Patent Publication Number: US-2023141960-A1

Title: Aerosol generating device and operation method thereof

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     One or more embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a method of operating the same. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Recently, there has been increasing demand for cigarette alternatives replacing normal cigarettes. For example, there is increasing demand for a method of generating aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in cigarettes rather than by combusting cigarettes. Therefore, there has been active research into a heating-type cigarette and a heating-type aerosol generating device. 
     A heater included in an aerosol generating device heats an aerosol-generating material. For uniform generation of aerosol at an appropriate level, it is very important to control power supplied to the heater according to a desired temperature profile. However, even if heaters are made in the same dimensions and of the same material, resistance variations may occur between heaters due to factors including manufacturing tolerances, and thus heaters may be heated to different temperatures depending on resistances thereof even when the same power is supplied thereto. This is a problem, because a desired smoking experience may not be uniformly provided to users of aerosol generating devices. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Solution to Problem 
     One or more embodiments include an aerosol generating device capable of uniformly heating a heater to a desired temperature regardless of a resistance variation of the heater. 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. 
     According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating device includes a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating material; and a controller configured to control power supplied to the heater. The controller may measure a resistance value of the heater by using at least one electrical characteristic associated with the heater, select any one power profile from among a plurality of pre-stored power profiles including values of power to be supplied to the heater, such that a temperature of the heater reaches a target temperature within a predetermined time from a time point at which power supply to the heater is initiated regardless of variation in the resistance value of the heater, and control power supplied to the heater according to the selected power profile. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     One or more embodiments provide an aerosol generating device capable of uniformly heating a heater to a desired temperature regardless of a resistance variation of the heater. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a coupling relationship between a replaceable cartridge containing an aerosol generating material and an aerosol generating device including the same, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an example operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of another example operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a block diagram illustrating hardware components of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a graph showing temperatures of a heater according to the lapse of time for respective resistance values of the heater of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a flowchart of a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a flowchart of a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating device includes a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating material; and a controller configured to: measure a resistance value of the heater by using at least one electrical characteristic associated with the heater, select a power profile from among a plurality of power profiles based on the measured resistance value of the heater, and control power supplied to the heater according to the selected power profile. 
     According to one or more embodiments, a method of operating an aerosol generating device includes measuring a resistance value of a heater included in the aerosol generating device by using at least one electrical characteristic associated with the heater; selecting a power profile from among a plurality of power profiles based on the measured resistance value of the heater; and supplying power to the heater according to the selected power profile. 
     According to one or more embodiments, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the above-stated method on a computer. 
     MODE FOR THE INVENTION 
     With respect to the terms in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms may be changed according to intention, a judicial precedent, appearance of a new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, there is also a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case the meaning will be described in detail in the description of one or more embodiments. Therefore, the terms used in one or more embodiments should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the general contents of one or more embodiments, rather than simply the names of the terms. 
     As used herein, expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. For example, the expression, “at least one of a, b, and c,” should be understood as including only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c. 
     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. 
     Hereinafter, example embodiments of one or more embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments described below are examples. Thus, the inventive concept may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of one or more embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG.  1    is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a coupling relationship between a replaceable cartridge containing an aerosol generating material and an aerosol generating device including the same, according to an embodiment. 
     An aerosol generating device  5  according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  1    includes the cartridge  20  containing the aerosol generating material and a main body  10  supporting the cartridge  20 . 
     The cartridge  20  containing the aerosol generating material may be coupled to the main body  10 . A portion of the cartridge  20  may be inserted into an accommodation space  19  of the main body  10  so that the cartridge  20  may be mounted on the main body  10 . 
     The cartridge  20  may contain an aerosol generating material that is, 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 having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or 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 spices may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients, but are not limited thereto. The flavorings may include ingredients capable of providing various flavors or tastes to a user. 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 device  5 , 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, and malic acid, or may be a mixture of two or more acids selected from the above-described group, but is not limited thereto. 
     The cartridge  20  may be operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body  10  to perform a function of generating aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge  20  to a gaseous phase. The aerosol may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating material are mixed with air. 
     For example, in response to receiving the electrical signal from the main body  10 , the cartridge  20  may convert the phase of the aerosol generating material by heating the aerosol generating material, using, for example, an ultrasonic vibration method or an induction heating method. In an embodiment, the cartridge  20  may include its own power source and generate aerosol based on an electric control signal or a wireless signal received from the main body  10 . 
     The cartridge  20  may include a liquid storage  21  accommodating the aerosol generating material therein, and an atomizer performing a function of converting the aerosol generating material of the liquid storage  21  to aerosol. 
     When the liquid storage  21  “accommodates the aerosol generating material” therein, it means that the liquid storage  21  functions as a container simply holding an aerosol generating material. The liquid storage  21  may include an element impregnated with (i.e., containing) an aerosol generating material, such as a sponge, cotton, fabric, or porous ceramic structure. 
     The atomizer may include, for example, a liquid delivery element (e.g., a wick) for absorbing the aerosol generating material and maintaining the same in an optimal state for conversion to aerosol, and a heater heating the liquid delivery element to generate aerosol. 
     The liquid delivery element may include at least one of, for example, a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, and porous ceramic. 
     The heater may include a metallic material such as copper, nickel, tungsten, or the like to heat the aerosol generating material delivered to the liquid delivery element by generating heat using electrical resistance. The heater may be implemented by, for example, a metal wire, a metal plate, a ceramic heating element, or the like. Also, the heater may be implemented by a conductive filament using a material such as a nichrome wire, and may be wound around or arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery element. 
     In addition, the atomizer may be implemented by a heating element in the form of a mesh or plate, which absorbs the aerosol generating material and maintains the same in an optimal state for conversion to aerosol, and generates aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material. In this case, a separate liquid delivery element may not be required. 
     At least a portion of the liquid storage  21  of the cartridge  20  may include a transparent portion so that the aerosol generating material accommodated in the cartridge  20  may be visually identified from the outside. The liquid storage  21  may include a protruding window  21   a  protruding from the liquid storage  21 , so that the liquid storage  21  may be inserted into a groove  11  of the main body  10  when coupled to the main body  10 . A mouthpiece  22  and/or the liquid storage  21  may be entirely formed of transparent plastic or glass. Alternatively, only the protruding window  21   a  may be formed of a transparent material. 
     The main body  10  includes a connection terminal  10   t  arranged inside the accommodation space  19 . When the liquid storage  21  of the cartridge  20  is inserted into the accommodation space  19  of the main body  10 , the main body  10  may provide power to the cartridge  20  or supply a signal related to an operation of the cartridge  20  to the cartridge  20 , through the connection terminal  10   t.    
     The mouthpiece  22  is coupled to one end of the liquid storage  21  of the cartridge  20 . The mouthpiece  22  is a portion of the aerosol generating device  5 , which is to be inserted into a user&#39;s mouth. The mouthpiece  22  includes a discharge hole  22   a  for discharging aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material inside the liquid storage  21  to the outside. 
     The slider  7  is coupled to the main body  10  to move with respect to the main body  10 . The slider  7  covers or exposes at least a portion of the mouthpiece  22  of the cartridge  20  coupled to the main body  10  by moving with respect to the main body  10 . The slider  7  includes an elongated hole  7   a  exposing at least a portion of the protruding window  21   a  of the cartridge  20  to the outside. 
     As shown  FIG.  1   , the slider  7  may have a shape of a hollow container with both ends opened, but the structure of the slider  7  is not limited thereto. For example, the slider  7  may have a bent plate structure having a clip-shaped cross-section, which is movable with respect to the main body  10  while being coupled to an edge of the main body  10 . In another example, the slider  7  may have a curved semi-cylindrical shape with a curved arc-shaped cross section. 
     The slider  7  may include a magnetic body for maintaining the position of the slider  7  with respect to the main body  10  and the cartridge  20 . The magnetic body may include a permanent magnet or a material such as iron, nickel, cobalt, or an alloy thereof. 
     The magnetic body may include two first magnetic bodies  8   a  facing each other, and two second magnetic bodies  8   b  facing each other. The first magnetic bodies  8   a  are arranged to be spaced apart from the second magnetic bodies  8   b  in a longitudinal direction of the main body  10  (i.e., the direction in which the main body  10  extends), which is a moving direction of the slider  7 . 
     The main body  10  includes a fixed magnetic body  9  arranged on a path along which the first magnetic bodies  8   a  and the second magnetic bodies  8   b  of the slider  7  move as the slider  7  moves with respect to the main body  10 . Two fixed magnetic bodies  9  of the main body  10  may be mounted to face each other with the accommodation space  19  therebetween. 
     The slider  7  may be stably maintained in positions where an end of the mouthpiece  22  is covered or exposed, by magnetic force acting between the fixed magnetic body  9  and the first magnetic body  8   a  or between the fixed magnetic body  9  and the second magnetic body  8   b.    
     The main body  10  includes a position change detecting sensor  3  arranged on the path along which the first magnetic body  8   a  and the second magnetic body  8   b  of the slider  7  move as the slider  7  moves with respect to the main body  10 . The position change detecting sensor  3  may include, for example, a Hall integrated circuit (IC) that uses the Hall effect to detect a change in a magnetic field, and may generate a signal based on the detected change. 
     In the aerosol generating device  5  according to the above-described embodiments, the main body  10 , the cartridge  20 , and the slider  7  have approximately rectangular cross-sectional shapes when viewed in the longitudinal direction, but in the embodiments, the shape of the aerosol generating device  5  is not limited. The aerosol generating device  5  may have, for example, a cross-sectional shape of a circle, an ellipse, a square, or various polygonal shapes. In addition, the aerosol generating device  5  is not necessarily limited to a structure that extends linearly, and may be curved in a streamlined shape or bent at a preset angle to be easily held by the user. 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an example operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     In  FIG.  2   , the slider  7  is moved to a position where the end of the mouthpiece  22  of the cartridge coupled to the main body  10  is covered. In this state, the mouthpiece  22  may be safely protected from external impurities and kept clean. 
     The user may check the remaining amount of aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge by visually checking the protruding window  21   a  of the cartridge through the elongated hole  7   a  of the slider  7 . The user may move the slider  7  in the longitudinal direction of the main body  10  to use the aerosol generating device  5 . 
       FIG.  3    is a perspective view of another example operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     In  FIG.  3   , the operating state is shown in which the slider  7  is moved to a position where the end of the mouthpiece  22  of the cartridge coupled to the main body  10  is exposed to the outside. In this state, the user may insert the mouthpiece  22  into his or her mouth and inhale aerosol discharged through the discharge hole  22   a  of the mouthpiece  22 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the protruding window  21   a  of the cartridge is still exposed to the outside through the elongated hole  7   a  of the slider  7  when the slider  7  is moved to the position where the end of the mouthpiece  22  is exposed to the outside. Thus, the user may be able to visually check the remaining amount of aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge, regardless of the position of the slider  7 . 
       FIG.  4    is a block diagram illustrating components of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , the aerosol generating device  10000  may include a battery  11000 , a heater  12000 , a sensor  13000 , a user interface  14000 , a memory  15000 , and a controller  16000 . However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device  10000  is not limited to the structures illustrated in  FIG.  4   . Also, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the hardware components shown in  FIG.  4    may be omitted or new components may be added according to the design of the aerosol generating device  400 . 
     In an embodiment where the aerosol generating device  10000  includes a main body without a cartridge, the components shown in  FIG.  4    may be located in the main body. In another embodiment where the aerosol generating device  10000  includes a main body and a cartridge, the components shown in  FIG.  4    may be located in the main body and/or the cartridge. 
     The battery  11000  supplies electric power to be used for the aerosol generating device  10000  to operate. For example, the battery  11000  may supply power such that the heater  12000  may be heated. In addition, the battery  11000  may supply power required for operation of other components of the aerosol generating device  10000 , such as the sensor  13000 , the user interface  14000 , the memory  15000 , and the controller  16000 . The battery  11000  may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery  11000  may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. 
     The heater  12000  receives power from the battery  11000  under the control of the controller  16000 . The heater  12000  may receive power from the battery  11000  and heat a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device  10000 , or heat the cartridge mounted on the aerosol generating device  10000 . 
     The heater  12000  may be located in the main body of the aerosol generating device  10000 . Alternatively, the heater  12000  may be located in the cartridge. When the heater  12000  is located in the cartridge, the heater  12000  may receive power from the battery  11000  located in the main body and/or the cartridge. 
     The heater  12000  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, or nichrome, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater  12000  may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, or a ceramic heating element, but is not limited thereto. 
     In an embodiment, the heater  12000  may be included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater  12000 , the liquid delivery element, and the liquid storage. The aerosol generating material accommodated in the liquid storage may be absorbed by the liquid delivery element, and the heater  12000  may heat the aerosol generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery element, thereby generating aerosol. For example, the heater  12000  may include a material such as nickel or chromium, and may be wound around or arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery element. 
     In another embodiment, the heater  12000  may heat the cigarette inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device  10000 . When the cigarette is accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device  10000 , the heater  12000  may be located inside and/or outside the cigarette and may generate aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material in the cigarette. 
     Meanwhile, the heater  12000  may include an induction heater. The heater  13000  may include an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette or the cartridge by an induction heating method, and the cigarette or the cartridge may include a susceptor which may be heated by the induction heater. 
     The aerosol generating device  10000  may include at least one sensor  13000 . A result sensed by the at least one sensor  13000  is transmitted to the controller  16000 , and the controller  16000  may control the aerosol generating device  10000  by controlling the operation of the heater, restricting smoking, determining whether a cigarette (or a cartridge) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc. 
     For example, the sensor  13000  may include a puff detecting sensor. The puff detecting sensor may detect a user&#39;s puff based on a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and/or a pressure change. The term “puff” may be used interchangeably with the term “inhale” throughout the specification. 
     The sensor  13000  may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may detect a temperature of the heater  12000  (or an aerosol generating material). The aerosol generating device  10000  may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heater  12000 , or the heater  12000  itself may serve as a temperature sensor without a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, an additional temperature sensor may be further included in the aerosol generating device  10000  even when the heater  12000  serves as a temperature sensor. 
     The sensor  13000  may include a position change detecting sensor. The position change detecting sensor may detect a change in a position of the slider which is coupled to the main body and slides along the main body. 
     Also, the sensor  13000  may further include a resistance sensor that identifies a resistance value. For example, the resistance sensor may determine the resistance value of the heater  12000  by measuring electrical characteristics (for example, voltage, current, power, conductance, etc.) associated with the heater  12000 . 
     The user interface  14000  may provide the user with information about the state of the aerosol generating device  10000 . For example, the user interface  14000  may include various interfacing devices, such as a display or a light emitter 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/or communication interfacing modules for performing wireless communication (for example, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), etc.) with external devices. 
     The memory  15000  may store various data processed or to be processed by the controller  16000 . The memory  15000  may include various types of memories, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc. 
     For example, the memory  15000  may store an operation time of the aerosol generating device  10000 , the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user&#39;s smoking pattern, etc. 
     The controller  16000  may control overall operations of the aerosol generating device  10000 . The controller  16000  may include at least one processor. A processor can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may be implemented as another type of hardware. 
     The controller  16000  analyzes a result of the sensing by at least one sensor  13000 , and controls processes that are to be performed subsequently. 
     The controller  16000  may control power supplied to the heater  12000  so that the operation of the heater  12000  is started or terminated, based on the result of the sensing by the sensor  13000 . In addition, based on the result of the sensing by the sensor  13000 , the controller  16000  may control the amount of power supplied to the heater  12000  and the time at which the power is supplied, so that the heater  12000  is heated to a predetermined temperature and/or maintained at an appropriate temperature. 
     In an embodiment, the controller  16000  may set a mode of the heater  12000  to a preheating mode to start the operation of the heater  12000  after receiving a user input to the aerosol generating device  10000 . In addition, the controller  16000  may switch the mode of the heater  12000  from the pre-heating mode to an operation mode after detecting a user&#39;s puff by using the puff detecting sensor. In addition, the controller  16000  may stop supplying power to the heater  12000  when the number of puffs reaches a preset number after counting the number of puffs by using the puff detecting sensor. 
     The controller  16000  may control the user interface  14000  based on the result of the sensing by the at least one sensor  13000 . For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff detecting sensor reaches a preset number, the controller  16000  may notify the user by using the user interface  14000  (e.g., a light emitter, a motor, a speaker, etc.) that the aerosol generating device  10000  will soon be terminated. 
     Although not illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the aerosol generating device  10000  may be combined with a separate cradle to form an aerosol generating system. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery  11000  of the aerosol generating device  10000 . For example, the aerosol generating device  10000  may be supplied with power from a battery of the cradle to charge the battery  11000  of the aerosol generating device  10000  while being accommodated in an accommodation space of the cradle. 
     Hereinafter, an operation of the aerosol generating device  10000  capable of uniformly heating a heater to a desired temperature regardless of the resistance variation of the heater according to one or more embodiments will be described with reference to  FIGS.  5  to  7   . 
     The controller  16000  may count the number of puffs (i.e., smoking or inhalation) of a user through the aerosol generating device  10000 . The controller  16000  may control power supply to the heater  12000  according to a result of the counting. 
     According to an embodiment, the controller  16000  may supply power of a pre-set amount for each of detected inhalations. For example, during a heating operation period of one cycle in which a predetermined number of inhalations are repeated, the controller  16000  may supply power P 1  to the heater  12000  in response to a first inhalation and supply power P 2  to the heater  12000  in response to a second inhalation. According to embodiments, the power P 1  and the power P 2  may be different from or identical to each other. 
     According to an embodiment, the controller  16000  may control the aerosol generating device  10000  to restrict smoking of a user according to a result of the counting. 
     According to an embodiment, a memory stores a plurality of power profiles for regulating power supplied to the heater  12000 . The power profile may be used to determine power supplied to the heater  12000  according to the lapse of time or the counted number of inhalations. Each power profile may correspond to each resistance value that the heater  12000  may have. In other words, power profiles may include power values and their corresponding resistance values of the heater  12000 , which are determined in advance. For example, the power profiles may include individual power values determined for respective counted number of detected inhalations. Also, the power profiles may include individual power values according to the lapse of time. 
       FIG.  5    is a graph showing temperatures of the heater  12000  according to the lapse of time for respective resistance values of the heater  12000  of the aerosol generating device  10000  according to an embodiment. 
     Peaks shown in  FIG.  5    indicate an elevated temperature corresponding to power applied to the heater  12000  as a user&#39;s inhalation is detected. As can be seen in  FIG.  5   , three inhalations are detected in this case. 
     Even if the heaters  12000  are manufactured with the same material and in the same dimensions (e.g., a length and a cross-sectional area), they may have different resistance values due to influences of various factors in a manufacturing process. For example, when the heaters  12000  have resistance values R 1 , R 2 , and R 3  (R 1 , R 2 , and R 3  are different from one another), different currents flow in the respective heaters  12000  even when power of the same value is supplied, and thus the temperatures become also different for the respective heaters  12000 . When the preferred resistance value of the heater  12000  is R 3  and a target temperature profile corresponding to R 3  may be a temperature profile  230  in  FIG.  5   . In this case, the temperature profiles  210  and  220  may correspond to the resistance values of R 1  and R 2  of the heater  12000 , respectively. 
     In a case where power P 3  is determined in advance as corresponding to a target temperature of the heater having the resistance value R 3 , a heater having resistance value R 1  or R 2  may be heated to a temperature different from the target temperature. As such, pre-designed atomization and smoking sensation that are designed in advance for proper smoking experience of a user may not be realized. This problem becomes more serious when a temperature sensing sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater  12000  is not separately provided in the aerosol generating device  10000 . 
     The aerosol generating device  10000  according to one or more embodiments may select different power profiles according to resistance values of the heater  12000 , thereby heating the heater  12000  to the same target temperature despite the variation in the resistance value of the heater  12000 . Hereinafter, one or more embodiments will be described in detail. 
     According to an embodiment, the controller  16000  measures the resistance value of the heater  12000  through the sensor  13000 . For example, the controller  16000  may receive a result of measuring electrical characteristics (e.g., a voltage, a current, power, conductance, etc.) associated with the heater  12000  from a resistance sensor included in the sensor  13000  and determine the resistance value of the heater  12000  based on the result. In some embodiments, the resistance sensor may be included in the cartridge  20 . In this case, the cartridge  20  may transmit a resistance value measured by the resistance sensor to the controller  16000  through a communication interface (not shown), and the controller  16000  may control power supply to the heater  12000  by using the resistance value received from the cartridge  20 . 
     According to an embodiment, the resistance value of heater  12000  may be measured prior to initiating power supply to the heater  12000 . Since the resistance value of the heater  12000  is correlated with its temperature, the resistance variation inherent in the heater  12000  needs to be accurately reflected in controlling power supplied to the heater  12000 . By measuring the resistance value of the heater  12000  before power is supplied to the heater  12000  (that is, before the heater  12000  is heated), the temperature of the heater  12000  may be precisely controlled. 
     The controller  16000  may select one of a plurality of pre-stored power profiles indicating power to be supplied to the heater  12000  according to the measured resistance value of the heater  12000 . According to an embodiment, the plurality of pre-stored power profiles include values of power to be supplied to the heater  12000 , which causes the temperature of the heater  12000  to reach a target temperature within a predetermined period of time from a time point at which power supply to the heater  12000  is initiated, regardless of variation of the resistance value of the heater  12000 . 
     According to an embodiment, the plurality of pre-stored power profiles may include values of power respectively determined in advance, which correspond to resistance values of the heater  12000 . 
     For example, when the resistance value of the heater  12000  is measured as R 1 , a power profile for supplying power P 1  to the heater  12000  may be selected. When the resistance value of the heater  12000  is measured as R 2 , a power profile for supplying power P 2  to the heater  12000  may be selected. When the resistance value of the heater  12000  is measured as R 3 , a power profile for supplying power P 3  to the heater  12000  may be selected. Here, each power profile may be set in advance, such that the heater  12000  may be heated to the same target temperature (or temperature range) within a predetermined time. By power supply according to power profiles corresponding to the respective resistance values, the heater  12000  having the resistance value R 1 , the heater  12000  having the resistance value R 2 , and the heater  12000  having the resistance value R 3  may all be heated to the same target temperature. 
     The relationship between a measured resistance value of the heater  12000  and an amount of power supplied to the heater  12000  may be stored in the memory  15000  in advance in the form of a look-up table (LUT). When the resistance value of the heater  12000  is measured, the controller  16000  may access a look-up table, identify a power value associated with the measured resistance value, and control power supplied to the heater  12000  such that power corresponding to the identified power value is supplied to the heater  12000 . 
     According to an embodiment, predetermined power values included in the each power profile may include individual power values determined for respective counts of detected inhalation. The inhalations may be counted within a heating operation period of one cycle in which a predetermined number of inhalations are repeated or may be counted throughout the lifespan of the cartridge  20 . 
     For example, when the resistance value of the heater  12000  is measured as R 1 , a power profile for supplying power P 11  for a first detected inhalation, supplying power P 12  for a second detected inhalation, and supplying power P 13  for a third detected inhalation may be selected. When the resistance value of the heater  12000  is measured as R 2 , a power profile for supplying power P 21  for a first detected inhalation, supplying power P 22  for a second detected inhalation, and supplying power P 23  for a third detected inhalation may be selected. When the resistance value of the heater  12000  is measured as R 3 , a power profile for supplying power P 31  for a first detected inhalation, supplying power P 32  for a second detected inhalation, and supplying power P 33  for a third detected inhalation may be selected. 
     The controller  16000  controls power supplied to the heater  12000  according to a selected power profile. 
     According to an embodiment, the controller  16000  may determine whether a measured resistance value of the heater  12000  is within a preset effective range and control power supplied to the heater  12000  according to a result of the determination. 
     For example, when the resistance value of the heater  12000  is outside the preset effective range, even when an inhalation is detected, the controller  16000  may not supply power to the heater  12000  or may supply power to the heater  12000  outside a range for generating aerosol. In this case, a user may be notified that aerosol is not generated despite inhalation because the heater  12000  is not effective. For example, a notification that replacement of the cartridge  20  is required may be output. However, the operation of the controller  16000  is not limited to the above-described example and may notify a user that the heater  12000  is not effective in a different way. In an embodiment, the controller  16000  may not perform operations that are supposed to be performed in response to a predetermined operation of the user. 
     For example, when the resistance value of the heater  12000  is outside the preset effective range, the controller  16000  may output a notification that the aerosol generating device  10000  is unable to operate through the user interface  14000 . The controller  16000  may output information indicating that the aerosol generating device  10000  is unable to operate in various types of information, such as visual information, auditory information, and tactile information. 
       FIG.  6    is a flowchart of a method of operating the aerosol generating device  10000  according to an embodiment. 
     In operation S 310 , the aerosol generating device  10000  may measure the resistance value of the heater  12000 . For example, the aerosol generating device  10000  may receive a result of measuring electrical characteristics (e.g., a voltage, a current, power, conductance, etc.) associated with the heater  12000  from a resistance sensor and determine the resistance value of the heater  12000  based on the result. 
     For example, operation S 310  may be performed before initiation of power supply to the heater  12000 . Since the resistance value of the heater  12000  is correlated with temperature, the resistance variation inherent in the heater  12000  may be more accurately reflected by measuring the resistance value of the heater  12000  before power is supplied to the heater  12000  (that is, before the heater  12000  is heated). As such, the precision of controlling the heater  12000  may be improved. 
     In operation S 320 , the aerosol generating device  10000  may select one of a plurality of pre-stored power profiles indicating different values of power to be supplied to the heater  12000  according to the measured resistance value of the heater  12000 . According to an embodiment, the plurality of pre-stored power profiles include values of power to be supplied to the heater  12000  which cause the temperature of the heater  12000  to reach a target temperature within a predetermined period of time from a time point at which power supply to the heater  12000  is initiated, regardless of variation of the resistance value of the heater  12000 . 
     In operation S 330 , the aerosol generating device  10000  may supply power to the heater  12000  according to the power profile selected in operation S 320 . 
       FIG.  7    is a flowchart of a method of operating the aerosol generating device  10000  according to an embodiment. 
     In operation S 410 , the aerosol generating device  10000  may measure the resistance value of the heater  12000 . Operation S 410  may be performed in the same or similar manner as operation S 310  of  FIG.  6    described above. 
     In operation S 420 , the aerosol generating device  10000  may determine whether the measured resistance value of the heater  12000  is within a preset effective range. The aerosol generating device  10000  may control power supplied to the heater  12000  according to a result of the determination in operation S 420 . 
     When it is determined that the resistance value of the heater  12000  is outside the preset effective range, the aerosol generating device  10000  may switch to an abnormal operation mode (operation S 430 ). In the abnormal operation mode, even when an inhalation of a user is detected, the aerosol generating device  10000  may not supply power to the heater  12000  or supply power to the heater  12000  outside a range for generating aerosol. Also, in the abnormal operation mode, the aerosol generating device  10000  may output a notification that the aerosol generating device  10000  is unable to operate. The aerosol generating device  10000  may output a notification that replacement of the cartridge  20  is required. 
     When it is determined that the resistance value of the heater  12000  is within the preset effective range, the aerosol generating device  10000  may further determine whether an inhalation of the user is detected (operation S 440 ). 
     When an inhalation is detected, in operation S 450 , the aerosol generating device  10000  may select a power profile based on the measured resistance value of the heater  12000 . Operation S 450  may be performed in the same or similar manner as operation S 320  of  FIG.  6    described above. Although  FIG.  7    shows that the power profile is selected in operation S 450  after an inhalation is detected in operation S 440 , one or more embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, a power profile may be selected in advance based on a measured resistance value before an inhalation is detected. 
     In operation S 460 , the aerosol generating device  10000  may supply power to the heater  12000  according to the power profile selected in operation S 450 . 
     In operation S 470 , the aerosol generating device  10000  determines whether the inhalation is being maintained. When the inhalation is being maintained, the aerosol generating device  10000  may continue power supply to the heater  12000 . 
     When it is determined that the inhalation is not being maintained, in operation S 480 , the aerosol generating device  10000  may stop power supply to the heater  12000 . 
     When no inhalation is detected in operation S 440 , the aerosol generating device  10000  may determine in operation S 490  whether a predetermined time has elapsed without detecting an inhalation of the user. As a result of the determination, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the aerosol generating device  10000  may be deactivated and turned off. 
     In  FIG.  7   , operation S 450  for selecting a power profile based on a measured resistance value may be performed only for an inhalation of a particular counted number (e.g., only when the first inhalation is detected) and may be omitted when subsequent inhalations are detected. In other words, when subsequent inhalations are detected, a power profile may not be selected again, and power may be supplied to the heater  12000  according to a previously selected power profile. 
       FIGS.  6  and  7    show that operations S 310  to S 330  and operations S 410  to S 490  are performed sequentially, but the illustrations are merely examples and such operations are not limited to chronological order. One of ordinary skill in the art to which one or more embodiments pertain may modify the sequences disclosed herein or make various modifications by executing one or more operations in parallel without departing from the technical spirit of one or more embodiments. 
     The method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules to be executed by a computer. The computer-readable recording medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media. In addition, the computer-readable medium may include both a computer storage medium and a communication medium. The computer storage medium includes all of volatile and nonvolatile, and removable and nonremovable media implemented by any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. The communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transfer media. 
     At least one of the components, elements, modules or units (collectively “components” in this paragraph) represented by a block in the drawings such as the user interface  14000  and the controller  16000  in  FIG.  3   , may be embodied as various numbers of hardware, software and/or firmware structures that execute respective functions described above, according to an example embodiment. For example, at least one of these components may use a direct circuit structure, such as a memory, a processor, a logic circuit, a look-up table, etc. that may execute the respective functions through controls of one or more microprocessors or other control apparatuses. Also, at least one of these components may be specifically embodied by a module, a program, or a part of code, which contains one or more executable instructions for performing specified logic functions, and executed by one or more microprocessors or other control apparatuses. Further, at least one of these components may include or may be implemented by a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) that performs the respective functions, a microprocessor, or the like. Two or more of these components may be combined into one single component which performs all operations or functions of the combined two or more components. Also, at least part of functions of at least one of these components may be performed by another of these components. Further, although a bus is not illustrated in the above block diagrams, communication between the components may be performed through the bus. Functional aspects of the above example embodiments may be implemented in algorithms that execute on one or more processors. Furthermore, the components represented by a block or processing steps may employ any number of related art techniques for electronics configuration, signal processing and/or control, data processing and the like. 
     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 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.