. Here, the fact that the shape of the antenna is tubular may mean that the overall shape of the antenna is tubular. In other words, if the antenna is formed from a metal (e.g., SUS) track, it may mean that the overall shape of the entire track is tubular. The shape of the at least one antenna is not limited to the examples described above and may include various shapes such as a flat plate shape, a curved plate shape, etc.

[0046] The radiating unit (30) can heat an aerosol generating article by radiating electromagnetic waves (e.g., amplified RF signal or transmitted RF signal) into the insertion space. In order for the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating article to be maximized, resonance of the electromagnetic waves must occur within the insertion space. The resonance condition of the insertion space (e.g., resonance frequency) may vary depending on the amount of dielectric material contained in the inserted aerosol generating article, etc. The processor (170) can control the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generating circuit (210) so that it corresponds to or approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space by adjusting the control signal input to the RF signal generating circuit (210). The processor (170) may use a directional coupler (240) to obtain information about the resonance condition of the insertion space.

[0047] The directional coupler (240) may refer to a passive element having a waveguide structure capable of separating incident waves and reflected waves. The directional coupler (240) can receive an RF signal transmitted from the power amplifier (230) toward the radiating unit (30) and an electromagnetic wave reflected from the insertion space after being radiated by the radiating unit (30), respectively. The directional coupler (240) can separate the transmitted RF signal and the reflected electromagnetic wave and transmit them to the processor (170).

[0048] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog output of a directional coupler (240) into a digital output. The A / D converter may be built into the processor (170) or may exist as a separate configuration outside the processor (170). By monitoring the output of the directional coupler (240), the processor (170) can analyze the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency) and the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic wave (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency).

[0049] The processor (170) can determine whether the operation of the source unit (20) is being performed as intended based on the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal. Additionally, the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal, along with the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic waves, can be used to determine the heating efficiency of the source unit (20) or the radiating unit (30). The processor (170) can control the source unit (20) so that the heating efficiency of the source unit (20) or the radiating unit (30) is maximized. For example, the processor (170) can adjust the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (210) so that the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves is minimized. Minimizing the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves may mean that the frequency of the RF signal approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space. The characteristics of the transmitted RF signal can provide a criterion for whether the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves is minimized.

[0050] Since electromagnetic resonance may occur in the insertion space depending on the frequency of the RF signal, the insertion space may be referred to as a resonant section. At least a portion of the insertion space may be surrounded by at least one shielding member to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the aerosol generating device (1). According to one embodiment, the insertion space may further include a physical structure to ensure that the resonance condition is contained within a controllable range by the processor (170). The physical structure may include at least one conductor, and the resonance condition of the insertion space may vary depending on the arrangement, thickness, length, etc. of the conductor. Additionally, the physical structure may include a space for accommodating a dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption, separate from the dielectric included in the aerosol generating article. A dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption can change the resonance frequency of the entire resonant section without absorbing the energy that must be transferred to the heated body. Accordingly, even if the resonant section is miniaturized, the resonance condition can be determined within a controllable range by the processor (170).

[0051] A temperature sensing circuit (250) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to components included in the source section (20) to measure the temperature of the source section (20). For example, the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to at least one of the RF signal generation circuit (210), the driving amplifier (220), and the power amplifier (230). Heat may be generated due to limited efficiency during the generation and / or amplification of the RF signal, and if excessive heat is generated, it may have a negative effect on the components included in the source section (20) or other components included in the aerosol generating device (1). The temperature measured by the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be used to prevent overheating of the source section (20).

[0052] The processor (170) receives the temperature (or a value corresponding to the temperature) measured by the temperature sensing circuit (250) and can stop the operation of the source unit (20) if it is determined that the source unit (20) has overheated. For example, the processor (170) can stop the operation of the source unit (20) by stopping the power supply to the source unit (20) or by transmitting a control signal. In the following, the term "power supply to the source unit (20)" is used to mean controlling whether the source unit (20) operates.

[0053] The temperature sensing circuit (250) may include at least one temperature sensor among a thermocouple, an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), a thermistor, a semiconductor temperature sensor, and an optical temperature sensor. In one example, the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be implemented as a chip-type sensor (e.g., an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor) to minimize the area occupied, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0054] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) may include additional components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a sensor unit, an output unit, an input unit, a communication unit, and a memory. Additionally, if the aerosol generating device (1) is a hybrid type device that uses both an aerosol generating article and a cartridge, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a cartridge heater. The cartridge heater can heat the medium and / or aerosol generating material within the cartridge by receiving power from the power source (130).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit may detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the processor (170). For example, the sensor unit may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a motion detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the liquid residue in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for detecting the water immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0056] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of an insertion space or an aerosol-generating article. The temperature sensor may be positioned in contact with or adjacent to the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article to directly measure the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the temperature sensor may be positioned spaced apart from the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article to indirectly (e.g., non-contact) measure the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article. In one example, the temperature sensor may include an optical temperature sensor (e.g., an infrared temperature sensor).

[0057] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of a power source (130). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (130). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (130) (e.g., a battery) or / or mounted on one side of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (130) together with the protection circuit module.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0060] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the processor (170) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be positioned in the aerosol generating device (1) in correspondence with the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0061] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, insertion space, aerosol generating item, etc. The processor (170) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0062] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the processor (170) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0063] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The processor (170) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0064] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0065] According to one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be installed around the insertion space.

[0066] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0067] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and said at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows. The processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS), etc., may be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium part of the aerosol generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor, etc., within the insertion space, and the processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0068] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch, etc., for detecting pressure caused by an aerosol-generating article.

[0069] According to one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a change in color may occur in a part of the wrapper covering the outside of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. When the processor (170) detects a change in color in a part of the wrapper, it may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitance sensor. For example, the processor (170) can determine the level range in which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the amount of moisture for the aerosol generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or detect the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0072] For example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a specific band of wavelength based on the irradiated light. The processor (170) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0073] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating item inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol-generating item is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0074] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or interior (e.g., the medium) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the inserted aerosol generating article is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0075] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or for detecting the type of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0077] According to one embodiment, a cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on the housing or removed from the housing, and the processor (170) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer or a gyro sensor.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor in addition to the aforementioned sensors. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the output unit may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit may include a display, a haptic unit and / or an acoustic output unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, information regarding the aerosol generating device (1) may include the charging / discharging state of the power supply (130) of the aerosol generating device (1), the operating state of the source unit (20) or the radiation unit (30), the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the mounting and / or removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display may visually provide information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc. The display can also be used as an input unit if it includes a touch pad. The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide auditory information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the input unit can receive information input by a user. For example, the input unit may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the memory is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed by the processor (170) and data to be processed. For example, the memory 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.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the communication unit may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wireless Fidelity Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Adaptive Network Topology (ANT)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article by controlling the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)). The processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)) based on the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0085] Additionally, the processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater by controlling the supply of power from the power supply (130) to the cartridge heater. The processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can prevent the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater from overheating. For example, the processor (170) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, or to stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, based on the fact that the temperature of the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the result detected by the sensor unit.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined, using an insertion detection sensor, that an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined, using an insertion detection sensor, that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space. The processor (170) may also determine that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change slope of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article is above a set slope.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the source unit (20) or cartridge heater based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, the processor (170) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) for the source unit (20) or cartridge heater if it is determined that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating article is reused. For example, if the processor (170) determines that the aerosol generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, the processor (170) can use a cartridge detection sensor to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, it can stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater or control the power supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted. For example, the processor (170) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted if it determines that the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the cartridge heater (i.e., during the preheating period). If it determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the processor (170) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the processor (170) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in memory, the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. Alternatively, the processor (170) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the cartridge heater is heated is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater is greater than or equal to a preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the processor (170) may stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, or control the supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the user's puff. For example, the processor (170) can determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor. The processor (170) can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for a preset time or longer. The processor (170) may also control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when a puff is detected.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a type. For example, the processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of a type using a cigarette identification sensor. For example, if the processor (170) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the processor (170) can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater. If the processor (170) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, the processor (170) can control (e.g., initiate) the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater. For another example, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating item (or cartridge). More specifically, the processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is detected to be a first aerosol generating item (or a first cartridge), and control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge) is detected to be a second aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the output unit based on the result detected by the sensor unit. For example, the processor (170) may control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor reaches a preset number. For example, the processor (170) may control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, or the cartridge heater.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may store and update a history of the event that occurred in memory based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations performed by the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating item, puff detection, puff termination, overheating detection, detection of overvoltage application to a cartridge heater, termination of heating of the aerosol generating item, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power supply (130), detection of overcharging of the power supply (130), termination of charging of the power supply (130), etc. For example, the history of the event may include the time and date when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater, the current flowing through the cartridge heater, etc.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the communication unit to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0099] According to one embodiment, when the processor (170) receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link, it may release the restriction on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, whether the user's authentication is complete, etc.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply (130), operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0101] According to one embodiment, when a processor (170) receives a request to search for the location of an aerosol generating device (1) from an external device via a communication link, the processor (170) may control an output unit to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the processor (170) may control a haptic unit to generate vibrations or control a display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) transmits data regarding the sensing value of at least one sensor unit to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receives and stores a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The processor (170) can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0104] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit includes at least one switching element and can cut off the circuit to the power source (130) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power source (130).

[0105] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. The spinning part (30) may be positioned to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. For example, the aerosol generating rod may comprise an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol generating rod in various forms, such as whole tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol generating rod may comprise a basic material. Based on the basic material, the nicotine in the tobacco material included in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol generating rod even at low temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, and said two or more aerosol generating rods may each comprise a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not illustrated, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

[0106] The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or a porous ceramic. A cartridge heater may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0107] Figure 2 is a diagram of a resonator formed based on a waveguide according to one example.

[0108] An aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article using a dielectric heating method (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1) can radiate electromagnetic waves through a radiating part (e.g., the radiating part (30) of FIG. 1) in an insertion space. The shape of the insertion space can be formed so that the electromagnetic waves resonate efficiently. The electromagnetic waves may be microwaves. For example, microwaves may have a wavelength between 1 mm (millimeter) and 1 m (meter).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the insertion space may include a resonator (351) in which electromagnetic waves resonate and an insertion part (350) in which an aerosol-generating article is placed. Electromagnetic waves resonated in the resonator (351) may flow out to the insertion part (350), and the aerosol-generating article may be heated by the emitted electromagnetic waves.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the resonator (351) may be formed based on a waveguide (300) comprising walls (321, 322), an outer conductor (311), and a central conductor (340). The resonator (351) may correspond to the resonance described above with reference to FIG. 1. The resonator (351) may form an amplified electromagnetic field by resonating supplied microwaves. At least a portion of the electromagnetic field formed by the resonated microwaves may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substrate inserted inside the waveguide. According to one embodiment, the resonator (351) may be a quarter-wavelength resonator, and the first end of the resonator (351) may be short-circuited through a metal wall, and the second end may be open. Each of the outer conductor (311) and the central conductor (340) may be cylindrical and coaxial. The resonator (351) can be formed by a cavity between the cylindrical outer conductor (311) and the central conductor (340).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the walls (321, 322), the outer conductor (311), and the central conductor (340) may be metal. The waveguide (300) may be coaxial with a hollow interior. Additionally, an insert (350) may be formed to be connected to the interior space of the waveguide (300). The insert (350) may be connected to the wall (322) in a manner that extends into the interior cylindrical space formed by the central conductor (340). The material of the insert (350) may be different from the material of the waveguide (300). For example, the material of the waveguide (300) may be a material that prevents the electromagnetic field generated in the interior cavity from propagating to the outside, and the material of the insert (350) may be a material that does not affect the propagation of the electromagnetic field.

[0112] The central conductor (340) may be connected to the first end of the resonator (351) by the first wall (321). The central conductor (340) may include an open end (331) that is not connected to another metal. The insertion part (350) may be formed inside the waveguide (300) so that an aerosol generating substrate (370) inserted inside the waveguide (300) can be positioned at the end of the open end (331) and the insertion part (350).

[0113] The resonator (351) can be formed by the first end and part of the central conductor (340) by the first wall (321) of the waveguide (300). That is, the resonator (351) can be in the shape of a donut centered on the central conductor (340).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the first end of the resonator (351) may be formed as a closed end where the outer conductor (or wall) and the central conductor are connected, so that the resonator (351) has a length of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the microwave within the resonator (351), and the second end of the resonator (351) opposite the first end may be formed as an open end where the outer conductor (or wall) and the central conductor are not connected and are separated. The length between the first end and the second end may be an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the microwave within the resonator (351). When microwaves are confined in a limited space such as the resonator (351), they may have a wavelength different from that of microwaves radiated into free space. For example, the wavelength of the microwave may vary due to structural factors of the resonator (351). As another example, the wavelength of microwaves present in the dielectric within the resonator (351) may become shorter as the dielectric constant value of the dielectric increases.

[0115] According to one embodiment, a user may insert an aerosol generating substrate (370) through an insertion part (350) so as to be adjacent to an open end (331) of a central conductor (340) located opposite to a first end by a first wall (321). The aerosol generating substrate (370) may be a tobacco medium. For example, the aerosol generating substrate (370) may include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0116] Microwaves are supplied into the cavity of the waveguide (300) through the microwave coupler (332), and the microwaves can be resonated by the resonator (351). An amplified electromagnetic field is formed within the resonator (351) by the resonated microwaves, and the aerosol generating substrate (370) can be heated by at least a portion of the electromagnetic field.

[0117] At least a portion of the electromagnetic field can act on the aerosol generating substrate (370) through the open end (331) formed by not connecting the central conductor (340) and the insertion part (350). In particular, since a strong electromagnetic field is formed around the open end (331), the aerosol generating substrate (370) can be easily heated. For example, the strongest electromagnetic field may be generated at the open end (331) where a resonance peak is formed on the side of the resonator (351). A portion of the formed electromagnetic field leaks into the aerosol generating substrate (370) adjacent to the resonator (351), and the leaked electromagnetic field can heat the aerosol generating substrate (370). That is, the method of heating the aforementioned aerosol generating substrate (370) may be a method in which the electromagnetic field leaking out through the open end (331) heats the aerosol generating substrate, rather than a method of directly heating the aerosol generating substrate located within the resonator.

[0118] In addition, due to the structure of the above-described resonator (351), the electromagnetic field can be prevented from leaking in the direction of the insertion part (350) rather than the region of the resonator (351). That is, the electromagnetic field that leaks into the aerosol generating substrate (370) only heats the aerosol generating substrate (370) and does not propagate to the outside (e.g., towards the user's mouth). Since the electromagnetic field does not propagate (or leak) into the space other than the region of the resonator (351), the function or structure of a separate aerosol generating device (1) for shielding the electromagnetic field is not required.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the diameter of the insertion part (350) may be less than half the wavelength of the microwave. If the diameter of the insertion part (350) is less than half the wavelength of the microwave, the microwave that causes resonance may be cut off.

[0120] The user can inhale the aerosol generated by the heated aerosol generating substrate (370) through a cigarette.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the cavity of the resonator (351) may be filled with a low-loss dielectric (Teflon, quartz, alumina, etc.). If the cavity is filled with a dielectric with low dielectric loss, the size of the resonator (351) may be further reduced.

[0122] With reference to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device for resonating electromagnetic waves using a resonator formed based on a waveguide has been described, but the method of resonating electromagnetic waves is not limited to the method described above.

[0123] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a capacitance sensing method according to one embodiment.

[0124] The following operations 310 to 330 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1). The aerosol generating device may include a signal generating circuit (e.g., the RF signal generating circuit (210) of FIG. 1), a resonator (e.g., the resonator (351) of FIG. 2), a coupler (e.g., the microwave coupler (332) of FIG. 2), and a processor (e.g., the processor (170) of FIG. 1).

[0125] In operation 310, the aerosol generating device can control the signal generating circuit to generate a first signal of a first frequency band and a second signal of a second frequency band according to a set period.

[0126] The signal generation circuit of the aerosol generating device can generate a signal having a different frequency depending on the input voltage. The processor of the aerosol generating device can apply a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) to the signal generation circuit. The signal generation circuit receives the control signal from the processor and can generate a signal having a frequency corresponding to the received control signal.

[0127] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may store a first control signal corresponding to a first frequency band and a second control signal corresponding to a second frequency band in the form of a look-up table. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may calculate the first control signal corresponding to the first frequency band and the second control signal corresponding to the second frequency band in real time through at least one operation. The processor of the aerosol generating device may apply the first control signal and the second control signal to a signal generating circuit according to a predetermined period. The signal generating circuit may generate a first signal of the first frequency band corresponding to the first control signal received from the processor and a second signal of the second frequency band corresponding to the second control signal received from the processor according to a predetermined period.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the first frequency band and the second frequency band may be different from each other. For example, the first frequency band may correspond to 1 GHz or higher. For example, the first frequency band may be a 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and / or 5.8 GHz band. The second frequency band may be a band lower than the first frequency band. For example, the second frequency band may correspond to less than 1 GHz. Thus, the first signal may correspond to a high-frequency signal, and the second signal may correspond to a low-frequency signal. The first signal of the first frequency band, which is a relatively high-frequency band, may be used for heating an aerosol-generating article. The second signal of the second frequency band, which is a relatively low-frequency band, may be used for capacitive sensing based on a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal.

[0129] The aerosol generating device can control a signal generating circuit to alternately generate a first signal of a first frequency band for a predetermined first period and a second signal of a second frequency band for a predetermined second period. For example, the aerosol generating device can control a signal generating circuit to alternately generate a first signal for 1 s (second) and a second signal for 1 ms (millisecond).

[0130] A driving amplifier (e.g., driving amplifier (220) of FIG. 1) can amplify a first signal and a second signal generated by a signal generation circuit. A power amplifier (e.g., power amplifier (230) of FIG. 1) can provide a first signal and a second signal having high power to a radiating unit (e.g., radiating unit (30) of FIG. 1) by amplifying the power of the first signal and the second signal received from the driving amplifier. The radiating unit may include a first antenna for radiating the first signal and the second signal to an insertion space (e.g., resonator (351) and / or insertion unit (350) of FIG. 2).

[0131] The aerosol generating device can radiate a first signal and a second signal to at least a portion of the insertion space according to a predetermined period through a first antenna, which is a single antenna. Resonance of electromagnetic waves may occur within the insertion space by the first signal, which corresponds to a high-frequency signal. The aerosol generating device can control the first frequency band of the first signal to correspond to or approach the resonance condition of the insertion space by adjusting a first control signal input to a signal generating circuit.

[0132] In operation 320, the aerosol generating device can acquire a reflected signal corresponding to a second signal of a second frequency band.

[0133] The aerosol generating device can acquire a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal reflected from the insertion space after the second signal is radiated by the first antenna. For example, when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space, the aerosol generating device can acquire a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal reflected from the aerosol generating article after the second signal is radiated by the first antenna. The aerosol generating device can acquire a reflected signal corresponding to the first signal and a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal, respectively, after the first signal and the second signal are radiated through the first antenna, but can identify the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal by separating the acquired reflected signals according to frequency.

[0134] In operation 330, the aerosol generating device can determine capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article based on a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal.

[0135] Capacitance information may include at least one of a capacitance value, one or more capacitance values, an average of one or more capacitance values, and / or a range of one or more capacitance values ​​(e.g., a minimum value and a maximum value). For example, an aerosol generating device may determine one or more capacitance values ​​based on a reflected signal obtained in response to radiating a second signal at a predetermined low-frequency period.

[0136] The aerosol generating device has a reflection coefficient (which is the ratio of the intensity of the radiated second signal and the intensity of the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal (or, the RVS (return voltage signal) corresponding to the second signal) ) can be determined. The aerosol generating device can determine capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article based on the reflection coefficient. The aerosol generating device can determine capacitance information according to the following [Equation 1].

[0137]

[0138] In [Mathematical Formula 1], represents capacitance, It can represent the load impedance, that is, the impedance of the incident medium of the second signal corresponding to the insertion space of the aerosol generating article. It can be calculated according to the following [Mathematical Formula 2].

[0139]

[0140] In mathematical formula 2, represents the reference impedance (e.g., the impedance of a transmission line), and The reflection coefficient can be represented. The aerosol generating device can determine the reflection coefficient based on a reflected signal corresponding to a second signal, determine the load impedance based on the determined reflection coefficient, and determine the capacitance based on the determined load impedance.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can determine capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article according to a predetermined period after the power of the aerosol generating device is turned on.

[0142] The aerosol generating device can alternately generate and radiate the first signal and the second signal according to a predetermined period to minimize interference between the first signal and the second signal. The aerosol generating device can perform a heating operation of an aerosol generating article using the first signal and a determination operation of capacitance information using the second signal in parallel.

[0143] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method performed based on capacitance information according to one embodiment.

[0144] The following operations 410 and 420 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1). The aerosol generating device may include a signal generating circuit (e.g., the RF signal generating circuit (210) of FIG. 1), a resonator (e.g., the resonator (351) of FIG. 2), a coupler (e.g., the microwave coupler (332) of FIG. 2), and a processor (e.g., the processor (170) of FIG. 1).

[0145] According to one embodiment, operation 410 may be performed after operation 330 described above with reference to FIG. 3. The aerosol generating device may perform operation 410 based on capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article (e.g., insertion part (350) of FIG. 2) determined based on a reflected signal.

[0146] In operation 410, the aerosol generating device can determine whether to insert an aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device based on capacitance information.

[0147] The aerosol generating article may include, for example, an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., the aerosol generating substrate (370) of FIG. 2) comprising at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the aerosol generating article may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Additionally, a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the aerosol generating article by spraying it onto the tobacco rod of the aerosol generating article.

[0148] The capacitance information sensed when the insertion space of the aerosol generating device is empty may differ from the capacitance information sensed when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol generating device. Since the density of the aerosol generating article is higher than the density of air, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol generating device, the capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article may increase.

[0149] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device may determine that an aerosol generating article is inserted when the capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article satisfies a predetermined standard. For example, the aerosol generating device may determine that an aerosol generating article is inserted when the capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article is greater than or equal to a threshold value. For example, the aerosol generating device may determine that an aerosol generating article is not inserted when the capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article is less than or equal to the threshold value. For example, the aerosol generating device may determine that an aerosol generating article is removed when the capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article is less than or equal to the threshold value.

[0150] According to one embodiment, operation 420 may be performed after operation 330 described above with reference to FIG. 3. The aerosol generating device may perform operation 420 based on capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article determined based on the reflected signal.

[0151] In operation 420, the aerosol generating device can determine the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device based on capacitance information.

[0152] The aerosol generating article may include different aerosol generating substrates depending on the type of the aerosol generating article. Alternatively, the composition ratio of the aerosol generating substrate included in the aerosol generating article may vary depending on the type of the aerosol generating article. Therefore, the moisture content of the aerosol generating article may vary depending on the type of the aerosol generating article. Depending on the moisture content of the aerosol generating article, the dielectric constant of the aerosol generating article may vary. For example, the higher the moisture content of the aerosol generating article, the higher the dielectric constant of the aerosol generating article may be. Depending on the dielectric constant of the aerosol generating article, the capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article may vary. For example, the higher the dielectric constant of the aerosol generating article, the greater the capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space in which the aerosol generating article is inserted. In conclusion, the sensed capacitance information may vary depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol generating device.

[0153] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may store reference capacitance information (e.g., capacitance value, or range of capacitance value) corresponding to each of a plurality of types of aerosol generating articles in the form of a look-up table. Based on the look-up table, the aerosol generating device may identify reference capacitance information that includes sensed capacitance information. The aerosol generating device may identify the type of aerosol generating article corresponding to the identified reference capacitance information. The aerosol generating device may determine the identified type as the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0154] According to one embodiment, after determining that an aerosol generating article has been inserted (or after performing operation 410), the aerosol generating device may determine capacitance information a predetermined number of times (e.g., 2 times, 3 times, or 4 times). The aerosol generating device may determine the type of the aerosol generating article based on the average of the capacitance information determined a predetermined number of times.

[0155] According to one embodiment, operations 410 and 420 may be performed optionally or sequentially. For example, the aerosol generating device may determine the type of an aerosol generating article based on the corresponding capacitance information based on the determination that an aerosol generating article has been inserted. For example, the aerosol generating device may re-determine the capacitance information based on a reflected signal corresponding to a second signal obtained after determining that an aerosol generating article has been inserted (or after performing operation 410). The aerosol generating device may determine the type of an aerosol generating article based on the re-determined capacitance information.

[0156] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device can determine the moisture content of an aerosol generating article. A method for determining the moisture content of an aerosol generating article is described below with reference to [Equation 3] to [Equation 7].

[0157] As described with reference to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device can acquire a reflected signal corresponding to a second signal. As the radiated second signal passes through the insertion space of the aerosol generating device and / or the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device, the power of the acquired reflected signal may be attenuated relative to the second signal. The attenuated power of the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal ( ) can be expressed according to the following [Mathematical Formula 3].

[0158]

[0159] represents the propagation distance, The propagation distance Indicates the power at the point, represents the initial power, can represent a damping constant. Damping constant ( ) can be expressed by the following [Mathematical Formula 4].

[0160]

[0161] represents the angular frequency, and represents the speed of light, represents the investment rate, It can represent the loss permittivity.

[0162] The aerosol generating device can sense the attenuation power and phase change of the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal. Based on the sensed attenuation power and phase change of the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal, the aerosol generating device can determine the loss permittivity of the aerosol generating article according to [Equation 3] and [Equation 4].

[0163] Meanwhile, reference impedance (e.g., impedance of a transmission line) ) is expressed as in [Equation 5], and the complex permittivity of the aerosol-generating product ( ) can be expressed as in [Equation 6].

[0164]

[0165] represents the investment rate, represents the permittivity of vacuum, and can represent the relative permittivity of an aerosol-generating product.

[0166]

[0167] represents the dielectric constant, and can represent the loss permittivity. The aerosol generating device can determine the relative permittivity of the aerosol generating article according to [Equation 5]. The aerosol generating device can determine the real part (or dielectric constant) of the complex permittivity of the aerosol generating article based on the relative permittivity of the aerosol generating article. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can determine the complex permittivity of the aerosol generating article based on the loss permittivity and dielectric constant of the aerosol generating article determined based on the attenuation power and phase change of the reflected signal corresponding to the second signal.

[0168] The permittivity of an aerosol-generating product can vary depending on its moisture content. For example, the lower the moisture content of an aerosol-generating product, the lower its permittivity may be. The complex permittivity of an aerosol-generating product ( ) can be expressed as shown in the following [Equation 7].

[0169]

[0170] represents the complex permittivity of the aerosol-generating product, represents the dielectric constant of the aerosol-generating article in the dry state, and represents the dielectric constant of the moisture material contained in the aerosol-generating article, can represent the moisture content (e.g., mass ratio) contained in the aerosol-generating article. Based on the complex permittivity of the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device can determine the moisture content contained in the aerosol-generating article according to [Equation 7].

[0171] An aerosol generating device can determine whether an aerosol generating article has been used based on the moisture content contained in the aerosol generating article. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can determine that the aerosol generating article has been used if the moisture content contained in the aerosol generating article satisfies a first defined criterion. For example, the aerosol generating device can determine that the aerosol generating article has been used if the moisture content contained in the aerosol generating article is below (or less than) a threshold. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can determine that the aerosol generating article has not been used if the moisture content contained in the aerosol generating article satisfies a second defined criterion. For example, the aerosol generating device can determine that the aerosol generating article has not been used if the moisture content contained in the aerosol generating article is above (or greater than) the threshold.

[0172] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method performed based on capacitance information according to one embodiment.

[0173] The following operations 510 and 520 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1). The aerosol generating device may include a signal generating circuit (e.g., the RF signal generating circuit (210) of FIG. 1), a resonator (e.g., the resonator (351) of FIG. 2), a coupler (e.g., the microwave coupler (332) of FIG. 2), and a processor (e.g., the processor (170) of FIG. 1).

[0174] According to one embodiment, operations 510 and 520 may be performed after the aforementioned operation 330 with reference to FIG. 3. An aerosol generating device may perform operations 510 and 520 based on capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of an aerosol generating article (e.g., the insertion part (350) of FIG. 2) determined based on a reflected signal.

[0175] An aerosol generating device can generate aerosols by heating an aerosol generating substrate within an aerosol generating article inserted into the device. A user can smoke by inhaling the generated aerosol. During the smoking process, the moisture content of the aerosol generating article may vary as the user inhales the aerosol through the aerosol generating article—that is, depending on the puff through which the user inhales the aerosol. For example, the moisture content of the aerosol generating article may decrease each time the user inhales the aerosol. The dielectric constant of the aerosol generating article may vary depending on its moisture content. For example, the lower the moisture content of the aerosol generating article, the lower its dielectric constant may be. Therefore, the aerosol generating device can determine whether a puff through which the user inhales the aerosol is generated based on the amount of change in the dielectric constant of the aerosol generating article.

[0176] In operation 510, the aerosol generating device can determine the amount of change in dielectric constant of an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device based on capacitance information.

[0177] The correlation between the change in permittivity and the change in capacitance of an aerosol-generating product can be expressed as [Equation 8].

[0178]

[0179] represents capacitance, represents the change in capacitance, and represents the permittivity (or relative permittivity) of the aerosol-generating article, It can represent the amount of change in the permittivity of an aerosol-generating product.

[0180] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may store the permittivity (or relative permittivity) of an aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generating device may store permittivity corresponding to each of a plurality of types of aerosol generating articles in the form of a look-up table. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device may determine the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device. Based on the look-up table, the aerosol generating device may verify the permittivity corresponding to the determined type of aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may determine the amount of change in permittivity of the aerosol generating article based on the verified permittivity and capacitance information corresponding to at least a part of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article. In [Equation 8], can represent a capacitance corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article before heating of the aerosol-generating article begins. For example, It can represent the capacitance before heating begins after the insertion of the aerosol-generating article, such as the capacitance information used to determine the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0181] In operation 520, the aerosol generating device can determine whether a user's puff is generated for the aerosol generating device based on the amount of change in dielectric constant.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may determine that a user's puff has occurred to the aerosol generating device when the amount of change in dielectric constant satisfies a predetermined standard. For example, the aerosol generating device may determine that a user's puff has occurred when the amount of change in dielectric constant is above (or exceeds) a threshold.

[0183] FIG. 6a is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device comprising a plurality of antennas according to one embodiment.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a source unit (600) (e.g., source unit (20) of FIG. 1) and a radiating unit (60) (e.g., radiating unit (30) of FIG. 1). Although not illustrated, the aerosol generating device (1) may include components of the control unit (10) and source unit (20) described with reference to FIG. 1. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power connector (110), a charging circuit (120), a power source (130), a first power converter (140), a second power converter (150), a third power converter (160), and / or a processor (170). The source unit (600) may include a driving amplifier (220), a power amplifier (230), a directional coupler (240), and / or a temperature sensing circuit (250), and descriptions that overlap with those described above with reference to FIG. 1 are omitted.

[0185] According to one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 3, it has been described that the radiating unit may radiate a first signal of a first frequency band and a second signal of a second frequency band to at least a portion of the insertion space according to a predetermined period through a first antenna, which is a single antenna. With reference to FIG. 6a, the radiating unit (60) of the aerosol generating device (1) may further include one or more antennas of a frequency band different from the first frequency band of the first signal. For example, the radiating unit (60) of the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a second antenna (62) and a third antenna (63) of a frequency band different from the first frequency band, in addition to the first antenna (61) for radiating the first signal and the second signal. The number of antennas shown in FIG. 6a is exemplary, and the number of antennas included in the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to the present disclosure.

[0186] With reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, it has been explained that a first signal in a first frequency band, which is a relatively high frequency band, can be used for heating an aerosol-generating article, and a second signal in a second frequency band, which is a relatively low frequency band, can be used for capacitive sensing based on a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal. Hereinafter, to distinguish it from the signal used for capacitive sensing, the signal used for heating an aerosol-generating article is named the 'heating signal,' and the frequency band of the heating signal is named the 'heating frequency band.' With reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the first frequency band described above can be understood as the 'first heating frequency band,' and the first signal as the 'first heating signal.'

[0187] The second antenna (62) and the third antenna (63) can each radiate a second heating signal and a third heating signal in a frequency band different from the first heating frequency band. The second antenna (62) can radiate a second heating signal in a second heating frequency band different from the first heating frequency band. The third antenna (63) can radiate a third heating signal in a third heating frequency band different from the first heating frequency band and the second heating frequency band. For example, the second heating frequency band and the third heating frequency band may correspond to 1 GHz or higher. The second heating signal and the third heating signal, which are relatively high frequency bands, can be used to heat an aerosol generating article.

[0188] The source section (600) may include a signal generation circuit (601) (e.g., RF signal generation circuit (210) of FIG. 1) and a switching circuit (602).

[0189] The signal generation circuit (601) may include a VCO that generates an RF signal having a different frequency depending on the input voltage. The signal generation circuit (601) may receive a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) from a processor (e.g., the processor (170) of FIG. 1) and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received control signal.

[0190] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may store control signals corresponding to a first heating frequency band, a second heating frequency band, and a third heating frequency band, respectively, in the form of a look-up table. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may calculate control signals corresponding to a first heating frequency band, a second heating frequency band, and a third heating frequency band, respectively, in real time through at least one operation. The processor of the aerosol generating device (1) may apply a control signal corresponding to the first heating frequency band, the second heating frequency band, or the third heating frequency band to a signal generating circuit (601). The signal generating circuit (601) may generate a heating signal of a heating frequency band (e.g., a first heating frequency band, a second heating frequency band, or a third heating frequency band) corresponding to the control signal from the processor.

[0191] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) can control the connection between the signal generating circuit (601) and the antennas (61, 62, 63) of the radiating unit (60) by controlling the switching circuit (602). For example, the switching circuit (602) may include a first switching element between the signal generating circuit (601) and the first antenna (61), a second switching element between the signal generating circuit (601) and the second antenna (62), and a third switching element between the signal generating circuit (601) and the third antenna (63). The processor of the aerosol generating device (1) is electrically connected to the first switching element, the second switching element, and the third switching element, and can control the connection between the signal generating circuit (601) and the antennas (61, 62, 63) by controlling the open / closed state of the first switching element, the second switching element, and the third switching element.

[0192] For example, the processor of the aerosol generating device (1) may turn on a first switching element so that the signal generating circuit (601) and the first antenna (61) are connected, turn on a second switching element so that the signal generating circuit (601) and the second antenna (62) are connected, and / or turn on a third switching element so that the signal generating circuit (601) and the third antenna (63) are connected. Turning on the switching element may mean controlling the switching element so that its open / closed state can be switched from an 'open state' to a 'closed state'. Additionally, the fact that the signal generation circuit (601) is connected to the first antenna (61), the second antenna (62), and / or the third antenna (63) may mean that a heating signal (e.g., a first heating signal, a second heating signal, and / or a third heating signal) is supplied from the signal generation circuit (601) to the first antenna (61), the second antenna (62), and / or the third antenna (63).

[0193] As another example, the processor of the aerosol generating device (1) may turn off the first switching element so that the signal generating circuit (601) and the first antenna (61) are not connected, turn off the second switching element so that the signal generating circuit (601) and the second antenna (62) are not connected, and / or turn off the third switching element so that the signal generating circuit (601) and the third antenna (63) are not connected. Turning off the switching element may mean controlling the switching element so that its open / closed state can be switched from a 'closed state' to an 'open state'. Additionally, the fact that the signal generation circuit (601) is not connected to the first antenna (61), the second antenna (62), and / or the third antenna (63) may mean that the heating signal (e.g., first heating signal, second heating signal, and / or third heating signal) from the signal generation circuit (601) to the first antenna (61), the second antenna (62), and / or the third antenna (63) is blocked.

[0194] In one embodiment, the signal generation circuit (601) may include a plurality of circuits for generating signals of different frequency bands. For example, the signal generation circuit (601) may include a plurality of circuits corresponding to each of the antennas (61, 62, 63) of the radiating unit (60) (e.g., a first circuit corresponding to the first antenna (61), a second circuit corresponding to the second antenna (62), and a third circuit corresponding to the third antenna (63)).

[0195] The aerosol generating device (1) can control the connection between a plurality of circuits (e.g., first circuit, second circuit, third circuit) of the signal generating circuit (601) and antennas (61, 62, 63) of the radiating unit (60) by controlling the switching circuit (602). In one embodiment, the switching circuit (602) may include a first switching element between the first circuit and the first antenna (61), a second switching element between the second circuit and the second antenna (62), and a third switching element between the third circuit and the third antenna (63). The processor of the aerosol generating device (1) is electrically connected to the first switching element, the second switching element, and the third switching element, and can control the connection between a plurality of circuits (e.g., first circuit, second circuit, third circuit) and antennas (61, 62, 63) by controlling the open / closed state of the first switching element, the second switching element, and the third switching element.

[0196] In one embodiment, unlike as shown in FIG. 6a, the signal generation circuit (601) may be connected between the switching circuit (602) and the radiating unit (60). For example, the switching circuit (602) may be connected between the power supply (e.g., the power supply (130) of FIG. 1) and the signal generation circuit (601).

[0197] The aerosol generating device (1) can control the connection between a plurality of circuits (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, a third circuit) of the power supply and signal generating circuit (601) by controlling the switching circuit (602). For example, the switching circuit (602) may include a first switching element between the power supply and the first antenna (61), a second switching element between the power supply and the second antenna (62), and a third switching element between the power supply and the third antenna (63). The processor of the aerosol generating device (1) is electrically connected to the first switching element, the second switching element, and the third switching element, and can control the connection between the power supply and the antennas (61, 62, 63) by controlling the open / closed state of the first switching element, the second switching element, and the third switching element.

[0198] For example, the processor of the aerosol generating device (1) may turn on a first switching element so that the power supply and the first antenna (61) are connected, turn on a second switching element so that the power supply and the second antenna (62) are connected, and / or turn on a third switching element so that the power supply and the third antenna (63) are connected. The connection of the power supply to the first antenna (61), the second antenna (62), and / or the third antenna (63) may mean that power is supplied from the power supply to the first antenna (61), the second antenna (62), and / or the third antenna (63).

[0199] As another example, the processor of the aerosol generating device (1) may turn off the first switching element so that the power supply and the first antenna (61) are not connected, turn off the second switching element so that the power supply and the second antenna (62) are not connected, and / or turn off the third switching element so that the power supply and the third antenna (63) are not connected. Not connecting the power supply to the first antenna (61), the second antenna (62), and / or the third antenna (63) may mean that the power supply from the power supply to the first antenna (61), the second antenna (62), and / or the third antenna (63) is cut off.

[0200] FIG. 6b is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device including a plurality of antennas according to one embodiment.

[0201] The following operation 610 may be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 6a). The aerosol generating device may include a signal generating circuit (e.g., the RF signal generating circuit (210) of FIG. 1 or the signal generating circuit (601) of FIG. 6a), a resonator (e.g., the resonator (351) of FIG. 2), a coupler (e.g., the microwave coupler (332) of FIG. 2), and a processor (e.g., the processor (170) of FIG. 1).

[0202] According to one embodiment, operation 310 of FIG. 3 may include operation 610.

[0203] In operation 610, the aerosol generating device can control the signal generating circuit to generate a target heating signal of a target heating frequency band corresponding to the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0204] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may store heating profiles corresponding to each of a plurality of types of aerosol generating articles. The heating profile may include a heating frequency band of a heating signal generated by a signal generating circuit. For example, the aerosol generating device may store heating profiles corresponding to each of a plurality of types of aerosol generating articles in the form of a look-up table. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device may determine the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device. Based on the look-up table, the aerosol generating device may identify a target heating profile (e.g., target heating frequency band) corresponding to the determined type of aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may control the signal generating circuit based on the identified target heating profile. That is, the aerosol generating device may control the signal generating circuit to generate a target heating signal of the target heating frequency band.

[0205] According to one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 3, it has been described that the radiating unit can radiate a first signal of a first frequency band and a second signal of a second frequency band to at least a portion of the insertion space according to a predetermined period through a first antenna, which is a single antenna. As described above with reference to FIG. 6a, the aerosol generating device may further include one or more antennas (e.g., a second antenna (62) and a third antenna (63)) of a frequency band (or a different heating frequency band) different from the first frequency band (or a first heating frequency band) of the first signal (or a first heating signal).

[0206] The aerosol generating device can control a switching circuit to allow a target heating signal to be radiated through a target antenna corresponding to a target heating frequency band among one antenna for radiating a first signal (or, a first heating signal) and a second signal, and one or more antennas.

[0207] For example, the aerosol generating device can control the connection between the signal generating circuit and the antennas of the radiating unit (e.g., the radiating unit (60) in FIG. 6) (e.g., the first antenna (61), the second antenna (62), and / or the third antenna (63)) by controlling a switching circuit (e.g., the switching circuit (602) in FIG. 6a). As another example, the aerosol generating device can control the connection between a plurality of circuits of the signal generating circuit (e.g., the first circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit) and the antennas of the radiating unit by controlling a switching circuit. As yet another example, the aerosol generating device can control the connection between the power supply and a plurality of circuits of the signal generating circuit (e.g., the first circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit).

[0208] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0209] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, it means that even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, combination is possible except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0210] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method performed by an aerosol generating device, The above aerosol generating device is, A signal generation circuit that generates a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band; A resonant unit that generates an electric field by resonating the above first signal; A coupler for transmitting the first signal to the resonant part; and processor Includes, The above method is, An operation to control the signal generation circuit to generate the first signal and the second signal according to a predetermined period; An operation to acquire a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal above; and Operation of determining capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of the aerosol generating article of the aerosol generating device based on the above reflected signal. including, method.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above aerosol generating device further comprises a first antenna for radiating the first signal and the second signal, method.

3. In Paragraph 1, The aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device is heated by the resonance of the first signal in the first frequency band. method.

4. In Paragraph 1, Operation of determining whether to insert an aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device based on the above capacitance information including more, method.

5. In Paragraph 1, Operation of determining the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device based on the above capacitance information including more, method.

6. In Paragraph 1, The operation of determining the amount of change in dielectric constant of an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device based on the above-mentioned capacitance information; and Operation of determining whether a user's puff is generated in the aerosol generating device based on the above change in dielectric constant. including more, method.

7. In Paragraph 2, The aerosol generating device further comprises one or more antennas of a frequency band different from the first frequency band of the first signal. method.

8. In Paragraph 7, Operation of controlling the signal generation circuit to generate a target heating signal of a target heating frequency band corresponding to the type of aerosol generating article inserted in the aerosol generating device - the target heating signal is radiated through the target antenna corresponding to the target heating frequency band among the first antenna for radiating the first signal and the second signal and the one or more antennas - including more, method.

9. In Paragraph 8, Operation of controlling the connection between the signal generation circuit, the first antenna, and the one or more antennas by controlling a switching circuit connected to the signal generation circuit. including more, method.

10. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to paragraph 1.

11. In an aerosol generating device, A signal generation circuit that generates a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band; A resonant unit that generates an electric field by resonating the above first signal; A coupler for transmitting the first signal to the resonant part; and processor Includes, The above processor is, An operation to control the signal generation circuit to generate the first signal and the second signal according to a predetermined period; An operation to acquire a reflected signal corresponding to the second signal above; and Operation of determining capacitance information corresponding to at least a portion of the insertion space of an aerosol-generating article based on the above-mentioned reflected signal performing, Aerosol generating device.

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