CN118042954A

CN118042954A - Aerosol generating device and method of operating the same

Info

Publication number: CN118042954A
Application number: CN202280066427.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李宗燮; 朴相珪; 郑禹锡; 曺炳盛; 韩大男
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2021-10-19
Filing date: 2022-10-12
Publication date: 2024-05-14

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device and a method of operating the same are provided. The aerosol-generating device comprises: a heater for heating the aerosol-generating substance; a puff sensor for providing an output corresponding to a puff of a user; an input device for receiving user input; and a controller for: identifying that the user input corresponds to first data; determining an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user based on an output provided by the inhalation sensor after identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data; determining a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern based on the determined inhalation pattern; and controlling power supplied to the heater according to the heating profile.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method of operating the same

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to aerosol-generating devices and methods of operating the same.

Background

An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by generating an aerosol. The medium may contain a multicomponent material. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavouring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various researches have been conducted on aerosol generating devices.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

The present disclosure is directed to solving the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device and a method of operating the same, which is capable of determining an inhalation pattern of a user to generate an amount of steam corresponding to the inhalation pattern of the user when the user inhales aerosol.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device and an operating method thereof, which are capable of allowing a user to conveniently personalize the operation of the aerosol-generating device by performing a determination of an inhalation mode based on a user input signal related to the determination of the inhalation mode.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device and an operating method thereof, which are capable of improving user convenience by initializing an inhalation mode based on a user input signal related to the initialization of the inhalation mode.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device and an operating method thereof, which are capable of enabling a user to easily check an input of an inhalation pattern thereof by informing the user of the inhalation pattern determination start and end.

Technical proposal

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in the present application, an aerosol-generating device comprises: a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance; a puff sensor configured to provide an output corresponding to user puff; an input device configured to receive user input; and a controller configured to: identifying that the user input corresponds to first data; upon identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data, determining an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation of the user based on the output provided by the inhalation sensor; determining a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern based on the determined inhalation pattern; and controlling power supplied to the heater according to the heating profile.

According to another aspect of the subject matter described in the present application, a method for operating an aerosol-generating device having an input device is provided. The method may include: identifying that user input received from the input device corresponds to first data; after identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data, determining an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user based on an output provided by an inhalation sensor; determining a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern based on the determined inhalation pattern; and controlling the power supplied to a heater of the aerosol-generating device according to the heating profile.

Advantageous effects

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an inhalation pattern of a user may be determined to generate an amount of steam corresponding to the inhalation pattern of the user when the user inhales the aerosol.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the determination of the inhalation mode may be performed based on a user input signal related to the determination of the inhalation mode, thereby allowing a user to conveniently personalize the operation of the aerosol-generating device.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inhalation mode may be initialized based on a user input signal related to the initialization of the inhalation mode, thereby improving user convenience.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can easily check the input of the inhalation mode thereof by informing the user of the start and end of the inhalation mode determination.

Additional applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and thus it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments (such as preferred embodiments of the disclosure) are provided for illustration only.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 2 to 4 are diagrams referred to for describing an embodiment of an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 5 to 7 are diagrams referred to for describing an embodiment of the stick.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method of operating an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 9 to 12 are diagrams for explaining a method of operating the aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 13 and 14 are flowcharts illustrating embodiments of methods of operating an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining a method of operating the aerosol-generating device.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are provided with the same or similar reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

In the following description, suffixes such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Such suffixes are used herein for ease of description only and are not intended to give any particular meaning or function per se.

In the present disclosure, what is well known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art is generally omitted for brevity. The drawings are to aid in easy understanding of the technical concept of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that the concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the drawings. The concepts of the present disclosure should be construed as extending to any modifications, equivalents, and alternatives other than the drawings.

It will be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

As used herein, singular references are intended to include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a communication interface 11, an input/output interface 12, an aerosol-generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16 and/or a controller 17.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may consist of only the body 100. In this case, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 10 may be provided in the main body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may be comprised of a body 100 and a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-generating substance. In this case, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 10 may be provided in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200.

The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communicating with external devices and/or networks. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication, such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), zigBee, or Near Field Communication (NFC).

The input/output interface 12 may include an input device 121 for receiving commands from a user and/or an output device 122 for outputting information to a user. For example, the input device 121 may include a touch panel, physical buttons, a microphone, and the like. For example, the output device 122 may include a display device, such as a display or a Light Emitting Diode (LED), for outputting visual information; audio means for outputting audible information, such as a speaker or buzzer; a motor for outputting haptic information such as haptic effects, etc.

The input/output interface 12 may transmit data corresponding to commands entered by a user via the input device 121 to another component (or other component) of the aerosol-generating device 10. The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from another component (or other component) of the aerosol-generating device 10 via the output device 122.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance. Here, the aerosol-generating substance may be a substance in a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state capable of generating an aerosol, or may be a combination of two or more aerosol-generating substances.

In one embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid comprising tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavour component. In another embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may comprise water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, flavors, fragrances, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

The solid aerosol-generating substance may comprise a solid material based on a tobacco raw material, such as reconstituted tobacco sheet, tobacco strand or particulate tobacco. In addition, the solid aerosol-generating substance may comprise a solid material having a taste controlling agent and a flavouring material. For example, the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, and the like. For example, the flavoring material may include natural materials such as herbal granules, but also materials such as silica, zeolite or dextrin, which include aromatic components.

In addition, the aerosol-generating substance may also include an aerosol-former such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may comprise at least one heater 131.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may comprise a resistive heater. For example, the resistive heater may include at least one conductive track. The resistive heater may be heated by an electrical current flowing through the conductive track. Here, the aerosol-generating substance may be heated by a heated resistive heater.

The conductive track may comprise a resistive material. In one embodiment, the conductive tracks may be formed of a metallic material. In another embodiment, the conductive tracks may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

The resistive heater may include conductive tracks formed in any of a variety of shapes. For example, the conductive track may have any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may comprise a heater using an induction heating method, i.e. an induction heater. For example, the induction heater may comprise an electrically conductive coil. An induction heater can generate an alternating magnetic field that changes periodically in direction by adjusting the current flowing through a conductive coil. In this case, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnet, energy loss may occur in the magnet due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy may be released as thermal energy. Thus, the aerosol-generating substance located in the vicinity of the magnet may be heated. Here, an object that generates heat due to a magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

At the same time, the aerosol-generating module 13 may generate ultrasonic vibrations to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may be referred to as a nebulizer, an atomizer or an evaporator.

The memory 14 may have stored therein a program for processing and controlling each signal in the controller 17. The memory 14 may store therein processed data and data to be processed by the controller 17.

For example, the memory 14 may store therein applications designed to perform various tasks that may be processed by the controller 17. For example, the memory 14 may selectively provide some stored applications in response to a request from the controller 17.

For example, the memory 14 may store therein data regarding: the operating time of the aerosol-generating device 10; maximum number of puffs; current number of puffs; the number of times the battery 16 is charged; the number of discharges of the battery 16; at least one temperature profile, inhalation pattern of the user; charge/discharge, etc. Here, "suction" may refer to inhalation by a user, and "inhalation" may refer to an action by a user to inhale air or other substances into the user's mouth, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

The memory 14 may include at least one of the following: volatile memory (e.g., dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), static Random Access Memory (SRAM), and Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM)); nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory); a Hard Disk Drive (HDD); solid State Drives (SSDs).

The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing suction (hereinafter referred to as a "suction sensor" 151). Here, the suction sensor 151 may be implemented as a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as "temperature sensor") for sensing the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13 and the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance. In this case, the heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13 may be used as a temperature sensor. For example, the resistive material of the heater may be a material having a Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR). The sensor module 15 may measure the resistance of the heater that varies according to the temperature, thereby sensing the temperature of the heater.

For example, when a wand can be inserted into the body 100 of the aerosol-generating device 10, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing insertion of the wand (hereinafter referred to as a "wand detection sensor" 152).

For example, when the aerosol-generating device 10 comprises a cartridge, the sensor module 15 may comprise a sensor (hereinafter referred to as "cartridge detection sensor" 153) for sensing the mounting (attachment) of the cartridge 200 to the body 100/removal (detachment) from the body 100 and position.

In this case, the stick detection sensor 152 and/or the cartridge detection sensor 153 may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, or a hall IC using a hall effect.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage applied to a component (e.g., the battery 16) disposed in the aerosol-generating device 10 and/or a current sensor for sensing a current.

For example, the sensor module 15 may comprise at least one sensor (hereinafter referred to as "motion sensor" 154) for sensing movement of the aerosol-generating device 10. Here, the motion sensor 154 may be implemented as at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor.

The battery 16 may supply power for operation of the aerosol-generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17. The battery 16 may supply power to other components provided in the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the battery 16 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input/output interface 12, and a heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13.

The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the battery 16 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C, and the discharge rate (C rate) thereof may be 10C to 20C. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Further, for stable use, the battery 16 may be designed to retain 80% or more of its original capacity at 2000 full charge and discharge cycles.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise a battery Protection Circuit Module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. A battery Protection Circuit Module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the battery cell 16. For example, in order to prevent overcharge and overdischarge of the battery 16, a battery Protection Circuit Module (PCM) may cut off an electrical path to the battery 16 when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16 or when an excessive current flows through the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise a charging terminal to which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, the charging terminal may be provided at one side of the body 100 of the aerosol-generating device 10. The aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied via the charging terminal. In this case, the charging terminal may be configured as a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside via the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using wirelessly supplied power.

The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 10. The controller 17 may be connected to each component provided in the aerosol-generating device 10. The controller 17 may transmit and/or receive signals to/from each component to control the overall operation of each component.

The controller 17 may include at least one processor. The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 10 via a processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general-purpose processor such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU). In the alternative, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or any other hardware-based processor.

The controller 17 may perform any of a number of functions of the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions (e.g., a warm-up function, a heating function, a charging function, and a cleaning function) of the aerosol-generating device 10 according to a state of each component provided in the aerosol-generating device 10, a user command received via the input/output interface 12, and the like.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14. For example, the controller 17 may control such that a predetermined power is supplied from the battery 16 to the aerosol-generating module 13 at a predetermined time based on data stored in the memory 14, such as a temperature profile and an inhalation pattern of a user.

The controller 17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of suction by means of the suction sensor 151 included in the sensor module 15. For example, the controller 17 may check for temperature changes, flow changes, pressure changes, and voltage changes in the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the values sensed by the puff sensor 151. For example, the controller 17 may determine whether suction has occurred or not according to an inspection result based on a value sensed by the suction sensor 151.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 in accordance with the occurrence or non-occurrence and/or number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control changing or maintaining the temperature of the heater based on a temperature profile (heating profile) stored in the memory 14.

The controller 17 may control such that the supply of electric power to the heater is interrupted according to a predetermined condition. For example, the controller 17 may control such that the power supply to the heater is cut off when the stick is removed, when the cartridge is removed, when the number of times of suction reaches a predetermined maximum number of times of suction, when suction is not sensed for a predetermined time or longer, or when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value.

The controller 17 may calculate a remaining capacity (hereinafter referred to as "remaining power amount") with respect to the full charge capacity of the battery 16. For example, the controller 17 may calculate the remaining amount of power of the battery 16 based on values sensed by the voltage sensor and/or the current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

The controller 17 may control the power supply to the heater using at least one of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) method.

For example, the controller 17 may control using a PWM method such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater. In this case, the controller 17 can control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulses.

For example, the controller 17 may determine the target temperature to be controlled based on a temperature curve (heating curve). In this case, the controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference with respect to time.

For example, the controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater based on a temperature profile (heating profile). The controller 17 may control the length of a heating section for heating the heater, the amount of electric power supplied to the heater 131 in the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.

Although the PWM method and the PID method are described as exemplary methods of controlling the power supply of the heater, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Other various control methods, such as a Proportional Integral (PI) method and a Proportional Derivative (PD) method, may also be used.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may control such that electric power is supplied to the heater according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the insertion space of the wand is selected according to a command input by a user via the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control such that a predetermined power is supplied to the heater.

Fig. 2 to 4 are diagrams for explaining an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a body 100 and/or a cartridge 200.

Referring to fig. 2, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to this embodiment may comprise a body 100, the body 100 being configured to allow insertion of the rod 20 into a space defined by its housing 101.

Rod 20 may resemble a typical combustion cigarette. For example, the rod 20 may be divided into a first portion comprising aerosol-generating substance and a second portion comprising a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the rod 20 may also comprise an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of particles or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

The entire first portion may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10 and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10, or a part of the first part and the second part may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second portion in his mouth. When external or ambient air passes through the first portion, an aerosol may be generated, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second portion for delivery into the mouth of the user.

The body 100 may have a structure allowing external air to be introduced thereinto with the rod 20 inserted. Here, the external air introduced into the main body 100 may pass through the stick 20 to flow into the mouth of the user.

The heater may be provided in the body 100 at a position corresponding to the position where the rod 20 is inserted into the body 100. Although the heater in fig. 2 is shown as a conductive heater 110 including needle-shaped conductive tracks, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The heater may heat the inside and/or outside of the rod 20 by using power supplied from the battery 16. In this case, an aerosol may be generated in the heated rod 20. Here, the user may inhale an aerosol of tobacco flavor at one end of the rod 20 with his mouth.

Meanwhile, according to a predetermined condition, the controller 17 may control such that power is supplied to the heater even when the stick 20 is not inserted into the body 100. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space in which the wand 20 is inserted is selected according to a command input by a user via the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control to supply a predetermined power to the heater.

The controller 17 may monitor the number of times of suction when the stick 20 is inserted into the body 10 based on the value sensed by the suction sensor 151.

When the inserted stick 20 is removed from the body 100, the controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.

Referring to fig. 3, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to this embodiment may comprise a body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-generating substance.

In one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be removably attached to the body 100. In another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be integrally formed with the body 100. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 200 may be inserted into an interior space defined by the housing 101 of the body 100, thereby allowing the cartridge 200 to be mounted to the body 100.

The main body 100 may have a structure allowing external air to be introduced thereinto with the cartridge 200 inserted. Here, the external air introduced into the main body 100 may pass through the cartridge 200 to flow into the mouth of the user.

The controller 17 may determine that the cartridge 200 is mounted to/removed from the main body 100 by means of a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit a pulse current via one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. In this case, the cartridge detection sensor may detect connection or disconnection of the cartridge 200 based on whether or not the pulse current is received via the other terminal.

The cartridge 200 may comprise a heater 210 to heat the aerosol-generating substance and/or a storage portion 220 to store the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the storage portion 220 may have disposed therein a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) an aerosol-generating substance. The conductive track of the heater 210 may have a structure of winding the liquid transport element. When the liquid delivery element is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid transport element may be a core such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow the rod 20 to be inserted therein. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space defined by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along a direction in which the rod 20 is inserted. Here, the inside of the inner wall may be vertically opened to define an insertion space. The rod 20 may be inserted into an insertion space 230 defined by the inner wall.

The insertion space into which the rod 20 is inserted may have a shape corresponding to a shape of a portion of the rod 20 inserted in the insertion space. For example, when the rod 20 has a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer circumferential surface of the rod 20 may be surrounded by the inner wall to be in contact with the inner wall.

A portion of the rod 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining portion may be exposed to the outside.

The user may inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the rod 20 in his mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the wand 20 for delivery into the mouth of a user. Here, the material included in the rod 20 may be added to the aerosol while passing through the rod 20, and the aerosol to which the material is added may be inhaled into the user's mouth via one end of the rod 20.

Referring to fig. 4, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the present embodiment may comprise a body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-generating substance. The body 100 may be configured such that the rod 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 130.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a first heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user draws on one end of the wand 20 with his mouth, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the wand 20. Here, the fragrance may be added to the aerosol as it passes through the rod 20. The flavouring aerosol may be inhaled into the user's mouth via one end of the wand 20.

In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a first heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater configured to heat the rod 20 inserted into the body 100. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and the rod 20 by means of the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

Fig. 5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Overlapping descriptions in fig. 5 to 7 will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 5, a rod 20 according to the present embodiment may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to fig. 2 may include a tobacco rod 21. The second portion described above with reference to fig. 2 may include a filter rod 22.

The filter rod 22 in fig. 5 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may comprise a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first section for cooling the aerosol and a second section for filtering a predetermined component included in the aerosol. Further, the filter rod 22 may also include at least one segment that performs another function, if desired.

The diameter of the rod 20 may be in the range of 5mm to 9mm, and the length of the rod 20 may be about 48mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12mm, the length of the first section of the filter rod 22 may be about 10mm, the length of the second section of the filter rod 22 may be about 14mm, and the length of the third section of the filter rod 22 may be about 12mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The rod 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is exhausted. In one embodiment, the rod 20 may be wrapped by a wrapper 24. In another embodiment, the rod 20 may be wrapped in an overlapping fashion by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by the second wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22, which are wrapped by the respective wrappers, may be coupled to each other. The entire rod 20 may be repacked by the third wrapper 245. When the filter rod 22 is comprised of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped by a separate wrapper (242, 243, 244). In addition, in the entire rod 20, the segments individually wrapped by the individual wrappers are coupled to each other, and such an entire rod 20 may be repacked by another wrapper.

The first and second wrappers 241, 242 may be made of conventional filter wrap paper. For example, the first and second wrappers 241, 242 may be porous or non-porous wrappers. Further, the first and second wrappers 241, 242 may be made of paper and/or have an oil resistant aluminum laminate packaging material.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrap paper. For example, the basis weight of third wrapping element 243 may be in the range of 88g/m ² to 96g/m ². For example, the basis weight of third wrapping element 243 may be in the range of 90g/m ² to 94g/m ². Further, the thickness of the third wrapping 243 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of third wrapping 243 may be 125 μm.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 88g/m ² to 96g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 90g/m ² to 94g/m ². Further, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the aseptic paper (MFW) may refer to paper specifically designed to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. as compared to plain paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 57g/m ² to 63g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be a silicone resin, but is not limited thereto. For example, the silicone may have characteristics such as: heat resistance with little change in temperature; oxidation resistance; resistance to various chemicals; water repellency; electrical insulation, etc. However, any material having the above characteristics other than silicone may be applied or coated on the fifth wrapper 245.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the burning of the rod 20. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 110, there may be a possibility of the rod 20 burning. In particular, the rod 20 may be combustible when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21. However, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, the rod 20 may be prevented from being burned.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by the material generated in the rod 20. Due to the suction of the user, liquid material may be generated in the wand 20. For example, when the aerosol generated in the rod 20 is cooled by the outside air, liquid (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be generated. When the rod 20 is wrapped by the fifth wrapper 245, the liquid generated in the rod 20 can be prevented from leaking from the rod 20.

The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance 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. Moreover, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying onto the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed in a strip shape. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed into tobacco shreds obtained by finely cutting tobacco sheets. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be a metal foil such as an aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, thereby enhancing the conduction of heat applied to the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the taste of tobacco can be improved. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may act as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the figures, the tobacco rod 21 may include additional susceptors in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding its exterior.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Further, the filter rod 22 is not limited to a specific shape. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tubular rod including a hollow portion therein. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a notched rod. When the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape than the other segments.

The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow portion therein. The first segment may prevent the interior material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed back when the heater 110 is inserted and may provide the effect of cooling the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow portion included in the first segment may be appropriately determined or selected in the range of 2mm to 4.5mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first section may be appropriately determined in the range of 4mm to 30mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first section may be 10mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second section of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated when the heater 110 heats the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined differently depending on the shape of the rod 20. For example, the length of the second segment may be suitably selected in the range of 7mm to 20 mm. More preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be made by braiding polymer fibers. In this case, the flavouring liquid may be applied to the fibres made of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by braiding together individual fibers coated with a flavouring liquid and fibers made of a polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be made of a curled polymeric sheet.

For example, the polymer may be made of 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.

Since the second segment is made of woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment may comprise a single channel or multiple channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, a "passageway" may refer to a channel through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment made of a rolled polymer sheet may be made of a material having a thickness between 5 μm and 300 μm (i.e. between 10 μm and 250 μm). Moreover, the total surface area of the second segment may be between 300mm ²/mm and 1000mm ²/mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-cooling element may be made of a material having a specific surface area between 10mm ²/mg and 100mm ²/mg.

Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing volatile fragrance components. Here, the volatile fragrance component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide at least 1.5mg of menthol to the second segment.

The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be suitably selected in the range of 4mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12mm, but is not limited thereto.

The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to produce a fragrance. In one embodiment, a flavored liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22. In another embodiment, individual fibers coated with a flavored liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may comprise at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating fragrance. The capsule 23 may also perform the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 6, the rod 30 according to the present embodiment may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 is provided on the opposite side of the filter rod 32 with respect to the tobacco rod 31. The front end plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from being separated to the outside. The front end plug 33 may prevent liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol-generating device 10 during smoking.

Filter rod 32 may include a first section 321 and a second section 322. The first section 321 may correspond to the first section of the filter rod 22 of fig. 5. The second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of fig. 5.

The diameter and overall length of the rod 30 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the rod 20 of fig. 5. For example, the front end plug 33 may be about 7mm in length, the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15mm in length, the first segment 321 may be about 12mm in length, and the second segment 322 may be about 14mm in length. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The rod 30 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The packing 35 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is exhausted. For example, the front end plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. The entire rod 30 may then be repacked by the fifth wrapper 355.

Further, the fifth wrapper 355 may have at least one perforation 36. For example, perforations 36 may be formed in the area surrounding tobacco rod 31, but are not limited thereto. For example, perforations 36 may be used to transfer heat generated by heater 210 of fig. 3 to the interior of tobacco rod 31.

Moreover, second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating fragrance. The capsule 34 may also perform the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be made by coupling a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrap 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrap 351 may be 50.3 μm. Further, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. Further, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 50g/m ² to 55g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53g/m ².

The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of conventional filter wrap paper. For example, the second wrap 352 and the third wrap 353 may be porous wraps or non-porous wraps.

For example, the porosity of the second wrap 352 may be 35000CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second wrap 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrap 352 may be 78 μm. Further, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 20g/m ² to 25g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5g/m ².

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000CU, but is not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. Further, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 20g/m2 to 25g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 21g/m ².

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminate paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper may refer to a three-ply paper consisting of a paper ply, a PLA layer and a paper ply. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110 μm. Further, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 80g/m ² to 100g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88g/m ².

The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the aseptic paper (MFW) may refer to paper specifically designed to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. as compared to plain paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 57g/m ² to 63g/m ². For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.

A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be a silicone resin, but is not limited thereto. For example, the silicone may have characteristics such as: heat resistance with little change in temperature; oxidation resistance; resistance to various chemicals; water repellency; electrical insulation, etc. However, any material having the above characteristics other than silicone may be applied (or coated) on the fifth wrapper 355.

The front end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. In one embodiment, the front end plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. The single denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the single denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the filament of the front end plug 33 may have a single denier of 5.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments of the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total titer of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total titer of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be 28000.

Further, the front end plug 33 may include at least one passageway, if necessary. The cross-sectional shape of the passageway of the front end plug 330 may be formed in various ways.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to fig. 5. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted.

The first section 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow portion therein. The first segment 321 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. For example, the first segment 321 may have the same single denier and total denier as the front end plug 33.

The second section 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The single denier of the filaments of second segment 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the filaments of second segment 322 may have a single denier in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the filament of second segment 322 may have a single denier of 9.0. Further, the filaments of the second section 322 may be Y-shaped in cross-section. The total titer of the second section 322 may be in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total titer of the second section 322 can be 25000.

Referring to fig. 7, the wand 40 may include a media portion 410. The rod 40 may include a cooling portion 420. The rod 40 may include a filtering portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the media portion 410 and the filtering portion 430. The wand 40 may include a wrapper 440. The wrap 440 may wrap the media portion 410. The packing member 440 may pack the cooling portion 420. The packing member 440 may pack the filter part 430. The rod 40 may have a cylindrical shape.

The media portion 410 may include media 411. The media portion 410 may include a first media cover 413. The media portion 410 may include a second media cover 415. The media 411 may be disposed between a first media cover 413 and a second media cover 415. The first medium cover 413 may be disposed at one end of the rod 40. The media portion 410 may have a length of 24 mm.

The medium 411 may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavouring substance. The medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of particles. Each of the plurality of particles may have a size of 0.4mm to 1.12 mm. The particles may comprise about 70% of the volume of the medium 411. The length L2 of the medium 411 may be 10mm. The first dielectric cover 413 may be made of acetate material. The second dielectric cap 415 may be made of acetate material. The first medium cover 413 may be made of a paper material. The second media cover 415 may be made of a paper material. At least one of the first and second media covers 413 and 415 may be made of paper material to be wrinkled, and a plurality of gaps may be formed between the wrinkles to allow air to flow therethrough. Each gap may be smaller than each particle of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first media cover 413 may be less than the length L2 of the media 411. The length L3 of the second media cover 415 may be less than the length L2 of the media 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be 7mm. The length L2 of the second media cover 415 may be 7mm.

Thus, each particle of the medium 411 can be prevented from being separated from the medium portion 410 and the stick 40.

The cooling portion 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling portion 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the media portion 410 and the filtering portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the second media cover 415 and the filtering portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be formed in the shape of a tube surrounding the cooling path 424 formed therein. The cooling portion 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440. The paper material from which the cooling portion 420 is made may be thicker than the paper material from which the wrapper 440 is made. The length L4 of the cooling portion 420 may be equal to or similar to the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L4, which is the length of the cooling portion 420 and the cooling path 424, may be 10mm. At least a portion of the cooling portion 420 may be exposed to the exterior of the aerosol-generating device 10 when the rod 40 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10.

Thus, the cooling portion 420 can support the medium portion 410 and the filtering portion 430, and rigidity of the rod 40 can be achieved. In addition, the cooling portion 420 may support the packing 440 between the medium portion 410 and the filtering portion 430, and may provide a portion to which the packing 440 is adhered. Further, the heated air and aerosol may be cooled as they pass through the cooling path 424 in the cooling portion 420.

The filtering portion 430 may be configured as a filter made of acetate material. The filtering portion 430 may be provided at the other end of the rod 40. When the rod 40 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10, the filtering portion 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating device 10. The user can inhale air while holding the filtering part 430 in the mouth thereof. The length L5 of the filtering portion 430 may be 14mm.

The wrap 440 may wrap or surround the media portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filtering portion 430. The wrapper 440 may define the appearance of the wand 40. The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. An adhesive portion 441 may be formed along one edge of the packing member 440. The packing member 440 may surround the medium part 410, the cooling part 420, and the filtering part 430, and the adhesive parts 441 formed along one edge of the packing member 440 and the other edge of the packing member 440 may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 may surround the medium part 410, the cooling part 420, and the filtering part 430, but may not cover one end and the other end of the rod 40.

Thus, the packing 440 may fix the medium part 410, the cooling part 420, and the filtering part 430, and may prevent the components from being separated from the rod 40.

A first film 443 may be provided at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 413. The first film 443 may be disposed between the packing member 440 and the first medium cover 413, or may be disposed outside the packing member 440. The first membrane 443 may surround the first medium cover 413. The first film 443 may be made of a metal material. The first film 443 may be made of an aluminum material. The first film 443 may be in close contact with the packing member 440 or coated on the packing member 440.

A second film 445 may be provided at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 415. The second film 445 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second media cover 415 or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The second film 445 may be made of a metal material. The second film 445 may be made of an aluminum material. The second film 445 may be in close contact with the packing 440 or coated on the packing 440.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 8, the aerosol-generating device 10 may receive a user input signal in operation S810.

The user input signal may be generated by a user input via the input means 121. For example, the user input signal may include at least one of a button input via a physical button and a touch input via a touch panel.

In operation S820, the controller 17 of the aerosol-generating device 10 may compare the received user input signal with the first data. The controller 170 may determine whether the user input signal corresponds to the first data. The first data may be stored in the memory 14 in advance, and the controller 17 may determine whether the user input signal corresponds to the first data based on the reception of the user input signal.

The first data may include information about the occurrence or non-occurrence of an input of a predetermined button, a predetermined number of button inputs during a predetermined period of time, the occurrence or non-occurrence of a touch input of a predetermined pattern, and a predetermined number of touch inputs during a predetermined period of time. The first data may be referred to as a first condition or a first set point.

When the input of the predetermined button occurs, when the number of touch inputs during the predetermined period corresponds to the predetermined number of times, when the touch input of the predetermined pattern occurs, or when the number of touch inputs during the predetermined period corresponds to the predetermined number of times, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that the user input signal corresponds to the first data.

At the same time, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the event signal corresponds to the first data. The motion sensor 154 of the aerosol-generating device 10 may generate an event signal in response to movement of the aerosol-generating device 10. The aerosol-generating device 10 may compare the event signal generated by the motion sensor 154 with the first data to determine whether the event signal corresponds to the first data.

The event signal may include a tap input signal, a shake (or rock) input signal, or the like. The first data may include information about a predetermined number of tapping signals during a predetermined period of time, a predetermined number of shaking signals during a predetermined period of time, and the like.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether a tapping input to tap the aerosol-generating device 10 is received based on signals of an acceleration sensor and/or a gyroscopic sensor. When a tap input is received, the aerosol-generating device 10 may count the number of tap inputs during a predetermined period of time when a first tap input is received. When the number of tap inputs during the predetermined period of time is the same as the predetermined number of tap inputs of the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that the event signal corresponds to the first data.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether a shake input of the shake aerosol-generating device 10 is received based on signals of the acceleration sensor and/or the gyro sensor. When receiving the shake input, the aerosol-generating device 10 may count the number of shake inputs during a predetermined period of time when receiving the first shake input. When the number of shake inputs during the predetermined period of time is the same as the predetermined number of shake inputs of the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that the event signal corresponds to the first data.

Based on determining that the user input signal corresponds to the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may receive a puff signal generated by a user inhalation (inhalation by the user) from the puff sensor 151 in operation S830.

Meanwhile, based on determining that the event signal corresponds to the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may receive a suction signal generated by user inhalation from the suction sensor 151 in operation S830.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user based on the inhalation signal.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate the intensity of inhalation by the user, the total inhalation amount, the inhalation amount per unit time, the time interval between puffs (hereinafter referred to as the "puff interval"), and/or the inhalation time period based on the values sensed by the at least one sensor stored in the memory 14.

Referring to fig. 9, the aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate a sample pressure value 600 by using at least some of the pressure values sensed by the pressure sensor 151. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate a representative value (e.g., average, median, etc.) of the pressure values continuously sensed over a predetermined period of time as the sample pressure value 600. The time interval between sample pressure values 600 may be constant or uniform.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate a slope between the sample pressure values 600. When the slope between the sample pressure values 600 is less than the first reference, the aerosol-generating device 100 may determine that a puff has occurred. Here, the first reference may refer to a minimum level of pressure change (e.g., -4 hpa/ms) at which a pressure decrease due to user inhalation may be determined.

Further, the aerosol-generating device 10 may select the first sample pressure value 601 obtained when the slope between the sample pressure values 600 is smaller than the first reference as the reference pressure value, and may determine the point in time corresponding to the first sample pressure value 601 as the suction occurrence time.

In contrast, the aerosol-generating device 100 may determine that the puff is over when the slope between the sample pressure values 600 after the puff occurrence time is greater than or equal to the second reference. Here, the second reference may refer to a level of pressure change (e.g., -0.2 hpa/ms) at which it may be determined that the pressure is no longer decreasing due to user inhalation.

Further, the aerosol-generating device 10 may select the second sample pressure value 603 obtained when the slope between the sample pressure values 600 is greater than or equal to the second reference as the minimum pressure value, and may determine the point in time corresponding to the second sample pressure value 603 as the suction end time.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the period 610 from the suction occurrence time to the suction end time as the user's suction period.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate the inhalation intensity based on a time period 610 from the inhalation occurrence time to the inhalation end time, a maximum slope 620 of slopes calculated from the inhalation occurrence time, the second sample pressure value 603 selected as the minimum pressure value, and/or a difference 630 between the reference pressure value and the minimum pressure value.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate the inhalation intensity taking into account the magnitude of the maximum slope 620 among slopes calculated from the inhalation occurrence time to the inhalation end time.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate the inhalation intensity in response to a ratio of the difference 630 between the reference pressure value and the minimum pressure value to the period 610 from the inhalation occurrence time to the inhalation end time.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate the inhalation intensity in response to the second sample pressure value 603 being selected as the minimum pressure value.

Furthermore, the aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate the total inhalation volume during inhalation and/or the inhalation volume per unit time.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate the total inhalation amount based on the result of integrating the graph of the values sensed by the pressure sensor in the time domain, and may determine the result of dividing the calculated total inhalation amount by the inhalation period as the inhalation amount per unit time.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate the total inhalation amount based on a predetermined calculation formula with the inhalation intensity and the inhalation time period as arguments, and may determine the calculated total inhalation amount divided by the inhalation time period as the inhalation amount per unit time.

Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating device 10 may calculate the inhalation intensity, the total inhalation amount, the inhalation amount per unit time, and/or the inhalation time period for each of a plurality of inhalation intervals constituting the heating interval, and may determine the inhalation pattern of the user based on the inhalation intensity, the total inhalation amount, the inhalation amount per unit time, and/or the inhalation time period calculated for each of the plurality of inhalation intervals.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine a representative value (e.g., average, median, etc.) of the inhalation intensity calculated for each of the plurality of inhalation intervals as the inhalation intensity of the user.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the representative value of the total inhalation amount calculated for each of the plurality of inhalation intervals as the total inhalation amount of the user.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the representative value of the inhalation amount per unit time calculated for each of the plurality of inhalation intervals as the inhalation amount per unit time of the user.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the representative value of the inhalation time period calculated for each of the plurality of inhalation intervals as the inhalation time period of the user.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine a representative value of the suction interval calculated for each of the plurality of suction intervals as the suction interval of the user.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern from at least one of the calculated inhalation intensity, inhalation amount, inhalation interval and inhalation time period.

For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may classify inhalation patterns into a plurality of types according to high or low inhalation intensity and long or short inhalation periods. For example, the controller 17 may divide the inhalation pattern into: "type 1" in which the inhalation intensity is relatively high and the inhalation period is relatively long; "type 2" in which the inhalation intensity is relatively high and the inhalation period is relatively short; "type 3" in which the inhalation intensity is relatively low and the inhalation period is relatively long; and "type 4" in which the inhalation intensity is relatively low and the inhalation time period is relatively short. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the user inhalation pattern may be classified according to the total inhalation amount, the inhalation amount per unit time, the inhalation interval, and the like.

Referring back to fig. 8, in operation S840, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern based on the inhalation pattern of the user.

The heating profile may be multiple. A plurality of heating profiles may be pre-stored in the memory 14. Each heating profile may correspond to a type of inhalation pattern. For example, a first heating profile may correspond to a suction mode of type 1, a second heating profile may correspond to a suction mode of type 2, a third heating profile may correspond to a suction mode of type 3, and a fourth heating profile may correspond to a suction mode of type 4.

The controller 17 may determine a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern of the user from among a plurality of heating profiles stored in the memory 14 as a heating profile for the operation of the aerosol-generating device 10.

The heating profile may include at least one of a length of the heating interval, an amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating interval, and a target temperature of the heater in the heating interval.

The controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater based on the heating profile. The controller 17 may control the length of a heating section for heating the heater, the amount of electric power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control the power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.

Fig. 10 to 12 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the aerosol-generating device. Fig. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing signals of the suction sensor 151 over time, and fig. 12 shows signals of the stick detection sensor 152 when the stick is removed from the stick insertion space.

Referring to fig. 10, when the user input signal corresponds to the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine an inhalation pattern associated with user inhalation for a predetermined period of time. For example, when the user input signal received from the input device 121 corresponds to the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may receive a suction signal 710 generated by the user's inhalation from the suction sensor 15, and may determine an inhalation pattern associated with the user's inhalation based on a predetermined number of puffs corresponding to the puffs occurring after the user input signal is received.

Regarding the determination of the inhalation pattern, the memory 14 of the aerosol-generating device 10 may store information regarding the predetermined number of puffs. For example, as shown in fig. 10, the memory 14 may store information including three (3) times about a predetermined number of suctions related to the determination of the suction mode.

Based on the time T1 at which the same user input signal as the first data is input, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern associated with the inhalation of the user based on the puffs p1, p2 and p3 corresponding to the predetermined number of puffs. The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern without using puffs (p 4, … …) that occur after a corresponding predetermined number of puffs.

Meanwhile, based on the time T1 at which the same user input signal as the first data is input, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern associated with the user inhalation based on the inhalation occurring during the predetermined period of time. For example, as shown in fig. 10, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user based on the puffs occurring from time T1 to time T2 when a predetermined time has elapsed from time T1. In this case, the number of suctions for determining the suction mode of the user may be changed according to the user and the environment.

Referring to fig. 11, when the user input signal corresponds to the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine an inhalation pattern associated with user inhalation for a predetermined period of time. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may receive a puff signal 720 generated by a user inhalation from the puff sensor 151, may determine an end time of the puff series, and may determine an inhalation pattern associated with the user inhalation based on puffs occurring from after receiving the user input signal to the end time of the puff series. The end time of a series of puffs may refer to the time at which a series of consecutive puffs (series of puffs) taken by a user to inhale ends.

For example, as shown in fig. 11, when no suction occurs within a preset first period of time after suction p5 occurs, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine it as the suction end time T3.

Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating device 10 may monitor the number of puffs from the time when the puffs are initially detected, and may determine that the puffs are completed when the number of puffs reaches the maximum number of puffs. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that the puff is complete when a preset second period of time (e.g., 4 minutes 30 seconds) has elapsed from the time that the puff was initially detected.

Information regarding the first time period, the second time period, and/or the maximum number of puffs used to determine the end time of puffs may be stored in the memory 14.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern of the user based on the puffs occurring from after receiving the user input signal to the end time of the puffs.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern associated with the inhalation by the user based on the puffs (p 1, … …, p 5) occurring until a puff end time T3 relative to the time T1 at which the user input signal corresponding to the first data is entered.

Referring to fig. 12, when the user input signal corresponds to the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine an inhalation pattern of the user based on the inhalation until the wand 400 is removed from the aerosol-generating device 10.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise an insertion portion 214 having an elongated space. The rod 400 may be inserted into the insertion portion 214 of the aerosol-generating device 10 and may be heated by a heater to generate an aerosol.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a rod detection sensor 152. The rod detection sensor 152 may be provided in the body 100 to be disposed at one side of the space of the insertion portion 214. The stick detection sensor 152 may output a signal corresponding to the stick 400 inserted into the insertion portion 214.

When the wand 400 is removed, the signal output by the wand detection sensor 152 may change. The aerosol-generating device 10 may detect a change in the signal output by the rod detection sensor 152 to determine removal of the rod 400 from the insertion portion 214. The aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the inhalation pattern of the user based on the puffs occurring from time T1 when the user input signal is received to time T5 when the wand 400 is removed from the insertion portion 214.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 13, the aerosol-generating device 10 may initialize a heating profile based on a user input signal. The aerosol-generating device 10 may initialize the heating profile by changing the heating profile to a default heating profile.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may operate based on a default heating profile. The default heating profile may be a heating profile that is primarily applied when transporting the aerosol-generating device 10 after manufacture. The default heating profile may be a heating profile corresponding to an average smoking pattern representing the user's smoking pattern.

The memory 14 may store a plurality of heating profiles therein. The plurality of heating profiles may include a default heating profile and a heating profile corresponding to each type of smoking pattern.

Since operations S910, S920, S930, and S940 of fig. 13 are the same as operations S810 to S840 of fig. 8, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In operation S920, when the user input signal does not correspond to the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may not determine the inhalation pattern of the user until the user input signal is input again.

In operation S950, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the received user input signal corresponds to the second data. The controller 17 may determine whether the user input signal corresponds to the second data.

The second data may be stored in the memory 14 in advance, and the controller 17 may determine whether the user input signal corresponds to the second data based on receiving the user input signal.

The second data may include information about: the occurrence or non-occurrence of a predetermined button input; a predetermined number of button inputs during a predetermined period of time; the occurrence or non-occurrence of a touch input of a predetermined pattern; and a predetermined number of touch inputs during a predetermined period of time. The second data may be referred to as a second condition or a second set point.

Based on determining that the user input signal corresponds to the second data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may initialize a heating profile in operation S960. The aerosol-generating device 10 may control the power supplied to the heater based on a default heating profile.

Meanwhile, based on determining that the event signal corresponds to the second data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may initialize the determined heating profile in operation S960. The aerosol-generating device 10 may control the power supplied to the heater based on a default heating profile.

Based on determining that the user input signal does not correspond to the second data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may not change the heating profile in operation S970. The aerosol-generating device 10 may maintain an existing heating profile when the user input signal does not correspond to the second data. The existing heating profile may be a heating profile for a heater for previous user inhalation.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 14, the aerosol-generating device 10 may initialize the heating profile based on the removal and/or installation of the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device 10 may initialize the heating profile by changing the heating profile to a default heating profile.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a cartridge 200. The cartridge 200 may be mounted to the body 100 of the aerosol-generating device 10 or removed from the body 100. The cartridge 200 may include an aerosol-generating substance therein. The aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a cartridge detection sensor 153, the cartridge detection sensor 153 being configured to detect the installation and removal of the cartridge 200. For example, the cartridge detection sensor 153 may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal may be provided in the main body 100. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the connection terminal may be electrically connected to an electrode provided in the cartridge 200.

In operation S1010, the aerosol-generating device 10 may detect a change in the signal output by the cartridge detection sensor 153 to detect that the cartridge 200 is mounted to the body 100 or that the cartridge 200 is removed from the body 100.

In operation S1020, the aerosol-generating device 10 may initialize the determined heating profile when the cartridge 200 is removed from the body 100 or when the cartridge 200 is installed again after removal.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may control the power supplied to the heater based on a default heating profile.

Based on determining that the cartridge 200 is not removed from the body 100, the aerosol-generating device 10 may monitor whether a user input signal is received in S1010. In response to receiving the user input signal, the aerosol-generating device 10 may compare the user input signal with the first data.

Since operations S1030, S1040, S1050, and S1060 of fig. 14 are the same as operations S810 to S840 of fig. 8, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In operation S1040, when the user input signal does not correspond to the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may not determine the inhalation pattern of the user until the user input signal is input again.

Based on determining that the user input signal does not correspond to the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may not change the heating profile in operation S1070. Based on the user input signal not corresponding to the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may maintain an existing heating profile used to heat the heater during a previous user inhalation.

Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 15, when determining the inhalation pattern of the user, the aerosol-generating device 10 may output information corresponding thereto.

When the user input signal received from the input means 121 corresponds to the first data, the aerosol-generating device 10 may output information corresponding to the inhalation pattern determination start via the output means 122, and may output information corresponding to the inhalation pattern determination end via the output means 122 when determination of the inhalation pattern associated with user inhalation is completed. For example, the information output via the output device 122 may include a vibration signal, an audio signal, and the like.

The information corresponding to the start of the inhalation pattern determination and the information corresponding to the end of the inhalation pattern determination may be different. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may output two vibration signals when the inhalation pattern determination is started, and the aerosol-generating device 10 may output three vibration signals when the inhalation pattern determination is completed. However, the output information is not limited thereto.

As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inhalation pattern of the user may be determined to generate an amount of steam corresponding to the inhalation pattern of the user when the user inhales the aerosol.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inhalation pattern may be determined based on a user input signal related to determining the inhalation pattern, thereby allowing a user to conveniently personalize the operation of the aerosol-generating device.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inhalation mode may be initialized based on the inhalation mode initialization and the user input signal, thereby enhancing user convenience.

Referring to fig. 1-15, an aerosol-generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may comprise: a heater 131 for heating the aerosol-generating substance; a suction sensor 151 for outputting a signal corresponding to user suction; an input device 121 for receiving user input; and a controller 17 for controlling the power supplied to the heater 131. The controller 17 may be configured to: determining a suction mode associated with the user's suction based on a signal received from the suction sensor 151, so as to determine a heating profile corresponding to the suction mode based on the determined suction mode; and determining an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user in response to a user input signal corresponding to the first data received from the input device 121.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may be configured to determine an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user based on the puffs corresponding to the predetermined number of times occurring after receiving the user input signal in response to the user input signal corresponding to the first data received from the input device 121.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may be configured to: determining an end time of the suction series; and determining a suction pattern associated with the user's suction based on the suction occurring from after receiving the user input signal to an end time of the suction series.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise: an insertion portion 214 having an elongated space; and a stick detection sensor 152 for outputting a signal corresponding to the stick 400 inserted into the insertion portion 214. The controller 17 may be configured to detect removal of the wand 400 from the insertion portion 214 via the wand detection sensor 152 and determine an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user based on the puffs occurring from the time after receipt of the user input signal to the time the wand 400 is removed from the insertion portion 214.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may be configured to: calculating at least one of suction intensity, suction amount, suction interval, and suction period based on the signal received from the suction sensor 151; and determining an inhalation pattern based on at least one of the calculated inhalation intensity, inhalation amount, inhalation interval, and inhalation time period.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise a memory 14 for storing a plurality of heating profiles. The controller 17 may be configured to determine a heating profile corresponding to the suction mode from among a plurality of heating profiles.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating profile may include at least one of a length of a heating interval, an amount of power supplied to the heater 131 during the heating interval, and a target temperature of the heater 131 in the heating interval.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may be configured to initialize a heating profile in response to a user input signal corresponding to the second data received from the input device 121, thereby controlling the power supplied to the heater 131 based on the default heating profile.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise: a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-generating substance; and a cartridge detection sensor 153 for detecting the installation and removal of the cartridge 200. The controller 17 may be configured to: detecting the installation or removal of the cartridge 200 by means of the cartridge detection sensor 153; and initializing a heating profile in response to removal of the cartridge 200 from the aerosol-generating device 10 or reinstallation of the cartridge 200 after removal, thereby controlling power supplied to the heater 131 based on the default heating profile.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the user input signal may include at least one of a button input and a touch input.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise a motion sensor 154. The controller 17 may be configured to determine an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user based on event signals received from the motion sensor 154 in response to movement of the aerosol-generating device 10 corresponding to the first data.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise an output device 122. The controller 17 may be configured to: in response to a user input signal corresponding to the first data received from the input device 121, information corresponding to the start of inhalation pattern determination is output via the output device 122; and outputting information corresponding to the end of the inhalation pattern determination via the output means 122 after the determination of the inhalation pattern associated with the inhalation by the user is completed.

A method of operating an aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the disclosure may comprise: receiving a user input signal from the input device 121 to determine whether the received user input signal corresponds to first data; determining a suction mode associated with a user's suction based on a signal received from the suction sensor 151 in response to a user input signal corresponding to the first data; and determining a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern based on the determined inhalation pattern.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all of the elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined pairwise or with each other in configuration or function.

For example, configuration "a" described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings and configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings may be combined with each other. That is, although a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless a case where the combination is not possible is described.

While these embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More specifically, various alterations and modifications in the constituent parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement are possible within the scope of the present disclosure, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

A heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance;

a puff sensor configured to provide an output corresponding to a puff of a user;

an input device configured to receive user input; and

A controller configured to:

Identifying that the user input corresponds to first data;

upon identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data, determining an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation of the user based on the output provided by the inhalation sensor;

determining a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern based on the determined inhalation pattern; and

Controlling the power supplied to the heater according to the heating profile.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

After identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data, the inhalation pattern associated with the user's inhalation is determined based on a defined number of puffs.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to:

determining an end time of the suction series; and

The inhalation pattern associated with the user's inhalation is determined based on puffs occurring after receiving the user input and before an end time of the series of puffs.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, the aerosol-generating device further comprising:

an insertion portion shaped to define an elongated space; and

A stick detection sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to a stick inserted into the insertion portion,

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

determining that the stick has been removed from the insertion section based on the indication of the stick detection sensor; and

The inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user is determined based on an inhalation occurring after the user input is received until it is determined that the wand has been removed from the insertion portion.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

calculating at least one of suction intensity, suction amount, suction interval, and suction period based on the output received from the suction sensor; and

The inhalation pattern is determined based on at least one of the calculated inhalation intensity, inhalation amount, inhalation interval and inhalation time period.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a memory configured to store a plurality of heating profiles,

Wherein the controller is further configured to determine the heating profile from among the plurality of heating profiles based on the determined inhalation pattern.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the heating profile comprises at least one of a length of time of a heating interval, an amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating interval, and a target temperature of the heater during the heating interval.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

Identifying that the user input corresponds to second data; and

Initializing the heating profile according to a default heating profile based on the user input corresponding to the second data; and

Controlling power supplied to the heater based on the default heating profile.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, the aerosol-generating device further comprising:

A cartridge configured to contain an aerosol-generating substance; and

A cartridge detection sensor for detecting the coupling and removal of the cartridge with respect to the aerosol-generating device,

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

Detecting coupling or removal of the cartridge via the cartridge detection sensor; and

Initializing the heating profile according to a default heating profile based on detecting that the cartridge is removed from the aerosol-generating device or detecting that the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol-generating device after removal; and

Controlling power supplied to the heater based on the default heating profile.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the user input comprises at least one of an input to a button or a touch input.

11. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a motion sensor configured to provide an output in response to movement of the aerosol-generating device,

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

the inhalation pattern associated with inhalation of the user is determined based on an output provided by the motion sensor corresponding to the first data.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising output means,

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

Controlling the output device to output information corresponding to an inhalation mode determination start in response to the user input corresponding to the first data; and

After the inhalation pattern is determined, the output means is controlled to output information corresponding to the inhalation pattern determination end.

13. A method for operating an aerosol-generating device having an input device, the method comprising the steps of:

identifying that user input received from the input device corresponds to first data;

After identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data, determining an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user based on an output provided by an inhalation sensor;

Controlling the power supplied to a heater of the aerosol-generating device according to the heating profile.