AEROSOL GENERATING APPARATUS AND OPERATION METHOD OF THE SAME

Disclosed is an aerosol generating apparatus including an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; a controller configured to output a driving voltage for controlling the atomizer; and a voltage divider operationally connected to the controller and configured to control an input voltage of the atomizer by adjusting voltage division of the driving voltage, such that a pre-heating voltage is applied to the atomizer while the atomizer is being pre-heated in a non-puff period and an atomization voltage is applied to the atomizer while the atomizer is atomizing the aerosol generating material in a puff period.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus and an operation method of the same, and more particularly, to controlling of an input voltage of an atomizer according to an operation mode of the atomizer.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes has increased. For example, there is growing demand for an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in cigarettes without combustion. In this regard, research on heating type aerosol generating devices and ultrasonic vibration type aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

An ultrasonic vibrating aerosol generating apparatus may facilitate vaporization of a liquid aerosol generating material by lowering the viscosity of the liquid aerosol generating material in contact with an ultrasonic vibrator by using heat generated from the ultrasonic vibrator. In this case, to atomize the liquid aerosol generating material within a short period of time, it is preferable that the viscosity of the liquid aerosol generating material is maintained low.

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus and an operation method thereof. Technical problems to be solved are not limited to the technical problems as described above, and other technical problems may be derived from the below embodiments.

Technical Solution

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus includes an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; a controller configured to output a driving voltage for controlling the atomizer; and a voltage divider operationally connected to the controller and configured to adjust a voltage division of the driving voltage for the atomizer, thereby controlling an input voltage of the atomizer, such that a pre-heating voltage is applied to the atomizer while the atomizer is being pre-heated in a non-puff period and an atomization voltage is applied to the atomizer while the atomizer is atomizing the aerosol generating material in a puff period.

Advantageous Effects

As described above, in an aerosol generating apparatus using a ultrasonic vibrator, the vibrator is maintained in a pre-heated state to lower the viscosity of an aerosol generating material even while a user is not performing a puff such that the aerosol generating material having the low viscosity may be quickly atomized into an aerosol when the vibrator is switched to an atomization operation according to a puff of the user, thereby providing a uniform amount of atomization to the user.

BEST MODE

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus includes an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; a controller configured to output a driving voltage for controlling the atomizer; and a voltage divider operationally connected to the controller and configured to control an input voltage of the atomizer by adjusting voltage division of the driving voltage, such that a pre-heating voltage is applied to the atomizer while the atomizer is being pre-heated in a non-puff period and an atomization voltage is applied to the atomizer while the atomizer is atomizing the aerosol generating material in a puff period.

Also, the pre-heating voltage may be a constant voltage lower than the atomization voltage.

Also, the controller may generate a mode signal indicating whether the atomizer is in a pre-heating mode or an atomizing mode, and the voltage divider may perform the voltage division based on the mode signal.

Also, the voltage divider may change connections of loads included in the voltage divider according to a first mode signal corresponding to the pre-heating mode or a second mode signal corresponding to the atomization mode.

Also, the voltage divider may include a first load connected to a node between a voltage output terminal of the controller that outputs the driving voltage and a voltage input terminal of the atomizer; a second load connected in series to the first load; a reference voltage node between the first load and the second load to which a reference voltage is applied from the controller; a third load having one terminal connected to the second load and another terminal connected to a ground; and a switch configured to switch a current flow between the second load and the third load according to a mode signal received from the controller.

Also, the switch may include a semiconductor switch configured to turn on and off a current flow between a source terminal coupled to the ground and a drain terminal coupled to a node between the second load and the third load according to a type of the mode signal received through a gate terminal.

Also, the switch may be turned off in response to a first mode signal corresponding to the pre-heating mode received from the controller, and the voltage divider may apply the pre-heating voltage to the voltage input terminal of the atomizer by blocking a current flow between the source terminal and the drain terminal according to a turn-off state of the switch and dropping the driving voltage at the third load.

Also, the switch may be turned on in response to a second mode signal corresponding to the atomization mode received from the controller, and the voltage divider may apply the atomizing voltage to the voltage input terminal of the atomizer by blocking a current flow to the third load and allowing a current flow between the source terminal and the drain terminal according to a turn-on state of the switch.

Also, a current flow to the third load may be allowed by the switch in the pre-heating mode, and a current flow to the third load may be blocked by the switch in the atomization mode.

Also, due to a voltage drop by the third load in the pre-heating mode, the pre-heating voltage lower than the atomization voltage may be applied to the atomizer.

Also, the atomizer may include a vibrator configured to generate ultrasonic vibration to atomize the aerosol generating material into an aerosol.

Also, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a puff detecting sensor configured to detect a puff of a user, wherein the controller may control the voltage division of the voltage divider based on whether the puff detecting sensor detects the puff period or the non-puff period.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of controlling an aerosol generating apparatus, the method includes outputting, by a controller, a driving voltage for driving an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; and controlling, by a voltage divider operationally coupled to the controller, an input voltage of the atomizer, such that a pre-heating voltage is applied to the atomizer while the atomizer is being pre-heated in a non-puff period and an atomization voltage is applied to the atomizer while the atomizer is atomizing the aerosol generating material in a puff period.

Also, the method may further include generating, by the controller, any one of a first mode signal corresponding to a pre-heating mode and a second mode signal corresponding to an atomization mode, wherein the controlling may include controlling an operation of a switch included in the voltage divider in response to the first mode signal or the second mode signal; adjusting a voltage division of the driving voltage by switching connections of loads included in the voltage divider in response to the operation of the switch; and applying the pre-heat voltage or the atomization voltage as the input voltage to the atomizer based on the adjusted voltage division.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus includes an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; a controller configured to output a driving voltage for controlling the atomizer; and a voltage divider operationally coupled to the controller and configured to adjust voltage division of the driving voltage for the atomizer by switching between a first voltage division mode for applying a pre-heating voltage to the atomizer and a second voltage division mode for applying an atomization voltage to the atomizer.

MODE FOR INVENTION

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, a term which is not commonly used can be selected. In such a case, the meaning of the term will be described in detail at the corresponding portion in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein.

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

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating hardware components of the aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, an aerosol generating apparatus100may include a battery110, an atomizer120, a sensor130, a user interface140, a memory150, and a controller160. However, the internal hardware structure of the aerosol generating apparatus100is not limited to those illustrated inFIG.1. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the hardware components shown inFIG.1may be omitted or new components may be added according to the design of the aerosol generating apparatus100.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus100may include a main body, and, in this case, hardware components included in the aerosol generating apparatus100may be located in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus100may include a main body and a cartridge, and hardware components included in the aerosol generating apparatus100may be located distributively in the main body and the cartridge. Alternatively, at least some of hardware components included in the aerosol generating apparatus100may be located in the main body and the cartridge, respectively. Hereinafter, an operation of each of the components will be described without being limited to location in a particular space in which the components of the aerosol generating apparatus100are located.

The battery110supplies electric power used for the aerosol generating apparatus100to operate. In other words, the battery110may supply power, such that the atomizer120may atomize an aerosol generating material. Also, the battery110may supply power for operation of other hardware components included in the aerosol generating apparatus100, that is, the sensor130, the user interface140, the memory150, and the controller160. The battery110may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

For example, battery110may include a nickel-based battery (e.g., a nickel-metal hydride battery or a nickel-cadmium battery), or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium-ion battery, or a lithium-polymer battery). However, types of the battery110that may be used in the aerosol generating apparatus100are not limited thereto. If necessary, the battery110may include an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

The atomizer120receives power from the battery110under the control of the controller160. The atomizer120may receive power from the battery110and atomize an aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating apparatus100.

The atomizer120may be located in the main body of the aerosol generating apparatus100. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating apparatus100includes a main body and a cartridge, the atomizer120may be located in the cartridge or divided into portions and located in the main body and the cartridge. When the atomizer120is located in the cartridge, the atomizer120may receive power from the battery110located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge. Also, when the atomizer120is divided into portions and located in the main body and the cartridge, a portion of the atomizer120that needs power supply may receive power from the battery110located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

The atomizer120generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material in the cartridge. An aerosol refers to a suspension in which liquid and/or solid fine particles are dispersed in a gas. Therefore, an aerosol generated from the atomizer120may refer to a state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating material and the air are mixed. For example, the atomizer120may transform a phase of an aerosol generating material into a gas phase through vaporization and/or sublimation. Also, the atomizer120may generate an aerosol by discharging an aerosol generating material in the liquid state and/or the solid phase as fine particles.

For example, the atomizer120may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The aerosol generating apparatus100may include at least one sensor130. A sensing result by the at least one sensor130is transmitted to the controller160, and the controller160may control the aerosol generating apparatus100to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the atomizer120, restricting smoking, determining whether a cartridge (or a cigarette) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

For example, the at least one sensor130may include a puff detecting sensor. The puff detecting sensor may detect a user's puff based on any one of a flow change of the air introduced from the outside, a pressure change, and detection of a sound. The puff detecting sensor may detect a start time and an end time of a puff of a user, and the controller160may determine a puff period and a non-puff period according to a detected start time and a detected end time of the puff.

Also, the at least one sensor130may include a user input sensor. The user input sensor may be a sensor capable of receiving a user input, e.g., a switch, a physical button, or a touch sensor. For example, a touch sensor may be a capacitive sensor capable of detecting an input of a user by detecting a change in capacitance that occurs when the user touches a certain area including a metal material. The controller160may determine whether a user input has occurred based on a change in capacitance detected by a capacitive sensor. When a change in capacitance exceeds a preset threshold value, the controller160may determine that a user input has occurred.

Also, the at least one sensor130may include a motion sensor. Information regarding the movement of the aerosol generating apparatus100, such as inclination, moving speed, and acceleration of the aerosol generating apparatus100, may be obtained through the motion sensor. For example, the motion sensor may measure information regarding a state in which the aerosol generating apparatus100is moving, a state in which the aerosol generating apparatus100is stationary, a state in which the aerosol generating apparatus100is tilted at an angle within a certain range for a puff operation, and a state in which the aerosol generating apparatus100is tilted at an angle different from the angle for a puff operation between puff operations. The motion sensor may measure motion information regarding the aerosol generating apparatus100by using various methods known in the art. For example, the motion sensor may include an acceleration sensor capable of measuring acceleration in 3 directions, that is, an x-axis direction, a y-axis direction, and a z-axis direction, and a gyro sensor capable of measuring angular velocity in the three directions.

Also, the at least one sensor130may include a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence of or a distance to an approaching object or an object existing in the vicinity without a mechanical contact, by using an electromagnetic field or an infrared ray. Thus, the proximity sensor may detect a user approaching the aerosol generating apparatus100.

Also, the at least one sensor130may include a consumable detachment sensor capable of detecting attachment or detachment of a consumable (e.g., a cartridge, a cigarette, etc.) that may be used in the aerosol generating apparatus100. For example, the consumable detachment sensor may detect whether a consumable is in contact with the aerosol generating apparatus100or determine whether the consumable is detached, through an image sensor. Also, the consumable detachment sensor may be an inductance sensor that detects a change in an inductance value of a coil capable of interacting with a marker of a consumable or a capacitance sensor that detects a change in a capacitance value of a capacitor capable of interacting with a marker of a consumable.

Also, the at least one sensor130may measure information regarding the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating apparatus100. For example, the at least one sensor130may include a temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature of the surrounding environment, a humidity sensor capable of measuring the humidity of the surrounding environment, a moisture sensor capable of detecting leakage or immersion of the aerosol generating apparatus100, an atmospheric pressure sensor capable of measuring the pressure of the surrounding environment, etc.

The sensor130provided in the aerosol generating apparatus100is not limited to the above-described types and may further include various other sensors. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus100may include a fingerprint sensor capable of obtaining fingerprint information from a user's finger for user authentication and security, an iris recognition sensor that analyzes an iris pattern of a pupil, and a vein recognition sensor that detects an amount of infrared absorption of reduced hemoglobin in a vein, a facial recognition sensor that 2-dimensionally or 3-dimensionally recognizes feature points like eyes, a nose, a mouth, and a facial contour, a radio-frequency Identification (RFID) sensor, etc.

In the aerosol generating device10, only some of various examples of the sensor130given above may be selectively implemented. In other words, the aerosol generating apparatus100may combine and utilize information sensed by at least one of the above-stated sensors.

The user interface140may provide the user with information about the state of the aerosol generating apparatus100. The user interface140may include various interfacing devices, such as a display or a lamp for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting haptic information, a speaker for outputting sound information, input/output (I/O) interfacing devices (for example, a button or a touch screen) for receiving information input from the user or outputting information to the user, terminals for performing data communication or receiving charging power, and communication interfacing modules for performing wireless communication (for example, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), etc.) with external devices.

However, the aerosol generating apparatus100may be implemented by selecting only some of various examples of the user interface140given above.

The memory150may be a hardware component configured to store various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating apparatus100, and the memory150may store data processed or to be processed by the controller160. The memory150may include various types of memories, such as random access memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc., read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.

The memory150may store an operation time of the aerosol generating apparatus100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user's smoking pattern, etc.

The controller160controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating apparatus100. The controller160may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Also, it may be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the controller160may be implemented as other types of hardware.

The controller160analyzes a result of the sensing by the at least one sensor130, and controls processes that are to be performed subsequently. For example, the controller160may control power supplied to the atomizer120so that the operation of the atomizer120is started or terminated, based on a result of sensing by the at least one sensor130. Also, based on a result of sensing by the at least one sensor130, the controller160may control an amount of power supplied to the atomizer120and a time period of supplying the power, such that the atomizer120generates an appropriate amount of aerosol or remains in a pre-heated state for a certain period of time. Meanwhile, the controller160may control a current or a voltage supplied to a vibrator of the atomizer120, such that the vibrator of the atomizer120vibrates at a certain frequency.

In an embodiment, the controller160may start the operation of the atomizer120after a user input for the aerosol generating apparatus100is received. Also, the controller160may control the operation of the atomizer120after a puff period or a non-puff period of a user is detected by using the puff detecting sensor. Also, the controller160may stop supplying power to the atomizer120when the number of puffs counted by the puff detecting sensor reaches a pre-set number or when a certain time is elapsed after the operation of the atomizer120is started.

The controller160may control the user interface140based on the result of the sensing by the at least one sensor130. For example, when the number of puffs reaches the pre-set number after the number of puffs is counted by using the puff detecting sensor, the controller160may notify the user by using at least one of a lamp, a motor, or a speaker that the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus100will soon be terminated.

Furthermore, although not illustrated inFIG.1, the aerosol generating apparatus100may be included in an aerosol generating system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery110of the aerosol generating apparatus100. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus100may be supplied with power from a battery of the cradle to charge the battery110of the aerosol generating apparatus100while being accommodated in an accommodation space of the cradle.

FIG.2is a diagram showing the structure of the aerosol generating apparatus ofFIG.1.

The aerosol generating apparatus100shown inFIG.1includes a cartridge100bcontaining an aerosol generating material and a main body100asupporting the cartridge100b.

The cartridge100bmay be coupled to the main body100ain a state in which the aerosol generating material is accommodated therein. For example, a portion of the cartridge100bmay be inserted into the main body100aor a portion of the main body100amay be inserted into the cartridge100b, such that the cartridge100band the main body100aare combined with each other. For example, the main body100aand the cartridge100bmay maintain a coupled state by a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, a magnetic coupling method, a forced coupling method, etc. However, the methods of coupling the main body100aand the cartridge100bto each other are not limited thereto.

The cartridge100bmay include a mouthpiece210. The mouthpiece210may be formed at an end portion of the cartridge100bopposite to the other end portion of the cartridge100bcoupled to the main body100a. The mouthpiece210may be inserted into a user's oral cavity. The mouthpiece210may include a discharge hole211for discharging the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge100bto the outside.

The cartridge100bmay contain an aerosol generating material in any one of, for example, a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor components or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

For example, the liquid composition may include one component of water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, spices, flavorings, and vitamin mixtures, or a mixture of these components. The spice may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavoring ingredients. The flavoring may include ingredients capable of providing a user with a variety of flavors. Vitamin mixtures may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

For example, the liquid composition may include any weight ratio of glycerin and propylene glycol solution to which nicotine salts are added. The liquid composition may include two or more types of nicotine salts. Nicotine salts may be formed by adding suitable acids, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. Nicotine may be a naturally generated nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

Acid for the formation of the nicotine salts may be appropriately selected in consideration of the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating apparatus100, the flavor or savor, the solubility, or the like. For example, the acid for the formation of nicotine salts may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

The cartridge100bmay include a liquid storage220containing (i.e., accommodating) an aerosol generating material therein. In other words, the liquid storage220may serve as a container for holding an aerosol generating material. To this end, the liquid storage220may include therein an element containing an aerosol generating material, such as a sponge, cotton, fabric, or porous ceramic structure.

The aerosol generating apparatus100may include an atomizer (120ofFIG.1) that converts changes phase of the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge100bto generate an aerosol.

The atomizer120of the aerosol generating apparatus100may change the phase of the aerosol generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method of atomizing the aerosol generating material with ultrasonic vibration. The atomizer120may include a vibrator170that generates ultrasonic vibrations, a liquid transmitting unit240that absorbs an aerosol generating material and maintains the same in an optimal state for conversion into an aerosol, and a vibration receiving unit230for generating an aerosol by transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to the aerosol generating material of the liquid transmitting unit240.

The vibrator170may generate vibration of a short period. The vibration generated by the vibrator170may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration may be, for example, from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz. By the short-period vibration generated by the vibrator170, the aerosol generating material may be vaporized and/or atomized into an aerosol.

The vibrator170may include, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic capable of interconverting an electrical force and a mechanical force by generating electricity (e.g., voltage) in response to a physical force (e.g., pressure) or generating vibration (e.g., mechanical force) in response to electricity. Therefore, vibration is generated by electricity applied to the vibrator170, and the small physical vibration may split the aerosol generating material into small particles, thereby atomizing the aerosol generating material into an aerosol.

The vibration receiving unit230may perform the function of receiving vibration generated by the vibrator170and converting the aerosol generating material received from the liquid storage220into an aerosol.

The liquid transmitting unit240may deliver a liquid composition of the liquid storage220to the vibration receiving unit230. For example, the liquid transmitting unit240may be a wick including cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

On the other hand, the atomizer120may be implemented as a vibration receiving unit alone, without a separate liquid delivery element. In this case, the vibration receiving unit may have a mesh shape or a plate shape so that an aerosol generating material is absorbed and maintained at the optimal state for conversion into an aerosol. The vibration receiving unit may generate an aerosol by transmitting vibration to the aerosol generating material.

AlthoughFIG.2shows that the vibrator170of the atomizer120is disposed in the main body100a, and the vibration receiving unit230and the liquid transmitting unit240are arranged in the cartridge100b, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge100bmay include the vibrator170, the vibration receiving unit230, and the liquid transmitting unit240. In this case, a portion of the cartridge100bis inserted into the main body100a, the main body100amay provide power to the cartridge100bor supply a signal related to the operation of the cartridge100bto the cartridge100bthrough a terminal (not shown), thereby controlling the operation of the vibrator170.

At least a portion of the liquid storage220of the cartridge100bmay include a transparent material so that the aerosol generating material accommodated in the cartridge100bmay be visually identified from the outside. The mouthpiece210and the liquid storage220may be entirely formed of transparent plastic or glass, and only a portion of the liquid storage220may be formed of a transparent material.

The cartridge100bof the aerosol generating apparatus100may include an aerosol discharging path250and an airflow path260.

The aerosol discharging path250may be formed in the liquid storage220and may be in fluid communication with the discharge hole211of the mouthpiece210. Therefore, an aerosol generated by the atomizer120may move along the aerosol discharging path250and may be delivered to a user through the discharge hole211of the mouthpiece210.

The airflow path260is a path through which the outside air may be introduced into the aerosol generating apparatus100. The outside air introduced through the airflow path260may flow into the aerosol discharging path250or a space in which an aerosol is generated. Therefore, the outside air may be mixed with vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol.

For example, as shown inFIG.2, the airflow path260may be formed to surround the outside of the aerosol discharging path250. Therefore, the aerosol discharging path250and the airflow path260may constitute a double tube shape in which the aerosol discharging path250is disposed inside and the airflow path260is disposed outside the aerosol discharging path250. Therefore, the outside air may be introduced through the airflow path260in a direction opposite to a direction in which an aerosol moves in the aerosol discharging path250.

Meanwhile, the airflow path260is not limited to the structure described above. For example, the airflow path260may be a space formed between the main body100aand the cartridge100bwhen the main body100aand the cartridge100bare coupled to each other. The airflow path260may be in fluid communication with the atomizer120.

In the aerosol generating apparatus100according to the above-described embodiment, the cross section of the aerosol generating apparatus100taken perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the main body100aand the cartridge100bmay be approximately circular, oval, square, rectangular, or in various polygonal shapes. However, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating apparatus100is not limited to the above-stated shapes, and the aerosol generating apparatus100is not necessarily limited to a structure linearly extending in the lengthwise direction. For example, for comfortable grip, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating apparatus100may be streamline or may be bent at a certain angle in a specific region. The cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating apparatus100may change along the lengthwise direction.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling the atomizer120including the ultrasonic vibrator170to provide a constant and uniform amount of atomization to a user in the ultrasonic vibrating aerosol generating apparatus100will be described in detail.

FIG.3is a diagram for illustrating an operation process of the aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment. The operation process shown inFIG.3may be a process performed in the aerosol generating apparatus100ofFIGS.1and2in time series.

A ‘Power Off’310may be a state in which a user is not using the aerosol generating apparatus100(i.e., a state before the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus100is started). For example, the state of ‘Power Off’310of the aerosol generating apparatus100may refer to a sleep mode, a standby mode, or a ship mode. In the ‘Power Off’ state, although the atomizer120is not performing any operation, some sensors may be continuously performing sensing operations. Also, the user interface140may be waiting to receive a user input.

When the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus100is started by a user input, the aerosol generating apparatus100may transition from the state of ‘Power Off’310to a state of ‘Power On’. The state of ‘Power On’ may refer to a state in which an operation is started as an input voltage is applied to the atomizer120.

A ‘Pre-Heating State’320is a state in which the atomizer120is being pre-heated to a certain pre-heating temperature as an input voltage (i.e., power) is applied to the atomizer120. In detail, the ‘Pre-Heating State’320may be a state before a user performs a first puff. Thus, in the ‘Pre-Heating State’320, although the viscosity of an aerosol generating material is gradually decreasing due to ultrasound vibration by the vibrator170of the atomizer120, atomization of the aerosol generating material has not occurred yet.

When a user starts puffing by using the aerosol generating apparatus100after the ‘Pre-Heating State’320is completed, the aerosol generating apparatus100may transition to a ‘Puffing State’330. The ‘Puffing State’330refers to a state in which an aerosol is generated by ultrasonic vibration of the vibrator170of the atomizer120and the aerosol is inhaled by the user. In the ‘Puffing State’330, the vibrator170of the atomizer120may vibrate faster and be at a higher temperature than in the ‘Pre-Heating State’320such that an aerosol generating material is atomized.

In detail, the vibrator170may vibrate and the temperature thereof may rise at the same time. For example, the vibrator170may vibrate at a certain vibration speed by converting a part of electrical energy into kinetic energy. The temperature of the aerosol generating material may be controlled by the vibration of the vibrator170. The vibrator170may vibrate in response to a certain voltage having a certain frequency, and as vibration energy is transmitted to the aerosol generating material, the temperature of the aerosol generating material may be changed.

The aerosol generating material may be heated to a certain temperature for generating an aerosol by being vibrated by the vibrator170. For example, when the aerosol generating material is a liquid material having a certain viscosity, it may be necessary to increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material to a certain temperature to lower the viscosity of the aerosol generating material such that an aerosol is generated. By lowering the viscosity of the aerosol generating material, the time required for atomization by vibration may be shortened, thereby further increasing an amount of atomization.

The vibrator170may vibrate at a target vibration speed. The target vibration speed may be a vibration speed pre-set in accordance with various functions and purposes of the aerosol generating apparatus100. For example, the target vibration speed may be a vibration speed suitable for a pre-heating mode of the vibrator170or a vibration speed suitable for an atomization mode for generating an aerosol of an atomization amount desired by a user.

When one puff of a user is ended, the aerosol generating apparatus100may transition from the ‘Puffing State’330to a ‘Puffing Wait State’340. Similar to the ‘Pre-Heating State’320, the ‘Puffing Wait State’340refers to a state in which the atomizer120is being pre-heated to a certain pre-heating temperature. The ‘Puffing Wait State’340is a state of the atomizer120between consecutive puffs of the user. In the ‘Puffing Wait State’340, although a low viscosity of the aerosol generating material is maintained by ultrasonic vibration by the vibrator170of the atomizer120, the aerosol generating material is not being atomized.

When the user starts puff again, the ‘Puffing Wait State’340may transition back to the ‘Puffing State’330, and the transition between the ‘Puffing State’330and the ‘Puffing Wait State’340may be repeated until a pre-set smoking termination condition is satisfied in the aerosol generating apparatus100. For example, a smoking termination condition may be pre-set based on a threshold number of puffs or a threshold operation time.

When a smoking termination condition is satisfied, the aerosol generating apparatus100may transition back to the state of ‘Power Off’310, and thus one smoking session consisting of a series of puffs in the aerosol generating apparatus100may be terminated.

The atomizer120may be pre-heated under different operation conditions (e.g., different operating frequencies, different input voltages, etc.) when the aerosol generating apparatus100is in the ‘Puffing State’330and in the ‘Puffing Wait State’340(or the ‘Pre-Heating State’320). In detail, when the aerosol generating apparatus100is in the ‘Puffing Wait State’340(or the ‘Pre-Heating State’320), the atomizer120may be operated in the pre-heating mode by a pre-heating voltage. When the aerosol generating apparatus100is in the ‘Puffing State’330, the atomizer120may be operated in the atomization mode by an atomization voltage.

In this specification, the term ‘heating’ of the aerosol generating material is not limited to directly transferring heat to the aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may be heated by vibration of the atomizer120which causes vibration of molecules of the aerosol generating material. Also, heat may be transferred from the atomizer120to the aerosol generating material. Meanwhile, the term ‘atomization voltage’ may be interchangeably used with ‘normal heating voltage’ or ‘normal atomization voltage’. Also, the term ‘atomization mode’ may be interchangeably used with ‘normal heating mode’ or ‘normal atomization mode’. Also, the terms ‘pre-heating mode’ and ‘pre-heating voltage’ may be interchangeably used with ‘pre-atomization mode’ and ‘pre-atomization voltage’, respectively.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating a puff pattern during a single smoking session using the aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment. A puff pattern400shown inFIG.4is merely an example for convenience of explanation of the present embodiments, and a puff pattern using the aerosol generating apparatus100may be different from the pattern shown inFIG.4.

A period during which a user performs a puff may be referred to as a ‘puff period’, and a period during which the user does not perform a puff between puffs may be referred to as a ‘non-puff period’. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the terms ‘puff period’ and ‘non-puff period’ may be replaced with other terms having similar meanings. In the puff pattern400, the width of a block corresponding to each puff period indicates a relative length of the puff period, and the distance between two blocks indicates a relative length of a non-puff period.

Referring toFIG.4, after a user starts the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus100for smoking, the user may repeatedly perform puffs a certain number of times (e.g., n times) until the smoking session ends.

During a non-puff period401between the initiation of the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus100and a first puff402, the atomizer120maintains its operation in the pre-heating mode. When the user performs the first puff402, the state of the atomizer120transitions from the pre-heating mode to the atomization mode (or the normal atomization mode), such that the atomizer120generates an aerosol and provides it to the user. When the first puff402is completed, the atomizer120transitions back from the atomization mode to the pre-heating mode, such that the atomizer120operates in the pre-heating mode during a non-puff period403.

The repetition of puff periods and non-puff periods may be performed until the number of puffs counted by a puff detecting sensor reaches a pre-set threshold number of puffs (e.g., n times) or until a certain operation time is elapsed. As described above, the atomizer120may perform mode switching between the pre-heating mode and the atomization mode in response to repetition of puff periods and non-puff periods.

The aerosol generating apparatus100using the ultrasonic vibrator170generates ultrasonic vibration by applying an alternating voltage to the vibrator170, and an aerosol generating material is vibrated by the vibrator170and heated to a temperature for generating an aerosol. In this case, when the aerosol generating material is a liquid material having a certain viscosity, it is preferable to increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material to a certain temperature to lower the viscosity of the aerosol generating material such that an aerosol is generated well.

As the viscosity of the aerosol generating material is maintained low, the atomization time by ultrasonic vibration may be shortened, and thus the aerosol generating apparatus100may provide a uniform atomization amount to a user when the user puffs. Therefore, to maintain the viscosity of the aerosol generating material low even when the user is not puffing (i.e., during a non-puff period), the atomizer120may perform a pre-heating operation. The ‘pre-heating mode’ described above is a mode in which the atomizer120performs a pre-heating operation during a non-puff period, and the ‘atomization mode’ is a mode in which the atomizer120performs an atomization operation (or a normal atomization operation) during a puff period. Detailed descriptions thereof will be given below with reference toFIG.5.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating a voltage profile indicating a change in an input voltage of an atomizer in a pre-heating mode and an atomization mode according to an embodiment.

Referring to a voltage profile500ofFIG.5, in response to an initiation501of the operation of the atomizer120, the atomizer120operates in the pre-heating mode, and a pre-heating voltage B [V] may be applied to the atomizer120as an input voltage for pre-heating. Thereafter, the atomizer120is switched to the atomization mode in response to sensing502of a user's puff, and an atomization voltage A [V] may be applied to the atomizer120as an input voltage for generating an aerosol.

Here, the atomization voltage A [V] may be a constant voltage of a higher than the pre-heating voltage B [V]. That is, in a case where the atomizing voltage A [V] is applied, the atomizer120may be operated at a vibration speed faster than that in a case where the pre-heating voltage B [V] is applied, thereby atomizing an aerosol generating material into an aerosol. On the contrary, the atomizer120does not atomize the aerosol generating material when the pre-heating voltage B [V] is applied. In this case, the atomizer120only pre-heats the aerosol generating material to a temperature sufficient to maintain the viscosity of the aerosol generating material low. In this way, the low viscosity of the aerosol generating material is maintained low during a pre-heated state, and thus the atomizer120may atomize the aerosol generating material more quickly when a next puff is started. As a result, a uniform amount of aerosol may be generated for each puff, and thus a user may feel more satisfactory smoking impression.

When an end503of a user puff is detected after the atomization mode, the atomizer120may be switched back to the pre-heating mode. In other words, as configured in the voltage profile500, the input voltage of the atomizer120may be repeatedly switched between the atomization voltage A [V] and the pre-heating voltage B [V] according to the switching between the atomization mode and the pre-heating mode.

The aerosol generating apparatus100may include a voltage divider that is operationally connected to the controller160and controls division of a driving voltage of the controller160with respect to the atomizer120, to adjust the level of the input voltage of the atomizer120to the atomization voltage A [V] or the pre-heating voltage B [V].

For example, the atomization voltage A [V] described inFIG.5may be 13 [V], and the pre-heating voltage B [V] may be 10 [V]. When the atomization voltage 13 [V] is applied as the input voltage of the atomizer120, the atomizer120may generate an aerosol by boosting the atomization voltage 13 [V] to 65 [V] for an atomization operation of a vibrator (170ofFIG.2). Also, when the pre-heating voltage 10 [V] is applied as the input voltage of the atomizer120, the atomizer120may maintain the viscosity of the aerosol generating material low by boosting the pre-heating voltage 10 [V] to 60 [V] for a pre-heating operation of the vibrator170. However, the voltage values described herein are merely examples for convenience of description, and other appropriate voltage values may be used in the present embodiments without being limited thereto.

FIG.6is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating apparatus for controlling an input voltage of an atomizer according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.6, an aerosol generating apparatus (e.g.,100ofFIG.1) may further include a voltage divider610connected between the controller160and the atomizer120described above with reference toFIG.1.

The controller160outputs a driving voltage for controlling the atomizer120, and the voltage divider610applies an input voltage to the atomizer120by adjusting a ratio of voltage division regarding the driving voltage. In detail, the voltage divider610may be operationally connected to the controller160and adjust the voltage division regarding the driving voltage for the atomizer120, thereby controlling the input voltage of the atomizer120. Thereby, a pre-heating voltage may be applied to the atomizer120while the atomizer120is being pre-heated in a non-puff period, and an atomization voltage may be applied to the atomizer120while the atomizer120is atomizing the aerosol generating material in a puff period.

The voltage divider610may receive a mode signal, which is generated by the controller160and indicates whether the atomizer120is in the pre-heating mode or the atomization mode, from the controller160. The voltage divider610divides a voltage based on the mode signal.

The voltage divider610may adjust (or perform) voltage division by switching connections between loads included in the voltage divider610according to a pre-heating mode signal (or a first mode signal) corresponding to the pre-heating mode or an atomization mode signal (or a second mode signal) corresponding to the atomization mode, which are received from the controller160.

A mode signal may be generated by the controller160based on a sensing result by a puff detection sensor which indicates a non-puff period or a puff period. In other words, the controller160may control the voltage division regarding the voltage divider610based on whether the puff detection sensor detects a non-puff period or a puff period.

Meanwhile, the controller160may generate a driving voltage based on a supply voltage of a battery (e.g.,110ofFIG.1). In detail, a DC/DC converter (not shown) for converting the supply voltage of the battery110to a certain level may be provided between the battery110and the controller160. For example, the supply voltage of the battery110is 4.3 [V] may be converted to 3.3 [V] and may be input to the controller160. However, the values of the supply voltage of the battery and the input voltage of the controller are merely examples, and the present embodiments are not limited thereto.

In embodiments shown inFIG.6, the controller160and the voltage divider610are shown as separate components for convenience of explanation, but the present embodiments are not limited thereto. In other words, the voltage divider610may be a component provided in the controller160or the atomizer120, and such modifications are within the scope of the present embodiments.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating a voltage divider for controlling an input voltage of an atomizer according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.7, the voltage divider610includes a first load R1, a second load R2, a third load R3, and a switch S1. The first load R1, the second load R2, and the third load R3are connected in series. The first load R1is connected to a node701between an output terminal of the controller160and an input terminal of the atomizer120. A driving voltage Vdriveis output from the output terminal of the controller160, and an input voltage Vinputis applied to the input terminal of the atomizer120. A reference voltage Vreferenceis applied to a reference voltage node702between the first load R1and the second load R2. One terminal of the third load R3is connected to the second load R2and the other terminal is connected to a ground. The switch S1switches a current flow between the second load R2and the third load R3according to a mode signal received from the controller160.

The driving voltage Vdriveoutput from the controller160may be dropped by the first load R1and the second load R2or may be dropped by the first load R1, the second load R2, and the third load R3. In other words, the first load R1, the second load R2, and the third load R3may be implemented as resistors having different resistance values for the voltage drop of the driving voltage Vdrive, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the voltage division of the driving voltage Vdrivemay be determined by the operation of the switch S1according to a mode signal. The switch S1may be implemented as a semiconductor switch including a gate terminal for receiving a mode signal transmitted from the controller160, a source terminal connected to the ground, and a drain terminal connected to a node703between the second load R2and the third load R3. For example, the switch S1may be implemented as an N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) as shown inFIG.7. Therefore, the switch S1may switch a current flow between the source terminal connected to the ground and the drain terminal connected to the node703according to the type of a mode signal received through the gate terminal. According to embodiments, the switch S1may also be implemented as a P-channel MOSFET or other types of semiconductor switching devices other than an N-channel MOSFET.

The voltage divider610shown inFIG.7may be implemented with another equivalent circuit for adjusting the input voltage V input of the atomizer120according to a mode signal received from the controller160, and such an equivalent circuit is within the scope of the present embodiments.

FIG.8is a diagram illustrating a mode signal generated by a controller to indicate a pre-heating mode or an atomization mode according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.8, a signal indicating the pre-heating mode (i.e., pre-heating mode signal) may be a digital signal having a logic value of 0 (LOW), and a signal indicating the atomization mode (i.e., atomization mode signal) may be a digital signal having a logic value of 1 (HIGH). In other words, a mode signal may correspond to a digital pulse signal.

As described above, the controller160controls the atomizer120to apply an atomization voltage to the atomizer120to operate the atomizer120in the atomization mode during a puff period and controls the atomizer120to apply a pre-heating voltage to the atomizer120to operate the atomizer120in the pre-heating mode during a non-puff period. Therefore, a pulse period having the logic value of 0 (LOW) may correspond to a non-puff period, and a pulse period having the logical value of 1 (HIGH) may correspond to a puff period.

In detail, the switch S1described inFIG.7is switched to a turn-off state in response to a pre-heating mode signal LOW in the pre-heating mode, and the switch S1is switched to a turn-on state in response to an atomization mode signal (HIGH) in the atomization mode.

The voltage divider610blocks a current flow between the source terminal and the drain terminal according to the turn-off state of the switch S1and drops the driving voltage Vdriveat the third load R3, thereby applying the pre-heating voltage to a voltage input terminal of the atomizer120. On the other hand, the voltage divider610blocks a current flow to the third load R3according to the turn-on state of the switch S1and allows a current flow between the source terminal and the drain terminal, thereby applying the atomization voltage to the voltage input terminal of the atomizer120.

On the other hand, the mode signal described inFIG.8may only be used in connection with the circuit configuration of the voltage divider610described inFIG.7. When the circuit configuration of the voltage divider610is changed, logic values of the mode signal also need to be changed. For example, when the switch S1of the voltage divider610is implemented as a P-channel MOSFET, the mode signal may have logic values opposite to those ofFIG.8.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating an atomization voltage division mode of a voltage divider according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.9, the atomization voltage division mode of the voltage divider610corresponds to a state in which an atomization mode signal is input to the switch S1of the voltage divider610, and the switch S1is turned on.

In the atomization voltage division mode (or a second voltage division mode) of the voltage divider610, as one terminal of the second load R2is connected to the ground through the switch S1which is in the turn-on state, a current flow to the third load R3is blocked, and the driving voltage Vdriveis not dropped at the third load R3. In other words, the driving voltage Vdriveis dropped by the first load R1and the second load R2, and thus an atomization voltage Vatomizefor the atomization mode may be applied to the voltage input terminal of the atomizer120.

FIG.10is a diagram illustrating a pre-heating voltage division mode of a voltage divider according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.10, the pre-heating voltage division mode (or a first voltage division mode) of the voltage divider610corresponds to a state in which a pre-heating mode signal is input to the switch S1of the voltage divider610, and the switch S1is in the turn-off state.

In the pre-heating voltage division mode of the voltage divider610, as a current flow through the switch S1is blocked by the turn-off state of the switch S1, a current flows to the third load R3, and thus the driving voltage Vdriveis dropped at the third load R3. In other words, the driving voltage Vdriveis dropped by the first load R1, the second load R2, and the third load R3, and thus a pre-heating voltage Vpre-heatfor the pre-heating mode may be applied to the voltage input terminal of the atomizer120. For example, in the pre-heating voltage division mode of the voltage divider610, the pre-heating voltage Vpre-heatmay be calculated according to Equation 1 below.

In other words, according to Equation 1, due to an additional voltage drop by the third load R3in the pre-heating mode, the pre-heating voltage Vpre-heatlower than the atomization voltage Vatomizemay be applied to the atomizer120.

Referring toFIGS.9and10, the voltage divider610is operationally connected to the controller160and is switched between the pre-heating voltage division mode (FIG.10) for applying the pre-heating voltage Vpre-heator the atomization voltage division mode (FIG.9) for applying the atomization voltage Vatomizeto the atomizer120, thereby adjusting the driving voltage Vdriveto the pre-heating voltage Vpre-heator the atomization voltage Vatomizeand applying the adjusted voltage to the atomizer120.

FIG.11is a flowchart of a method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. The method ofFIG.11corresponds to operations performed in the aerosol generating apparatus100described above with reference toFIGS.1through10. Accordingly, even when omitted below, the descriptions given above may be applied to the method ofFIG.11.

In operation1101, when a user command is input by a user who wants to use the aerosol generating apparatus100, the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus100may be started.

In operation1102, a puff detecting sensor provided in the aerosol generating apparatus100may detect the user's puff. After the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus100is started, until the user's puff is sensed, the aerosol generating apparatus100may perform operations1103to1105to perform a pre-heating mode. However, when the user's puff is detected, operation1106is performed.

In operation1103, the controller160of the aerosol generating apparatus100generates a pre-heating mode signal indicating that the aerosol generating apparatus100is in the pre-heating mode. A generated pre-heating mode signal is transmitted to the voltage divider610operationally connected to the controller160.

In operation1104, the switch S1of the voltage divider610is turned off according to a received pre-heating mode signal, and a current flow through the switch S1is blocked. Therefore, a current flow to the third load R3of the voltage divider610, and thus the driving voltage Vdriveis dropped at the third load R3.

In operation1105, the voltage divider610applies the pre-heating voltage Vpre-heatto the atomizer120based on a voltage drop by loads R1, R2, R3in the voltage divider610. Until the puff detecting sensor detects the user's puff (YES in operation1102), the atomizer120maintains the pre-heating mode by the pre-heating voltage Vpre-heat.

In operation1106, when the user's puff is detected, the controller160generates an atomization mode signal indicating that the aerosol generating apparatus100is in an atomization mode. A generated atomization mode signal is transmitted to the voltage divider610.

In operation1107, the switch S1of the voltage divider610is turned on according to a received atomization mode signal, and as one terminal of the second load R2is connected to the ground through the switch S1, a current flow to the third load R3is blocked. Therefore, the driving voltage Vdriveof the voltage divider610is dropped at the first load R1and the second load R2.

In operation1108, the voltage divider610applies the atomization voltage Vatomizeto the atomizer120based on a voltage drop by loads R1and R2in the voltage divider610.

In operation1109, the controller160determines whether a smoking termination condition is satisfied based on the current number of puffs or a current operation time. When the smoking termination condition is satisfied, operation1110is performed. However, when the smoking termination condition is not satisfied, operations1103to1105are performed for the atomizer120to enter the pre-heating mode again during a non-puff period.

In operation1110, when the smoking cessation condition is satisfied, the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus100is ended to terminate a smoking operation.

FIG.12is a flowchart of a method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. The method ofFIG.12corresponds to operations performed in the aerosol generating apparatus100described above with reference toFIGS.1through10. Accordingly, even when omitted below, the descriptions given above may be applied to the method ofFIG.12.

In operation1201, the controller160outputs the driving voltage Vdrivefor driving the atomizer120that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material.

In operation1202, the voltage divider610operationally connected to the controller160controls the voltage of the atomizer120, such that the pre-heating voltage Vpre-heatis applied to the atomizer120while the atomizer120is being pre-heated in a non-puff period and the atomization voltage Vatomizeis applied to the atomizer120while the atomizer120is being heated in a puff period. Here, the controller160generates a pre-heating mode signal corresponding to the pre-heating mode or an atomization mode signal corresponding to the atomization mode. The voltage divider610controls the operation of the switch S1included in the voltage divider610in response to the pre-heating mode signal or the atomization mode signal. As connections between loads included in the voltage divider610are changed in response to the operation of the switch S1, the voltage division of the driving voltage Vdrivemay be adjusted (or performed). The pre-heating voltage Vpre-heator the atomization voltage Vatomizeis applied to the atomizer120as an input voltage based on the voltage division.

Meanwhile, the method of the present disclosure may be written as computer programs and can be implemented in general-use digital computers that execute the programs using a non-transitory computer readable recording medium. In addition, the structure of the data used in the above-described method may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium through various means. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, RAM, USB drives, floppy disks, hard disks, etc.), optical recording media (e.g., CD-ROMs, or DVDs), etc.

Those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiments may 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 a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present 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 present disclosure.