JP7701484B2 - Method and apparatus for processing user input while charging a battery - Patents.com - Google Patents

Description

One or more embodiments relate to a method for processing user input, and more particularly to a technique for processing user input during battery charging in an aerosol generating device.

In recent years, the demand for electronic cigarettes has been gradually increasing. In addition, as the demand for electronic cigarettes increases, various functions of electronic cigarettes are being continuously developed.

One embodiment provides a method for processing user input performed by an electronic device.

One embodiment provides an electronic device that processes user input differently depending on the charging state.

According to one embodiment, a method for processing user input provided by an electronic device includes receiving a user input, determining whether the user input is a heating command to heat an aerosol-generating substrate of a cigarette, determining whether the electronic device is charging based on the user input being a heating command, disabling the user input if the electronic device is charging, and performing an action corresponding to the user input if the user input is not a heating command.

According to one embodiment, if the user input is a heating command and the electronic device is charging, the method may further include checking the remaining battery charge of the electronic device, and interrupting charging based on the remaining battery charge being equal to or greater than a threshold, and issuing a heating command corresponding to the user input.

According to one embodiment, disabling the user input may include displaying a message informing the user that a heating command cannot be executed while charging.

According to one embodiment, the user input may be one of a button input and a touch input.

According to one embodiment, if the user input is not a heating command, performing an action corresponding to the user input may include performing an action through an application installed on the electronic device.

According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device that performs a user input processing method includes a display unit for receiving user input, an insertion unit into which a cigarette is inserted, a heating unit for heating an aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette inserted into the insertion unit, and a control unit, and the control unit receives user input via the display unit, determines whether the user input is a heating command to heat an aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette, determines whether the aerosol generating device is charging based on the user input being a heating command, invalidates the user input if the aerosol generating device is charging, and performs an operation corresponding to the user input if the user input is not a heating command.

According to one embodiment, when the user input is a heating command and the aerosol generating device is charging, the control unit can be further configured to check the remaining battery charge of the aerosol generating device, interrupt charging based on the remaining battery charge being equal to or greater than a threshold, and issue a heating command corresponding to the user input.

According to one embodiment, when the user input is a heating command and the aerosol generating device is charging, the control unit can display a guidance message indicating that the heating command cannot be executed while charging.

According to one embodiment, the user input may be one of a button input and a touch input.

According to one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to, if the user input is not a heating command, perform an action corresponding to the user input via an application installed on the aerosol generating device.

A method for processing user input performed by an electronic device can be provided.

An electronic device can be provided that processes user input differently depending on the charging state.

It is possible to provide an electronic device that allows user input other than heating commands even while charging.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an example. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an example. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an example. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an electronic device according to an example. 1 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on an electronic device according to an example. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a user input processing method according to an embodiment. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing a user input when a heating command is input during charging according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention with a cigarette inserted therein. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention with a cigarette inserted therein. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention with a cigarette inserted therein. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a cigarette according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a cigarette according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified in various forms. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the technical concept.

Although terms such as first or second may be used to describe multiple components, such terms should be construed as being only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from the other components. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, a second component may be named a first component.

When a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may be other components in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "include" or "have" indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms commonly used and predefined should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined in this specification.

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the embodiments with reference to the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

＜Aerosol generating device that processes user input＞

Figures 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating an example of an electronic device.

Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the electronic device 100 is composed of a front housing 110 including a display 120, an upper housing 130, a lower housing 140, and a rear housing 150. Each housing is fastened mechanically or magnetically, and the shape of the electronic device 100 and the method of connecting each housing may be variously realized. The electronic device 100 may include a circuit for performing an operation within the housing. For example, the circuit for performing the operation may be realized on a printed circuit board (PCB), and the printed circuit board may be mounted within the housing.

According to one embodiment, the display 120 included in the front housing 110 displays a screen and receives user input. The user input may be one of a button input and a touch input. The display 120 may include at least one of a mechanical button and a touch panel to receive the user input. Although the display 120 is shown attached to the outside of the front housing 110 in FIGS. 1A and 1B, this is not limited to the described embodiment. That is, the display 120 may be attached to any position of each housing.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the upper housing 130 may include a hole for inserting a cigarette. The structure of the hole may vary depending on the type of cigarette. According to one embodiment, the upper housing 130 may be attached with a sensor for detecting the type of cigarette inserted through the hole.

According to one embodiment, the lower housing 140 may further include a hole for connecting the power terminal to an external terminal to supply power. The electronic device 100 receives power from an external power source connected to the power terminal. The power terminal is implemented as a USB port (e.g., USB C-type), but may be implemented in various forms without being limited to the described embodiment. According to one embodiment, the power terminal hole or the power terminal of the lower housing 140 may include a sensor that can detect whether a terminal of an external power source is connected.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be an electronic device for generating an aerosol. For example, the electronic device 100 includes a heating unit that receives power from a power source such as a battery to heat an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a cigarette, inserted into the electronic device 100. The aerosol-generating substrate heated by the heating unit generates an aerosol. A specific configuration of the electronic device 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring to FIG. 1C, the electronic device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substrate within a cigarette 2 inserted into the electronic device 100. A user may smoke by inhaling the generated aerosol. The electronic device 100 may heat the aerosol-generating substrate in a variety of ways.

According to one embodiment, the heating method of the electronic device 100 may be a method in which the heating unit applies heat directly to the aerosol generating substrate.

According to another embodiment, the heating method of the electronic device 100 may be an inductive heating method that does not directly apply heat to the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be heated based on an electromagnetic field generated by resonating microwaves, as in a microwave oven.

Referring to FIG. 1C, the cigarette 2 is divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating substrate and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also include an aerosol-generating substrate. The entire first portion may be inserted into the electronic device 100, and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion may be inserted into the electronic device 100. In another embodiment, the entire first portion may be inserted into the electronic device 100, and only a portion of the second portion may be inserted. A user can inhale aerosol through the second portion. Here, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first portion, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth through the second portion.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes a control unit 210 (e.g., a processor), a display unit 220, a battery 230, a heating unit 240, and an insertion unit 250 (e.g., a cavity). Although not shown, the electronic device 100 may further include a general-purpose component. For example, the electronic device 100 may further include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, a power terminal detection sensor, etc.) and a motor for outputting tactile information. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C, the electronic device 100 may be manufactured with a structure that allows external air to flow in and internal gas to flow out even when a cigarette 2 is inserted.

External air flows in through at least one air passage formed in the electronic device 100. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the electronic device 100 and/or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount of spray, smoking sensation, etc. may be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air may flow into the interior of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 2.

According to one embodiment, although not shown, the electronic device 100 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery of the electronic device 100.

The control unit 210 controls the operation of the electronic device 100. The control unit 210 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

The display unit 220 outputs visual information via the display 120 described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C and receives user input. The user input may be a button input or a touch input.

The battery 230 supplies power to the electronic device 100. The battery 230 is supplied with power from an external power supply source. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C, the lower housing 140 includes a hole for a power terminal, and power is supplied from the external power supply source to charge the battery 230.

The heating section 240 heats the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette disposed within the insert 250. As described above with reference to FIG. 1C, the heating section 240 may heat the aerosol-generating substrate in a variety of ways.

According to one embodiment, various types of cigarettes 2 are inserted into the insertion portion 250. The cigarettes 2 may be of a cut tobacco type shaped like a cigarette that is directly lit and smoked, a granular type containing an aerosol-generating substance made into a granular or capsule type, or a liquid type containing a liquid composition. Liquid-type cigarettes may be manufactured in a stick shape and contain a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance (e.g., volatile tobacco aroma components) or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance within the stick.

According to one embodiment, the cigarette 2 is inserted such that the insertion portion 250 surrounds at least a portion of the cigarette 2 (e.g., the aerosol-generating substrate), and the aerosol-generating substrate is heated by the heating portion 240. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion including the aerosol-generating substrate and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also include an aerosol-generating substrate.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may further include a communication module including a Bluetooth chip or a Wi-Fi chip, and the control unit 210 may use the communication module to communicate with an external device such as a server via a network. If a hub device such as an access point (AP) is present in the vicinity of the electronic device 100, the control unit 210 may communicate with the server via the hub device.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control unit according to one embodiment.

In one aspect, the control unit 210 includes a communication unit 310, a processor 320, and a memory 330.

The communication unit 310 is connected to the processor 320 and the memory 330 to transmit and receive data. The communication unit 310 can also be connected to other external devices to transmit and receive data. Hereinafter, the expression "transmitting and receiving "A" refers to transmitting and receiving "information or data indicating A".

The communication unit 310 may be realized in a circuit network within the control unit 210. For example, the communication unit 310 may include an internal bus and an external bus. As another example, the communication unit 310 may be an element that connects the control unit 210 to an external device. The communication unit 310 may be an interface. The communication unit 310 can receive data from an external device and transmit the data to the processor 320 and the memory 330.

The processor 320 processes data received by the communication unit 310 and data stored in the memory 330. The "processor" may be a data processing device embodied in hardware having circuits with a physical structure for performing a desired operation. For example, the desired operation may include code or instructions included in a program. For example, a data processing device implemented in hardware may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit, a processor core, a multi-core processor, a multiprocessor, an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

Processor 320 executes computer readable code (e.g., software) stored in a memory (e.g., memory 330) and instructions triggered by processor 320.

The memory 330 stores data received by the communication unit 310 and data processed by the processor 320. For example, the memory 330 may store a program (or application, software). The stored program may be a set of syntax that is coded to control the electronic device 100 and is executable by the processor 320.

In one embodiment, memory 330 may include one or more of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and random access memory (RAM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, and an optical disk drive.

The memory 330 stores a command set (e.g., software) that operates the control unit 210. The command set that operates the control unit 210 is executed by the processor 320.

The communication unit 310, the processor 320, and the memory 330 are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4A-7.

Figures 4A and 4B show screens displayed on an electronic device according to an example.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a basic screen displayed via the display 120 of the electronic device 100 is shown. The basic screen may display an icon 410 for starting smoking, an icon 420 for setting the communication status, and an icon 430 for checking battery information. The basic screen may display time information 440 and weather information 460.

According to one embodiment, the processor 320 described above with reference to FIG. 3 may receive user input via touching, tabbing, dragging, etc., on the display 120. When the user tabs (or touches) the icon 430 for checking battery information, a screen such as that shown in FIG. 4B is displayed.

According to one embodiment, FIG. 4A may be a screen that is displayed on the display 120 of the electronic device 100 when the electronic device 100 is charging.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can generate an aerosol for smoking by a user by heating an aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2 as described with reference to Figures 1A-3, but can also provide other functionality to the user. For example, the electronic device 100 can provide time information 440 and weather information 460, and can perform operations through applications installed on the electronic device 100.

According to one embodiment, the processor 320 may determine whether a user input entered into the electronic device 100 is a heating command to heat an aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the processor 320 may determine a user input as a heating command to heat an aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2 in the insertion portion 250 via the heating portion 240 when the user input is received at the icon 410 for starting smoking. However, without being limited to the described embodiment, the processor 320 may determine whether the user input is a heating command in response to user inputs on various user interfaces.

According to one embodiment, the processor 320 determines whether the electronic device 100 is charging if the user input is a heating command. The processor 320 may determine that the electronic device 100 is charging if power is being supplied to the battery 230 from an external source. According to another embodiment, the power terminal hole or power terminal of the lower housing 140 of the electronic device 100 may include a sensor that can detect whether a terminal of an external power supply source is coupled, and the processor 320 may determine whether the electronic device 100 is charging based on the sensor.

If the electronic device 100 heats the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2 located in the insertion part 250 through the heating part 240 during charging, it may cause the electronic device 100 to malfunction. Here, the processor 320 may invalidate the user command when the user input is a heating command and the electronic device 100 is charging. For example, the processor 320 may not execute the command for a heating command received by the electronic device 100. According to one embodiment, the processor 320 may display a guide message 450 that the heating command cannot be executed during charging. According to another embodiment, the processor 320 may provide tactile feedback (e.g., haptic) through a motor for outputting tactile information included in the electronic device 100. According to a further embodiment, the processor 320 may provide visual feedback such as a flashing red light through an indicator. However, without being limited to the described embodiments, the processor 320 may notify the user that the heating command cannot be executed during charging in various ways.

According to one embodiment, the processor 320 may take an action corresponding to the user input if the user input is not a heating command. For example, if a user input 435 is received on the icon 430 for checking battery information while the battery is being charged, the processor 320 may take a corresponding action without invalidating the user input. An embodiment for taking an action corresponding to a user input that is not a heating command while charging is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4B.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the display 120 of the electronic device 100 shows a screen displaying battery information. According to one embodiment, when a user input 435 is received via an icon 430 to check battery information while the electronic device 100 is charging, the screen shown in FIG. 4B is displayed.

Even if a user input is received while the electronic device 100 is being charged, the processor 320 may perform a corresponding operation for the user input that is not a heating command. For example, if a user input is received to check the battery status while charging, battery information 480 may be displayed as shown in FIG. 4B. According to one embodiment, information 490 regarding the remaining number of uses according to the current battery status may also be displayed. In addition to battery-related information, time information 470, etc. may be displayed on the screen.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment for checking battery information, but is not limited to the described embodiment. If the user command is not a heating command, the processor 320 may perform various operations corresponding to the user input. For example, various applications may be installed on the electronic device 100, and if a user input is received for an application during charging, the processor 320 may perform an operation through the corresponding application. This allows the user to utilize other functions besides heating the aerosol generating substrate even when the electronic device 100 is charging.

According to one embodiment, when a user input for a heating command during charging is received, but the remaining charge of the battery 230 is equal to or greater than a threshold, the processor 320 may interrupt charging and execute a heating command corresponding to the user input. For example, when the remaining charge of the battery 230 is equal to or greater than 50% and a heating command is received, the processor 320 may cut off the power supply from the external power supply source and execute the heating command. For example, the electronic device 100 may further include a circuit capable of cutting off the power supply, and the processor 320 may control the circuit to cut off the power supply even when an external source is connected.

According to one embodiment, the processor 320 may provide a guidance message such as "Interrupt charging and heat?" via the display 120, and may interrupt charging and issue a heating command via a user input such as touching a confirmation button. As described above with reference to Figures 1A to 3, the processor 320 heats the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2 in the insertion portion 250 via the heating portion 240, and the user may inhale the aerosol generated by the heating of the aerosol-generating substrate through the cigarette 2.
<User Input Processing Method>

Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a user input processing method according to one embodiment.

The following steps S510 to S540 are executed by the processor 320 of the electronic device 100 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4B, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

In step S510, the processor 320 receives user input from a user. For example, the processor 320 may receive user input via a touch panel included in the display 120.

In step S520, the processor 320 determines whether the user input is a heating command to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2. If the user input is not a heating command, in the following step S550, the processor 320 performs an action corresponding to the user input.

In step S530, if the user input is a heating command to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette 2, the processor 320 determines whether the electronic device 100 is charging. If the electronic device 100 is not charging, in step S550, the processor 320 performs an operation corresponding to the user input. For example, if the user input is a heating command, the processor 320 may heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette in the insertion portion 250 via the heating portion 240. As another example, if the user input is a command to run a messenger application, the processor 320 may run the corresponding application.

In step S540, if the user input is a heating command and the electronic device 100 is charging, the processor 320 disables the user input. For example, the processor 320 may not execute a heating command received by the electronic device 100. As described above with reference to FIG. 4A, the processor 320 may notify the user in various ways that the heating command cannot be executed while charging.

According to one embodiment, after the processor 320 invalidates the user input in step S540, if the user input received again from the user (step S510) is not a heating command (step S520), the processor 320 performs an operation corresponding to the user input in step S550. With this configuration, the electronic device 100 can perform an operation corresponding to a user input other than a heating command even during charging.

Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a user input processing method when a heating command is input during charging according to one embodiment.

The following steps S610 to S620 are performed by the processor 320 of the electronic device 100 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Steps S610 to S620 are performed after step S530 described above with reference to Figure 5 is executed.

According to one embodiment, if the user input is a heating command and the electronic device 100 is charging, in step S610, the processor 320 checks the remaining charge of the battery 230. The insertion of a cigarette 2 may be detected. If the remaining charge of the battery 230 is equal to or greater than a threshold, in step S620, the processor 320 interrupts charging and issues a heating command. For example, the processor 320 may cut off the power supply from the external power supply source and issue a heating command when the remaining charge of the battery 230 is equal to or greater than 50%. As described above with reference to FIG. 4B, the processor 320 further displays a message for user confirmation and issues a heating command based on the user confirmation input.

According to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6, even if a heating command is input during charging, if the remaining battery charge is equal to or greater than a threshold, the processor 320 interrupts charging and heats the aerosol-generating substrate of the cigarette in the insertion portion 250 via the heating portion 240, thereby allowing the user to smoke even with the charging terminal connected to the electronic device 100.

Figures 7 to 9 show examples of cigarettes inserted into an aerosol generating device.

In Figs. 7 to 9 described below, the aerosol generating device 1 corresponds to the electronic device 100 described above with reference to Figs. 1A to 2. The battery 11 corresponds to the battery 230 described above with reference to Fig. 2. The control unit 12 corresponds to the control unit 210 described above with reference to Fig. 2. The vaporizer 14 or heater 13 corresponds to the heating unit 240 described above with reference to Fig. 2.

Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. A cigarette 2 may also be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

The aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 7 to 9 illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment would understand that the aerosol generating device 1 further includes general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Figures 7 to 9.

In addition, although Figures 8 and 9 show that the aerosol generating device 1 includes a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

In FIG. 7, the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are shown arranged in a row. Also, in FIG. 8, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are shown arranged in a row. Note that in FIG. 9, the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are shown arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. That is, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can activate the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette 2 and is transmitted to the user.

According to one embodiment, if necessary, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when a cigarette 2 is not inserted in the aerosol generating device 1.

The battery 11 supplies the power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and may supply the power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. The battery 11 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generation device 1.

The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also the other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 may also check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be realized as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment pertains will understand that the processor may also be realized in other forms of hardware.

The heater 13 is heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 is disposed outside the cigarette 2, and the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material in the cigarette 2.

The heater 13 may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 includes an electric conductive track, and the heater 13 is heated by passing an electric current through the electric conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and other types of heating for heating the heater 13 are not limited and the heater 13 may be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

On the other hand, as a different example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating manner, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

For example, the heater 13 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and depending on the shape of the heating element, the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 may be heated.

The aerosol generating device 1 may also have a plurality of heaters 13. Here, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. The shape of the heaters 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 7 to 9, and may be manufactured into various shapes.

The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid-phase composition to generate an aerosol, which can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow passage is configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette and is provided to the user.

For example, the vaporizer 14 includes, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

The liquid storage unit may store a liquid-phase composition. For example, the liquid-phase composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material, including a volatile tobacco aroma component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage unit may be separable from the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

For example, the liquid phase composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. The flavoring agent may include ingredients capable of providing a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid phase composition may also include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid phase composition of the liquid storage portion to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid-phase composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by a current supply, and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generating device 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). The aerosol generating device 1 may also be manufactured with a structure that allows external air to flow in and internal gas to flow out even when a cigarette 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in Figures 7 to 9, the aerosol generating device 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are connected.

The cigarette 2 is similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 includes a first portion including an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol while biting the second part in the mouth. Here, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

As one example, the outside air may flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and/or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount of spray, smoking sensation, etc. may be adjusted according to the user. As another example, the outside air may flow in through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 2 into the inside of the cigarette 2.

Below, an example of a cigarette 2 is described with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

Figures 10 and 11 show examples of cigarettes.

The cigarette 2 in Figures 10 and 11 is the cigarette 2 described above with reference to Figure 1C.

Referring to FIG. 10, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion 21 described above with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second portion 22 includes the filter rod 22.

Although the filter rod 22 is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 10, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters a specific component contained in the aerosol. Also, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

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

The cigarette 2 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in and internal gas can flow out. As an example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped in one wrapper 24. As a different example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped in two or more wrappers 24 in a redundant manner. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 24a, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped in wrappers 24b, 24c, and 24d. Then, the entire cigarette 2 may be rewrapped in a single wrapper 24e. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in a wrapper 24b, 24c, and 24d.

The first wrapper 24a and the second wrapper 24b may be manufactured into a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 24a and the second wrapper 24b may be a porous wrapping paper or a non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 24a and the second wrapper 24b may also be manufactured into a paper and/or aluminum laminated paper wrapping material having oil resistance.

The third wrapper 24c may be manufactured into a hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 24c may be within the range of 88 g/m ² to 96 g/m ² , and preferably within the range of 90 g/m ² to 94 g/m ² . Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 24c may be within the range of 120 um to 130 um, and preferably 125 um.

The fourth wrapper 24d may be manufactured into a grease-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 24d may be in the range of 88 g/m ² to 96 g/m ² , preferably in the range of 90 g/m ² to 94 g/m ² , and the thickness of the fourth wrapper 24d may be in the range of 120 um to 130 um, preferably 125 um.

The fifth wrapper 24e may be made of a sterile paper (MFW). Here, the term "sterile paper (MFW)" refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 24e may be within the range of 57 g/ ^m2 to 63 g/ ^m2 , and preferably 60 g/ ^m2 . The thickness of the fifth wrapper 24e may be within the range of 64 um to 70 um, and preferably 67 um.

The fifth wrapper 24e has a specific substance added thereto. Here, an example of the specific substance is silicon, but is not limited to this. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance that does not change much with temperature, internal oxidation that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 24e without any restrictions.

The fifth wrapper 24e can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 31, the cigarette 2 will burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 24e can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning because it contains a non-flammable substance.

The fifth wrapper 24e can also prevent contamination of the holder by substances produced in the cigarette 2. A liquid substance may be produced in the cigarette 2 by the user's puff. For example, the liquid substance (e.g., moisture) is produced by cooling the aerosol produced in the cigarette 2 by the outside air. The fifth wrapper 24e wraps the cigarette 2, thereby preventing the liquid substance produced in the cigarette 2 from leaking outside the cigarette 2.

The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may also be added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in a sheet or a strand. The first segment 21 can be manufactured from tobacco shreds, which is a tobacco sheet. The first segment 21 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can also function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can further include a susceptor added in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22 may be an acetyl cellulose filter. On the other hand, there is no restriction on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tube-type rod including a hollow inside. The filter rod 22 may also be a resease-type rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured to have a different shape.

The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be an acetyl cellulose filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow inside. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it can prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from shifting backwards, and can also have a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

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

During the manufacturing process of the first segment, the content of plasticizer may be adjusted to have a specific hardness. Also, the first segment may include structures such as films and tubes made of the same or different materials.

The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately selected within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be produced by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the scented liquid may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment may be produced by weaving together separate fibers to which the scented liquid has been applied and fibers made of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be made of a wound polymer sheet.

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

When the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a wound polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) may pass.

For example, the second segment of wound polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, e.g., between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of the second segment may be between about 300 ^mm2 /mm and about 1000 ^mm2 /mm, and the aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 ^mm2 /mg and about 100 ^mm2 /mg.

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

The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be an acetyl cellulose filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

During the manufacturing process of the third segment, the third segment may be manufactured so that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, separate fibers coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted inside the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user can be achieved.

The filter rod 22 may also include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform the function of generating a flavor or the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 11, the cigarette 3 may further include a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 may be disposed on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside, and can prevent the liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (1 in FIGS. 7 to 9).

The filter rod 32 includes a first segment 32a and a second segment 32b. Here, the first segment 32a corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 10, and the second segment 32b corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 10.

The diameter and length of the cigarette 3 are relative to the diameter and length of the cigarette 2 shown in FIG. 10. For example, but not limited to, the length of the shear plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 32a may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 32b may be about 14 mm.

The cigarette 3 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in and internal gas can flow out. For example, the shear plug 33 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 35a, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped in a second wrapper 35b, the first segment 32a may be wrapped in a third wrapper 35c, and the second segment 32b may be wrapped in a fourth wrapper 35d. Then, the entire cigarette 3 may be rewrapped in a fifth wrapper 35e.

The fifth wrapper 35e may also have at least one perforation 36 formed therein. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 serves to transfer heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 8 and 9 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

The second segment 32b may also include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 35a is a typical filter paper wrapped with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 35a may be within a range of 45 um to 55 um, preferably 50.3 um. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 35a may be within a range of 6 um to 7 um, preferably 6.3 um. The basis weight of the first wrapper 35a may be within a range of 50 g/m ² to 55 g/m ² , preferably 53 g/m ² .

The second wrapper 35b and the third wrapper 35c may be manufactured into a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 35b and the third wrapper 35c may be a porous wrapping paper or a non-porous wrapping paper.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 35b may be, but is not limited to, 35,000 CU, the thickness of the second wrapper 35b may be within the range of 70 um to 80 um, and preferably 78 um, and the basis weight of the second wrapper 35b may be within the range of 20 g/ ^m2 to 25 g/ ^m2 , and preferably 23.5 g/ ^m2 .

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 35c may be, but is not limited to, 24,000 CU, the thickness of the third wrapper 35c may be within the range of 60 um to 70 um, and preferably 68 um, and the basis weight of the third wrapper 35c may be within the range of 20 g/ ^m2 to 25 g/ ^m2 , and preferably 21 g/ ^m2 .

The fourth wrapper 35d may be made of a PLA laminate, where PLA laminate refers to a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 35d may be in the range of 100 um to 120 um, preferably 110 um. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 35d may be in the range of 80 g/ ^m2 to 100 g/ ^m2 , preferably 88 g/ ^m2 .

The fifth wrapper 35e may be made of a sterile paper (MFW). Here, the term "sterile paper (MFW)" refers to a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 35e may be within the range of 57 g/ ^m2 to 63 g/ ^m2 , and preferably 60 g/ ^m2 . The thickness of the fifth wrapper 35e may be within the range of 64 um to 70 um, and preferably 67 um.

The fifth wrapper 35e may have a specific substance added thereto. Here, an example of the specific substance may be silicon, but is not limited to this. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, internal oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 35e without any restrictions.

The shear plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28,000.

Optionally, the shear plug 33 may also include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in a variety of ways.

The tobacco rod 31 corresponds to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 10. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

The first segment 32a may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment 32a may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow interior. The first segment 32a may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 32a may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the shear plug 33.

The second segment 32b may be made of acetyl cellulose. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 32b may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments of the second segment 32b may be 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 32b may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 32b may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

Figure 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 9 according to another embodiment.

In FIG. 12, which will be described below, the aerosol generating device 9 corresponds to the electronic device 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A to 2. The display unit 93a or the user input unit 96 corresponds to the display unit 220 described above with reference to FIG. 2, or the display 120 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C. The battery 94 corresponds to the battery 230 described above with reference to FIG. 2. The heater 95 corresponds to the heating unit 240 described above with reference to FIG. 2.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 9 includes a control unit 91, a detection unit 92, an output unit 93, a battery 94, a heater 95, a user input unit 96, a memory 97, and a communication unit 98. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 9 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 12. In other words, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that some of the components shown in FIG. 12 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 9.

The detection unit 92 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 9 or the state around the aerosol generating device 9, and transmit the detected information to the control unit 91. Based on the detected information, the control unit 91 can control the aerosol generating device 9 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 95, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying notifications, etc.

The detection unit 92 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 92a, an insertion detection sensor 92b, and a puff sensor 92c, but is not limited to these.

The temperature sensor 92a can detect the temperature to which the heater 95 (or the aerosol generating material) heats. The aerosol generating device 9 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 95, or the heater 95 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 92a may be disposed in the vicinity of the battery 94 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 94.

The insertion detection sensor 92b can detect the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 92b can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol-generating article.

The puff sensor 92c can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel. For example, the puff sensor 92c can detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

In addition to the above-mentioned sensors 92a to 92c, the detection unit 92 further includes at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. The function of the angle sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

The output unit 93 can output information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 9 to provide it to the user. The output unit 93 includes at least one of a display unit 93a, a haptic unit 93b, and an audio output unit 93c, but is not limited to these. When the display unit 93a and the touchpad have a layered structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 93a may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 93a can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 9 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 9 means various information such as the charging/discharging state of the battery 94 of the aerosol generating device 9, the preheating state of the heater 95, the insertion/removal state of the aerosol product, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 9 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 93a can output the information to the outside. The display unit 93a may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 93a may also be the state of an LED light emitting element.

The haptic unit 93b can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 9. For example, the haptic unit 93b includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The acoustic output unit 93c provides audible information about the aerosol generating device 9 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 93c can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The battery 94 supplies the power used for the aerosol generating device 9 to operate. The battery 94 supplies power so that the heater 95 can heat. The battery 94 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generating device 9 (e.g., the detection unit 92, the output unit 93, the user input unit 96, the memory 97, and the communication unit 98). The battery 94 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 94 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 95 can heat the aerosol generating material by receiving power from the battery 94. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 9 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 94 and supplies it to the heater 95. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 9 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 9 further includes a DC/AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 94 into an AC power supply.

The control unit 91, the detection unit 92, the output unit 93, the user input unit 96, the memory 97, and the communication unit 98 can function by receiving power from the battery 94. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the device further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 94 and supplies it to each component.

In one embodiment, the heater 95 may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials are metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. The heater 95 may also be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

In another embodiment, the heater 95 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 95 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

In one embodiment, the heater 95 includes multiple heaters. For example, the heater 95 includes a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

The user input unit 96 can receive information input by the user and output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 96 can be a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact type capacitance type, pressure type resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral type tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 9 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 94.

The memory 97 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 9, and can store data processed by the control unit 91 and data to be processed. The memory 97 includes at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 97 may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device 9, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern, etc.

The communication unit 98 includes at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 98 includes a short-range communication unit 98a and a wireless communication unit 98b.

The short-range wireless communication unit 98a includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

The wireless communication unit 98b may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 98b may identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 9 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

The control unit 91 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 9. In one embodiment, the control unit 91 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized by an array of multiple logic gates, or may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that the processor may be realized by further forms of hardware.

The control unit 91 can control the temperature of the heater 95 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 94 to the heater 95. For example, the control unit 91 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 94 and the heater 95. In a different example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 95 in response to a control command from the control unit 91.

The control unit 91 analyzes the results detected by the detection unit 92 and controls the processing to be executed thereafter. For example, the control unit 91 can control the power supplied to the heater 95 so that the operation of the heater 95 is started or ended based on the results detected by the detection unit 92. As another example, the control unit 91 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 95 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 95 can heat up to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the detection unit 92.

The control unit 91 controls the output unit 93 based on the results detected by the detection unit 92. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 92c reaches a preset number, the control unit 91 can notify the user via at least one of the display unit 93a, the haptic unit 93b, and the audio output unit 93c that the aerosol generating device 9 will soon be shut down.

In one embodiment, the control unit 91 can control the time and/or amount of power supplied to the heater 95 depending on the state of the aerosol product detected by the detection unit 92. For example, when the aerosol product 15 is in an overly humid state, the control unit 91 can control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article 15 is in a normal state.

The method according to the present invention is embodied in the form of program instructions to be executed by various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium includes program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination. The recording medium and program instructions may be specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software technology. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROMs, RAMs, flash memories, and the like. Examples of program instructions include high-level language codes executed by a computer using an interpreter, as well as machine language codes such as those generated by a compiler. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations shown in the present invention, and vice versa.

Software may include computer programs, codes, instructions, or any combination of one or more thereof, to configure or instruct a processing device to operate as desired, either independently or in combination. The software and/or data may be embodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave, to be interpreted by or provide instructions or data to a processing device. The software may be distributed across computer systems coupled to a network, and may be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer readable recording media.

Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited drawings, a person having ordinary skill in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and/or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a different manner than described, and may be replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents to achieve suitable results.

Therefore, other realizations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims are also within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims (11)

A method for processing user input provided by an electronic device, comprising:
receiving a user input;
determining whether the user input is a heating command to heat an aerosol-forming substrate of a cigarette;
determining whether the electronic device is charging based on the user input being a heating command;
disabling the user input if the electronic device is charging;
if the user input is not a heating command, performing an action corresponding to the user input;
16. A method for processing user input comprising: if the user input is a heating command while the electronic device is charging, checking the remaining battery power of the electronic device;
interrupting charging based on the remaining charge of the battery being equal to or greater than a threshold, and issuing a heating command corresponding to the user input;
The method of claim 1 further comprising: The user input processing method according to claim 1, wherein the step of invalidating the user input includes a step of displaying a guidance message indicating that a heating command cannot be executed while charging. The user input processing method according to claim 1, wherein the user input is one of a button input and a touch input. The method for processing user input according to claim 1, further comprising: if the user input is not a heating command, performing an action corresponding to the user input via an application installed on the electronic device. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to claim 1. An aerosol generating device performing a user input processing method,
a display for receiving user input;
an insert for receiving a cigarette;
a heating section for heating an aerosol-generating substrate of a cigarette inserted into the insertion section;
A control unit;
Including,
The control unit is
receiving a user input via the display;
determining whether the user input is a heating command to heat an aerosol-forming substrate of the cigarette;
determining whether the aerosol generating device is charging based on the user input being a heating command;
Disabling the user input when the aerosol generating device is charging;
An aerosol generating device that, if the user input is not a heating command, performs an action corresponding to the user input. The control unit is
if the user input is a heating command and the aerosol generating device is charging, checking the remaining battery charge of the aerosol generating device;
The aerosol generating device of claim 7 , further configured to interrupt charging based on the remaining charge of the battery being equal to or greater than a threshold, and to execute a heating command corresponding to the user input. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein, when the user input is a heating command and the aerosol generating device is charging, the control unit displays a guidance message indicating that the heating command cannot be executed while charging. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the user input is one of a button input and a touch input. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is further configured to execute an action corresponding to the user input via an application installed on the aerosol generating device if the user input is not a heating command.