AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE, AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD OF AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2023-0092593, filed on Jul. 17, 2023, 10-2023-0064306, filed on May 18, 2023, 10-2023-0061215, filed on May 11, 2023, and 10-2023-0109865, filed on Aug. 22, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device that may provide a notification when an aerosol generating article is not inserted into a correct position of an accommodation space of the aerosol generating device.

Various embodiments according to the disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device that may detect the fully-inserted configuration of an aerosol generating article through a capacitive sensor and an optical sensor, and an operating method of the aerosol generating device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, the demand for smoking methods replacing regular cigarettes has increased. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of generating aerosols by heating an aerosol generating material in cigarettes, rather than by burning cigarettes. Accordingly, studies have been actively conducted on a heating-type cigarette or a heating-type aerosol generating device.

An aerosol generating article inserted into an accommodation space of an aerosol generating device may be partially detached or removed from the accommodation space due to various reasons. For example, when a user smokes in dry weather, the aerosol generating article may stick to the user's lips and lifted up with the lips.

When the aerosol generating article is partially detached from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device, optimal heating of the aerosol generating article is not performed, and thus, a sufficient smoking sensation may not be provided to the user.

In addition, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol generating article according to a set temperature profile. At this time, the aerosol generating device may determine whether the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the accommodation space through various types of sensors (e.g., a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like).

SUMMARY

Provided is an aerosol generating device that may generate a sufficient amount of aerosols by guiding an aerosol generating article to be arranged at an optimal heating position.

Even when the insertion of an aerosol generating article into an accommodation space of an aerosol generating device is detected, in some cases, the aerosol generating article may not be fully inserted into the accommodation space. At this time, the aerosol generating device may perform subsequent control operations (e.g., heater heating) upon the detection of insertion of the aerosol generating article, but the operational efficiency of the control operations may be reduced as the aerosol generating article is not fully inserted into the accommodation space.

Provided is an aerosol generating device that may control power supply to a heater by detecting not only whether an aerosol generating article is inserted, but also the insertion configuration (i.e., a fully-inserted configuration or a non-fully-inserted configuration) of the aerosol generating article.

The technical problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to the above-described problems, and problems that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure and the accompanying drawings.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device may include an accommodation space into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article, an insertion detection sensor configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the accommodation space, and a controller configured to provide a user with a notification through an output unit when it is detected that the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodation space has been moved from the accommodation space through the insertion detection sensor during a heating operation of the heater. The heater maintains the heating operation of heating the aerosol generating article even while the notification is being provided.

According to another embodiment, an operating method of an aerosol generating device includes inserting an aerosol generating article into an accommodation space, heating the aerosol generating article by a heater, detecting whether the aerosol generating article has been moved from the accommodation space through an insertion detection sensor during a heating operation of the heater, and providing a user with a notification through an output unit when the aerosol generating article has been moved from the accommodation space. The heater maintains the heating operation of the aerosol generating article even while providing the notification.

According to another embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a housing including a hole in which an aerosol generating article is accommodated, a capacitive sensor including a first electrode arranged adjacent to the hole and a second electrode arranged adjacent to the hole and facing the first electrode, an optical sensor arranged in one area of the housing, which faces at least a partial area of an identification element included in the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is accommodated to be in contact with a lower surface of the hole of the housing, a heater heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the hole of the housing, and a processor electrically connected to the capacitive sensor, the optical sensor, and the heater, wherein the processor is configured to detect, through the capacitive sensor, a change amount in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode as the aerosol generating article is accommodated, detect, through the optical sensor, an amount of reflected light from the identification element of the aerosol generating article, and control power supply to the heater based on the detected change amount in capacitance and the detected amount of reflected light.

The processor may be further configured to detect the amount of reflected light through the optical sensor based on the detected change amount in capacitance, which exceeds a preset change amount.

The processor may be further configured to supply power to the heater when the detected change amount in capacitance exceeds the preset change amount, and the detected amount of reflected light is less than a first amount of reflected light.

The aerosol generating device may further include a user interface, and the processor may be further configured to output a first notification through the user interface when the detected change amount in capacitance exceeds the preset change amount, and the detected amount of reflected light is the first amount of reflect light or more and less than a second amount of reflected light that is greater than the first amount of reflected light.

The processor may be further configured to output, through the user interface, the first notification to guide a user to insert the aerosol generating article so that the aerosol generating article is in contact with the lower surface of the hole of the housing.

The aerosol generating device may further include a user interface, and the processor may be further configured to output a second notification through the user interface when the detected change amount in capacitance exceeds the preset change amount, and the detected amount of reflected light is a second amount of reflected light or more.

The processor may be further configured to output, through the user interface, the second notification to guide the user to remove the aerosol generating article accommodated in the hole of the housing and insert another aerosol generating article.

The optical sensor may be arranged at a place adjacent to the hole, which faces at least a partial area of the identification element included in the aerosol generating article.

The optical sensor may face the at least a partial area of the identification element included in the aerosol generating article and may be arranged on an upper surface of the housing.

The processor may be further configured to detect, through the optical sensor, an amount of reflected light according to at least one of a thickness, a color, a pattern, and a material of the identification element.

According to another embodiment, an operating method of an aerosol generating device includes detecting, through a capacitive sensor arranged adjacent to a hole of a housing in which an aerosol generating article is accommodated, a change amount in capacitance between a first electrode and a second electrode of the capacitive sensor as the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the hole, detecting, through an optical sensor arranged in one area of the housing, which faces at least a partial area of an identification element included in the aerosol generating article, an amount of reflected light from the identification element included in the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is accommodated to be in contact with a lower surface of the hole, and controlling power supply to a heater based on the detected change amount in capacitance and the detected amount of reflected light.

The detecting of the amount of reflected light through the optical sensor may include detecting the amount of reflected light through the optical sensor based on the detected change amount in capacitance, which exceeds a preset change amount.

The controlling of the power supply to the heater may include supplying power to the heater when the detected change amount in capacitance exceeds the preset change amount, and the detected amount of reflected light is less than a first amount of reflected light.

The operating method may further include outputting a first notification through a user interface when the detected change amount in capacitance exceeds the preset change amount, and the detected amount of reflected light is a first amount of reflected light or more and less than a second amount of reflected light that is greater than the first amount of reflected light, and outputting a second notification through the user interface when the detected change amount in capacitance exceeds the preset change amount, and the detected amount of reflected light is the second amount of reflected light or more.

According to another embodiment, an aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating article including an identification element in at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a housing including a hole in which the aerosol generating article is accommodated, a capacitive sensor including a first electrode arranged adjacent to the hole of the housing and a second electrode arranged adjacent to the hole of the housing and facing the first electrode, an optical sensor arranged in one area of the housing, which faces at least a partial area of the identification element of the aerosol generating article, when the aerosol generating article is accommodated to be in contact with a lower surface of the hole, a heater heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the hole of the housing, and a processor electrically connected to the capacitive sensor, the optical sensor, and the heater, wherein the processor is configured to detect, through the capacitive sensor, a change amount in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode as the aerosol generating article is accommodated, detect, through the optical sensor, an amount of reflected light of the identification element of the aerosol generating article, and control power supply to the heater based on the detected change amount in capacitance and the detected amount of reflected light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 controls power supply to a heater;

FIG. 3 is a graph showing a temperature change due to a power control method of the heater shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment determines whether an aerosol generating article is moved or removed;

FIG. 5B is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controls power supply to a heater based on whether an aerosol generating article is reinserted;

FIG. 5C is a graph for describing a power control method of a heater when an aerosol generating article is removed;

FIG. 6A is a diagram for describing a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when an aerosol generating article is in a first state, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a diagram for describing a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when an aerosol generating article is in a second state, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6C is a diagram for describing a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when an aerosol generating article is in a third state, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing components configuring an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of cigarettes;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system in a state in which an aerosol generating article is inserted, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system in a state in which an aerosol generating article is removed, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 1, taken along a direction A-A′;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controls power supply to a heater;

FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an example of a method in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment detects a sensing value through a capacitive sensor and an optical sensor;

FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controls power supply to a heater or output of a user notification; FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an example of a method in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment detects a sensing value through a capacitive sensor and an optical sensor when an aerosol generating article is non-fully inserted;

FIG. 17B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an operation in which the aerosol generating device outputs a first notification, according to FIG. 17A;

FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an example of a method in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment detects a sensing value through a capacitive sensor and an optical sensor when an aerosol generating article, which does not include an identification element, is inserted;

FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 19A;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an operation in which the aerosol generating device outputs a second notification, according to FIG. 19A;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With respect to the terms used to describe the various embodiments, general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments. However, meanings of the terms can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, terms which can be arbitrarily selected by the applicant in particular cases. In such a case, the meaning of the terms will be described in detail at the corresponding portion in the description of the disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein.

In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms “-er”, “-or”, and “module” described in the specification mean units for processing at least one function and operation and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

In addition, in the description, certain detailed explanations of the related art are omitted when it is deemed that they may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the disclosure. Also, the attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the disclosure, and the technical idea of the disclosure is not limited by the attached drawings.

While such terms as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used to describe various components, such components must not be limited to the above terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

When a component is said to be “connected” to another component, it is understood that the component may be directly connected to the other component, but it may also be understood that other components may exist in between. Conversely, when a component is said to be “directly connected” to another embodiment, it should be understood that no other components exist in between.

An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.

Hereinafter, the disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the disclosure. The disclosure can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol generating article 15.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a controller 110, a heater 120, an insertion detection sensor 130, and an accommodation space 140. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating article 15 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 140. The aerosol generating device 100 may generate aerosols by heating the aerosol generating article 15 inserted into the accommodation space 140 through the heater 120.

The aerosol generating article 15 may correspond to a cigarette, but is not limited thereto. The aerosol generating article 15 may include all materials including an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating article 15 may include an aerosol generating material and a thermally conductive material TC. The aerosol generating material may be heated and vaporized by the heater 120 of the aerosol generating device 100 to generate aerosols.

For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but it is not limited thereto. In addition, the aerosol generating material may include other additives, such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. Also, a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, may be added to the aerosol generating material.

The thermally conductive material TC is a magnetic and conductive material and has characteristics of inherent permeability and dielectric constant. Accordingly, the inductance value of a coil and the capacitance value of a capacitor may be changed according to the presence of the thermally conductive material TC and the movement of the thermally conductive material TC. For example, the thermally conductive material TC may be a metal material including at least any one of aluminum, nickel, and iron. The thermally conductive material TC may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material TC may be manufactured in the forms of ink, tape, band, paper, or the like.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating article 15 may be a cigarette-type extending in one direction. In this case, the aerosol generating article 15 may include a tobacco rod including an aerosol generating material, a cooling rod cooling aerosols, a filter rod filtering impurities, or the like. When the aerosol generating article 15 is a cigarette-type, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by the thermally conductive material TC. The thermally conductive material TC surrounding the tobacco rod may uniformly distribute heat to the tobacco rod, and thus, the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod may be increased.

According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating article 15 may be a cartridge-type including a liquid aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating article 15 may include a storage space in which the liquid aerosol generating material is accommodated, a wick transporting the aerosol generating material from the storage space, a heater surrounding the wick and heating the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick, a contact terminal connecting the heater and a battery, or the like.

In an embodiment, the heater 120 may heat the aerosol generating article 15 inserted into the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100.

For example, the heater 120 may be a heater of an induction heating type. In particular, the heater 120 may include an induction coil heating the aerosol generating article 15 in an induction heating method and a susceptor that may be heated as a variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil passes through the susceptor.

As another example, the heater 120 may be an electro-resistive heater. In particular, the heater 120 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 120 may be heated when currents flow through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 120 is not limited to the examples described above and may include all heaters which may be heated to a desired temperature. At this time, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 100 or may be set as a temperature desired by a user.

In an embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 130 may include at least one of an inductive sensor 132, a temperature sensor 133, and a capacitive sensor 134.

The inductive sensor 132 may detect whether the aerosol generating article 15 has been removed, partially moved, or inserted into the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100.

The inductive sensor 132 may measure a coil and an inductance value of the coil. According to Faraday's Law of electromagnetic induction, when a magnetic field changes around a coil through which a current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may be changed.

As the aerosol generating article 15 is inserted into or removed from the accommodation space 140, a current flowing through a coil may induce an eddy current in the thermally conductive material TC of the aerosol generating article 15. The eddy current flowing in the thermally conductive material TC may change the characteristics of the current, such as the frequency of the current flowing in the coil and the inductance value of the coil, through mutual induction with the coil.

The inductive sensor 132 may measure characteristic values of changing current. For example, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include a frequency value of an alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an effective resistance, an impedance value, or the like. The inductive sensor 132 may further include a frequency-measuring element, a rectifier, an amplifier, an oscillator circuit that generates electrical vibration, or the like.

The inductive sensor 132 measuring an inductance value of a coil includes measuring any one value of the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil and obtaining an inductance value through calculation from the measured characteristic value of the current.

The temperature sensor 133 may detect whether the aerosol generating article 15 has been removed, partially moved, or inserted into the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100. The temperature sensor 133 may detect a temperature change that occurs as the aerosol generating article 15 is removed from, partially moved, or inserted into the accommodation space 140.

The capacitive sensor 134 may detect whether the aerosol generating article 15 has been removed, partially moved, or inserted into the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100. The capacitive sensor 134 may measure a capacitance value between two electrodes. The capacitive sensor 134 may include two electrodes facing each other. A dielectric may be arranged between the two electrodes. A movement of the thermally conductive material TC caused by the insertion or removal of the aerosol generating material 15 within the accommodation space 140 may affect an electric field between the two electrodes, and a capacitance value between the two electrodes may be changed. The capacitive sensor 134 may measure a capacitance value.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 15 has been inserted into the accommodation space 140 based on a sensing value detected by using the insertion detection sensor 130. At this time, the sensing value may include at least one of an inductance value measured by the inductive sensor 132, a temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 133, and a capacitance value measured by the capacitive sensor 134.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may be hardware that controls general operations of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the controller 110 may not only control the operations of the heater 120 and the insertion detection sensor 130, but also the operations of other components included in the aerosol generating device 100. In an embodiment, the controller 110 may also check a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 100 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is able to operate.

The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 1. According to the design of the aerosol generating device 100, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the hardware components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 controls the power supply to a heater. FIG. 3 is a graph showing a temperature change due to a power control method of the heater shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in operation S10, the controller 110 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 15 has been inserted into the accommodation space 140 through the insertion detection sensor 130. For example, the insertion detection sensor 130 may include at least one of the inductive sensor 132, the temperature sensor 133, and the capacitive sensor 134.

In operation S20, when it is determined that the aerosol generating article 15 has been inserted into the accommodation space 140, the controller 110 may initiate a heating operation of the heater 120 to heat the aerosol generating article 15.

In operation S30, the controller 110 may detect whether the aerosol generating article 15 inserted into the accommodation space 140 has been moved from the accommodation space 140 through the insertion detection sensor 130 during the heating operation of the heater 120. At this time, the term “movement of the aerosol generating article 15” may be defined as a case where a front end FE of the aerosol generating article 15 has deviated from the bottom surface of the accommodation space 140 by a preset distance. The term “removal of the aerosol generating article 15” may be defined as a case where the front end FE of the aerosol generating article 15, which faces the bottom surface of the accommodation space 140, has completely deviated from the accommodation space 140.

When an amount of change in the sensing value detected by using the insertion detection sensor 130 corresponds to a preset value (e.g., a first threshold value or more and a second threshold value or less), the controller 110 may determine that the aerosol generating article 15 has been moved. In addition, when the amount of change in the sensing value detected by using the insertion detection sensor 130 corresponds to a preset value (e.g., greater than the second threshold value), the controller 110 may determine that the aerosol generating article 15 has been removed.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may detect whether the aerosol generating article 15 has been moved or removed from the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100 by detecting an amount of change in inductance through the inductive sensor 132. For example, the aerosol generating article 15 inserted into and positioned in the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100 may include the thermally conductive material TC. A magnetic field may be generated on one surface of the inductive sensor 132. When the thermally conductive material TC located within the magnetic field generated by the inductive sensor 132 is moved, the controller 110 may detect that the inductance value is changed due to the movement of the thermally conductive material TC through the inductive sensor 132.

In another embodiment, the controller 110 may also detect whether the aerosol generating article 15 has been moved or removed from the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100 by detecting a change in temperature through the temperature sensor 133.

In another embodiment, the controller 110 may detect whether the aerosol generating article 15 has been moved or removed from the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100 by detecting an amount of change in capacitance through the capacitive sensor 134.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a memory (refer to 1070 of FIG. 10) including a lookup table in which preset values are matched for each aerosol generating article 15. A preset value (that is, the first threshold value or more and the second threshold value or less) for determining whether the aerosol generating article 15 has been moved means a threshold value (that is, an amount of change in the sensing value) at which an amount of aerosols provided to a user may be considered adequate, and may be calculated experimentally and/or statistically for each aerosol generating article 15. This is because the amount of generated aerosols may be different when the type and/or content of an aerosol generating material included in the aerosol generating article 15 is different, even when the movement of the aerosol generating article 15 within the accommodation space 140 is the same.

A preset value (that is, an amount of change in the sensing value) for determining the movement of the aerosol generating article 15 may be converted to a distance of the aerosol generating article 15 moved from the bottom surface of the accommodation space 140. When the aerosol generating article 15 has been moved within a preset distance from the bottom surface of the accommodation space 140, an amount of aerosols provided by the aerosol generating article 15 may provide a sufficient smoking sensation to a user. For example, when the aerosol generating article 15 has been moved within 4 mm from the bottom surface of the accommodation space 140, the amount of aerosols is substantially the same as the case where the aerosol generating article 15 is normally inserted into the accommodation space 140 may be provided to the user.

In operation S40, when it is detected that the aerosol generating article 15 inserted into the accommodation space 140 has been moved from the accommodation space 140 through the insertion detection sensor 130 during the heating operation of the heater 120, the controller 110 may provide a notification to the user through an output unit (refer to 1030 of FIG. 10).

For example, when it is detected that the aerosol generating article 15 inserted into the accommodation space 140 has been moved from the accommodation space 140 through the insertion detection sensor 130 during the heating operation of the heater 120, the controller 110 may display a text, a design, or a flashing red screen guiding the normal insertion of the aerosol generating article 15. In addition, the controller 110 may also provide a preset vibration pattern through a haptic unit (refer to 1034 of FIG. 10) or output a sound such as a voice or a beep sound that guides the normal insertion of the aerosol generating article 15 through a sound output unit (refer to 1036 of FIG. 10).

Referring to FIG. 3, a first temperature graph TG1 may represent temperature values by time and may be divided into a first section P1, which is a preheating section, and a second section P2, which is a smoking section, based on a first time point t1.

The first section P1 may include a section that the temperature of the heater 120 rises from a first temperature T1, which is a temperature of the outside air, to a second temperature T2 at which an aerosol generating material is volatilized, and a section that the temperature of the heater 120 decreases to a third temperature T3, which is smoking onset temperature. The second section P2 may include a section that the temperature of the heater 120 decreases from the third temperature T3 to a fourth temperature T4, which is a maintenance temperature, and a section that the temperature of the heater 120 maintains at the fourth temperature T4. At this time, the second temperature T2, the third temperature T3, and the fourth temperature T4 are temperatures at which an aerosol generating material is volatilized or above, and may vary depending on the type of the aerosol generating material.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the second section P2, an event in which the aerosol generating article 15 is moved from the accommodation space 140 may occur.

When an amount of change in the sensing value detected by using the insertion detection sensor 130 corresponds to a preset value (e.g., the first threshold value or more and the second threshold value or less), the controller 110 may determine that the aerosol generating article 15 has been moved. The controller 110 may provide a notification to the user at a second time point t2 at which the aerosol generating article 15 inserted into the accommodation space 140 is determined to be moved from the accommodation space 140 through the insertion detection sensor 130 during the heating operation of the heater 120.

At this time, the controller 110 may also maintain the heating operation of the heater 120 while providing the notification through an output unit (refer to 1030 of FIG. 10). This is because there is a risk of providing the user with an unsatisfactory smoking experience when the heating operation of the heater 120 is stopped even when the movement of the aerosol generating article 15 is temporary to the extent that the user does not perceive a decrease in temperature (or a smoking feeling).

FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the controller 110 may detect a change in inductance through the inductive sensor 132 during a designated time 410. For example, the controller 110 may detect a change in inductance by controlling a voltage of the inductive sensor 132 in a pulse width modulation (PMW) method. At this time, the controller 110 may preset the number of times the inductive sensor 132 is switched to an activated state during the designated time 410. FIG. 4 shows that the inductive sensor 132 is switched to the activated state for five times during the designated time 410, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The controller 110 may switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state by controlling a supply voltage to the inductive sensor 132 at a 21st time point t21. At this time, the controller 110 may block the power supplied from a battery to the heater 120 at the 21st time point t21. That is, the controller 110 may perform an operation of blocking power supplied to the heater 120 and an operation of switching the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state in parallel. In an embodiment, as power supplied to the heater 120 is blocked at the 21st time point t21, the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device 100 may substantially decrease. Because an inductance value detected by the inductive sensor 132 may be distorted at high temperature, the controller 110 may periodically stop heating of the heater 120 and detect a change in inductance through the inductive sensor 132.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to a deactivated state at a 31st time point t31. At this time, the controller 110 may control to supply power from the battery to the heater 120 at the 31st time point t31. That is, the controller 110 may perform an operation of supplying power to the heater 120 and an operation of switching the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the deactivated state in parallel. In an embodiment, as power is supplied to the heater 120 at the 31st time point t31, the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device 100 may substantially increase.

At this time, because the time between the 21st time point t21, which is the activation section of the inductive sensor 132 (i.e., a section in which power supplied to the heater 120 is blocked), and the 31st time point t31 is very short, the heating operation of the heater 120 for heating the aerosol generating article 15 may be interpreted as being maintained.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment determines whether an aerosol generating article is moved or removed.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5A, the controller 110 may detect a change in first inductance at a certain period through the inductive sensor 132 in operation 201a.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state according to a certain period and block power supplied to the heater 120. At this time, the certain period may mean an optical period that may detect a change in inductance through the inductive sensor 132. For example, when the certain period is set to 1 second, the controller 110 may switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state at 1-second intervals and block power supplied to the heater 120.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may obtain data about a change in inductance after switching the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state during the certain period and switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the deactivated state. For example, when the certain period is set to 1 second, the controller 110 may obtain data about the change in inductance for 30 [ms] after switching the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state and switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the deactivated state to maintain for 970 [ms].

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 15 has been moved or removed from the accommodation space 140 in operation 201b. In particular, the controller 110 may determine whether the magnitude of change in first inductance detected through the inductive sensor 132 is a first threshold value or more and a second threshold or less. For example, the first threshold value may mean the minimum value of an amount of change in inductance that occurs as the aerosol generating article 15 including the thermally conductive material TC is moved from the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100. In addition, the second threshold value may mean a threshold value at which the amount of aerosols provided to the user may be considered appropriate. That is, when the magnitude of change in first inductance is the first threshold value or more and the second threshold value or less, it corresponds to a case where the aerosol generating article 15 is moved, and a sufficient amount of aerosols may be provided even when the heating operation of the heater 120 is maintained at a state where the user does not correct the aerosol generating article 15 to a normal position within the accommodation space 140.

In an embodiment, when the detected magnitude of change in first inductance is determined to be the first threshold value or more and the second threshold value or less, the controller 110 may provide a notification to the user through an output unit (refer to 1030 of FIG. 10). In another embodiment, when the detected magnitude of change in first inductance is determined to be less than the first threshold value, the controller 110 may return to operation 201a and reperform the following operations.

When the detected magnitude of change in first inductance is determined to be greater than the second threshold value, the controller 110 may determine that the aerosol generating article 15 inserted into the accommodation space 140 has been removed from the accommodation space 140 and stop the heating operation of the heater 120 in operation 202a.

When the aerosol generating article 15 has been removed from the accommodation space 140, the controller 110 may turn off the heating operation of the heater 120 without delay. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 100 may prevent unnecessary power consumption from occurring.

FIG. 5B is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controls the power supply to a heater based on whether an aerosol generating article is reinserted. FIG. 5C is a graph for describing a power control method of a heater when an aerosol generating article is removed.

At this time, the graph indicated by a solid line represents a second temperature graph when an aerosol generating article is reinserted within a designated time (or grace time), and the graph indicated by a dashed line represents a third temperature graph when the aerosol generating article is not reinserted within the designated time.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the controller 110 may set a detection time t of change in inductance to 1 in operation 203a. For example, the controller 110 may set the detection time t of change in inductance to 1 and perform counting for a designated time.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may detect a change in second inductance through the inductive sensor 132 in operation 203b. For example, the change in second inductance may mean a minimum value of change in inductance at which the aerosol generating article 15 is determined to be reinserted.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state according to a certain period. At this time, the certain period may mean an optical period that may detect a change in inductance through the inductive sensor 132. For example, when the certain period is set to 1 second, the controller 110 may switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state at 1-second intervals.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may obtain data about a change in inductance after switching the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state during the certain period and switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the deactivated state. For example, when the certain period is set to 1 second, the controller 110 may obtain data about the change in inductance for 30 [ms] after switching the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the activated state and switch the state of the inductive sensor 132 to the deactivated state to maintain for 970 [ms].

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may determine whether a magnitude of change in second inductance detected through the inductive sensor 132 is a third threshold value or more in operation 203c. For example, the third threshold value may mean the minimum value of an amount of change in inductance that occurs as the aerosol generating article 15 including the thermally conductive material TC is reinserted into the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100.

In an embodiment, when the detected magnitude of change in second inductance is determined to be the third threshold value or more, the controller 110 may resume the heating operation of the heater 120. For example, when the detected magnitude of change in second inductance is determined to be the third threshold value or more, the controller 110 may resume supplying power from a battery to the heater 120.

In another embodiment, when the detected magnitude of change in second inductance is determined to be less than the third threshold value, the controller 110 may determine whether the detection time t of change in inductance is equal to a grace time (t_grace) in operation 203d.

In an embodiment, when it is determined that the detection time t of change in inductance is not equal to the grace time, the controller 110 may calculate the detection time t of change in inductance as t+1 in operation 203e. For example, when the detection time t of change in inductance is 1 second (t=1), and the grace time is 5 seconds (t_grace=5), the controller 110 may calculate the detection time t of change in inductance as 2 seconds (t=2). Thereafter, the controller 110 may return to operation 203b and re-perform the following operations.

In an embodiment, when it is determined that the detection time t of change in inductance is equal to the grace time, the controller 110 may stop the power supply to the heater 120 in operation 204b. For example, when the detection time t of change in inductance is 5 seconds (t=5), and the grace time is 5 seconds (t_grace=5), the controller 110 may block power supplied from the battery to the heater 120.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5C, a second temperature graph TG2 may represent temperature values by time and may be divided into a first section P1, which is a preheating section, and a second section P2, which is a smoking section, based on the first time point t1.

The first section P1 may include a section that the temperature of the heater 120 rises from a first temperature T1, which is a temperature of the outside air, to a second temperature T2 at which an aerosol generating material is volatilized, and a section that the temperature of the heater 120 decreases to a third temperature T3, which is smoking onset temperature. The second section P2 may include a section that the temperature of the heater 120 decreases from the third temperature T3 to a fourth temperature T4, which is a maintenance temperature, and a section that the temperature of the heater 120 maintains at the fourth temperature T4. At this time, the second temperature T2, the third temperature T3, and the fourth temperature T4 are temperatures at which an aerosol generating material is volatilized or above, and may vary depending on the type of the aerosol generating material.

In the second section P2, an event in which the aerosol generating article 15 has been removed from the accommodation space 140 may occur.

When the amount of change in the sensing value detected by using the insertion detection sensor 130 is greater than a preset value (e.g., the second threshold value), the controller 110 may determine that the aerosol generating article 15 has been removed. The controller 110 may immediately stop the heating operation of the heater 120 at a second time point t2 at which the aerosol generating article 15 inserted into the accommodation space 140 is determined to be removed from the accommodation space 140 through the insertion detection sensor 130 during the heating operation of the heater 120.

Accordingly, each of the second temperature graph TG2 and a third temperature graph TG3 may include a section that the temperature of the heater 120 decreases from the fourth temperature T4, which is the maintenance temperature, to a fifth temperature T5, which is a standby temperature. At this time, the fifth temperature T5 may be lowered in proportion to a time taken until the aerosol generating article 15 is reinserted. However, the fifth temperature T5 may have a lower limit value at a preset grace time (e.g., 5 seconds). The fifth temperature T5 may be set to a temperature that may return to the fourth temperature T4 before the user recognizes a decrease in temperature (or a decrease in smoking feeling) by resuming the heating operation of the heater 120.

When it is determined that the aerosol generating article 15 has been reinserted into the accommodation space 140 within a preset grace time at a third time point t3, the controller 110 may automatically resume the heating operation of the heater 120. Accordingly, the second temperature graph TG2 may include a section that the temperature of the heater 120 rises from the fifth temperature T5, which is the standby temperature, to the fourth temperature T4, which is the maintenance temperature.

Conversely, when it is determined that the aerosol generating article 15 has not been reinserted into the accommodation space 140 within a preset grace time at the third time point t3, the controller 110 may completely turn off the heating operation of the heater 120. Accordingly, the third temperature graph TG3 may include a section that the temperature of the heater 120 decreases from the fifth temperature T5, which is the standby temperature, to the first temperature T1, which is the temperature of outside air.

FIG. 6A is a diagram for describing a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when an aerosol generating article is in a first state, according to an embodiment. The first state may mean a state in which the aerosol generating article 15 has completely inserted into the accommodation space 140 of the aerosol generating device 100.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6A, the aerosol generating system may include the aerosol generating device 100 and the aerosol generating article 15.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include the accommodation space 140 into which the aerosol generating article 15 may be inserted.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include the inductive sensor 132, a susceptor 620, and an inductive coil 630. In an embodiment, the inductive coil 630 may generate a variable magnetic field as power is supplied from a battery, and the susceptor 620 may be heated through the variable magnetic field generated by the inductive coil 630. For example, the inductive coil 630 may be arranged to surround an outer peripheral surface of the susceptor 620.

In an embodiment, the inductive sensor 132 may include a first channel 600 and a second channel 610. For example, the first channel 600 may detect a change in inductance caused by a first portion of an aerosol generating article, and the second channel 610 may detect a change in inductance caused by a second portion that is distinct from the first portion. In an embodiment, the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 may be arranged so as not to overlap the susceptor 620. For example, the first channel 600 may be arranged in a region (e.g., a region provided in an −x direction) provided at a lower portion of the susceptor 620, and the second channel 610 may be arranged in a region (e.g., a region provided in an +x direction) provided at an upper portion of the susceptor 620. As the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 are arranged so as not to overlap the susceptor 620, the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 may detect changes in inductance without being affected by the variable magnetic field generated by the inductive coil 630.

FIG. 6B is a diagram for describing a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when an aerosol generating article is in a second state, according to an embodiment. The second state may mean a state in which a portion of the aerosol generating article 15 is moved a certain distance from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6B, when the aerosol generating article 15 is moved from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100 in the +x direction, the controller 110 may detect a change in inductance through some of the channels of the inductive sensor 132. For example, the controller 110 may detect a change in inductance through the first channel 600 of the inductive sensor 132. In an embodiment, when a change in inductance is detected only through some of the channels of the inductive sensor 132, the amount of change in inductance is at the first threshold value or more and the second threshold value or less, and accordingly, the controller 110 may determine that the aerosol generating article 15 has been moved. When it is determined that the aerosol generating article 15 has been moved, the controller 110 may maintain the heating operation of the heater 120 and provide a notification to guide the user to locate the aerosol generating article 15 at a normal location within the accommodation space 140.

FIG. 6C is a diagram for describing a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when an aerosol generating article is in a third state, according to an embodiment. The third state may mean a state in which the aerosol generating article 15 has been completely removed from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100.

Referring to FIG. 6C, when the aerosol generating article 15 is completely removed from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100 in the +x direction, the controller 110 may detect a change in inductance through a plurality of channels of the inductive sensor 132. For example, the controller 110 may detect a change in inductance through the first channel 600 and the second channel 610 of the inductive sensor 132. In an embodiment, when a change in inductance is detected through two of the plurality of channels of the inductive sensor 132, the amount of change in inductance is greater than the second threshold value, and accordingly, the controller 110 may start counting of a designated time.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing components configuring an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a susceptor 122, an inductive coil 124, a battery 115, and the controller 110. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition to the components shown in FIG. 7, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 100.

The aerosol generating device 100 may generate aerosols by heating the aerosol generating article 15 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100 by an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating the susceptor 122 by applying an alternating magnetic field, which has a periodically changing direction, to the susceptor 122 generating heating by an external magnetic field.

When an alternating magnetic field is applied to the susceptor 122, energy loss according to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the susceptor 122, and the lost energy may be released from the susceptor 122 as thermal energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the susceptor 122, the more heat energy may be released from the susceptor 122. The aerosol generating device 100 may emit heat energy from the susceptor 122 by applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122 and may transfer the heat energy emitted from the susceptor 122 to the aerosol generating article 15. In an embodiment, the susceptor 122 may be provided in the aerosol generating device 100 in the shape of a piece, thin plate, strip, or the like.

At least a portion of the susceptor 122 may include a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor 122 may include metal or carbon. The susceptor 122 may include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the susceptor 122 may include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramics such as zirconia or the like, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), or the like, and a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

The aerosol generating device 100 may accommodate the aerosol generating article 15. The accommodation space 140 for accommodating the aerosol generating article 15 may be formed in the aerosol generating device 100.

The susceptor 122 may surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating article 15 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the susceptor 122 may surround a cigarette medium included in the aerosol generating article 15. Accordingly, heat may be effectively transferred from the susceptor 122 to the cigarette medium.

The inductive coil 124 may be provided in the aerosol generating device 100. The inductive coil 124 may apply an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device 100 to the inductive coil 124, a magnetic field may be formed inside the inductive coil 124. When an alternating current is applied to the inductive coil 124, a direction of the magnetic field formed inside the inductive coil 124 may be continuously changed. When the susceptor 122 is located inside the inductive coil 124 and exposed to an alternating magnetic field having a periodically changing direction, the susceptor 122 may generate heat, and the aerosol generating article 15 accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100 may be heated.

The inductive coil 124 may be wound along an outer side surface of the susceptor 122. In addition, the inductive coil 124 may be wound along an inner surface of an external housing of the aerosol generating device 100. The susceptor 122 may be located in an internal space formed by winding the inductive coil 124. When power is supplied to the inductive coil 124, an alternating magnetic field generated by the inductive coil 124 may be applied to the susceptor 122.

The inductive coil 124 may extend in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100. The inductive coil 124 may extend to a proper length in the longitudinal direction. For example, the inductive coil 124 may extend to a length corresponding to the length of the susceptor 122, or may extend to a length greater than the length of the susceptor 122.

The inductive coil 124 may be arranged at a position suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 122. For example, the inductive coil 124 may be arranged at a position corresponding to the susceptor 122. The efficiency in which the alternating magnetic field of the inductive coil 124 is applied to the susceptor 122 may be improved by the size and arrangement of the inductive coil 124.

When the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the inductive coil 124 is changed, the degree to which the susceptor 122 heats the aerosol generating article 15 may also be changed. Because the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field by the inductive coil 124 may be changed by the power to be applied to the inductive coil 124, the aerosol generating device 100 may control the heating of the aerosol generating article 15 by adjusting the power to be applied to the inductive coil 124. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may control the amplitude and frequency of an alternating current applied to the inductive coil 124.

As an example, the inductive coil 124 may be implemented as a solenoid. The inductive coil 124 may be a solenoid wound along the inner surface of the external housing of the aerosol generating device 100, and the susceptor 122 and the aerosol generating article 15 may be positioned in an inner space of the solenoid. A material of a leading wire configuring the solenoid may be copper (Cu). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and at least one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), or an alloy including at least one of the above materials may be a material of the leading wire configuring the solenoid.

The battery 115 may supply power to the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 115 may supply power to the inductive coil 124. The battery 115 may include a battery supplying a direct current to the aerosol generating device 100 and a conversion unit converting a current supplied from the battery into an alternating current supplied to the inductive coil 124.

The battery 115 may supply a direct current to the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 115 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, the battery may include a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, or the like.

The conversion unit may include a low-pass filter performing filtering on a direct current supplied from the battery and outputting a current supplied to the inductive coil 124. The conversion unit may further include an amplifier configured to amplify a direct current supplied from the battery. For example, the conversion unit may include a low-pass filter configuring a load network of a class-D amplifier.

The controller 110 may control power supplied to the inductive coil 124. The controller 110 may control the battery 115 such that power supplied to the inductive coil 124 is adjusted. For example, the controller 110 may perform control to maintain a constant temperature at which the susceptor 122 heats the aerosol generating article 15 based on the temperature of the susceptor 122. FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of cigarettes.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. FIG. 8 illustrates that the filter rod 22 includes a single segment. However, the filter rod 22 is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment configured to cool aerosols and a segment configured to filter a certain component included in the aerosols. In addition, according to necessity, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment configured to perform other functions.

The diameter of the cigarette 2 may be within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length of the cigarette 2 may be about 48 mm, but are not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of a first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of a second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of a third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm, but are not limited thereto.

The cigarette 2 may be packaged via at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the cigarette 2 may be packaged via one wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 may be doubly packaged via at least two wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged via a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged via second to fourth wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Also, the cigarette 2 may be entirely repackaged via a single fifth wrapper 245. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments may be respectively packaged via the second to fourth wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be formed as general filter wrappers. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers. In addition, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be manufactured by a paper packaging material having oil resistance and/or aluminum laminate packaging.

The third wrapper 243 may be formed as a hard wrapper. For example, the third wrapper 243 may have a basis weight within the range of 88 g/m² to 96 g/m², and preferably may have a basis weight within the range of 90 g/m² to 94 g/m². In addition, the third wrapper 243 may have a thickness within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may have a thickness of 125 μm.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be formed as a hard wrapper. For example, the fourth wrapper 244 may have a basis weight within the range of 88 g/m² to 96 g/m², and preferably may have a basis weight within the range of 90 g/m² to 94 g/m². In addition, the fourth wrapper 244 may have a thickness within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may have a thickness of 125 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be manufactured by a sterile paper (MFW). Here, the MFW refers to a paper specially manufactured to improve the tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, or the like compared to a regular paper. For example, the fifth wrapper 245 may have a basis weight within the range of 57 g/m² to 63 g/m², and preferably may have a basis weight of 60 g/m². In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may have a thickness within the range of 63 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may have a thickness of 67 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be internally added with a certain material. Herein, silicon may be used as an example of the certain material, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various drugs, water repellency, electrical insulation, or the like. However, even when silicon is not used, any material having the above-described characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 120, the cigarette 2 may be burnt. In detail, when a temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the cigarette 2 may be burnt. Even in this case, because the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, the cigarette 2 may be prevented from burning.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the aerosol generating device 100 from being contaminated by materials generated from the cigarette 2. Liquid materials may be generated in the cigarette 2 by the user's puff. For example, liquid materials (for example, moisture or the like) may be generated by cooling aerosols generated in the cigarette 2 by external air. As the fifth wrapper 245 packages the cigarette 2, liquid materials generated within the cigarette 2 may be prevented from leaking out of the cigarette 2.

The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetracthylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but it is not limited thereto. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include other additives, such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, which is injected to the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may also be formed as a pipe tobacco, which is formed of tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may uniformly distribute heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21, and thus, the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod 21 may be increased and taste of the tobacco may be improved. Also, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Here, although not illustrated in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor, in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a cylinder-type rod or a tube-type rod having a hollow inside. In addition, the filter rod 22 may also be a recess-type rod. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape.

A first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-type structure including a hollow inside. Through the first segment, an internal material of the tobacco rod 21 may be prevented from being pushed back when the heater 120 is inserted thereinto, and a cooling effect of aerosols may be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The hardness of the first segment may be adjusted by adjusting the content of plasticizer when manufacturing the first segment. In addition, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film, tube, or the like of the same or different materials into the inside of the first segment (for example, the hollow).

A second segment of the filter rod 22 cools aerosols generated by heating the tobacco rod 21 by the heater 120. Accordingly, a user may puff the aerosols cooled to a suitable temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be variously determined according to the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be suitably used within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be manufactured by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavored liquid may also be applied to the fibers made of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may also be manufactured by weaving separate fibers applied with a flavored liquid and fibers made of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

For example, the polymer may be manufactured by a material selected from a group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

As the second segment is formed by woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment may include one or a plurality of channels extending in a longitudinal direction. Here, a channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment made of a crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm to about 300 μm, for example, between about 10 μm to about 250 μm. In addition, the total surface area of the second segment may be between about 300 mm²/mm to about 1000 mm²/mm. In addition, an aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm²/mg to about 100 mm²/mg.

The second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide the second segment with menthol of 1.5 mg or more.

A third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be suitably used within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

In a process of manufacturing the third segment, the third segment may be manufactured by injecting a flavored liquid onto the third segment to generate a flavor. Alternatively, a separate fiber applied with a flavored liquid may also be inserted into the third segment. Aerosols generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as the aerosols pass through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosols are transferred to the user through the third segment. Accordingly, when a flavored element is added to the third segment, the flavor may be continuously provided to the user.

In addition, at least one capsule 23 may be included in the filter rod 22. Here, the capsule 23 may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 9, a cigarette 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be positioned on one side of a tobacco rod 31, which faces a filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from being detached outwards and prevent a liquefied aerosol from flowing into an aerosol generating device (refer to 1 of FIGS. 1 to 3) from the tobacco rod 31, during smoking.

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 8, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 8.

The diameter and length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and length of the cigarette 2 of FIG. 8. For example, the length of the front end plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm, but are not limited thereto.

The cigarette 3 may be packaged via at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the front end plug 33 may be packaged via a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be packaged via a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be packaged via a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be packaged via a fourth wrapper 354. Also, the cigarette 3 may be entirely repackaged via a fifth wrapper 355.

In addition, at least one hole may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the hole 36 may be formed in a region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The hole 36 may serve to transfer heat formed by the heater 120 shown in FIG. 1 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

In addition, at least one capsule 34 may be included in the second segment 322. Here, the capsule 34 may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical shape or a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be obtained by coupling a metal foil such as aluminum foil to a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably may be 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably may be 6.3 μm. In addition, the first wrapper 351 may have a basis weight within the range of 50 g/m² to 55 g/m², and preferably may have a basis weight of 53 g/m².

The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be formed as general filter wrappers. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the second wrapper 352 may have a thickness within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably may have a thickness of 78 μm. Also, the second wrapper 352 may have a basis weight within the range of 20 g/m² to 25 g/m², and preferably may have a basis weight of 23.5 g/m².

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the third wrapper 353 may have a thickness within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may have a thickness of 68 μm. Also, the third wrapper 353 may have a basis weight within the range of 20 g/m² to 25 g/m², and preferably may have a basis weight of 21 g/m².

A fourth wrapper 354 may be manufactured by a poly lactic acid (PLA) laminate paper. Here, the PLA laminate paper refers to a three-layered paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the fourth wrapper 354 may have a thickness of about 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably may have a thickness of 110 μm. In addition, the fourth wrapper 354 may have a basis weight within the range of 80 g/m² to 100 g/m², and preferably may have a basis weight of 88 g/m².

The fifth wrapper 355 may be manufactured by a sterile paper *MFW). Here, the MFW refers to a paper specially manufactured to improve the tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, or the like compared to a regular paper. For example, the fifth wrapper 355 may have a basis weight within the range of 57 g/m² to 63 g/m², and preferably may have a basis weight of 60 g/m². In addition, the fifth wrapper 355 may have a thickness within the range of 63 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may have a thickness of 67 μm.

The fifth wrapper 355 may be internally added with a certain material. Herein, silicon may be used as an example of the certain material, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various drugs, water repellency, electrical insulation, or the like. However, even when silicon is not used, any material having the above-described characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

The front end plug 33 may be manufactured by cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. A mono denier of a filament configuring the cellulose acetate tow may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably may be within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filament of the front end plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, the cross section of the filament configuring the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably may be within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be 28,000.

In addition, according to necessity, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various ways.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 8. Accordingly, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 is omitted below.

The first segment 321 may be manufactured by cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment 321 may be a tube-type structure including a hollow inside. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the front end plug 33, respectively.

The second segment 322 may be manufactured by cellulose acetate. The mono denier of a filament configuring the second segment 322 may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably may be within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filament of the second segment 322 may have a Y shape. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably may be 25,000.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

An aerosol generating device 1000 may include a controller 1010, a sensing unit 1020, an output unit 1030, a battery 1040, a heater 1050, a user input unit 1060, a memory 1070, and a communication unit 1080. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 10. That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1000, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 10 may be omitted or new components may be added.

The sensing unit 1020 may sense a state of the aerosol generating device 1000 and a state around the aerosol generating device 1000, and transmit sensed information to the controller 1010. Based on the sensed information, the controller 1010 may control the aerosol generating device 1000 to perform various functions, such as controlling an operation of the heater 1050, limiting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, or the like) is inserted, displaying a notification, or the like.

The sensing unit 1020 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1022, an insertion detection sensor 1024, a puff sensor 1026, and a humidity detection sensor 1028, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 1022 may detect a temperature at which the heater 1050 (or an aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 1050, or the heater 1050 may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1022 may also be arranged around the battery 1040 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1040.

The insertion detection sensor 1024 may detect insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1024 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may detect a signal change according to the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article.

The puff sensor 1026 may detect a user's puff on the basis of various physical changes in an airflow passage or an airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1026 may detect a user's puff on the basis of any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

The humidity detection sensor 1028 may detect an amount of moisture contained in a cigarette. For example, the humidity detection sensor 1028 may be any one of an electro-resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, and an optical sensor. However, this is only an example, and the humidity detection sensor 1028 is not limited thereto.

The sensing unit 1020 may further include, in addition to the temperature sensor 1022, the insertion detection sensor 1024, the puff sensor 1026, and the humidity detection sensor 1028 described above, at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a location sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red-green-blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor). Because a function of each of sensors may be intuitively inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art from the name of the sensor, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The output unit 1030 may output information on a state of the aerosol generating device 1000 and provide the information to a user. The output unit 1030 may include at least one of a display unit 1032, a haptic unit 1034, and a sound output unit 1036, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1032d and a touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1032 may also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 1032 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1000 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1000 may mean various pieces of information, such as a charging/discharging state of the battery 1040 of the aerosol generating device 1000, a preheating state of the heater 1050, an insertion/removal state of an aerosol generating article, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1000 is restricted (e.g., sensing of an abnormal object), or the like, and the display unit 1032 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 1032 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, or the like. In addition, the display unit 1032 may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) light-emitting device.

The haptic unit 1034 may tactilely provide information about the aerosol generating device 1000 to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit 1034 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 1036 may audibly provide information about the aerosol generating device 1000 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 1036 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the same to the outside.

The battery 1040 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1000. The battery 1040 may supply power such that the heater 1050 may be heated. In addition, the battery 1040 may supply power required for operations of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 1020, the output unit 1030, the user input unit 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication unit 1080) in the aerosol generating device 1000. The battery 1040 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1040 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 1050 may receive power from the battery 1040 to heat an aerosol generating material. Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC)/DC converter) that converts power of the battery 1040 and supplies the same to the heater 1050. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1000 generates aerosols in an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a DC/alternating current (AC) converter that converts DC power of the battery 1040 into AC power.

The controller 1010, the sensing unit 1020, the output unit 1030, the user input unit 1060, the memory 1070, and the communication unit 1080 may each receive power from the battery 1040 to perform a function. Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a power conversion circuit that converts power of the battery 1040 to supply the power to respective components, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit, or a voltage regulator circuit.

In an embodiment, the heater 1050 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 1050 may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the heater 1050 may be a heater of an induction heating type. For example, the heater 1050 may include a susceptor that heats an aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

In an embodiment, the heater 1050 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 1050 may include a first heater for heating a cigarette and a second heater for heating a liquid.

The user input unit 1060 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1060 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (a contact capacitive method, a pressure resistance film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface ultrasonic conduction method, an integral tension measurement method, a piezo effect method, or the like), a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface, such as the USB interface, to transmit and receive information, or to charge the battery 1040.

The memory 1070 is a hardware component that stores various types of data processed in the aerosol generating device 1000, and may store data processed and data to be processed by the controller 1010. The memory 1070 may include at least one type of storage medium from among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card-type memory (for example, secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 1070 may store an operation time of the aerosol generating device 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user's smoking pattern, etc.

The communication unit 1080 may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 1080 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 1082 and a wireless communication unit 1084.

The short-range wireless communication unit 1082 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+communication unit, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit 1084 may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 1084 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1000 within a communication network by using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

The controller 1010 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. In an embodiment, the controller 1010 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system in a state in which an aerosol generating article is inserted, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, an aerosol generating system AGS according to an embodiment may include an aerosol generating device 200 and an aerosol generating article 300, and the aerosol generating device 200 may include a housing 205 into which the aerosol generating article 300 may be inserted.

In an embodiment, the housing 205 may form the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device 200 and include an interior space (or an ‘arrangement space’) in which components of the aerosol generating device 200 may be arranged. Although only an embodiment in which the cross section of the housing 205 is formed in an overall semicircular shape is shown in the drawing, the shape of the housing 205 is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment (not shown), the housing 205 may be formed in an overall cylindrical shape or a polygonal pillar (e.g., a triangular pillar or a square pillar) shape.

In an embodiment, in the interior space of the housing 205, components for generating aerosols by heating the aerosol generating article 300 inserted into the housing 205 and components outputting screens about the state of the aerosol generating device 200 may be arranged, and this will be described in detail below.

According to an embodiment, the housing 205 may include an opening 200h through which the aerosol generating article 300 may be inserted into the inside of the housing 205. At least a portion of the aerosol generating article 300 may be inserted into or accommodated in the housing 205 through the opening 200h.

As the aerosol generating article 300 inserted into or accommodated in the housing 205 is heated inside the housing 205, aerosols may be generated. The generated aerosols may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200 through the inserted aerosol generating article 300 and/or a space between the aerosol generating article 300 and the opening 200h, and a user may inhale the discharged aerosols.

The aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment may further include a display DSP, which is a user interface on which visual information is displayed.

In an embodiment, the display DSP may be arranged so that at least a partial area of the display DSP is exposed to the outside of housing 205. For example, at least a partial area of the display DSP may be exposed through a cover glass outside the housing 205.

The aerosol generating device 200 may provide various pieces of visual information to the user through the display DSP. For example, the aerosol generating device 200 may display, through the display DSP, status information of the aerosol generating article 300, preheating and heating information about the aerosol generating article 300, battery remaining amount information, time and date information, weather information, Bluetooth connection information, or the like. The information displayed through the display DSP is illustrative and is not limited thereto.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system in a state in which an aerosol generating article is removed, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating system AGS according to an embodiment may include the aerosol generating device 200 and the aerosol generating article 300, and the aerosol generating article 300 may include an identification element 310.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 300 may be inserted into or accommodated in the housing 205 through the housing 200h. For example, the aerosol generating article 300 may be inserted into or accommodated in the housing 205 through the opening 200h to a portion where the identification element 310 is arranged. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and as at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into or accommodated in the housing 205, the identification element 310 may also be positioned outside the housing 205.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating article 300 may include the identification element printed on at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 300. For example, the identification element 310 may be formed by being printed at a portion spaced apart from one end of the aerosol generating article 300 by a certain distance in a +z direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In addition, the identification element 310 may be formed to have a certain shape. For example, the identification element 310 may be formed in a shape having a certain thickness, color, pattern, and material, and different identification elements may be distinguished according to at least one of the thickness, color, pattern, and material.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 1, taken along a direction A-A′.

Referring to FIG. 13, the aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment may include the housing 205, a hole 215, a first electrode 220a, a second electrode 220b, an optical sensor 230, a susceptor element 240, and a processor 250. The components of the aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment are not limited thereto, and other components may be added or at least one component may also be omitted according to embodiments.

In an embodiment, the hole 215 may be formed in the interior space of the housing 205 of the aerosol generating device 200, and the aerosol generating article 300 accommodated in the hole 215 may be heated to generate aerosols.

In an embodiment, a capacitive sensor may include the first sensor 220a and the second electrode 220b, and the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b may be arranged adjacent to the hole 215. For example, the first electrode 220a may be arranged to be spaced apart from the hole 215 by a certain distance in a −x direction, and the second electrode 220b may be arranged to be spaced apart from the hole 215 by a certain distance is a +x direction. Accordingly, the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b may be arranged to face each other.

In an embodiment, the processor 250 may detect, through the capacitive sensor, a change amount in capacitance C between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b. At this time, the capacitive sensor may detect the capacitance C according to a distance d between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b, an area A of the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b, and a dielectric constant ¿ of a component (e.g., moisture, paper, tobacco material, or the like) included in the aerosol generating article 300. The capacitance C may be obtained based on [Equation 1].

c = ? A d [ Equation ⁢ 1 ] ? indicates text missing or illegible when filed

For example, the processor 250 may detect a change amount in capacitance (AC) by measuring, through the capacitive sensor, a first capacitance C1 on the hole 215 into which the aerosol generating article 300 is not inserted and a second capacitance C2 on the hole 215 into which the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted.

In an embodiment, the optical sensor 230 may be an infrared (IR) sensor. At this time, the optical sensor 230, which is an IR sensor, may include a light-emitting unit including an IR light source and a light receiving unit including an IR photodiode and may detect an amount of reflected light (i.e., an output voltage of the light receiving unit) according to at least one of the thickness, color, pattern, and material of the identification element 310.

For example, when the identification element 310 is formed in a band form having a certain thickness, the optical sensor 230 may irradiate an IR ray to the identification element 310 and measure an amount of reflected light from the identification element 310. At this time, when the amount of reflected light from the identification element 310 is less than a certain value, the processor 250 may determine that the color of the identification element 310 detected through the optical sensor 230 is ‘red’.

In another embodiment, the optical sensor 230 may also be a color sensor. At this time, the optical sensor 230, which is a color sensor, may include a light-emitting unit including a white light source and a light receiving unit including a plurality of filters (e.g., color filters and IR blocking filters), and may detect an activated color filter according to at least one of the thickness, color, pattern, and material of the identification element 310.

For example, when the identification element 310 is formed in a band form having a certain thickness, the optical sensor 230 may irradiate a white light ray to the identification element 310 and detect a color filter activated by reflected light from the identification element 310. At this time, when a red color filter is activated by the reflected light from the identification element 310, the processor 250 may determine that the color of the identification element 310 detected through the optical sensor 230 is ‘red’.

In an embodiment, when the aerosol generating article 300 is in a fully-inserted configuration with respect to the aerosol generating device 200, the optical sensor 230 may be arranged in one area of the housing 205, which faces at least a partial area of the identification element 310. At this time, the optical sensor 230 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the hole 215 by a certain distance in the +x direction, and a separate transparent plate having a thickness by the amount of the separation distance may be arranged on one surface of the optical sensor 230, on which the light-emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged. As the transparent plate is arranged on the one surface of the optical sensor 230, the optical sensor 230 may be prevented from being damaged by external foreign materials or the like, and the sensitivity on the identification element 310 of the aerosol generating article 300 may be maintained.

In the disclosure, the ‘fully-inserted configuration’ may mean a state in which the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the hole 215 in the −z direction to be in contact with the lower surface of the hole 215. In addition, as the aerosol generating article 300 is fully inserted into the aerosol generating device 200, an optimal smoking performance may be implemented from the aerosol generating article 300.

Conversely, a ‘non-fully inserted configuration’ may mean a state in which the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the hole 215 in the −z direction but the aerosol generating article 300 is only inserted up to a position that is partially spaced apart from the lower surface of the hole 215. In addition, as the aerosol generating article 300 is non-fully inserted into the aerosol generating device 200, a reduced smoking performance may be implemented from the aerosol generating article 300.

In an embodiment, the optical sensor 230 may be arranged in one area of the housing 205, which faces at least a partial area of the identification element 310 included in the aerosol generating article 300. For example, the optical sensor 230 may be arranged adjacent to the hole 215 of the housing 205, which faces at least a partial area of the identification element 310 included in the aerosol generating article 300. As another example, the optical sensor 230 may face at least a partial area of the identification element 310 included in the aerosol generating article 300 and may also be arranged on the upper surface of the housing 205.

In an embodiment, the processor 250 may control power supply to a heater (e.g., an induction coil in the case of an induction heating method) based on a result detected through the capacitive sensor and the optical sensor 230.

For example, when the result detected through the capacitive sensor and the optical sensor 230 satisfies a preset condition, the processor 250 may supply power to a heater (not shown), and a portion (e.g., a medium portion) of the aerosol generating article 300 may be heated as the susceptor element 240 is heated by the heater (not shown).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controls power supply to a heater. However, in the detailed description of FIG. 14, those already been given above may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 14, a processor (e.g., the processor 250 of FIG. 13) may detect a change amount in capacitance through a capacitive sensor (e.g., the capacitive sensor including the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of FIG. 13) in operation 401.

In an embodiment, the processor 250 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted based on the detected change amount in capacitance. At this time, ‘whether an aerosol generating article is inserted’ may mean whether the aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article 300 of FIG. 13) exists in a hole (e.g., the hole 215 of FIG. 13).

In an embodiment, the processor 250 may obtain a voltage change signal as a signal about a change in capacitance through the capacitive sensor. For example, when it is detected that the capacitance increases by a first change amount (ΔC₁) as the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the hole 215, the processor 250 may determine that the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted by obtaining a voltage change signal corresponding to the first change amount.

In another embodiment, the processor 250 may also obtain a frequency change signal as a signal about a change in capacitance through the capacitive sensor. For example, when it is detected that the capacitance increases by the first change amount as the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the hole 215, the processor may also determine that the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted by obtaining a frequency change signal corresponding to the first change amount.

In another embodiment, the processor 250 may also obtain a change signal of a charge/discharge time as a signal about a change in capacitance through the capacitive sensor. For example, when it is detected that the capacitance increases by the first change amount (ΔC₁) as the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the hole 215, the processor 250 may also determine that the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted by obtaining a change signal of a charge/discharge time corresponding to the first change amount.

According to an embodiment, the processor 250 may detect an amount of reflected light (e.g., amount of receiving light) from an identification element (e.g., the identification element 310 of FIG. 13) of the aerosol generating article 300 through an optical sensor (e.g., the optical sensor 230 of FIG. 13) in operation 403.

In an embodiment, the processor 250 may determine the insertion configuration of the aerosol generating article 300 based on the detected amount of reflected light. At this time, ‘the insertion configuration of the aerosol generating article’ may mean a state in which the aerosol generating article 300 is fully inserted into the hole 215 or a state in which the aerosol generating article 300 is non-fully inserted into the hole 215.

In an embodiment, when the optical sensor 230 is an IR sensor, the processor 250 may irradiate an IR ray to the identification element 310 through the optical sensor 230 and measure an amount of reflected light from the identification element 310. At this time, the processor 250 may obtain an output voltage of the light receiving unit of the optical sensor 230 as a signal about the amount of reflected light measured through the optical sensor 230.

In an embodiment, the processor 250 may determine the proximity between the optical sensor 230 and the identification element 310 based on the amount of reflected light (that is, the output voltage of the light receiving unit) measured through the optical sensor 230.

For example, when the amount of reflected light measured through the optical sensor 230 is a first amount of reflected light, the processor 250 may determine that the identification element 310 is positioned close to the optical sensor 230. As another example, when the amount of reflected light measured through the optical sensor 230 is a second amount of reflected light that is greater than the first amount of reflected light, the processor 250 may determine that the identification element 310 is positioned at a place where is at some distance from the optical sensor 230.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may control power supply to a heater based on the change amount in capacitance and the amount of reflected light in operation 405.

In an embodiment, when the change amount in capacitance detected through the capacitive sensor exceeds a preset change amount, and the amount of reflected light detected through the optical sensor 230 is less than a preset amount of reflected light, the processor 250 may supply power to a heater (not shown).

In the disclosure, the ‘preset change amount’ may mean a minimum value of a change amount in capacitance detected by the capacitive sensor when the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the hole 215, and the ‘preset amount of reflected light’ may mean a maximum value of an amount of reflected light detected through the optical sensor 230 when the aerosol generating article positioned in the hole 215 in a fully-inserted configuration.

For example, the processor 250 may first determine that the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the hole 215 based on the change amount in capacitance detected through the capacitive sensor, which exceeds the preset change amount. Thereafter, the processor 250 may secondly determine that the aerosol generating article 300 is in a fully-inserted configuration (i.e., a state in which the optical sensor 230 and the identification element 310 are in proximity) within the hole 215 based on the amount of reflected light detected through the optical sensor 230, which is less than the preset amount of reflected light. The processor may initiate power supply to a heater (not shown) based on the first determination through the capacitive sensor and the second determination through the optical sensor 230.

However, as described above, the processor 250 is not limited to sequentially performing the first determination and the second determination, and in another embodiment, the processor 250 may also perform a determination through the capacitive sensor and a determination through the optical sensor 230 in parallel.

Although only an embodiment of a case where the optical sensor 230 is an IR sensor is shown in FIG. 14, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the optical sensor 230 may be a color sensor, and the processor 250 may also control power supply to a heater based on the change amount in capacitance detected through the capacitive sensor and an output voltage by an activated color filter among color filters of the color sensor.

FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an example of a method in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment detects a sensing value through a capacitive sensor and an optical sensor. FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of a portion 550 of FIG. 15A. The aerosol generating device 200 shown in FIG. 15A may be the aerosol generating device 200 of FIG. 13, and thus redundant descriptions may be omitted below.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the aerosol generating device 200 may include a capacitive sensor including the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b, the optical sensor 230, the susceptor element 240, and the processor 250.

In an embodiment, the processor 250 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the hole 215 based on a change amount in capacitance between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitive sensor. Thereafter, the processor 250 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 300 is in a fully-inserted configuration within the hole 215 based on an amount of reflected light detected through the optical sensor 230.

In an embodiment, the optical sensor 230 may include a light-emitting unit 232 including a light source and a light receiving unit 234 receiving reflected light. For example, the light-emitting unit 232 and the light receiving unit 234 of the optical sensor 230 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing 205.

For example, the light-emitting unit 232 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the light receiving unit 234 by a certain distance in the +z direction. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting unit 232 may also be arranged to be spaced apart from the light receiving unit 234 by a certain distance in the −z direction. At this time, the ‘certain distance’ at which light-emitting unit 232 and the light receiving unit 234 are spaced apart from each other may mean a distance at which a portion of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 232 is not directly received by the light receiving unit 234.

As another example, the light-emitting unit 232 and the light receiving unit 234 are arranged at the same position based on the longitudinal direction (e.g., the +z and −z directions) of the aerosol generating device 200 but may be arranged adjacent to the hole 215 and surround the hole 215. That is, when viewing the optical sensor 230 from an upper end (e.g., in the +z direction) of the aerosol generating device 200, the light-emitting unit 232 and the light receiving unit 234 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other and surround the hole 215. In the case of an embodiment in which the optical sensor 230 according to the example detects an amount of reflected light according to the identification element 310 of the aerosol generating article 300, the identification element 310 may be formed in a certain pattern (e.g., a black and white grid pattern).

In an embodiment, the processor 250 may determine an insertion configuration of the aerosol generating article 300 by measuring the amount of light rays 500a, 500b and 500c, which are emitted by the light-emitting unit 232, reflected by the identification element 310. For example, when the optical sensor 230 is an IR sensor, and the identification element 310 is formed in a band form having a certain thickness, as the light rays 500a, 500b, and 500c emitted by the light-emitting unit 232 is substantially absorbed by the identification element 310 in a black color, the amount of reflected light (i.e., the output voltage of the light-receiving unit 234) may be less than a preset amount of reflected light (i.e., a preset voltage).

That is, when the change amount in capacitance between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitive sensor exceeds the preset change amount, and the amount of reflected light received through the light receiving unit 234 of the optical sensor 230 is less than the preset amount of reflected light, the processor 250 may initiate power supply to a heater (not shown) by determining that the aerosol generating article 300 is fully inserted.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controls power supply to a heater or output of a user notification.

Referring to FIG. 16, a processor (e.g., the processor 250 of FIG. 13) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 200 of FIG. 13) may determine whether a change amount in capacitance detected through a capacitive sensor exceeds a preset change amount in operation 601.

For example, as a particular object is inserted between a first electrode (e.g., the first electrode 220a of FIG. 13) and a second electrode (e.g., the second electrode 220b of FIG. 13) of the capacitive sensor, a capacitance value detected through the capacitive sensor may increase. At this time, when the detected change amount in capacitance exceeds the ‘preset change amount’, the processor 250 may determine that the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into a hole (e.g., the hole 215 of FIG. 13).

In an embodiment, when the change amount in capacitance detected through the capacitive sensor is the preset change amount or less, the processor may not perform operations after operation 601. For example, when the detected change amount in capacitance is the preset change amount or less, the processor 250 may determine that the aerosol generating article 300 is not inserted. Accordingly, the processor may not perform an operation of detecting an amount of reflected light through an optical sensor (e.g., the optical sensor 230 of FIG. 13).

The processor 250 may reduce power consumption of the aerosol generating device 200 by detecting a sensing value for a subsequent second determination (i.e., a final determination) only when it is first determined that the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the optical sensor 230 may be maintained at an inactive state until a change amount in capacitance that exceeds the preset change amount is detected through the capacitive sensor, and power consumption of the optical sensor 230 may be reduced.

According to an embodiment, the processor 250 may determine whether an amount of reflected light detected through an optical sensor (e.g., the optical sensor 230 of FIG. 13) is less than a first amount of reflected light in operation 603. At this time, the ‘first amount of reflected light’ may mean a maximum value of an amount of reflected light detected through the optical sensor 230 when the aerosol generating article 300 is positioned in the hole 215 in a fully-inserted configuration.

For example, when the optical sensor 230 is an IR sensor, as an IR ray emitted by a light-emitting unit (e.g., the light-emitting unit 232 of FIG. 15B) of the optical sensor 230 is reflected by a black identification element (e.g., the identification element 310 of FIG. 13), a light receiving unit (e.g., the light receiving unit 234 of FIG. 15B) may detect an amount of reflected light. At this time, when the amount of reflected light detected by the light receiving unit 234 is less than the ‘first amount of reflected light’ as the entire emitted IR ray is substantially absorbed by the identification element 310, the processor 250 may determine that the aerosol generating article 300 is in a fully-inserted configuration within the hole 215 and may initiate power supply to a heater (not shown) in operation 605.

According to an embodiment, when the amount of reflected light detected through the optical sensor 230 is the first amount of reflected light or more, the processor 250 may determine whether the amount of reflected light detected through the optical sensor 230 is less than a second amount of reflected light. At this time, the ‘second amount of reflected light’ may mean a maximum value of an amount of reflected light detected through the optical sensor 230 when the identification element 310 is positioned at a position identifiable by the optical sensor 230.

For example, as the IR ray emitted by the light-emitting unit 232 of the optical sensor 230 is reflected by the identification element 310 in black, the light receiving unit 234 may detect an amount of reflected light. At this time, when the amount of reflected light detected by the light receiving unit 234 is less than the ‘second amount of reflected light’ as a portion of the emitted IR ray is partially absorbed by the identification element 310 and partially reflected, the processor 250 may determine that the aerosol generating article 300 is in a non-fully inserted configuration within the hole 215 and output a first notification through a user interface in operation 609. In the disclosure, the ‘first notification’ may mean a notification to guide the user so that the aerosol generating article 300 may be fully inserted into the hole 215.

According to an embodiment, when the amount of reflected light detected through the optical sensor 230 is the second amount of reflected light or more, the processor 250 may output a second notification through the user interface in operation 611. In the disclosure, the ‘second notification’ may mean a notification to guide the user so that the inserted aerosol generating article may be removed, and a new aerosol generating article may be inserted. That is, when the amount of reflected light detected through the optical sensor 230 is the second amount of reflected light or more, the processor 250 may determine that the aerosol generating article inserted into the hole 215 is an unauthorized aerosol-generating article that does not include an identification element included in a genuine aerosol generating article.

FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an example of a method in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment detects a sensing value through a capacitive sensor and an optical sensor when an aerosol generating article is non-fully inserted. FIG. 17B is an enlarged view of a portion 750 of FIG. 17A. The aerosol generating device 200 of FIG. 17A may be the aerosol generating device 200 of FIGS. 13 and 15A, and thus redundant descriptions may be omitted below.

Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the aerosol generating device 200 may include a capacitive sensor including the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b, the optical sensor 230, the susceptor element 240, and the processor 250.

In an embodiment, the processor 250 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 300 is fully inserted into the hole 215 based on a change amount in capacitance between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitive sensor. At this time, when the change amount in capacitance detected through the capacitive sensor exceeds a preset change amount, the processor 250 may detect an amount of reflected light through the optical sensor 230 and determine whether the aerosol generating article 300 is in a fully-inserted configuration within the hole 215 based on the amount of reflected light detected through the optical sensor 230.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the hole 215 in the −z direction but may be inserted only up to a position spaced apart from the lower surface of the hole 215 by a certain distance h in the +z direction. At this time, the processor 250 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted by detecting a change amount in capacitance through the capacitive sensor.

However, a change in dielectric constant occurs as the aerosol generating article 300 is partially inserted between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitive sensor, and when a change in capacitance according to the change in dielectric constant exceeds a preset change amount, the processor 250 may determine that the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the hole 215.

In an embodiment, the processor 250 may determine the insertion configuration of the aerosol generating article 300 by measuring an amount of light rays 700a, 700b, and 700c, which are emitted by the light-emitting unit 232 of the optical sensor 230, reflected by the identification element 310. For example, when the optical sensor 230 is an IR sensor, and the identification element 310 is formed in a black band form having a certain thickness, the light ray 700a among the light rays 700a, 700b, and 700c emitted by the light-emitting unit 232 of the optical sensor 230 may be absorbed by the identification element 310, and the remaining light rays 700b and 700c may be reflected by a portion (e.g., a white wrapper) other than the identification element 310. Accordingly, an amount of reflected light rays 710b and 710c measured by the light receiving unit 234 of the optical sensor 230 may be the first amount of reflected light or more and less than the second amount of reflected light.

That is, when the change amount in capacitance between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitive sensor exceeds the preset change amount, and the amount of reflected light received through the light receiving unit 234 of the optical sensor 230 is the first amount of reflected light or more and less than the second amount of reflected light, the processor 250 may output a first notification through a user interface by determining that the aerosol generating article 300 is non-fully inserted.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an operation in which the aerosol generating device outputs a first notification, according to FIG. 17A.

Referring to FIG. 18, the aerosol generating device 200 may output the first notification through a display DSP, which is a user interface, based on the non-fully inserted configuration of the aerosol generating article 300.

In an embodiment, the first notification may be a user interface (UI) screen output through the display DSP. For example, when the change amount in capacitance detected through the capacitive sensor exceeds the preset change amount, and an amount of reflected light detected through an optical sensor (e.g., the optical sensor 230 of FIG. 13) is the first amount of reflected light or more and less than the second amount of reflected light, a processor (e.g., the processor 250 of FIG. 13) of the aerosol generating device 200 may output the first notification by determining that the aerosol generating article 300 is in a non-fully inserted configuration. At this time, the first notification may be a UI screen including at least one of current status information 800 (e.g., “stick non-fully inserted), a guide icon 810, and guide information 820 (e.g., “please fully insert the stick”) of the aerosol generating device 200.

However, the first notification is not limited to a visual notification, such as a UI screen output through the display DSP. In another embodiment, the first notification may also correspond to a tactile notification through a haptic module (not shown), an auditory notification through a speaker module (not shown), or the like.

FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an example of a method in which an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment detects a sensing value through a capacitive sensor and an optical sensor when an aerosol generating article that does not include an identification element is inserted. FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of a portion 950 of FIG. 19A. The aerosol generating device 200 shown in FIG. 19A may be the aerosol generating device 200 of FIGS. 15A and 17A, and thus redundant description may be omitted below.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the aerosol generating device 200 may include a capacitive sensor including the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b, the optical sensor 230, the susceptor element 240, and the processor 250.

In an embodiment, the processor 250 may determine whether an aerosol generating article 300′ is inserted into the hole 215 based on a change amount in capacitance between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitive sensor. At this time, when the change amount in capacitance detected through the capacitive sensor exceeds a preset change amount, the processor 250 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 300′ is fully inserted into the hole 215 based on an amount of reflected light detected through the optical sensor 230.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating article 300′ that does not include an identification element may be fully inserted into the hole 215 in the −z direction. At this time, the processor 250 may determine whether the aerosol generating article 300′ is inserted by detecting a change amount in capacitance through the capacitive sensor.

A change in dielectric constant occurs as the aerosol generating article 300′ is inserted between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitive sensor, and when a change in capacitance according to the change in dielectric constant exceeds a preset change amount, the processor 250 may determine that the aerosol generating article 300′ is inserted into the hole 215.

In an embodiment, the processor 250 may determine the inserted configuration of the aerosol generating article 300′ by measuring an amount of light rays 900a, 900b, and 900c, which are emitted by the light-emitting unit 232 of the optical sensor 230, reflected by the aerosol generating article 300′, For example, when the optical sensor 230 is an IR sensor, and the aerosol generating article 300′ does not include an identification element, the light rays 900a, 900b, and 900c emitted by the light-emitting unit 232 of the optical sensor may be substantially reflected by the wrapper of the aerosol generating article 300′. Accordingly, the amount of reflected light rays 910a, 910b, and 910c measured by the light receiving unit 234 of the optical sensor 230 may be a second amount of reflected light or more.

That is, when the change amount in capacitance between the first electrode 220a and the second electrode 220b of the capacitive sensor exceeds the preset change amount, and an amount of reflected light received through the light receiving unit 234 of the optical sensor 230 is the second amount of reflected light or more, the processor 250 may output a second notification through a UI by determining that the aerosol generating article 300′, which is not authorized, is inserted.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an operation in which the aerosol generating device outputs a second notification, according to FIG. 19A.

Referring to FIG. 20, the aerosol generating device 200 may output the second notification through the display DSP, which is an UI, based on the insertion of the aerosol generating article 300′, which is not authorized.

In an embodiment, the second notification may be a UI screen output through the display DSP. For example, when the change amount in capacitance detected through the capacitive sensor exceeds the preset change amount, and an amount of reflected light detected through an optical sensor (e.g., the optical sensor 230 of FIG. 13) is the second amount of reflected light or more, a processor (e.g., the processor 250 of FIG. 13) of the aerosol generating device 200 may output the second notification by determining that the aerosol generating article 300′, which is not authorized, is inserted. At this time, the second notification may be a UI screen including at least one of current status information 1000 (e.g., “abnormal stick insertion”), a guide icon 1010, and guide information 1020 (e.g., “please insert a genuine stick”) of the aerosol generating device 200.

However, the second notification is not limited to a visual notification, such as the UI screen output through the display DSP. In another embodiment, the second notification may also correspond to a tactile notification through a haptic module (not shown), an auditory notification through a speaker module (not shown), or the like.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power source 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit INU, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater HT. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 21. That is, those skilled in the art will understand that some of the configurations shown in FIG. 21 may be omitted or new configurations may be added, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1.

The sensor 13 may sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or a state surrounding the aerosol generating device 1 and transmit the sensed information to the controller 12. The controller 12 may control, based on the sensed information, the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of a cartridge heater and/or the heater HT, limiting smoking, determining whether a stick and/or a cartridge is inserted, displaying a notification, or the like.

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

The temperature sensor 131 may detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT, or the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT may perform the function of a temperature sensor.

The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistance element of which a resistance value changes in response to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT. The temperature sensor 131 may be implemented by a thermistor or the like, which is a device that uses properties of changing resistance depending on temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to a resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be implemented by a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT. At this time, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT.

The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged around the power source 11 to monitor the temperature of the power source 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged adjacent to the power source 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one surface of a battery, which is the power source 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.

The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged inside a body to detect the temperature inside the body.

The puff sensor PS may detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in an airflow path. The puff sensor PS may output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor PS may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor PS may output a signal corresponding to an internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Herein, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which gases flow. The puff sensor PS may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1 to correspond to the airflow path through gases flow.

The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect the insertion and/or removal of the stick. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect a change in signal according to the insertion and/or removal of the stick. The insertion detection sensor 133 may be installed around an insertion space of the aerosol generating device. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect the insertion and/or removal of the stick according to a change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space of the aerosol generating device. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and/or a capacitive sensor.

The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space of the aerosol generating device. For example, when a magnetic field changes around the coil through which a current flows, according to Faraday's Law of electromagnetic induction, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may be changed. Herein, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value of an alternating current, or the like.

The inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

The capacitive sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitive sensor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space of the aerosol generating device. The capacitive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic characteristics, for example, the capacitance around the conductor. For example, when the stick including a wrapper of a metal material is inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol generating device, the electromagnetic characteristics surrounding the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the stick.

The reuse detection sensor 134 may detect whether the stick is reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect the color of the stick. The color sensor may detect the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick. The color sensor may output a value about the optical characteristics corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristics may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may also be implemented as one component with a proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component from the proximity sensor.

The color of at least a portion of the wrapper configuring the stick may be changed by aerosols. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be arranged to correspond to a position where at least a portion of the wrapper of which the color is changed by aerosols is arranged. For example, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be a first color before the stick is used by the user. At this time, as at least a portion of the wrapper is wetted by the aerosols while the aerosols generated by the aerosol generating device 1 pass through the stick, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be changed to a second color. The color of the at least a portion of the wrapper may be changed from the first color to the second color and then maintained in the second color.4

The cartridge detection sensor 135 may detect the attachment and/or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implement by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall integrated circuit (IC)) using a hall effect, or the like.

The cap detection sensor 136 may detect the attachment and/or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body 10, a portion of the cartridge 19 and the body 10, which are covered by the cap, may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 may be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

The movement detection sensor 137 may detect the movement of the aerosol generating device, The movement detection sensor 137 may be implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

In addition to the temperature sensor 131, the puff sensor PS, the insertion detection sensor 133, the reuse detection sensor 134, the cartridge detection sensor 135, the cap detection sensor 136, and the movement detection sensor 137, the sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Because the function of each of sensors may be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from the names of the sensors, detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The output unit 14 may output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide the information to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and a sound output unit 143, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. When the display 141 and a touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 141 may also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display 141 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1 may mean various pieces of information, such as a charging/discharging state of the power source 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18, an insertion/removal state of the stick and/or the cartridge 19, the attachment/removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., sensing of an abnormal object), or the like, and the display unit 1032 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display unit 141 may be may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) light-emitting device. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, or the like.

The haptic unit 142 may tactilely provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater HT and/or the heater 18 for a set time, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration corresponding to completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 143 may audibly provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 143 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the same to the outside.

The power source 11 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. The power source may supply power such that the cartridge heater HT and/or the heater 18 may be heated. In addition, the power source 11 may supply power required for operations of the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit INU, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17, which are other components provided in the aerosol generating device 1. The power source 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 21, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power source protection circuit. The power source protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source 11 and include a switching device.

The power source protection circuit may block an electric path to the power source 11 according to a certain condition. For example, the power source protection circuit may block an electric path to the power source 11 when the voltage level of the power source 11 is a first voltage or more, which corresponds to overcharge. For example, the power source protection circuit may block an electric path to the power source 11 when the voltage level of the power source 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

The heater 18 may receive power to heat a medium within the stick or an aerosol generating article. Although not shown in FIG. 21, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC)/DC converter) that converts power of the power source 11 and supplies the same to the heater cartridge heater HT and/or the heater 18. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 11 generates aerosols in an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a DC/alternating current (AC) converter that converts DC power of the power source 11 into AC power.

The controller 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit INU, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 may perform functions by receiving power from the power source 11. Although not shown in FIG. 21, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit that converts power of the power source 11 to supply the power to respective components, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit, or a voltage regulator circuit. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 21, a noise filter may be provided between the power source 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of a high-frequency switching current applied from the power source 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter may prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

In an embodiment, the cartridge heater HT and/or the heater 18 may include any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, or the like, or a metal alloy, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 18 may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal heating plate with an electrically conductive track, a ceramic heating element, or the like, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

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

The input unit INU may receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit INU may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects a touch. For example, the touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an IR touch sensor, or the like, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as one panel. For example, the touch panel may be an on-cell type or an in-cell type within the display 141. For example, the touch panel may be an add-on type on the display 141.

The input unit INU may include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The memory 17 is hardware storing various types of data processed in the aerosol generating device 1, which may store data processed by the controller 12 and data to be processed by the controller 12. The memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium from among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card-type memory (for example, secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 17 may store an operation time of the aerosol generating device 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user's smoking pattern, etc.

The communication unit 17 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

The short-range wireless communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+communication unit, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 21, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as universal serial bus (USB) interface or the like and may transmit and receive information by being connected to another external device through the connection interface such as the USB interface or charge the power source 11.

The controller 12 may control the overall operations of the aerosol generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power of the power source 11 to the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the cartridge heater HT and/or the heater 18 based on the sensed temperature of the cartridge heater HT and/or the heater 18 by the temperature sensor 131. The controller 12 may adjust power supplied to the cartridge heater HT and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater HT and/or the heater 18, For example, the controller 12 may determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater HT and/or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) between the power source 11 and the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT, the power supply circuit being electrically connected to the power source 11. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater, the heater HT, or an induction coil. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching device. The switching device may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BTJ), a field effective transistor (FET), or the like. The controller 12 may control the power supply circuit.

The controller 12 may control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching device of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts a direct current power source output by the power source 11 into an alternating current power source. For example, the inverter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching devices.

The controller 12 may turn on the switching device to supply power to the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT from the power source 11. The controller 12 may turn off the switching device to block power supply to the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT. The controller 12 may adjust a current supplied by the power source 11 by adjusting the frequency and/or duty ratio of a current pulse input to the switching device.

The controller 12 may control a voltage output by the power source 11 by controlling the switching of the switching device of the power supply circuit. A power conversion circuit may convert a voltage output by the power source 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck-converter that reduces the voltage output by the power source 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented through a buck-boost converter, Zener diodes, or the like.

The controller 12 may adjust the level of a voltage output by the power conversion circuit by controlling the on/off operations of the switching device included in the power conversion circuit. When the on-state of the switching device continues, the level of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output by the power source 11. The duty ratio for the one/off operations of the switching device may correspond to a ratio of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit to the voltage output by the power source 11. As the duty ratio for the on/off operations of the switching device decreases, the level of voltage output by the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output by the power conversion circuit.

The controller 12 may control to supply power to the heater by using at least one method among a pulse width modulation (PMW) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

For example, the controller 12 may control to supply a current pulse having a certain frequency and duty ratio to the heater 18 by using the PMW method. The controller 12 may control to supply power to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the controller 12 may determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method through a difference value between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

The controller 12 may prevent the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT from overheating. For example, the controller 12 may control the operation of the power conversion circuit to stop power supply to the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT based on that the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT exceeds a preset limited temperature. For example, the controller may reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT by a certain percentage based on that the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT exceeds the preset limited temperature. For example, the controller 12 may determine that an aerosol generating material accommodated in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted based on that the temperature of the cartridge heater HT exceeds a limited temperature and may block power supply to the cartridge heater HT.

The controller 12 may control charging and discharging of the power source 11. The controller 12 may check the temperature of the power source 11 based on an output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

When a power line is connected to a battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the controller 12 may check whether the temperature of the power source 11 is first limited temperature, which is a reference for blocking charging of the power source 11, or more. When the temperature of the power source 11 is less than the first limited temperature, the controller 12 may control to charge the power source 11 based on a preset charging current. The controller 12 may block charging of the power source 11 when the temperature of the power source 11 is the first limited temperature or more.

When the power of the aerosol generating device 1 is turned on, the controller 12 may check whether the temperature of the power source 11 is a second limited temperatures, which is a reference for blocking discharge of the power source 11, or more. When the temperature of the power source 11 is less than the second limited temperature, the controller 12 may control to user power stored in the power source 11. When the temperature of the power source 11 is the second limited temperature or more, the controller 12 may stop the use of power stored in the power source 11.

The controller 12 may calculate the remaining capacity for the power stored in the power source 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power source 11 based on a voltage of the power source 11 and/or a current sensing value.

The controller 12 may determine whether the stick is inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol generating device 1 through the insertion detection sensor IDS. The controller 12 may determine that the stick is inserted based on an output signal of the insertion detection sensor IDS. When it is determined that the stick is inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol generating device 1, the controller may control to supply power to the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT. For example, the controller 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT based on a temperature profile stored in the memory.

The controller 12 may determine whether the stick has been removed from the insertion space of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the stick has been removed from the insertion space of the aerosol generating device 1 through the insertion detection sensor IDS. For example, when the temperature of the heater 18 is at a limited temperature or more or when a temperature change slope of the heater 18 is a set slope or more, the controller 12 may determine that the stick has been removed from the insertion space of the aerosol generating device 1. When it is determined that the stick has been removed from the insertion space of the aerosol generating device 1, the controller 12 may block power supply to the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT.

The controller 12 may control a power supply time and/or a power supply amount to the heater 18 according to the state of the stick detected by the sensor 13. The controller 12 may check a level range including the level of a signal of a capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The controller 12 may determine an amount of moisture in the stick according to the checked level range.

When the stick is in an overly humid state, the controller may increase the preheating time of the stick compared to a normal state by controlling the power supply time to the heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine whether the stick inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol generating device 1 is reused through the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the controller may compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor 134 with a first reference range including a first color and determine that the stick has not been used when the sensing value is included in the first reference range. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor 134 with a second reference range including a second color and determine that the stick has been used when the sensing value is included in the second reference range. When it is determined that the stick has been used, the controller 12 may block power supply to the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT.

The controller may determine whether the cartridge 19 has been coupled and/or removed through the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 has been coupled and/or removed based on a sensing value of a signal of the cartridge detection sensor 135.

The controller 12 may determine whether an aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. For example, the controller 12 may preheat the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT by applying power, determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater HT exceeds a limited temperature during a preheating section, and determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 has been exhausted when the temperature of the cartridge heater HT exceeds the limited temperature.

When it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, the controller may block power supply to the cartridge heater HT and the heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is usable. For example, when the current number of puffs is the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge 19 or more based on the data stored in the memory 17, the controller may determine that the use of the cartridge 19 is impossible. For example, when the total time for which the cartridge heater HT has been heated is a preset maximum time or more, or the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater HT is a preset maximum amount of power or more, the controller 12 may determine that the use of the cartridge 19 is impossible.

The controller 12 may perform regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor PS. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether a puff is generated based on a sensing value of a signal of the puff sensor PS. For example, the controller 12 may determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor PS. When the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or when no puffs are detected for a preset time or more, the controller 12 may block power supply to the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT.

The controller 12 may determine whether the cap has been coupled and/or removed through the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the controller may determine whether the cap has been coupled and/or removed based on a sensing value of a signal of the cap detection sensor 136.

The controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result detected by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor PS reaches a preset number, the controller 12 may notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon shut down through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the sound output unit 143. For example, the controller may notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that the stick does not exist in the insertion space of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the controller may notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and/or the cap has not mounted. For example, the controller 12 may transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT to the user through the output unit 14.

The controller may store and update the history of occurred events in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of certain events. The events may include detection of insertion of the stick, initiation of heating of the stick, detection of puffs, termination of puffs, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT, detection of overvoltage applied to the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT, termination of heating of the stick, power on/off operations of the aerosol generating device 1, initiation of charging for the power source 11, detection of overcharge of the power source 11, termination of charging for the power source 11, or the like, which are performed in the aerosol generating device 1. The history of the events may include date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when a certain even is the detection of insertion of the stick, log data corresponding to the event may include data about a sensing value of the insertion detection sensor IDS. For example, when a certain event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT, log data corresponding to the event may include data about the temperature of the cartridge heater HS and/or the heater 18, a voltage applied to the cartridge heater HS and/or the heater 18, a current flowing through the cartridge heater and/or the heater HT, or the like.

The controller 12 may control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a mobile terminal of the user. When data about authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the controller 12 may lift restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the data about authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the birthday of the user, a unique number indicating the user, or the like, and may receive data about permission to use the aerosol generating device 1 from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device 1 based on the data about permission for use. When user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may lift restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, when user authentication is completed, the controller may lift the restriction on the use of a heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

The controller 12 may transmit data about the status of the aerosol generating device 1 to an external device through a communication link established with the external device. The external device may output the remaining capacity, the operation mode, or the like of the power source 11 of the aerosol generating device 11 through a display of the external device, based on the received status data.

The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device 1 based on an input that initiates the location search of the aerosol generating device 1. When the location search request is received from the external device, the controller 12 may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output objects corresponding to location search and search termination in response to the location search request.

The controller 12 may control to perform firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device. The external device may check a current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. The external device may receive firmware data of a new version and transmit the firmware data of the new version to the aerosol generating device 1 when an input requesting firmware download is received. As the firmware data of the new version is received, the controller 12 may control to perform firmware update of the aerosol generating device 1.

The controller 12 may transit data about a sensing value of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit 15 and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value from the server through machine learning such as deep learning. The controller 12 may perform an operation of determining the inhalation pattern of the user, an operation of generating a temperature profile, or the like by using the learning model received from the server. The controller 12 may store sensing value data of at least one sensor 13 and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory may store a database for each configuration of the aerosol generating device 1, and the weights and biases that form the structure of the ANN, which are used to learn the ANN. The controller may learn the data about the sensing value of at least one sensor 13, the inhalation pattern of the user, the temperature profile, or the like, which are stored in the memory 17, to generate at least one learning mode used to determine an inhalation pattern of the user, generate a temperature profile, or the like.

Any embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from each other. In the any embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above, individual components or functions may be used in combination or combined.

For example, this means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and/or the drawings may be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and/or the drawings. That is, even when the combination between the configurations is not directly explained, it means that combination is possible, except in cases where it is explained that combination is impossible.

Those of ordinary skill in the art pertaining to the present embodiments can understand that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the scope of the characteristics described above. The disclosed methods should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the disclosure.

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may guide an aerosol generating article to be arranged at an optimal heating position by providing a user with a notification when a movement of the aerosol generating article from an accommodation space of the aerosol generating device is detected by using an insertion detection sensor.

Technical problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to the above-described problems, and problems that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure and the accompanying drawings.