Patent Description:
Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of general cigarettes has increased. For example, there is growing demand for an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material contained in an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette) without combustion. Accordingly, studies on a heating-type aerosol generating device have been actively conducted. <CIT> relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising a removable heater. The data storage device on the heater may comprise a unique data set that can be used by the aerosol-generating device to identify and distinguish between different heaters. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to function with two or more different types of aerosol-forming cartridge each comprising a different aerosol-forming substrate requiring a different heating profile. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a USB plug or a USB socket to allow connection of the aerosol-generating device to another USB enabled device and to support the transfer of data to the device, such as new heating profiles for new or updated aerosol-forming cartridges. <CIT> relates to a removable heater assembly for an aerosol-generating device, the removable heater assembly for heating a tobacco plug and comprising an electrical heater, a data storage device, and data stored on the data storage device, the data comprising calibration data for the electrical heater. The calibration data may account for differences between heater assemblies due to manufacturing tolerances and represents a voltage-temperature profile for the electrical heater
<CIT> relates to an electronic vaporizing device which includes a removable cartridge that includes a heater. <CIT> relates to an aerosol-generating device of the technological background to the present invention.

An aerosol generating device is manufactured as an integrated body in which all components are combined. When an integrated aerosol generating device malfunctions, even if the erroneous component is replaced, a smoking impression may change because there may exist slight differences among the manufactured products. Therefore, even when only one component malfunctions, a user may have to purchase the entire device.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention an aerosol generating device is described in claim <NUM>.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention an aerosol generating device is described in claim <NUM>.

According to another aspect of the present invention an aerosol generating device is described in claim <NUM>.

According to the aforementioned description, an aerosol generating device may be repaired by simply replacing the defective component thereof. In addition, the aerosol generating device may perform a uniform heating operation even when the component is replaced. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device may accurately measure a temperature of a heater without additional calibration using an external measuring device.

The effects of embodiments are not limited to the aforementioned description, and effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

With respect to the terms used to describe in the various embodiments, 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 can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of a new technology, and the like.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating various types of aerosol generating devices in which a removable heater module is combined to a main body, according to an embodiment.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a heater <NUM> which is an induction heater. In detail, the heater <NUM> of <FIG> may include a coil <NUM> and a susceptor <NUM>, which heat an aerosol generating article by an induction heating method. The aerosol generating device <NUM> may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device <NUM> by an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating a magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field having a periodically changing direction to the magnetic body.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may release heat energy from a magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, and may heat an aerosol generating article by transferring the heat energy released from the magnetic body to the aerosol generating article. In <FIG>, the magnetic body generating heat according to the external magnetic field may be the susceptor <NUM>. In another example, the susceptor <NUM> may be included in an aerosol generating article in the shape of a piece, a flake, a strip, etc..

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may accommodate an aerosol generating article. A space for accommodating an aerosol generating article may be formed in the aerosol generating device <NUM>. The susceptor <NUM> may be arranged around the space for accommodating an aerosol generating article. For example, the susceptor <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, when an aerosol generating article is accommodated in the accommodation space, and the susceptor <NUM> may surround at least a portion of an outer side surface of the aerosol generating article. However, the shape of the susceptor <NUM> is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes. For example, the susceptor <NUM> may have the shape of a needle such that the susceptor <NUM> is inserted into an aerosol generating article.

The coil <NUM> may be wound along an outer side surface of the susceptor <NUM>, and may apply an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor <NUM>. When power is supplied to the coil <NUM> from the aerosol generating device <NUM>, a magnetic field may be formed in an inner region of the coil <NUM>. When an alternating current or alternating current voltage is applied to the coil <NUM>, an alternating magnetic field may be formed inside the coil <NUM>. When the susceptor <NUM> is located inside the coil <NUM> and is exposed to an alternating magnetic field, the susceptor <NUM> may generate heat, and an aerosol generating article accommodated in the susceptor <NUM> may be heated.

A battery <NUM> may supply power to the aerosol generating device <NUM>, for example, to the coil <NUM> for a heating operation of the heater <NUM>.

A controller <NUM> may control the heating operation of the heater <NUM> by controlling a voltage or current supplied to the coil <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may control the heating operation of the heater <NUM> to maintain a constant temperature at which an aerosol generating article is heated by the susceptor <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a battery <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a heater <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may further include a vaporizer <NUM>. Also, the aerosol generating article <NUM> may be inserted into an inner space of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate that the battery <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, and the heater <NUM> are arranged in series.

When the aerosol generating article <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may operate the heater <NUM> and/or the vaporizer <NUM> to generate aerosol from the aerosol generating article <NUM> and/or the vaporizer <NUM>. The aerosol generated by the heater <NUM> and/or the vaporizer <NUM> is delivered to a user by passing through the aerosol generating article <NUM>.

As necessary, even when the aerosol generating article <NUM> is not inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may heat the heater <NUM>.

For example, when the aerosol generating article <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the heater <NUM> may be located outside the aerosol generating article <NUM>. Thus, the heated heater <NUM> may increase a temperature of an aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating article <NUM>.

Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device <NUM> or may be set by a user.

For example, the heater <NUM> may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or the outside of the aerosol generating article <NUM>, according to the shape of the heating element.

Here, the plurality of heaters <NUM> may be inserted into the aerosol generating article <NUM> or may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article <NUM>. Also, some of the plurality of heaters <NUM> may be inserted into the aerosol generating article <NUM> and the others may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article <NUM>.

The vaporizer <NUM> may generate aerosol by heating a liquid composition and the generated aerosol may pass through the aerosol generating article <NUM> to be delivered to a user. In other words, the aerosol generated via the vaporizer <NUM> may move along an air flow passage of the aerosol generating device <NUM> and the air flow passage may be configured such that the aerosol generated via the vaporizer <NUM> passes through the aerosol generating article <NUM> to be delivered to the user.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, and the vaporizer <NUM>. For example, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting haptic information. Also, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include at least one sensor (a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, an aerosol generating article insertion detecting sensor, etc.). Also, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be formed as a structure that, even when the aerosol generating article <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, may introduce external air or discharge internal air.

The aerosol generating article <NUM> may be similar to a general combustive cigarette. For example, the aerosol generating article <NUM> may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second portion of the aerosol generating article <NUM> may also include an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

For example, the external air may flow into at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device <NUM>. For example, opening and closing of the air passage and/or a size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount and the quality of smoking may be adjusted by the user. As another example, the external air may flow into the aerosol generating article <NUM> through at least one hole formed in a surface of the aerosol generating article <NUM>.

Hereinbefore, various types of aerosol generating devices in which a removable heater module and a main body are combined to each other have been described with reference to <FIG>. Hereinafter, an aerosol generating device having a replaceable removable heater module will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating an aerosol generating device <NUM> having a replaceable removable heater module, according to an embodiment. The aerosol generating device <NUM> of <FIG> may be a device corresponding to the aerosol generating device <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a removable heater module 210a and a main body <NUM>.

A general aerosol generating device is manufactured as an integrated body in which all components are combined in an inseparable manner, and is provided to a user. An integrated aerosol generating device needs to provide the same smoking impression to multiple users. However, even when the same components are used to manufacture the integrated aerosol generating device, slight errors may occur in manufacturing and assembling stages of each component, which leads to a non-uniform smoking impression. Accordingly, in order to correct slight errors, an additional calibration procedure is performed on the integrated aerosol generating device before release by a manufacturer, such that the finished products perform a same operation or a uniform operation with a deviation within a certain range.

Therefore, even if only one component of the purchased aerosol generating device malfunctions, a user may have to get a new integrated aerosol generating device in which slight errors are calibrated in advance, instead of only replacing the malfunctioning component.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> of the present disclosure, even when the removable heater module 210a malfunctions, the removable heater module 210a may be simply replaced with one of other removable heater modules 210b, 210c, and 210d of a same type. Furthermore, when one of the removable heater modules 210b, 210c, and 210d of the same type is combined to the main body <NUM>, even though the removable heater modules 210b, 210c, and 210d have different intrinsic properties, the main body <NUM> may control the removable heater modules 210b, 210c, and 210d to perform a uniform heating operation.

The removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may include various elements, such as a heater, a temperature sensor, etc. Depending on manufacturing methods and materials of the elements and an interaction according to a combination of the elements, the removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may have different information about properties of the elements. Hereinafter, such information about the elements included in the removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may be referred to as heater module information.

The removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may respectively store heater module information. For example, the heater module information may be obtained and stored in each of the removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d during the manufacturing process of the removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d.

The main body <NUM> may control the aerosol generating device <NUM> by using the heater module information of the removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d. For example, regardless of which one of the removable heater modules 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d is combined to the main body <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may control a heater to perform a uniform heating operation according to a preset temperature profile.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling the aerosol generating device <NUM> to perform a uniform heating operation by using the heater module information will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating hardware components of the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to an embodiment. A heater <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a battery <NUM> of <FIG> may correspond to the heater <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, and the battery <NUM> of <FIG>, respectively, and may perform the same functions described above with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a main body <NUM> and a removable heater module <NUM>, which is removably combined to the main body <NUM>. The removable heater module <NUM> may include the heater <NUM>, a temperature sensor <NUM>, and a sub-memory 215a. The main body <NUM> may include the controller <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, a communicator <NUM>, a user interface <NUM>, and a main memory <NUM>. However, hardware components inside the aerosol generating apparatus <NUM> are not limited to those illustrated in <FIG>. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that, according to a design of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, some of the hardware components shown in <FIG> may be omitted or new components may be added.

The temperature sensor <NUM> may measure a temperature of the heater <NUM>. For example, the temperature sensor <NUM> may measure the temperature of the heater <NUM> when the heater <NUM> performs a heating operation.

The temperature sensor <NUM> may provide a measurement value to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may determine a calibration temperature which is finally used in control of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, by using the measurement value of the temperature sensor <NUM>. In other words, the controller <NUM> may control the heating operation of the heater <NUM> by recognizing the calibration temperature as an actual temperature of the heater <NUM>. The calibration temperature may be variously used in subsequent control of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. For example, by using the calibration temperature, the controller <NUM> may monitor whether the heater <NUM> performs a normal heating operation according to a preset temperature profile, stop a heating operation based on a monitoring result, adjust a voltage applied to the heater <NUM>, or provide information about an abnormal operation to a user. A method of determining the calibration temperature will be described in detail later with reference to <FIG>.

The sub-memory 215a may store heater module information. When the removable heater module <NUM> is combined to the main body <NUM>, the sub-memory 215a may provide the stored heater module information to the controller <NUM> via an electrical connection with the controller <NUM>.

The sub-memory 215a may be a non-volatile memory capable of storing heater module information even when the removable heater module <NUM> is not combined to the main body <NUM>. Types of the non-volatile memory are not limited. For example, the non-volatile memory may be implemented as various types of memories, such as read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPRROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM), phase-change memory (PRAM), and resistive random-access memory (RRAM).

The heater module information stored in the sub-memory 215a may be information about intrinsic properties of elements included in the removable heater module <NUM>. For example, the heater module information may include a heater parameter related to intrinsic properties of the heater <NUM>, or a temperature sensor parameter related to intrinsic properties of the temperature sensor <NUM>.

The heater parameter may be a parameter for determining a voltage applied to the heater <NUM>, and the temperature sensor parameter may be a parameter for compensating a measurement value of the temperature sensor <NUM> such that the measurement value may be trusted as an actual temperature of the heater <NUM>.

The heater parameter may include parameters related to intrinsic properties of the heater <NUM> which affect a heating operation of the heater <NUM>. For example, the heater parameter may include a resistance value of the heater <NUM>, an inductance value of the heater <NUM>, a capacitance value of the heater <NUM>, a resonance frequency value of the heater <NUM> when the heater <NUM> is an induction heater (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>), and a voltage level over time required for the heater <NUM> to perform a uniform heating operation. The capacitance value may be a value of a capacitor provided in the removable heater module <NUM> and electrically connected to the heater <NUM>.

The number and the arrangement of capacitors electrically connected to the heater <NUM> are not limited. For example, a capacitor may be arranged in the removable heater module <NUM>, in the main body <NUM>, or in both the removable heater module <NUM> and the main body <NUM>, or may be omitted depending on the design.

The temperature sensor parameter may include parameters related to intrinsic properties of the temperature sensor <NUM> which affect determination of the calibration temperature. For example, the temperature sensor parameter may include measurement values of a temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM>, actual temperatures of the heater <NUM> which respectively correspond to the measurement values, a relationship between the measurement values and the actual temperatures, and a polynomial formulating the relationship between the actual temperature and the measurement value. The actual temperature may be a temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by using an independent infrared radiation (IR) measuring device.

The heater module information may be obtained in advance by an external measuring device during a manufacturing process of the removable heater module <NUM> and stored in the sub-memory 215a. For example, a resistance value and/or inductance value of the heater <NUM> may be measured by the external measuring device.

The resistance value and/or inductance value of the heater <NUM> may have a slight deviation depending on a material, a manufacturing method, etc. during a manufacturing process of the heater <NUM>. An accurate resistance value and/or accurate inductance value of each heater <NUM> may be measured by the external measuring device during the manufacturing process of the removable heater module <NUM>. As the accurate resistance value and/or inductance value of each heater <NUM> is stored in the sub-memory 215a, even though the resistance value and/or inductance value of the heater <NUM> has a deviation, the main body <NUM> may control the voltage applied to the heater <NUM> such that a uniform heating operation may be performed according to a preset temperature profile. The temperature profile may be information indicating a temperature at which the aerosol generating device <NUM> is to be heated over time, and the temperature profile may be stored in the main memory <NUM> or the sub-memory 215a.

For example, an inductance value, a resistance value, and a capacitance value may be measured during a manufacturing process by an external measuring device for measuring impedance, and may be stored in the sub-memory 215a. For example, a voltage or current for heating the heater <NUM> according to the preset temperature profile may be obtained during the manufacturing process by the external measuring device and stored in the sub-memory 215a.

For example, a relationship between an actual temperature of the heater <NUM> and a measurement value of the temperature sensor <NUM> may be obtained in advance during the manufacturing process by the external measuring device and stored in the sub-memory 215a. The external measuring device may be an IR measuring device for measuring the actual temperature of the heater <NUM> while the heater <NUM> is being heated. The IR measuring device is a device for measuring a temperature by irradiating infrared rays in a direction in which the heater <NUM> is located.

An external measuring device capable of precise measurement is relatively expensive and large in size, and thus may not be mounted in an aerosol generating device carried by a user. As the heater module information is measured in advance by the external measuring device during the manufacturing process of the removable heater module <NUM> and stored in the sub-memory 215a, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may indirectly use precise measurement performance of an expensive external measuring device.

When the removable heater module <NUM> is combined to the main body <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may obtain the heater module information from the sub-memory 215a, and may control the aerosol generating device <NUM> by using the heater module information. For example, the controller <NUM> may determine a control condition corresponding to the removable heater module <NUM> by using the obtained heater module information, and may control the aerosol generating device <NUM> based on the determined control condition.

The control condition may be a condition on which the heater <NUM> included in the removable heater module <NUM> performs a heating operation according to a temperature defined in a preset temperature profile. Even when a newly-installed removable heater module <NUM> has heater module information different from that of the previously-installed removable heater module <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may perform the consistent heating operation according to the preset temperature profile by determining a different control condition. For example, the controller <NUM> may determine a different voltage applied to the heater <NUM>, or may determine a different calibration temperature by using the measurement value of the temperature sensor <NUM>.

For example, when the removable heater module <NUM> is replaced with another removable heater module (e.g., 210b of <FIG>), the controller <NUM> may determine a different control condition for the newly-installed removable heater module 210b based on the heater module information obtained from the removable heater module 210b, and control the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the different control condition such that the heating operation is consistently performed according to the preset temperature profile.

For example, the controller <NUM> may determine a voltage provided to the heater <NUM>, based on the heater module information. A detailed method of determining the voltage provided to the heater <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG>.

Also, the controller <NUM> may determine a calibration temperature to be used in control of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, based on the heater module information. A detailed method of determining the calibration temperature will be described later with reference to <FIG>.

The communicator <NUM> is a hardware component supporting a wired or wireless communication function, and may provide the aerosol generating device <NUM> with a function of communicating with an external electronic device. The communicator <NUM> may provide terminals for performing data communication or receiving charging power and communication interfacing modules for performing wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), etc.) with external electronic devices.

The user interface <NUM> may provide the user with information about a state of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, or may receive information required for an operation of the aerosol generating device <NUM> from the user. The user interface <NUM> may 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, and input/output (I/O) interfacing devices (e.g., a button or a touch screen) for receiving information input from the user or outputting information to the user.

However, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be implemented by selecting only some of the various examples of the communicator <NUM> and the various examples of the user interface <NUM> described above.

The communicator <NUM> and/or the user interface <NUM> may be used to obtain heater module information in another embodiment in which a module identifier 215b (<FIG>) is used instead of the sub-memory 215a. Another method of obtaining the heater module information will be described in detail later with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The main memory <NUM> is a hardware component for storing various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating device <NUM>, and the main memory <NUM> may store data processed or to be processed by the controller <NUM>. For example, when the removable heater module <NUM> is initially combined to the main body <NUM>, the main memory <NUM> may store the heater module information obtained from the sub-memory 215a via the controller <NUM>. After the removable heater module <NUM> is initially combined to the main body <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may obtain the heater module information from the main memory <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may include various types of memories, such as random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static random access memory (SRAM), ROM, and EEPROM.

The main memory <NUM> may store an operating time of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user's smoking pattern, etc. Furthermore, the heater module information obtained from the removable heater module <NUM> may be stored in the main memory <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling an aerosol generating device by using a new heater parameter when a removable heater module is replaced, according to an embodiment. An aerosol generating device 400a at the top illustrates that a first removable heater module 210a is combined to a main body <NUM>, and an aerosol generating device 400b at the bottom illustrates that a first removable heater module 210a has been replaced by a second removable heater module 210b. It is assumed that the aerosol generating device 400a at the top performs a heating operation accurately according to a preset temperature profile.

Referring to <FIG>, heater module information may include heater parameters related to intrinsic properties of heaters, i.e., first and second heaters 211a and 211b. The heater parameters may include resistance values and inductance values of the heaters 211a and 211b which are included in the first and second heater modules 210a and 210b, respectively.

Even though the second removable heater module 210b is newly combined to the main body <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may use the heater parameters to control the aerosol generating device 400b to perform an accurate heating operation according to a preset temperature profile as before. The removable heater modules 210a and 210b may have different intrinsic properties of the heaters 211a and 211b due to variations in manufacturing processes. For example, if the heaters 211a and 211b are the induction heater described above with reference to <FIG>, the heaters 211a and 211b may have different resistance values and inductance values.

The main memory <NUM> may store a correlation between the heater parameters and voltages or currents applied to the heaters 211a and 211b. The controller <NUM> may determine voltages applied to the heaters 211a and 211b by using the correlation between the heater parameters and the voltages or currents applied to the heaters 211a and 211b.

For example, if the new second heater 211b has a resistance value R2 and an inductance value L2, which show a certain deviation from a resistance value R1 and an inductance value L1 of the existing first heater 211a, respectively, the controller <NUM> may determine that a voltage V2 is to be applied to the second heater 211b based on the correlation between the heater parameters and the voltages applied to the heaters 211a and 211b, such that the second heater 211b may perform the same heating operation according to a preset temperature profile.

The correlation between the heater parameters and the voltages applied to the heaters 211a and 211b may be stored in the main memory <NUM>. The correlation may indicate that a voltage V1 corresponds to the resistance R1 and the inductance value L1 of the first heater 211a, and the voltage V2 corresponds to the resistance R2 and the inductance value L2 of the second heater 211b.

In the first removable heater module 210a, the controller <NUM> may provide a voltage V1 to the first heater 211a. If the first removable heater module 210a is replaced by the second removable heater module 210b and the same voltage V1 is provided to the second heater 211b, a uniform heating operation according to the preset temperature profile may not be performed, because the second heater 211b has the resistance value R2 and the inductance value L2 that are different from those of the first heater 211a.

<FIG> is a graph for comparing a case where the controller <NUM> uses a heater parameter before replacement with a case where the controller <NUM> uses a heater parameter of a new removable heater module, according to an embodiment. Referring to 4B, a first graph <NUM> illustrates that the first removable heater module 210a of <FIG> is controlled according to the voltage V1, and a second graph <NUM> illustrates that the second removable heater module 210b of <FIG> is still controlled according to the same voltage V1.

In an induction heater, different frequencies may be applied to the heaters 211a and 211b so that each of the heaters 211a and 211b may be heated to a same temperature for a same time period. The frequencies here refers to frequencies of the voltages applied to the heaters 211a and 211b. Hereinafter, the description that the controller <NUM> applies certain frequencies to the heaters 211a and 211b may indicate that a voltage of the battery <NUM> is controlled to be applied to the heaters 211a and 211b at the certain frequencies.

The heaters 211a and 211b may have different heating efficiency according to the frequencies applied to the heaters 211a and 211b. For example, in the case of the induction heater, i.e., the heater <NUM> (<FIG>), described above with reference to <FIG>, as a certain frequency is applied to the coil <NUM> (<FIG>), an alternating magnetic field according to the certain frequency may be formed, and the susceptor <NUM> (<FIG>) may generate heat due to exposure to the alternating magnetic field. The heating efficiency may refer to a degree to which the susceptor <NUM> generates heat (i.e., a heating temperature) given the applied frequency. The controller <NUM> may determine a frequency of a voltage or current to be applied to the coil <NUM> by using a heater parameter.

Frequencies used to heat the heaters 211a and 211b may be different from each other. The frequencies for the heaters 211a and 211b may be determined to maximize the heating efficiency of the heaters 211a and 211b. The frequencies for maximizing the heating efficiency of the heaters 211a and 211b may be determined based on resonance frequencies of the heaters 211a and 211b. For example, the frequencies for maximizing the heating efficiency of the heaters 211a and 211b may be the resonance frequencies of the heaters 211a and 211b, or frequencies within a certain range from the resonance frequencies.

A method by which the controller <NUM> obtains the resonance frequencies of the first and second heaters 211a and 211b may vary. For example, the controller <NUM> may calculate a resonance frequency value based on the resistance values of the heaters 211a and 211b, the inductance values of the heaters 211a and 211b, or capacitance values included in the main body <NUM>. Also, the controller <NUM> may obtain, from the sub-memory 215a (<FIG>), a resonance frequency value which is predetermined and in advance during a manufacturing process.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, it will be assumed that a frequency for maximizing the heating efficiency of the first heater 211a is <NUM>, a frequency for maximizing the heating efficiency of the second heater 211b is <NUM>, and the frequency for maximizing the heating efficiency of the second heater 211b is unknown to the main body <NUM> until the second heater 211b is combined thereto.

Referring to the first graph <NUM> and the second graph <NUM>, it may be seen that the first heater 211a is heated to <NUM> and the second heater 211b is heated to <NUM>, at time T. That is, the first heater 211a at room temperature may be heated to <NUM> if a frequency of <NUM> is applied from a start of a heating operation until the time T. However, because the second heater 211b has different intrinsic properties from those of the first heater 211a, even if the voltage of <NUM> is applied to the second heater 211b from the start of the heating operation until the time T as in the case of the first heater 211a, the second heater 211b at room temperature may be heated to only <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the first removable heater module 210a is replaced by the second removable heater module 210b, the controller <NUM> may apply a voltage of <NUM> to the second heater 211b so that the second heater 211b may be heated to <NUM> at the time T.

The controller <NUM> may determine frequencies of voltages or currents to be applied to the heaters 211a and 211b by using the heater parameter. The controller <NUM> may determine the frequency of the voltage or current to be applied to the coil <NUM> (<FIG>), based on at least one of the heater parameters, such as the inductance value L2 of the second heater 211b, the resistance value R2 of the second heater 211b, and the resonance frequency value obtained during the manufacturing process.

For example, the controller <NUM> may obtain the resistance value R2 of the second heater 211b and the inductance value L2 of the second heater 211b from the second removable heater module 210b, and may determine that the second heater 211b may be heated to <NUM> at the time T1 if a voltage V2 having a frequency of <NUM> is applied to the second heater 211b. For example, the controller <NUM> may obtain a resonance frequency from the second removable heater module 210b, and based on the resonance frequency, may determine that the frequency of the voltage V2 to be applied to the second heater 211b is <NUM>.

When the voltage V2 having a frequency of <NUM> is applied to the second heater 211b, even though the second heater 211b has different intrinsic properties from those of the first heater 211a, the second heater 211b may perform the heating operation according to the preset temperature profile, as shown in the first graph <NUM> of <FIG>. By applying a frequency corresponding to the optimum heating efficiency of the heaters 211a and 211b, the controller <NUM> may improve the power efficiency.

Hereinbefore, it has been described that when the heaters 211a and 211b are induction heaters, the frequency of the voltage provided for each of the heaters 211a and 211b to perform a uniform heating operation according to the preset temperature profile may be different. In another embodiment, the heaters 211a and 211b may be electrically resistive heaters. Hereinafter, with reference to <FIG>, it will be described that a voltage applied for each electrical resistive heater to perform a uniform heating operation may be different.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling an aerosol generating device by using a new heater parameter when a removable heater module is replaced, according to another embodiment. An aerosol generating device 500a shown at the top illustrates that a first removable heater module 210a is combined to a main body <NUM>, and an aerosol generating device 500b at the bottom illustrates that a first removable heater module 210a has been replaced by a second removable heater module 210b. It is assumed that the aerosol generating device 500a at the top performs a heating operation accurately according to a preset temperature profile.

<FIG> is a graph for comparing a case where the controller <NUM> uses a heater parameter before replacement with a case where the controller <NUM> uses a heater parameter of a new removable heater module, according to another embodiment. Referring to 5B, a first graph <NUM> illustrates that the first removable heater module 210a of <FIG> is controlled according to a voltage V3, and a second graph <NUM> illustrates that the second removable heater module 210b of <FIG> is still controlled according to the same voltage V3.

Referring to <FIG>, it may be seen that even when the same voltage V3 is applied to each of the heaters 211a and 211b, because the heaters 211a and 211b respectively have resistance values R3 and R4 which are different from each other, the first heater 211a is heated to <NUM>, and the second heater 211b is heated to <NUM>, at time T. For example, due to variations in manufacturing processes, it may be assumed that the resistance value R3 of the first heater 211a is <NUM>Ω, and the resistance value R4 of the second heater 211b is <NUM>Ω. That is, the first heater 211a at room temperature may be heated to <NUM> when a voltage of <NUM> V is applied thereto from a start of a heating operation until the time T. However, because the second heater 211b has a different resistance value from that of the first heater 211a, even if the voltage of <NUM> V is applied to the second heater 211b until the time T, the second heater 211b at room temperature may be heated up to only <NUM>.

If the first removable heater module 210a is replaced by the second removable heater module 210b, the controller <NUM> may apply the voltage V4 higher than <NUM> V to the second heater 211b so that the second heater 211b may also be heated to <NUM> at the time T. In this case, the voltage V4 may be determined by using a correlation between a heater parameter and a voltage applied to the heaters 211a and 211b.

The control unit <NUM> may obtain the resistance value R4 of the second heater 211b from the second removable heater module 210b, and may determine the voltage V4 to be applied to the second heater 211b by using the resistance value R4. The controller <NUM> may provide the voltage V4 to the second heater 211b instead of the voltage V3 applied to the first heater 211a. When the voltage V4 is applied to the second heater 211b, even though the second heater 211b has different intrinsic properties from those of the first heater 211a, the second heater 211b may perform a uniform heating operation according to the preset temperature profile, as shown in the first graph <NUM> of <FIG>.

The numerical values described above with reference to <FIG> are merely examples selected for clarity of description, and the resistance values of the heaters 211a and 211b, the inductance values of the heaters 211a and 211b, and the magnitudes or frequencies of the voltages applied to the heaters 211a and 211b are not limited to the above-described numerical values.

For convenience of description, the voltages applied to the heaters 211a and 211b from the start of the heating operation to the time T have been described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. However, even after the time T, the magnitudes, the frequencies, or both the magnitudes and frequencies of the voltages applied to the heaters 211a and 211b may be determined in order to perform the heating operation according to the preset temperature profile over time.

In <FIG>, it has been described that the controller <NUM> determines a voltage applied to each of the heaters 211a and 211b by using an obtained resistance value and/or inductance value. However, a value of the voltage provided for each of the heaters 211a and 211b to perform the heating operation according to the preset temperature profile may also be measured in advance during the manufacturing process and stored in the removable heater modules 210a and 210b. For example, the value of the voltage provided for each of the heaters 211a and 211b to perform the heating operation according to the preset temperature profile may be included in a voltage profile. In other words, the voltage profile may include information about the magnitudes and/or frequencies of the voltages applied for the heaters 211a and 211b over time to perform the heating operation according to the preset temperature profile. The controller <NUM> may obtain voltage profiles included in the removable heater modules 210a and 210b and apply voltages to the heaters 211a and 211b according to the voltage profiles.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a method of determining a frequency of a voltage to be applied to the heater <NUM> by using a heater parameter, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, when the main body <NUM> is combined to the removable heater module <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may determine a voltage to be applied to the heater <NUM> by using a main body heater parameter related to a circuit unit of the main body <NUM> that is electrically connected to the heater <NUM>. The main body heater parameter may be measured during a manufacturing process of the main body <NUM> and stored in the main memory <NUM>. For example, the main body heater parameter may be a capacitance value of the circuit unit.

Each heater <NUM> of the removable heater module <NUM> may have different intrinsic properties, and properties of the circuit unit of the main body <NUM> that is electrically connected to the heater <NUM> may also be different for each main body <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may accurately determine a frequency to be applied to the heater <NUM> in consideration of both the main body heater parameter and a heater parameter of the heater <NUM>.

For example, an inductance value of the heater <NUM> may be L[H], a resistance value of the heater <NUM> may be R[Ω], and a capacitance value of the circuit unit electrically connected to the heater <NUM> may be C[F]. The above-described values may be stored in the sub-memory 215a and/or the main memory <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may determine a resonance frequency based on pre-stored values, and may determine a frequency for maximizing heating efficiency of the heater <NUM> (e.g., a resonance frequency or a frequency within a certain range from the resonance frequency).

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of applying a voltage to the heater <NUM> by using a heater parameter, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the main body <NUM> may obtain a heater parameter from the removable heater module <NUM>. If a heater parameter has been obtained and stored in the main memory <NUM> when the removable heater module <NUM> is initially combined to the main body <NUM>, the controller <NUM> of the main body <NUM> may obtain the heater parameter from the main memory <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the main body <NUM> may determine a voltage to be applied to the heater <NUM> by using the heater parameter. In operation <NUM>, the main body <NUM> may apply the determined voltage to the heater <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the heater <NUM> may be heated above <NUM>, depending on the type of an aerosol generating article. In general, the temperature sensor <NUM> provided to measure a temperature of the heater <NUM> is not directly attached to the heater <NUM> so as to prevent damage due to heating of the heater <NUM>. In this case, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> may not be accurate.

The controller <NUM> may obtain a measurement value measured by the temperature sensor <NUM>, and after a series of calibration processes using a temperature sensor parameter, a calibration temperature to be used in control of the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be determined.

For each removable heater module <NUM>, the temperature sensor parameter required for calibration of a temperature (e.g., a measurement value) of the heater <NUM> detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> may be different. The controller <NUM> may accurately determine the calibration temperature to be used in control of the aerosol generating device <NUM> by using a temperature sensor parameter unique to the temperature sensor <NUM> and the measurement value of the temperature sensor <NUM>. Hereinafter, an exemplary method of determining a calibration temperature will be described with reference to <FIG>, based on the assumption that the heater <NUM> is heated according to a preset temperature profile over time.

The temperature sensor parameter may include parameters related to intrinsic properties of the temperature sensor <NUM>, such as a measurement value of the temperature sensor <NUM> which is obtained by measuring a temperature of the heater <NUM> included in the removable heater module <NUM>, an actual temperature of the heater <NUM>, a relationship between the measurement value and the actual temperature, and a polynomial modeled based on the relationship between the actual temperature and the measurement value.

<FIG> is a diagram intuitively illustrating a difference between a temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> and an actual temperature of the heater <NUM>, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, it may be seen that a graph <NUM> of temperatures detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> always has a higher value than a graph <NUM> of actual temperatures of the heater <NUM>. That is, <FIG> illustrates that the temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> is generally higher than the actual temperature of the heater <NUM>, and, in order for the controller <NUM> to properly correct the temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM>, the temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> needs to be calibrated with an appropriate compensation value.

In <FIG>, because the temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> is higher than the actual temperature of the heater <NUM>, the compensation value is a negative number. However, in some embodiments, the temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> may be lower than the actual temperature of the heater <NUM>, in which case the compensation value may be a positive number.

In order to minimize such a deviation, the controller <NUM> may calibrate a measurement value of the temperature sensor <NUM> by a compensation value, and may determine the calibrated measurement value as a calibration temperature that is identical or close to the actual temperature of the heater <NUM>. The compensation value used by the controller <NUM> to calibrate the measurement value of the temperature sensor <NUM> may be a value calculated by using a temperature sensor parameter.

The controller <NUM> may determine a calibration temperature by using a temperature sensor parameter. The temperature sensor parameter may be determined based on a rate of change of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> while the heater <NUM> is heated, during the manufacturing process of the removable heater module <NUM>. For example, the calibration temperature may be determined by a polynomial calculated based on the rate of change of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a method of determining a calibration temperature by using a polynomial calculated based on a rate of change of a temperature measured by the temperature sensor <NUM>, according to an embodiment.

First, a left figure <NUM> of <FIG> shows a result of comparing the graphs of the temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> and the actual temperature of the heater <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The graphs of the left figure <NUM> are divided into a first section <NUM>, a second section <NUM>, and a third section <NUM>. The first section <NUM> refers to a section in which the temperature of the heater <NUM> is maintained constant after reaching a maximum temperature (about <NUM>). The second section <NUM> refers to a section in which the temperature of the heater <NUM> that has been maintained constant in the first section <NUM> is lowered at a constant rate, and then is maintained constant at the lowered temperature. The third section <NUM> refers to a section in which the temperature of the heater <NUM> that has been maintained constant in the second section <NUM> is lowered again at a constant rate.

The right figure <NUM> of <FIG> shows a graph of a polynomial. In detail, the right figure <NUM> is a graph of a polynomial for calculating a calibration temperature to which a compensation value is added, and the controller <NUM> may determine the calibration temperature to which the compensation value is added, based on the polynomial according to the right figure <NUM>.

Equation <NUM> represents a polynomial for the right figure <NUM>. In Equation <NUM>, x indicates the calibration temperature to which the compensation value is added, and y indicates the temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM>. For example, referring to the left figure <NUM>, the temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> in the first section <NUM> is maintained at <NUM>, the temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> in the second section <NUM> is maintained at <NUM>, and an average of the temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> in the third section <NUM> is <NUM>. When <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, which are temperature values observed in the left figure <NUM>, are respectively substituted for y of Equation <NUM>, and the corresponding x values obtained by using the inverse function of Equation <NUM> may be <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and these x values may be used as the calibration temperature to which the compensation value is added.

As a result, by combining the right figure <NUM> and Equation <NUM>, it may be seen that a compensation value in the first section <NUM> of the left figure <NUM> is <NUM> as obtained by subtracting <NUM> from <NUM>, a compensation value in the second section <NUM> is <NUM> as obtained by subtracting <NUM> from <NUM>, and a compensation value in the third section <NUM> is <NUM> as obtained by subtracting <NUM> from <NUM>.

Equation <NUM> is an example of the polynomial determined based on the rate of change of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor <NUM>. The polynomial may be modeled by using the fact that a deviation in the first section <NUM> of the left figure <NUM> is greater than <NUM>, a deviation in the second section <NUM> is equal to <NUM>, and a deviation in the third section <NUM> is smaller than <NUM>. A polynomial referred to by the controller <NUM> to determine the calibration temperature may be different from Equation <NUM>. For example, although Equation <NUM> is a second-order polynomial, in some embodiments, an equation used by the controller <NUM> to determine the calibration temperature may be a polynomial other than a second-order polynomial.

<FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating a graph of a calibration temperature and an actual temperature of the heater <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Comparing <FIG> with the left figure <NUM> of <FIG>, it may be seen that the deviation between the calibration temperature to which the compensation value is added and the actual temperature of the heater <NUM> is significantly reduced. For example, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor <NUM> in the first section is about <NUM>, but by adding the compensation value of -<NUM>, the temperature is adjusted to the calibrated temperature of <NUM>, which is very close to <NUM> which is the actual temperature of the heater <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, it may be seen that the calibration temperature to which the compensation value is added has no significant difference from the actual temperature of the heater <NUM> in the second section and the third section as well.

A form in which the above-described polynomial is stored in the sub-memory 215a is not limited. For example, the entire formula of the above-described polynomial may be stored, the coefficients of the above-described polynomial may be stored, or data corresponding to the x and y values of the above-described polynomial may be stored in the form of a matching table without separately modeling the polynomial. The controller <NUM> may determine the calibration temperature with reference to the polynomial stored in the sub-memory 215a.

By using the temperature sensor parameter of each removable heater module <NUM>, even though intrinsic properties of the temperature sensor <NUM> are different for each removable heater module <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may determine a reliable calibration temperature that may be utilized for overall control of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining a calibration temperature by using a temperature sensor parameter, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the main body <NUM> may obtain a temperature sensor parameter from the removable heater module <NUM>. When the heater <NUM> of the removable heater module <NUM> performs a heating operation, the main body <NUM> may obtain a measurement value that is a temperature of the heater <NUM> measured by the temperature sensor <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> of the main body <NUM> may obtain the temperature sensor parameter. For example, if a temperature sensor parameter has been obtained and stored in the main memory <NUM> of the main body <NUM> when the removable heater module <NUM> is combined to the main body <NUM>, the controller <NUM> of the main body <NUM> may obtain the temperature sensor parameter from the main memory <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the main body <NUM> may determine a calibration temperature by using the temperature sensor parameter. The controller <NUM> may determine a calibration temperature to be finally used in control of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, by using the temperature sensor parameter and the measurement value of the temperature sensor <NUM>.

For each removable heater module <NUM>, the temperature sensor parameter required for calibration of a temperature (e.g., a measurement value) of the heater <NUM> detected by the temperature sensor <NUM> may be different. The controller <NUM> may accurately determine the calibration temperature to be finally used in control of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, by using the temperature sensor parameter unique to the temperature sensor <NUM> and the measurement value of the temperature sensor <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the main body <NUM> may control the aerosol generating device <NUM> by using the calibration temperature. For example, when it is determined that the aerosol generating device <NUM> is in an overheated state in which the calibration temperature has a deviation beyond a certain range from a preset temperature profile, the main body <NUM> may stop the supply of power to the heater <NUM>, or may reduce the power supplied from the battery <NUM> to the heater <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a structure in which the removable heater module <NUM> and the main body <NUM> are combined to each other, according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, the removable heater module <NUM> may include a first connection terminal <NUM> that provides an electrical connection with the main body <NUM> when the removable heater module <NUM> and the main body <NUM> are combined to each other, and the main body <NUM> may include a second connection terminal <NUM> corresponding to the first connection terminal <NUM>.

Each of the removable heater module <NUM> and the main body <NUM> may include various electronic components, and each component may form a plurality of electrical connections. For example, the heater <NUM> may form an electrical connection <NUM> with the battery <NUM>, the temperature sensor <NUM> may form an electrical connection <NUM> with the controller <NUM>, and the sub-memory 215a may form an electrical connection <NUM> with the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may control the removable heater module <NUM> or receive information from the removable heater module <NUM> via the electrical connections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, a voltage or current may be applied to the heater <NUM> via the electrical connection <NUM> between the heater <NUM> and the battery <NUM>, a measurement value may be obtained from the temperature sensor <NUM> via the electrical connection <NUM> between the temperature sensor <NUM> and the controller <NUM>, or heater module information may be obtained from the sub-memory 215a via the electrical connection <NUM> between the controller <NUM> and the sub-memory 215a.

The removable heater module <NUM> may include at least one first connection terminal <NUM> for forming the above-described electrical connections. For example, the first connection terminal <NUM> may be connected to the heater <NUM> and used to form the electrical connection <NUM> between the battery <NUM> and the heater <NUM>. The heater <NUM> may receive power from the battery <NUM> via the first connection terminal <NUM>.

For example, the first connection terminal <NUM> may be connected to the temperature sensor <NUM> and used to form the electrical connection <NUM> between the controller <NUM> and the temperature sensor <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may obtain a measurement value of the temperature sensor <NUM> from the temperature sensor <NUM> via the first connection terminal <NUM>.

For example, the first connection terminal <NUM> may be connected to the sub-memory 215a and used to form the electrical connection <NUM> between the controller <NUM> and the sub-memory 215a. The controller <NUM> may obtain heater module information from the sub-memory 215a via the first connection terminal <NUM>.

Although <FIG> illustrates each of the first connection terminal <NUM> and the second connection terminal <NUM> as a single component, the numbers of the first connection terminal <NUM> and the second connection terminal <NUM> may be appropriately selected so as to have a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> or <NUM>:n according to the number of electrical connections required by the removable heater module <NUM>.

The first connection terminal <NUM> and the second connection terminal <NUM> may have shapes that may engage with each other. For example, the first connection terminal <NUM> may be formed to be sunken or protrude from an outer surface of the removable heater module <NUM>, and the second connection terminal <NUM> may be formed to protrude or be sunken from an outer surface of the main body <NUM>. As the first connection terminal <NUM> and the second connection terminal <NUM> are formed to engage with each other, the removable heater module <NUM> and the main body <NUM> may be not only electrically connected, but also rigidly combined to each other.

The electrical connection <NUM> between the sub-memory 215a and the controller <NUM> of <FIG> may be omitted when the sub-memory 215a is replaced by another component for storing heater module information.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to another embodiment. Compared with the embodiments described above with reference to <FIG>, the embodiment of <FIG> differs in that it includes a module identifier 215b instead of the sub-memory 215a. Because the aerosol generating device <NUM> of <FIG> uses the module identifier 215b instead of the sub-memory 215a, the removable heater module <NUM> may be manufactured at a lower cost compared to a case where the sub-memory 215a is used.

The module identifier 215b may include heater module information about intrinsic properties of the removable heater module <NUM>. The module identifier 215b may be a text or image that is displayed on an outer surface of the removable heater module <NUM> such that the heater module information about the intrinsic properties of the removable heater module <NUM> may be obtained by reading the module identifier 215b. For example, the text or image may be a product code, a quick response (QR) code, a barcode, or the like.

The heater module information may be obtained through the module identifier 215b by an external electronic device having a function of scanning an image. For example, an external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) may obtain heater module information by scanning a QR code. The external electronic device may transmit the heater module information to the main body <NUM> by using the communicator <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may obtain the heater module information from the external electronic device by using at least one of the communicator <NUM> and the user interface <NUM>. For example, a user may obtain heater module information from a QR code by using an external electronic device, and the controller <NUM> may obtain the heater module information via the communicator <NUM>.

A method of obtaining the heater module information from the module identifier 215b is not limited to the above-described method of using the external electronic device. For example, the main body <NUM> may include a separate element for obtaining the heater module information from the module identifier 215b.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> of <FIG> may store the obtained heater module information in the main memory <NUM>. In this case, even if the heater module information is obtained only once, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may perform the operations of the aerosol generating device <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> by using the heater module information stored in the main memory <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of obtaining heater module information, according to another embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, an external electronic device <NUM> may obtain heater module information by scanning the module identifier 215b displayed on an outer surface of the removable heater module <NUM>. For example, the external electronic device <NUM> may obtain heater module information from a QR code.

In operation <NUM>, the main body <NUM> may obtain the heater module information from the external electronic device <NUM> by using at least one of the communicator <NUM> and the user interface <NUM>. For example, the external electronic device <NUM> may transmit the heater module information to the communicator <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> of the main body <NUM> may obtain the heater module information through the communicator <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the main body <NUM> may control the aerosol generating device <NUM> by using the heater module information. A method of controlling the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include the controlling methods of the aerosol generating device <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, the operating method of the aerosol generating device <NUM> includes operations to be processed in the aerosol generating device <NUM> described above. Thus, even if omitted below, the descriptions about the aerosol generating device <NUM> of the above-described drawings are also applied to the operating method of the aerosol generating device <NUM> of <FIG>.

In operation <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is detachably combined to the main body <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may obtain, from the removable heater module <NUM> having the heater <NUM> for heating an aerosol generating article, heater module information about intrinsic properties of the removable heater module <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may determine a control condition corresponding to the removable heater module <NUM> by using the obtained heater module information.

In operation <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may control the aerosol generating device <NUM> based on the determined control condition.

Claim 1:
An aerosol generating device (<NUM>, 400a, 400b, 500a, 500b) comprising:
a main body (<NUM>) comprising a controller (<NUM>) and a battery (<NUM>); and
a removable heater module (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) removably combined to the main body (<NUM>), configured to heat an aerosol generating article, and comprising a heater (<NUM>) and a first memory (215a),
wherein the first memory (215a) stores heater module information about intrinsic properties of the removable heater module (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d), the heater module information being obtained during a manufacturing process of the removable heater module (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d), and
wherein the controller (<NUM>) is configured to obtain the heater module information from the first memory (215a) when the removable heater module (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) is combined to the main body (<NUM>), determine a control condition corresponding to the removable heater module (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) by using the obtained heater module information, and control the aerosol generating device (<NUM>) based on the determined control condition,
wherein the heater module information comprises a first heater parameter related to intrinsic properties of the heater (<NUM>),
the control condition includes a voltage or a current applied to the heater (<NUM>), and
the controller (<NUM>) is further configured to determine the voltage or the current applied to the heater (<NUM>) based on a predetermined correlation between the first heater parameter and the voltage or the current applied to the heater (<NUM>),
wherein the first heater parameter represents a resistance value of the heater (<NUM>), an inductance value of the heater (<NUM>) or a resonance frequency value of the heater (<NUM>) obtained during the manufacturing process.