Patent Description:
Recently, there has been an increasing demand for an alternative method of overcoming the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is growing demand for a method of generating aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material, rather than by combusting a cigarette.

A smoking taste depends on the amount of heat applied to the aerosol generating material. When the aerosol generating material is heated by a heater, an aerosol generating device may control electric power supplied to the heater, based on a preset temperature profile, to provide a user with an optimal smoking taste.

However, even if the electric power supplied to the heater is controlled based on the preset temperature profile, a temperature of the heater and an actual temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated may be different from each other. Therefore, there is need for a technique for accurately correcting the measured temperature of the heater to the actual temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated. <CIT> relates to a method and system for controlling heating in an aerosolgenerating system including a heater, the method including comparing a measured parameter, indicative of the temperature of the heater, with a target value for the measured parameter; preventing a supply of power to the heater for a first time period if the measured parameter exceeds the target value by greater than or equal to a first amount; and preventing the supply of power to the heater for a second time period, shorter than the first time period, if the measured parameter exceeds the target value by less than the first amount. <CIT> relates to an aerosol generating system. The system comprises at least one heating element configured to receive an aerosol forming substrate; and a controller configured to control the release of volatile compounds from the aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate releases a plurality of volatile compounds upon heating, and wherein each of the plurality of volatile compounds has a minimum release temperature above which the volatile compound is released. The delivery profile of volatile compounds released by the electrically heated aerosol generating system is controlled by setting a predetermined maximum operation temperature of the electrically heated aerosol generating system, and controlling that temperature during operation. The predetermined maximum operation temperature is set at a level below the formation of many undesired substances.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide an aerosol generating device and a method of controlling the same. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide an aerosol generating device capable of dealing with a problem that the measured temperature of the heater and the actual temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated are different from each other.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

A method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to appended claim <NUM>.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a more accurate temperature correction may be made by correcting the measured temperature of the heater to the actual temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated, based on at least one of the measured temperature of the heater and the current section in which the heater operates.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of controlling an aerosol generating device includes: measuring a temperature of a heater; selecting one of a plurality of temperature correction algorithms, based on the measured temperature; and correcting the measured temperature by applying the selected temperature correction algorithm.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of controlling an aerosol generating device includes: measuring a temperature of a heater operating in an operation section including a plurality of sections; determining, from among the plurality of sections, a current section in which the heater is operating; selecting one of a plurality of temperature correction algorithms, based on the current section in which the heater is operating; and correcting the measured temperature by applying the selected temperature correction algorithm.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating material and a controller configured to measure a temperature of the heater, select one of a plurality of temperature correction algorithms based on the measured temperature, and correct the measured temperature by applying the selected temperature correction algorithm.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating material and a controller configured to measure a temperature of the heater operating in an operation section including a plurality of sections, select, from among the plurality of sections, a current section in which the heater is operating, select one of a plurality of temperature correction algorithms based on the current section, and correct the measured temperature by applying the selected temperature correction algorithm.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium has recorded thereon a computer program for executing the method according to an aspect and another aspect of the present disclosure.

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

Also, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate that the aerosol generating device <NUM> includes the heater <NUM>. However, according to necessity, the heater <NUM> may be omitted.

When the cigarette <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 an aerosol from the cigarette <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 cigarette <NUM>.

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

The controller <NUM> may control overall operations of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

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

The vaporizer <NUM> may generate aerosol by heating a liquid composition and the generated aerosol may pass through the cigarette <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 cigarette <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 detecting sensor, a temperature detecting sensor, a cigarette insertion detecting sensor, etc.). Also, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be formed as a structure where, even when the cigarette <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged.

Alternatively, the heater <NUM> may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device <NUM> are coupled to each other.

The cigarette <NUM> may be similar to a general combustive cigarette. For example, the cigarette <NUM> may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter, etc. The second portion of the cigarette <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 may be controlled by the user. Accordingly, the amount and smoothness of vapor may be adjusted by the user. As another example, the external air may flow into the cigarette <NUM> through at least one hole formed in a surface of the cigarette <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an example of a cigarette.

Referring to <FIG>, the cigarette <NUM> may include a tobacco rod <NUM> and a filter rod <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> may include the tobacco rod, and the second portion may include the filter rod <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates that the filter rod <NUM> includes a single segment. However, the filter rod <NUM> is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod <NUM> may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod <NUM> may include a first segment configured to cool an aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a certain component included in the aerosol. Also, as necessary, the filter rod <NUM> may further include at least one segment configured to perform other functions.

The cigarette <NUM> may be packaged by at least one wrapper <NUM>. The wrapper <NUM> may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the cigarette <NUM> may be packaged by one wrapper <NUM>. As another example, the cigarette <NUM> may be doubly packaged by at least two wrappers <NUM>. For example, the tobacco rod <NUM> may be packaged by a first wrapper <NUM>, and the filter rod <NUM> may be packaged by wrappers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Also, the entire cigarette <NUM> may be packaged by a single wrapper <NUM>. When the filter rod <NUM> includes a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged by a separate wrapper <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

For example, the heatconducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

Referring to <FIG>, the cigarette <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include a front-end filter <NUM>. The front-end filter <NUM> may be located on a side of the tobacco rod <NUM>, the side not facing the filter rod <NUM>. The front-end filter <NUM> may prevent the tobacco rod <NUM> from being detached and prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing into the aerosol generating device <NUM> (<FIG>) from the tobacco rod <NUM>, during smoking.

The filter rod <NUM> may include a first segment <NUM> and a second segment <NUM>. Here, the first segment <NUM> may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod <NUM> of <FIG>, and the second segment <NUM> may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod <NUM> of <FIG>.

A diameter and a total length of the cigarette <NUM> may correspond to the diameter and the total length of the cigarette <NUM> of <FIG>, respectively. For example, a length of the front-end plug <NUM> may be about <NUM>, a length of the tobacco rod <NUM> may be about <NUM>, a length of the first segment <NUM> may be about <NUM>, and a length of the second segment <NUM> may be about <NUM>. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The cigarette <NUM> may be packaged by at least one wrapper <NUM>. The wrapper <NUM> may include at least one hole through which air flows in from outside and gas flows out of the cigarette <NUM>. For example, the front-end plug <NUM> may be packaged by a first wrapper <NUM>, the tobacco rod <NUM> may be packaged by a second wrapper <NUM>, the first segment <NUM> may be packaged by a third wrapper <NUM>, and the second segment <NUM> may be packaged by a fourth wrapper <NUM>. Finally, the cigarette <NUM> may be completely repackaged by a fifth wrapper <NUM>.

The fifth wrapper <NUM> may include at least one perforation <NUM>. For example, the perforation <NUM> may be formed in an area of the wrapper <NUM> wrapping the tobacco rod <NUM>. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The perforation <NUM> may deliver heat generated by the heater <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> into the tobacco rod <NUM>.

The second segment <NUM> may include at least one capsule <NUM>. Here, the capsule <NUM> may generate a flavor or aerosol. For example, the capsule <NUM> may have a structure in which a liquid containing a spice is wrapped by a film. The capsule <NUM> may be in a spherical or cylindrical shape. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a temperature profile of a heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a temperature profile <NUM> of a heater heating an aerosol generating material within an aerosol generating device. In an embodiment, the temperature profile <NUM> may be applied to the heater <NUM> heating the cigarette <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. However, type of the heater and object that the heater heats are not limited thereto.

The temperature profile <NUM> of the heater may include a preheating section <NUM> and a heating section <NUM>.

A temperature of the heater in the preheating section <NUM> may reach a preheating target temperature T61. For example, the preheating target temperature T61 may be between <NUM> to <NUM>, and it is desirable that the preheating target temperature T61 be <NUM>. Duration of the preheating section <NUM> may be <NUM> seconds to <NUM> seconds, and it is desirable that the duration of the preheating section <NUM> be <NUM> seconds.

The aerosol generating device may start the preheating section <NUM> upon receiving an input from a user. For example, the aerosol generating device may control electric power supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile of the preheating section <NUM> by receiving the input from the user pressing a button on the aerosol generating device.

In an embodiment, when the amount of heat generated by the heater during the preheating section <NUM> reaches a preset value, the aerosol generating device may end the preheating section <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, if the temperature of the heater in the preheating section <NUM> reaches the preheating target temperature T61, but the amount of heat generated by the heater is below the preset value, the aerosol generating device may maintain the preheating section <NUM> for a certain period of time <NUM> until the amount of heat generated by the heater reaches the preset value.

In another embodiment, when the temperature of the heater reaches the preheating target temperature T <NUM>, the aerosol generating device may end the preheating section <NUM>.

However, criteria of the start and end of the preheating section <NUM> are not limited thereto.

When the preheating section <NUM> is completed, the aerosol generating device may notify the user of the completion of the preheating through a display or lamp outputting visual information, a motor outputting tactile information, a speaker outputting sound information, and the like.

The heating section <NUM> may be divided into a plurality of sections. The aerosol generating device may control electric power supplied to the heater such that the temperature of the heater is maintained at a preset temperature (T62 to T <NUM>) corresponding to each of the plurality of sections.

In an embodiment, the preset temperature (T62 to T <NUM>) corresponding to each of the plurality of sections may be between <NUM> to <NUM>. In an embodiment, the preset temperature (T62 to T <NUM>) corresponding to each of the plurality of sections may be set to be gradually lowered as operation time of the heater increases. Alternatively, as the operation time of the heater increases, the preset temperature (T62 to T <NUM>) corresponding to each of the plurality of sections may be set to be raised and lowered alternately or may be set to be gradually lowered and then raised again.

The duration of the heating section <NUM> may be three minutes to five minutes, and it is desirable that the duration of the heating section <NUM> be four minutes. The duration of each of the plurality of sections constituting the heating section <NUM> may be five seconds to two seconds, and the durations of at least some of the plurality of sections may be set to be identical to each other or different from each other.

When the preheating section <NUM> is completed, the aerosol generating device may control electric power supplied to the heater, based on the temperature profile of the heating section <NUM>. In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may control electric power supplied to the heater such that the temperature of the heater at a start section <NUM> of the heating section <NUM> is maintained at T62 lower than the preheating target temperature T61. Following that, the aerosol generating device may control electric power supplied to the heater such that the temperature of the heater is maintained at the preset temperature (T62 to T <NUM>) corresponding to each of the plurality of sections. When a preset period of time elapses following the start of the heating section <NUM>, the aerosol generating device may cut off electric power supplied to the heater.

On the other hand, even before the preset period of time elapses following the start of the heating section <NUM>, if the number of puffs of a user counted by the aerosol generating device reaches a preset number, the aerosol generating device may cut off electric power supplied to the heater.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a graph of measured temperature of a heater in an operation section and a graph of actual temperature according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

An aerosol generating device may be provided with a temperature detection sensor. The aerosol generating device may be provided with a separate temperature detection sensor, or the heater may function as a temperature detection sensor.

In an embodiment, a heater assembly may include a heater and a heat transfer object. The heater is a heat source generating heat, and the heat transfer object may transfer heat generated by the heater to an aerosol generating material.

For example, the heater may be made into a film shape including an electrical resistive pattern and the film-shaped heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of an outer surface of the heat transfer object (for example, a heat transfer tube). The heat transfer tube may include a metal material capable of transferring heat, such as aluminum or stainless steel, an alloy material, carbon, a ceramic material, and the like. When electric power is supplied to the electrical resistive pattern of the heater, heat is generated, and the generated heat may heat the aerosol generating material through the heat transfer tube.

In the case of a heater indirectly heating the aerosol generating material, using the heat transfer object (for example, the heat transfer tube), a measured temperature of the temperature detection sensor may be different from an actual temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated.

For example, in a temperature rise process, a temperature of the heat transfer tube may rise slowly, so the measured temperature of the temperature detection sensor may be higher than the actual temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated. On the other hand, in a temperature drop process, because of residual heat present in the heat transfer tube, the measured temperature of the temperature detection sensor may be lower than the actual temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may control electric power supplied to the heater, based on the temperature profile <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a graph of measured temperature <NUM> of the heater measured by the temperature detection sensor at an operation section <NUM> in which the heater operates based on the temperature profile <NUM> and a graph of actual temperature <NUM> at which the aerosol generating material is heated.

A temperature difference between the graph of measured temperature <NUM> and the graph of actual temperature <NUM> may vary according to a section in which the heater operates and the measured temperature of the heater. For example, in the temperature rise process, a measured temperature T71 may be higher than an actual temperature T72. In contrast, in the temperature drop process, a measured temperature T73 may be lower than an actual temperature T74. A temperature difference T72-T71 between the actual temperature T72 and the measured temperature T71 in the temperature rise process may be different from a temperature difference T74-T73 between the actual temperature T74 and the measured temperature T73 in the temperature drop process.

A smoking taste depends on the amount of heat applied to the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating device may control electric power supplied to the heater based on a preset temperature profile to provide a user with an optimal smoking taste. However, as described above, since the measured temperature of the heater measured using the temperature detection sensor and the actual temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated are different from each other, the aerosol generating device may correct the measured temperature of the heater to match the measured temperature with the actual temperature.

The temperature difference between the measured temperature and the actual temperature may vary according to the section, the measured temperature of the heater, and the like. Therefore, a plurality of temperature correction algorithms may be used for more accurate temperature correction in embodiments of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a temperature correction algorithm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

An aerosol generating device may include a temperature detection sensor. The aerosol generating device may be provided with a separate temperature detection sensor, or a heater may function as a temperature detection sensor.

The aerosol generating device may measure a temperature of the heater, using the temperature detection sensor. The aerosol generating device may select one of a plurality of temperature correction algorithms, based on the measured temperature. The aerosol generating device may correct the measured temperature by applying the selected temperature correction algorithm.

Referring to <FIG>, the plurality of temperature correction algorithms may include a high-temperature correction algorithm <NUM> and a low-temperature correction algorithm <NUM>.

When the measured temperature of the heater is equal to or greater than a preset value T83, the aerosol generating device may correct the measured temperature by applying the high-temperature correction algorithm <NUM>. When the measured temperature of the heater is below the preset value T83, the aerosol generating device may correct the measured temperature by applying the low-temperature correction algorithm <NUM>.

The preset value T83 may be between a low temperature limit value T81 and a high temperature limit value T82. For example, when the low temperature limit value T81 is <NUM> and the high temperature limit value T82 is <NUM>, the preset value T83 may be <NUM>, which is an intermediate value of the low temperature limit value T81 and the high temperature limit value T82. However, method of setting the preset value T83 is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, a high-temperature correction algorithm and a low-temperature correction algorithm may be represented by a polynomial or a constant. For example, referring to <FIG>, the high-temperature correction algorithm <NUM> may add a first constant to the measured temperature of the heater, and the low-temperature correction algorithm <NUM> may add a second constant to the measured temperature of the heater.

The first constant and the second constant may be a positive real number, zero, or a negative real number. Describing with reference to <FIG>, for example, since the temperature difference T72-T71 between the actual temperature T72 and the measured temperature T71 needs to be added to the measured temperature T71 to correct the measured temperature T71, the first constant corresponding to the high-temperature correction algorithm <NUM> is a negative real number. In addition, since the temperature difference T74-T73 between the actual temperature T74 and the measured temperature T73 needs to be added to the measured temperature T73 to correct the measured temperature T73, the second constant corresponding to the low-temperature correction algorithm <NUM> is a positive real number. The absolute value of the first constant is less than the absolute value of the second constant.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a graph of measured temperature of a heater in an operation section and a graph of actual temperature according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a graph of measured temperature <NUM> of the heater measured by a temperature detection sensor of an aerosol generating device and a graph of actual temperature <NUM> at which an aerosol generating material is heated.

An operation section <NUM> in which the heater is operating may include a preheating section <NUM> and a heating section <NUM>. The preheating section <NUM> may include a first preheating section <NUM> and a second preheating section <NUM>, and the heating section <NUM> may include a first heating section <NUM> to a fifth heating section <NUM>.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating a temperature correction algorithm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

An aerosol generating device may measure a temperature of a heater operating in an operation section including a plurality of sections. The aerosol generating device may determine, from among the plurality of sections, a current section in which the heater is currently operating. The aerosol generating device may select one of a plurality of temperature correction algorithms, based on the current section in which the heater is currently operating. The aerosol generating device may correct the measured temperature by applying the selected temperature correction algorithm.

Referring to <FIG>, the operation section <NUM> in which the heater is operating may include the preheating section <NUM> and the heating section <NUM>. The aerosol generating device may determine whether the heater is currently operating in the preheating section <NUM> or in the heating section <NUM>.

If the heater is operating in the preheating section <NUM>, the aerosol generating device may apply a preheating section temperature correction algorithm to the measured temperature of the heater. If the heater is operating in the heating section <NUM>, the aerosol generating device may apply a heating section temperature correction algorithm to the measured temperature of the heater.

<FIG> illustrates a graph corresponding to a preheating section temperature correction algorithm <NUM> applied to the measured temperature of the heater when the current section in which the heater is operating corresponds to the preheating section <NUM>.

The preheating section temperature correction algorithm <NUM> may be determined based on the temperature difference between the measured temperature graph <NUM> and the actual temperature graph <NUM> in the preheating section <NUM>. The preheating section temperature correction algorithm <NUM> may be a polynomial or a constant.

When the temperature difference between the measured temperature graph <NUM> and the actual temperature graph <NUM> in the preheating section <NUM> is as shown in <FIG>, the preheating section temperature correction algorithm <NUM> may be a polynomial. In that case, when the measured temperature of the heater measured by a temperature detection sensor of the aerosol generating device is T100 in the preheating section <NUM>, the aerosol generating device may add a correction value 'A' to the measured temperature T100 by applying the preheating section temperature correction algorithm <NUM> to correct the measured temperature T100 to T74.

<FIG> illustrates a graph corresponding to a heating section temperature correction algorithm <NUM> applied to the measured temperature of the heater when the current section in which the heater is operating corresponds to the heating section <NUM>.

The heating section temperature correction algorithm <NUM> may be determined based on the temperature difference between the graph of measured temperature <NUM> and the graph of actual temperature <NUM> in the heating section <NUM>. The heating section temperature correction algorithm <NUM> may be a polynomial or a constant.

In an embodiment, the heating section temperature correction algorithm <NUM> may be represented by a linear function determined based on the temperature difference T72-T71 between the actual temperature T72 and the measured temperature T71 in the first heating section <NUM>, which is a heating start section, and the temperature difference T74-T73 between the actual temperature T74 and the measured temperature T73 in the fifth heating section <NUM>, which is a heating completion section. In that case, when the measured temperature of the heater measured by the temperature detection sensor of the aerosol generating device is T101, the aerosol generating device may add a correction value 'B' to the measured temperature T101 by applying the heating section temperature correction algorithm <NUM> to correct the measured temperature T101 to T75.

<FIG> illustrates a graph corresponding to a plurality of heating section temperature correction algorithms <NUM> to <NUM> applied to the measured temperature of the heater when the current section in which the heater is operating corresponds to the heating section <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the heating section temperature correction algorithms <NUM> to <NUM> may be set differently for the first heating section <NUM> to the fifth heating section <NUM>. The aerosol generating device may determine which of the first heating section <NUM> to the fifth heating section <NUM> is the current section in which the heater is operating, and may apply a heating section temperature correction algorithm corresponding to the determined heating section to correct the measured temperature of the heater.

Referring to <FIG>, the first heating section algorithm <NUM> and the fourth heating section algorithm <NUM> may be a polynomial of degree <NUM> or greater, the second heating section algorithm <NUM> may be a linear function, and the third heating section algorithm <NUM> and the fifth heating section algorithm <NUM> may be constants.

The preheating section <NUM> may be also divided into a plurality of preheating sections, and the aerosol generating device may determine which of the plurality of preheating sections corresponds to the current section in which the heater is operating. Following that, the aerosol generating device may apply a preheating section temperature correction algorithm corresponding to the determined preheating section to correct the measured temperature of the heater.

Temperature correction algorithms illustrated in <FIG> are merely examples, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Various types of temperature correction algorithms may be used based on the temperature difference between the measured temperature of the heater measured by the temperature detection sensor of the aerosol generating device and the actual temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated.

As described above with reference to <FIG>, the heater assembly may include the heater generating heat (the electrical resistive pattern) and the heat transfer object (for example, the heat transfer tube) transferring the heat generated by the heater to the aerosol generating material. In that case, since heat capacity of the heater and of the heat transfer object is different from each other, the temperature rising /dropping rate of the heater and of the heat transfer object may be different from each other, and accordingly, the measured temperature of the heater measured by the temperature detection sensor and the actual temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated by the heat transfer object may be different from each other.

In an embodiment, the measured temperature measured by the temperature detection sensor may be determined by a resistance value of the temperature detection sensor, and the actual temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated may be determined by an infrared (IR) sensor measuring a temperature of a surface of the heat transfer object. However, methods of determining the measured temperature of the temperature detection sensor and the actual temperature at which the aerosol generating material is heated are not limited thereto.

The plurality of temperature correction algorithms determined based on the difference between the measured temperature and the actual temperature may be stored in the aerosol generating device in advance. In addition, the aerosol generating device may calculate the plurality of temperature correction algorithms in real time. The aerosol generating device may select one of the plurality of temperature correction algorithms already stored therein based on the measured temperature of the heater measured by the temperature detection sensor, the current section in which the heater is operating, and the like, and apply the selected temperature correction algorithm to correct the measured temperature.

The difference may be generated between the measured temperature and the actual temperature due to a variety of reasons, and the temperature difference may vary according to the measured temperature of the heater, the current section in which the heater is operating, and the like. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of temperature correction algorithms are used for more accurate temperature correction, and in particular, a temperature correction algorithm capable of correcting more accurately the measured temperature to the actual temperature may be selected based on at least one of the measured temperature of the heater and the current section in which the heater is operating.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a controller <NUM>, a heater <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a sensor <NUM> and an interface <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> is electrically heated by electric power supplied by the battery <NUM>, under the control of the controller <NUM>. The heater <NUM> is arranged within an accommodation passage of the aerosol generating device <NUM> accommodating a cigarette. As the cigarette is inserted through an insertion hole of the aerosol generating device <NUM> from outside and then moved along the accommodation passage, one end portion of the cigarette may be inserted into the heater <NUM>. Thereby, the heated heater <NUM> may raise a temperature of an aerosol generating material in the cigarette. The heater <NUM> may be in any shape capable of being inserted into the cigarette.

The heater <NUM> may include a heat source and a heat transfer object. For example, the heat source of the heater <NUM> may be made into a film shape including an electrical resistive pattern, and the film-shaped heater <NUM> may be arranged to surround at least a portion of an outer surface of the heat transfer object (for example, a heat transfer tube).

The heat transfer tube may include a metal material capable of transferring heat, such as aluminum, stainless steel, an alloy material, carbon, a ceramic material, or the like. When electric power is supplied to the electrical resistive pattern of the heater <NUM>, heat is generated, and the generated heat may heat the aerosol generating material through the heat transfer tube.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a separate temperature detection sensor. Alternatively, the heater <NUM> may function as a temperature detection sensor instead of a separate temperature detection sensor. Alternatively, while the heater <NUM> functions as a temperature detection sensor, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be further provided with a separate temperature detection sensor. The temperature detection sensor may be arranged on the heater <NUM> in the form of a conductive track or a device.

Once voltage applied to the temperature detection sensor and current flowing through the temperature detection sensor are measured, resistance R may be determined. In that case, the temperature detection sensor may measure a temperature T by Equation <NUM> below.

In Equation <NUM>, R denotes a current resistance value of the temperature detection sensor, R0 denotes a resistance value at the temperature T0 (for example, <NUM>), and α denotes a resistance temperature coefficient of the temperature detection sensor. Since a conductive material (for example, metal) has an intrinsic resistance temperature coefficient, α may be predetermined according to the conductive material constituting the temperature detection sensor. Thus, once the resistance R of the temperature detection sensor is determined, the temperature T of the temperature detection sensor may be calculated by Equation <NUM> above.

The controller <NUM> is hardware controlling the overall operation of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include an integrated circuit implemented with a processing unit, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, and the like.

The controller <NUM> analyzes a sensing result from the sensor <NUM> and controls processes to be executed subsequently. The controller <NUM> may start or suspend electric power supply to the heater <NUM> from the battery <NUM> according to the sensing result. In addition, the controller <NUM> may control the amount of electric power supplied to the heater <NUM> and the time at which the electric power is supplied to the heater <NUM> for the heater <NUM> to be heated to a certain temperature or to maintain an appropriate temperature. Moreover, the controller <NUM> may process a variety of input data and output data of the interface <NUM>.

Furthermore, the controller <NUM> may count the number of puffs of a user using the aerosol generating device <NUM> and control related functions of the aerosol generating device <NUM> to limit the user's smoking according to the counted number.

The memory <NUM> is hardware for storing various types of data being processed within the aerosol generating device <NUM> and may store data processed and data to be processed within the controller <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be implemented with various types of memory, such as random access memory (RAM) including dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and the like, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like.

The memory <NUM> may store data on the user's smoking pattern, such as smoking time, the frequency of smoking, and the like. The memory <NUM> may also store data related to a reference temperature change value of the case where the cigarette is accommodated in the accommodation passage.

The memory <NUM> may also store a plurality of temperature correction algorithms.

The battery <NUM> supplies electric power used for operation of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. In other words, the battery <NUM> may supply electric power for the heater <NUM> to be heated. The battery <NUM> may also supply electric power needed for the operation of other hardware, the controller <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, and the interface <NUM> provided within the aerosol generating device <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may include a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The battery <NUM> may be made of a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, and the like. The battery <NUM> may include a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

The sensor <NUM> may include various types of sensors, such as a puff detection sensor (a temperature detection sensor, a flow detection sensor, a position detection sensor, and the like), a cigarette insertion detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor of a heater, and the like. A sensing result by the sensor <NUM> is transmitted to the controller <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may control the aerosol generating device <NUM> to execute a variety of functions, such as control of a heater temperature, restriction of smoking, determination of whether or not the cigarette is inserted, notification display, and the like according to the sensing result.

The interface <NUM> may include a variety of interfacing means, such as a display or lamp for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting tactile information, a speaker for outputting sound information, terminals for communicating data with input/output (I/O) interfacing means (for example, a button or a touchscreen) receiving input information from a user or outputting information to the user or for receiving charged electric power, a communication interfacing module for communicating wirelessly with an external device (for example, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), and the like), and the like. However, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be implemented by selecting only some of the various interfacing means described above.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may further include a vaporizer (not shown). The vaporizer (not shown) may include a liquid storage, a liquid delivery element, and a heating element for heating a liquid.

For example, the liquid composition may include a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage may be manufactured to be attached to/detached from the vaporizer (not shown) or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer (not shown).

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, spices, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. The spices may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit-flavored ingredients, and the like. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The flavorings may include ingredients capable of providing the user with various flavors or tastes. Vitamin mixtures may include a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. However, embodiments of the present disclosure 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 delivery element may include a wick, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

For example, the heating element may include a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The heating element may include a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire and may be positioned as being wound around the liquid delivery element. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the vaporizer (not shown) may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device may measure a temperature of a heater operating in an operation section including a plurality of sections, in operation <NUM>.

The aerosol generating device may include a temperature detection sensor. The aerosol generating device may be provided with a separate temperature detection sensor, or the heater may function as a temperature detection sensor. In an embodiment, the temperature detection sensor may measure the temperature of the heater, based on a change in a resistance value.

The aerosol generating device may determine, from among the plurality of sections, a current section in which the heater is operating, in operation <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the operation section of the heater may include a preheating section and a heating section. The preheating section and the heating section each may be divided into a plurality of sections.

The aerosol generating device may select one of a plurality of temperature correction algorithms, based on at least one of the measured temperature and the current section in which the heater is operating, in operation <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may select one of the plurality of temperature correction algorithms, based on the measured temperature. For example, when the measured temperature is equal to or greater than a preset value, the aerosol generating device may correct the measured temperature by applying a high-temperature correction algorithm. In contrast, when the measured temperature is below the preset value, the aerosol generating device may correct the measured temperature by applying a low-temperature correction algorithm. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may select any one of three or more temperature correction algorithms, based on the measured temperature.

In the case where the aerosol generating device selects one of the plurality of temperature correction algorithms based solely on the measured temperature, operation <NUM> may be omitted.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may select one of the plurality of temperature correction algorithms based on the current section in which the heater is operating.

For example, the aerosol generating device may determine whether the current section in which the heater is operating corresponds to the preheating section or the heating section. If the current section in which the heater is operating corresponds to the preheating section, the aerosol generating device may correct the measured temperature by applying a preheating section temperature correction algorithm. If the current section in which the heater is operating corresponds to the heating section, the aerosol generating device may correct the measured temperature by applying a heating section temperature correction algorithm.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may select one of the plurality of temperature correction algorithms, based on the measured temperature and the current section in which the heater is operating. In that case, the preheating section temperature correction algorithm and a plurality of heating section temperature correction algorithms may be included in the plurality of temperature correction algorithms.

For example, if the current section in which the heater is operating corresponds to the preheating section, the aerosol generating device may correct the measured temperature by applying the preheating section temperature correction algorithm. If the current section in which the heater is operating corresponds to one of a plurality of heating sections, the aerosol generating device may select one of the plurality of heating section temperature correction algorithms based on the measured temperature, and apply the selected heating section temperature correction algorithm to correct the measured temperature.

A plurality of preheating section temperature correction algorithms may be included in the plurality of temperature correction algorithms.

The aerosol generating device may correct the measured temperature by applying the selected temperature correction algorithm, in operation <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the measured temperature measured by the temperature detection sensor may be determined based on a resistance value of the temperature detection sensor, and an actual temperature at which an aerosol generating material is heated may be determined by an IR sensor remotely measuring a temperature of a surface of a heat transfer object.

The plurality of temperature correction algorithms determined based on a difference between the measured temperature and the actual temperature may be pre-stored in the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may select one of the plurality of temperature correction algorithms stored therein based on at least one of the measured temperature of the heater measured by the temperature detection sensor and the current section in which the heater is operating, and apply the selected temperature correction algorithm to correct the measured temperature.

Claim 1:
A method of controlling an aerosol generating device (<NUM>, <NUM>), the method comprising:
measuring a temperature of a heater (<NUM>, <NUM>);
selecting one of a plurality of temperature correction algorithms (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>), based on the measured temperature; and
correcting the measured temperature by applying the selected temperature correction algorithm (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>) to match the measured temperature with the actual temperature (T72, T74),
wherein the plurality of temperature correction algorithms (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>) include a high-temperature correction algorithm (<NUM>) and a low-temperature correction algorithm (<NUM>), and
the correcting of the measured temperature includes correcting the measured temperature by applying the high-temperature correction algorithm (<NUM>) based on the measured temperature being equal to or greater than a preset value (T83), and correcting the measured temperature by applying the low-temperature correction algorithm (<NUM>) based on the measured temperature being below the preset value (T83), and
wherein the high-temperature correction algorithm (<NUM>) adds a first constant to the measured temperature, and the low-temperature correction algorithm (<NUM>) adds a second constant to the measured temperature.